Club Storage Tips

To ensure that your clubs are ready to perform the next time you use them, there are a few things that you should keep in mind as you tuck them away in the closet.

No matter how tempting it is to say "Oh I'm sure I'll get in one more game this season", please be somewhat realistic when you see the snow begin to fly.  At this point, no matter how painful it is, take the opportunity to pull out your clubs one more time and quietly reminisce over the love/hate relationship that you have had with them this season. 

As a final act of goodwill, get a bucket of all-purpose liquid soap, warm water and the oldest rag and toothbrush that you can find and thoroughly clean each club.  Make sure you get every ounce of dirt out of the grooves because, as we all know, it will be virtually impossible to remove next spring.  Also, be sure to wash your grips.  This is something that most golfers never take the time to do.  Realize that there is a full season's worth of blood, sweat and tears that have accumulated on the grip and that you can restore a fair amount of tackiness by cleaning it with soap and water.

While they are all out of the bag, examine each club head and grip for wear.  Chances are that you will not wear out your club heads very often unless you hit more balls than Vijay Singh, but your grips are another story.  Even after a season of play, you will notice at least subtle wear patterns.  If you feel that these wear patterns have become excessive or the grips appear shiny or feel slick, then it is time to replace them.

Finally, when you have finished washing, cleaning, examining, drying and lamenting, find a space for your clubs that is out of the way and will remain a constant temperature.  This will avoid any undue amounts of stress on the shafts and resins and should ensure that your clubs perform the same way you remember the next time you take them to the course.