How Long Do Golf Clubs Last
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If you’re like me or the group of hooligans I play with on a weekly basis, you’re always on the lookout for the latest technology. The second that new TaylorMade driver hits the shelves, you’re on it. And if Scotty Cameron comes out with a new putter, you at least have to go and try it out.
This story is one that plays out on fairways across the country. Every. Single. Day.
But there comes a point (for most of us) where our wallets can’t handle buying every single piece of equipment we lay our lustful eyes on. Before long, we have to start thinking about just how often we can justify buying new equipment.
Subsequently, we raise the question, just how long will the clubs we have in our bags last?
We’re here to answer that very question for you, so let’s get started.
ll seen it. Heck, we’ve probably all done it.
How Long Will My Golf Clubs Last?
Unfortunately, there is no black and white answer to this question. Golf clubs aren’t like that cottage cheese that’s been in your in-law’s fridge since Christmas. Golf clubs don’t go bad.
However, they do wear out. Especially the grooves on irons and wedges.
You can expect your irons to last anywhere from three to ten years. If you play three or more days a week, the lifespan is shorter than if you only play a few times a year.
When it comes to wedges, think about the fact that Tour Players replace their wedges every single week. . . Sure, they hit hundreds if not thousands of range balls each week, but the point remains. Wedge grooves wear out quickly.
Again, depending on how much you play, your wedges need to be replaced every so often. As someone that plays once a week at best, I still replace my wedges every year.
How Long Will My Driver Last?
Out of all the clubs in your bag, your driver is the one manufacturers think about most. It makes sense, every golfer wants to hit it longer, and the driver is the weapon to accomplish just that.
This is the club where technology makes the most difference in terms of distance and overall performance. While I subscribe to the school of thought that if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it, there’s something to be said for keeping your driver up to date.
Scientific studies have shown that driver faces begin to ear out after 150 to 200 rounds. If you swing especially hard, you might even notice small hairline fractures in the clubface. That’s a clear sign that your driver needs to be replaced.
How Long Will My Putter Last?
Unlike every other club in your bag, your putter won’t ever wear out if you take decent care of it.
Believe it or not, one of our writers still putts with the Odyssey WhiteHot #2. It’s the same putter Steve Stricker uses. No, said writer doesn’t fill it up like Stricker – not even close. If he did, he’d probably be doing something else. But the point remains that he’s comfortable with a putter that’s darn near 20 years old.
In the end, how often you replace your putter is up to you. Sometimes a new look and feel can inspire confidence. At the same time, if you’re making putts with a Ping Anser from the 1970’s, why change?
When Will I Know When My Golf Clubs Need to be Replaced?
You’ll know when your golf clubs need to be replaced when the ball flight starts to look funny. If solid shots start floating and fluttering, it’s a sure sign that the face on a particular club is compromised.
With your irons and wedges, you might start to notice shots rolling out more than they used to when they hit the green. This is a sign that your grooves have become dull.
While sharpening your grooves is always an option, doing so doesn’t last that long.
How Should I Care for My Golf Clubs?
Like anything else you take pride in, you need to take proper care of your golf clubs. The good news is it isn’t really that hard.
It starts with cleaning your clubs on a regular basis. If you don’t keep your grooves clean, dirt and debris will solidify to the point they can be removed.
The next thing to think about are your grips. At all costs, dry your grips out thoroughly after you play in wet conditions. While a quick wipe down helps, you might want to consider wrapping them in newspaper and letting them dry out some place warm overnight.
You should also avoid storing your clubs where they’re exposed to cold temperatures. Cold weather dries grips out and causes them to rot over time. It’s best to store your clubs inside at room temperature.
Conclusion
There’s no question that having up-to-date equipment can do wonders for your game. But there comes a point where taking care of your current equipment is more beneficial than swiping your credit card for something new every time it comes out.
If you follow the advice above, and take responsible care for your current clubs, you should be in good shape for years to come.
