When you invest in a new set of golf clubs, proper storage is crucial for keeping them in top playing condition for as long as possible. Improper storage can lead to damage from moisture, temperature changes, and pests. Thankfully, with some simple planning and preparation, you can easily keep your clubs safe both at home and when traveling to the golf course. In this article, we will explore the best practices for storing golf clubs, looking at topics like:
At Home Storage
– Location/temperature considerations
– Keeping clubs dry
– Preventing damage from pests
– Storing in a golf bag or rack
Travel Storage
– Protecting clubs during transport
– Storing clubs securely in a vehicle
– Airport/air travel precautions
– Packing clubs for golf vacations
Cleaning and Maintenance
– Wiping down clubs after use
– Storing woods vs irons
– Grips and shafts
– Checking for signs of damage
Properly storing golf clubs involves a combination of environmental control, organization of equipment, preventative cleaning and maintenance, and taking the necessary precautions to protect your investment when traveling. Follow these golf club storage recommendations and you can be confident your new clubs will last you for many seasons on the course.
At Home Golf Club Storage
When your shiny new golf clubs first arrive, you’ll want to find the ideal storage location and conditions to keep them protected in your home. Here are some important factors to consider for at-home golf club storage:
Location and Temperature
Ideally, you should store your golf clubs in a controlled environment, away from extreme temperatures and humidity. Places like attics and garages are convenient, but can reach very high temperatures in summer or freezing temps in winter, which can negatively affect golf clubs over time.
Try to find a storage place like a closet or basement where the temperature stays relatively consistent year-round. Avoid windows and areas near HVAC vents that experience wide temperature swings. Golf clubs are designed to perform best at normal outdoor temperatures around 60-80°F.
You’ll also want the storage space to be somewhere convenient that allows you quick access to grab your clubs when it’s time to play. Don’t hide them away in some distant corner of your home. The easier it is to access your clubs, the more likely you’ll be to care for them properly and notice any potential issues.
Keeping Clubs Dry
Moisture and humidity are two of the biggest threats to properly caring for golf clubs. Excess moisture can lead to corrosion, pitting, and rust on clubheads. It also promotes mold growth and damages grips.
Ideally, the space should have average relative humidity around 45-55%. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and a dehumidifier as needed. Make sure rain or irrigation sprinklers don’t reach where clubs are stored.
After playing, always dry any damp clubs thoroughly with a towel before storage. Don’t put woods back into the headcovers wet. Allow time for moisture evaporation so clubs are bone dry before being put away.
You can use renewable desiccant packs in the storage area to actively absorb excess moisture. Just don’t let the desiccant packs directly contact club shafts to avoid abrasion damage.
Preventing Pest Damage
One storage danger that is easy to overlook is damage from household pests. Mice and insects like silverfish can chew into golf grips and clubheads when left undisturbed.
Check for any signs of pests before choosing a storage area. Use sealed plastic bins or rigid travel cases rather than loosely hanging clubs in open racks. The hard cases form a protective barrier to keep pests out.
Mothballs and cedar blocks also deter insects from setting up home in your prized clubs. Storing clubs up off the floor helps too since most pests do their work down low.
Golf Bag or Rack Storage
For at-home storage, you have two main options for keeping clubs organized – storing in a golf bag or using a wall-mounted rack.
Golf bags are especially convenient for when you’re ready to transport clubs to the course. Just grab and go. Make sure the bag has sturdy, padded dividers to separate clubs and prevent any dings or damage. Hard plastic shells or rain covers provide further protection.
The one downside is that bags take up more floor space and clubs are harder to access. Make sure to use proper bag stands that hold clubs upright and prevent toppling. Don’t let clubs rattle around loosely inside.
Rack storage takes up less room and makes clubs easily accessible. Mount securely on a wall with ample support using lag screws into studs or masonry fasteners. Allow at least 2 feet of clearance above clubs so you can remove woods without hitting ceilings. Angle iron racks help organize woods separate from irons.
Just take added care when removing individual clubs from a rack since they lack any protective padding. Be mindful of hands and clubheads to avoid inadvertent dings. Use headcovers on woods for extra protection.
Some other at-home golf club storage tips:
– Avoid excessive bending of club shafts when placed in storage
– Don’t hang or store clubs upright for prolonged periods
– Use headcovers on woods whenever clubs are stored
– Ensure adequate ventilation around clubs
– Inspect regularly for any damage/corrosion
Traveling With Golf Clubs
One of the joys of golf is traveling to new courses and destinations with your clubs. But bringing your prized sticks along requires taking some extra precautions to keep them safe in transit. Follow these best practices for traveling with golf clubs:
Protecting Clubs During Transport
The first priority is keeping clubs from banging together during travel to prevent cracks, chips, and dents. Pack clubs securely in a hard-shell travel case with padded dividers. Hybrid bags provide padding plus backpack straps for easier handling.
If using a soft golf bag, make sure woods have headcovers installed and wrap the bag in a towel or bubble wrap to create a buffer zone. Place a foam pool noodle beneath the clubs in the bag for shock absorption.
In a car, use trunk organizers and cargo nets to keep the bag stabilized and prevent shifting. Never transport uncovered clubs in a pickup truck bed.
