Winter club care
With winter fast approaching, now is the time for fall cleaning. This includes your golf equipment. Here are some basic things you need to do to prepare for that early round of golf in the spring.
Inspect and wash your grips. If they are worn, now is the time to get them replaced. Usually, a good scrubbing will bring them back to life. Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Using a cloth, wipe the grips, then rinse and let dry completely. Using the same bucket you can also briefly soak your clubheads and scrub them removing all dirt from the grooves, clubface and sole. Rinse and dry completely. Don’t put the headcovers back on the clubs as this will trap moisture and lead to rust. Instead, cover the clubs with an old towel. This allows any moisture to evaporate.
Don’t forget to clean out and organize your bag. Replace your worn glove and balls. Refill your tees and empty out all of those candy wrappers and old scorecards. However, do not wash your golf towel as this is bad luck!
Your shoes should be cleaned as well. Clean all the debris from the bottoms, replace the spikes, and if need be, give them a good polish. Also, don’t forget to use cedar shoetrees as this keeps the moisture out and will keep the shoes in their proper shape.
Store everything together in a closet or in your basement. Never store your clubs in the trunk of your car or outside. The changes in temperature and humidity will damage them.
Now is also the time to put together a quick stretching and workout routine to get your body ready as well. A ten minute routine, once a day, will not only improve your distance, but it will keep you healthier throughout the winter.
If you do plan on playing during the winter, we recommend using a softer golf ball and make sure to repeat the above steps after every round. This way, when mothernature is ready for golf, you are too!
Play better, have fun, and shop Austad’s.
