If you think it stings when you buy an expensive set of new golf clubs, imagine how much worse it feels when those clubs get damaged because you didn’t store them properly. While it can feel like a hassle, learning how to properly store your clubs is vital if you want to protect your investment. With this in mind, can golf clubs be stored in cold weather?
This page serves as our one-stop guide for golf club maintenance. We’ll discuss storing your golf clubs in winter, how to maintain their condition, and how best to store them in both the long and short term.
Read on to learn how to keep your golf clubs pristine for many years to come!
In Short, Can Golf Clubs Be Stored In Cold Weather?
This of course depends on quite how cold we’re talking. A golfer in Alaska is going to have a different set of concerns to someone in Arizona, for example. In general, however, cold temperatures aren’t great for golf clubs.
The shaft and head of your clubs should be ok. However, your handle’s grip and other outer materials can easily crack and tarnish during winter. What’s more, fluctuations in temperature can certainly damage your head and shaft.
If your stainless steel club goes from very cold, to warm, to very cold again, the resulting moisture and ice can lead to all sorts of problems including rust and breakages.
The bottom line here is that moderate, controlled temperatures are the best way to go when it comes to storing your clubs.
Short Term Golf Club Storage Tips
Playing a game again the next day or the coming weekend? There are a number of convenient spots where you might be tempted to leave your clubs. In this section, we’ll explore some potential pitfalls and make suggestions for what works best.
The Shed or Garage
If your shed/ garage has low humidity, low salinity, and a consistently moderate temperature then it might be an appropriate place to leave your clubs overnight. If even one of these factors are off, however, you could be causing more damage than it’s worth.
Moisture in particular is an obstacle to look out for. Even a couple of night’s exposure can lead to a damaged grip and the beginnings of rust. If you’re unsure, it’s best to keep your clubs somewhere else.
In Your Car’s Trunk
We strongly recommend against storing your clubs in your trunk. This recommendation becomes even stronger if you’re going to be driving around with them moving in the back.
The movements of your car will cause your clubs to crash into each other and the sides of your vehicle. At best, this will lead to unsightly cosmetic damage. In a worst case scenario, you’ll bend your clubs out of shape.
The fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable humidity of most car trunks are other factors to consider. Both of these can cause significant damage if you’re not careful. When driving to the golf course, it’s best to secure your clubs firmly in place and use head covers whenever possible.
Outside
This one might sound obvious, but you’d be amazed by how common it can be! It should go without saying that leaving your clubs outside overnight is never a good idea. Even in the most moderate of climates, you’re going to be dealing with far too much moisture to risk it.
If you absolutely have to leave your clubs outside for some reason, try to keep them very well covered and wipe them down/ dry them as frequently as is reasonable with a soft towel.
Longer Term Golf Club Storage Tips
It’s all well and good telling you where you shouldn’t store your clubs, but where can you keep them on a long-term basis? The tips below are designed to help you find the perfect option for you. Check them out.
The Humidity
In short, you want a room with low humidity to store your golf clubs in. Even relatively small amounts of moisture can lead to rust that completely ruins your clubs. Look into dehumidifiers or humidity testers that can find appropriate areas on your property to use for storage.
It can feel like a hassle, but it will help keep your clubs game-ready for many years to come.
The Temperature
The room you use to store your clubs should be well insulated and temperature controlled. You don’t need to go crazy here in terms of temperature – moderate levels should be absolutely fine.
Cold weather will cause elements of your clubs to crack. Hot weather can weaken the epoxies and external layers of your kit. A middle-of-the-road approach works well here.
Keep Them Clean
If you know you won’t be playing for a long time, it’s best to check in on your clubs from time to time. Every few weeks or so, you could try the following:
- Check your clubs for moisture and dry them if necessary
- Gently clean/ wipe down your set
- Test your storage room’s temperature and humidity and adjust accordingly
Doing regular checks little and often can go a long way here – trust us.
Golf Club Maintenance Tips
Staying on top of your maintenance can pay dividends down the line. You might like to follow these best practices:
- Thoroughly dry your clubs after every single game with a soft towel
- Clean your clubs with mild soaps and water if necessary
- Brush off any existing rust spots using fine grade steel wool or a golf club brush
- Keep an eye on your grip and regrip when necessary
Storing Golf Clubs in Winter – Final Thoughts
We hope the information above has helped clear up any confusion. Storing golf clubs in cold weather is rarely a good idea. Your set should be kept in a low-humidity room that has consistent, moderate temperatures all year.
While it can feel like a hassle to put this much thought into golf club maintenance, it’s worth it to avoid buying a whole new set after damaging your precious irons and hybrids!
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