On flights, check with the airline about golf club fees and sizing regulations for checked bags. Mark the bag as fragile and keep clubs in the protective headcovers.
Some additional transport tips:
– Tape clubhead covers on woods to prevent loss
– Retract wheels on golf bag to reduce size
– Detach adjustable club parts like hosels
– Carry wrenches/tools for any club disassembly
Storing Clubs in a Vehicle
When staying at a golf resort or parking at the course, you’ll need to keep clubs stored securely in your vehicle between rounds. Never leave clubs openly visible – lock them in the trunk instead.
On hot days, wrapping a reflective sunshade around the bag helps reduce temperatures inside a trunk. Alternatively, move to a shaded area or keep the bag covered in a blanket or towel if left in the sun.
At hotels, remove clubs from the car immediately and bring them to your room after check-in if permitted. Some resorts also provide club storage lockers. Just don’t ever leave clubs unattended outside or unprotected.
Air Travel Precautions
Flying with golf clubs requires some special care. When checking a bag, use hard-shell cases with TSA-approved locks only. Soft bags should utilize protective clubhead covers.
Deflate any air bladders and remove batteries from electric push carts to avoid damage. Pack clothes and towels around clubs for extra cushioning. Identify your bag with contact info inside and out.
On arrival, immediately check your clubs for any damage from baggage handlers. Airlines generally limit liability for golf bags, so inspection right away is key to identify any issues.
For airline staff, gently remind them that golf clubs are fragile and appreciate special care in handling the bag through to the carousel.
Packing Clubs for Golf Vacations
When planning a multi-day golf getaway, smart packing helps keep your gear organized and undamaged:
– Stuff socks and shoes to separate clubheads in travel bag
– Use intermediate cardboard sheets between clubs
– Have needed tools accessible in side pockets
– Pack extra towels for drying clubs and gear
– Keep headcovers on woods whenever bag is moved
– Utilize a hardsided bag with durable wheels
– Label your bag clearly for easy identification
– If flying, add baggage tracking tags for notification
Carefully packing clubs for golf trips takes a little extra time upfront, but pays off by letting you enjoy rounds stress-free knowing your gear is protected.
Cleaning and Maintaining Golf Clubs
Once back home from travels, it’s time to unpack, clean, and inspect your golf clubs. Proper maintenance is key for longevity and performance.
Post-Round Cleaning
After every round, make it a habit to wipe down each club using a soft dry towel. Remove all dirt, grass, and moisture that can corrode over time. Pay extra attention to clubface grooves.
Clean grips with a damp towel to revive tackiness and remove oils that cause slippage. Avoid using harsh cleaners directly on clubheads – a gentle brush with soap and water is fine.
Rinse shoes, gloves, towels etc. to remove accumulated gunk and let fully air dry before storage. A wet gear stench festers over time.
Storing Woods vs. Irons
Woods and irons have slightly different storage needs:
Woods:
– Keep in headcovers when not in use
– Store vertically or lying down – avoid upright
– Check often for dings on crowns
– Ensure screws are tight on adjustable woods
Irons:
– Store upright or lying down
– Check ferrules for cracks from shaft flexing
– Monitor grooves for wear and debris stuck
– Keep iron head covers on to prevent damage
Never hang woods or irons by the headcovers long-term, as the weight can distort clubhead alignment over time.
Grips and Shafts
Two other key parts of golf clubs to maintain are the grips and shafts:
Grips:
– Wipe down after every round to remove dirt and oils
– Check for worn areas or peeling away from shaft
– Replace grips once annually or when friction is reduced
Shafts:
– Avoid bending past 130° – use appropriate club holders
– Check for cracks or fractures during cleaning
– Ensure ferrules are secure between shafts and clubheads
– Replace damaged shafts immediately to prevent unsafe failures
Keep spare grips and clubhead/shaft epoxies on hand for routine maintenance.
Signs of Damage
During regular club inspections, keep an eye out for any of these signs of damage:
– Dents, chips or cracking on clubheads
– Rust/corrosion forming on clubheads or shafts
– Grooves wearing down from excessive play
– Ferrules slipping or cracked from use
– Grips becoming worn, slippery or peeling
– Shafts developing fractures or bubbles
– Missing screw tightness on adjustable clubs
Address any minor dents/dinks right away to prevent worsening. Heavily worn clubs should be re-gripped or reshafted. For major clubhead damage, replacement may be the best option vs. extensive repairs.
Being vigilant about damage helps preserve performance and lets you spot maintenance needs before they escalate.
Conclusion
Caring for expensive new golf clubs involves being diligent about storage, transport, cleaning, and inspection. With some basic preventative steps, you can easily keep your clubs performing like new for many seasons. Finding the right storage location is key, along with keeping clubs clean, dry and protected.
When traveling, pack clubs securely and utilize headcovers to prevent clubhead damage in transit. Hard case travel bags provide the best protection for your sticks on the go. Remember to unpack and wipe clubs down after each trip before storage.
Develop consistent maintenance habits like checking for damage during cleaning and replacing worn grips annually. By observing these golf club storage and care tips, you’ll get the most life and performance from your prized sticks for years to come.
