Spring Rounds, Starting with Club Check

Loft and Lie Angle, Grip Replacement for a Like-New Club
Club Cleaning, Removing Foreign Substances, Using Rust Preventive Agents
Indoor Practice Warm-Up, Regaining Dull Swing Sensation

The golf season is approaching. March is a great time to enjoy rounds while avoiding the cold. However, there are essential things to check before heading out to the course. Here is a spring golf preparation guide for a more enjoyable and perfect round.

Before the spring round, golf clubs also need a health checkup.

◆ Club Inspection: "From Grip to Head" = It’s time to take out the clubs stored over the winter. Clubs kept in the car trunk or a corner of the house may look fine on the outside but could have diminished functionality. The first thing to check is the grip.

The grip is the only part connecting the hand to the club and is directly related to the stability of the golf swing. Depending on the material, grips can be made of rubber, core, elastomer, etc., with rubber grips being the most common. They are soft and inexpensive but have the drawbacks of being vulnerable to sweat and having a short lifespan.

The typical replacement cycle for grips is 1 year and 6 months to 2 years. If the grip has hardened due to long storage or feels slippery, it is best to replace it with a new one. If heavily soiled, lightly clean it with a brush dipped in soapy water and dry it in the shade.

Club head contamination should also be removed. Especially, foreign substances stuck in the grooves of irons reduce shot accuracy and must be cleaned. Wedges require even more meticulous care to maintain consistent spin.

If rust has formed on the head, use a rust preventive agent for maintenance. Avoid using volatile chemicals like solvents, thinner, or acetone. It is also best to avoid wire brushes for removing foreign substances, as they can damage the club surface.

◆ Loft and Lie Angle Check... Body Condition Check = Loft and lie angles of clubs can deform over the winter. If distance gaps between numbers are inconsistent or unexpected ball flights (slice or hook) occur frequently, an inspection is necessary.

Especially for clubs with forged soft iron heads, it is recommended to have regular checks once or twice a year. If unwanted ball flights repeatedly occur on the course, it is highly likely that the loft and lie angles have changed.

Above all, decreased physical activity during winter can cause weight changes and muscle weakness. Ignoring this and swinging excessively increases the risk of injury. Therefore, it is important to lightly warm up indoors rather than practicing outdoors, focusing on improving flexibility.

It is good to gently loosen the body through stretching that relaxes the muscles. Practicing swings holding a small towel like a club helps maintain balance. Also, practicing distance control using a putting mat enables stable putting on the course.