Importance of Iron Head Care During Heat and Rainy Season
Storing Golf Balls in Trunk Causes Performance Decline, Keep in Dry Place
Wash Grips with Water, Dry Golf Shoes and Gloves in Shade
If you want to drive a car for a long time, you need to manage it thoroughly. The same goes for golf equipment. Most of them are sensitive to temperature and humidity. If not stored properly, their shape and performance deteriorate. Golf equipment requires even more attention during the summer. Due to many variables such as heat waves and the rainy season, meticulous care is necessary.
Start by checking irons, which can rust. Clean off dirt and foreign substances on the head thoroughly. Soak them in warm water for about 5 minutes. Use a soft toothbrush or similar tool to remove any contaminants. Avoid scrubbing with scouring pads or brushes as they can cause scratches. Use a soft cloth or chamois instead. Be sure to completely remove moisture before storing. Take care to prevent rust inside the club shaft. Never leave the caddie bag in the car trunk. Store it indoors where air circulates well.
If you want to remove fine scratches on the club, wipe the surface with a cloth dampened with automotive fine scratch remover compound or billiard ball cleaning liquid. This gives a much newer feel than using water alone. After cleaning, cover the club heads with ventilated head covers and store them in the golf bag. If you are worried about humidity in summer, place moisture absorbers or dry newspapers between the clubs.
The golf ball is the only equipment used in every shot. It is the key to performance. Golf balls are affected by external temperature. Exposure to cold temperatures actually reduces driving distance. Golf balls can be used for several years if stored at room temperature without specific external stimuli. However, changes due to temperature must be monitored. Exposure to hot summer weather reduces golf ball performance.
Even if a golf ball looks fine on the outside, if it has been submerged in water for a long time, this also affects its performance. Research shows that lost balls have 22.3% less spin and 14.4% less distance. Due to the nature of their materials, golf balls should be stored in places unaffected by humidity at room temperature. It is not advisable to store them in places with drastic temperature changes or exposed to direct sunlight, such as inside a car.
Grip management is important in golf. With prolonged use, grips can become slippery in the hands. Wash grips with lukewarm water and detergent. After thoroughly wiping off moisture with a dry towel, roll them in newspaper and stand them up to dry. Wipe the caddie bag with a dry towel and store it in a well-ventilated place. Also, dry umbrellas and rainwear properly. Pay attention to golf shoes as well. For leather materials, leaving them wet can cause deformation and durability issues. Dry them thoroughly. After playing in the rain, remove moisture and place newspaper inside the golf shoes.
After use, stretch golf gloves back to their original shape by straightening the fingers. Purchasing a glove holder shaped like a hand and inserting the gloves can help maintain their shape. Leather gloves are vulnerable to hot and humid environments. When removing gloves, never pull from the fingertips. Use your right hand to gently take them off. If gloves are soaked with sweat, wipe them with a dry towel and dry them in the shade. If possible, remove gloves frequently during rounds to dry sweat.
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