Many players have put their clubs away for the winter, at least until it gets warmer in southern states, or until they head out on vacation.
The majority of us just stuck the bag in the basement or into a corner of the garage. A few of us gave them a quick look to see if mud was caked on the clubface, but many of us skipped even that. If they are stored at your club in a bag room you can only hope they got a good wipe down. Knowing the level of “cleaning” most paddock jockeys provide, your clubs are sitting on the rack dirty.
With some time on your hands now due to less play, here are a few things to consider doing with your clubs. As one PGA pro says: “Properly preparing your clubs for winter is like having your car’s oil changed; it’s a good maintenance procedure.”
Really clean them. Put them into a bucket of hot, soapy water and let them stand there for five minutes. Grab an old toothbrush and get every single bit of dirt out of the groves on both the iron and the metal woods. That grit just wears down grooves when a ball strikes it— and it is something every paddock jockey misses when they allegedly earn the couple bucks you give them to “clean” your clubs. If you own forged irons, the grit will cause rust. If you have cavity-backed clubs, get the dirt out of the depressions on the back of the clubface, too. Cotton swabs may be needed for the smallest recesses.
Next, clean your grips and shaft. The shafts are easy, but the grips will take some work—and if you use a white towel the amount of grime (body oil, suntan lotions, dirt) you get off will shock you. This stuff, left over the winter, breaks down the rubber and makes your grips less supple and more difficult to hold solidly.
If your grips are torn or worn down—now is the time to get them replaced before the spring rush. Some grips can be refurbished simply. Cord-style can be rejuvenated using sandpaper. Some synthetics respond to auto upholstery cleaners.
If you see rust, steel wool will take it off. To prevent it occurring, apply a light coat of oil (WD-40 works great).
Note to those who play forged irons or wedges, or if you practice a lot, particularly on mats. Have your lie and loft angles checked by your pro or a club-fitter. These clubs do bend over time—and that will affect ball flight and distance.
Finally, put your bag away in a warm, above 60 degrees is what manufacturers recommend, dry place.