Store Clubs Indoors During the Off-Season to Maintain Lifespan and Performance
Use Soft Cloths and Toothbrushes to Clean Heads, Shafts, and Grips
Prioritize Cleanliness for Gloves, Golf Bags, Shoes, and Head Covers
It is a 'sad season' for weekend golfers. With the severe cold snap, it is not easy to head out to the course. On December 4, heavy snowfall even hit the Seoul metropolitan area. Playing a round on the weekend has become even more difficult. The low temperatures also make it hard to visit the driving range.
As the off-season winter arrives, it is time to wrap up the past year and look forward to next spring. Weekend golfers effectively go on a break for up to three months. There are important things to take care of during this period. Chief among them is the maintenance of golf equipment, which is essential for achieving good scores. Golf gear is sensitive to temperature and humidity, so it must be stored in optimal conditions.
To enjoy a pleasant round next spring, thorough golf equipment maintenance during the winter season is essential.
Some golfers leave their clubs in the trunk of their car. However, vibrations during driving can deform the clubs and reduce their performance. The shafts may bend or even break. Clubs should always be stored indoors. Leaving them just anywhere can significantly affect their lifespan and functionality. The golf bag should be wiped down with a towel to remove dust and dirt.
Clubs that have served you well throughout the year deserve careful storage. Start by cleaning your golf clubs. Using a scrubber or brush on the club head can cause scratches, so it is better to use a soft cloth or chamois. If there are foreign substances in the grooves of the club face, soak them in warm water for about five minutes. Then, use a soft toothbrush to clean the clubs thoroughly.
The grip should also be restored to look like new. If there is sweat or dirt on the grip, wash it with a mild detergent and then wipe off any moisture with a dry towel. After it is completely dry, put on the head cover and store the club in your golf bag. Take the clubs out regularly to check their condition. Never leave them on the balcony, as extremely low temperatures and wide temperature fluctuations can damage the clubs.
Golf shoes are vulnerable to moisture. Shoes with leather components require even more meticulous care. Remove any dirt, grass, or moisture from the shoes. Let them dry in a cool place for two to three days. Using a hair dryer can speed up the drying process. Place newspaper inside the shoes to remove moisture completely. Once all steps are finished, store the shoes in a shoe cabinet.
Golf gloves also require proper care. Many weekend golfers simply stuff them into their golf bag without much thought. It is best to keep golf gloves in their original shape by straightening out the fingers. The storage method varies depending on the material. For leather gloves, straighten them and insert newspaper before letting them dry completely in a cool place. For synthetic gloves, hand wash them in lukewarm water and let them dry. Head covers, which are in direct contact with the clubs, should be checked for moisture or impurities.
The performance of golf balls changes depending on temperature and humidity. Golf balls are designed to perform best at room temperature. If left unattended, not only the cover but also the core of the ball can harden, which can affect distance.
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