How to polish and clean golf clubs?

The game of golf is not just about hitting the golf field. After a long day of swinging, putting and chipping you need to clean and polish your golf clubs for the next appearance. Cleaning and polishing golf clubs improve their appearance and make sure that there is no obstructing debris on the club’s face that could affect the ball striking process and mess the spin on your ball. If you are a serious golfer who respects this game, you would not want to make an appearance in a golf course with a dirty, messy and awful looking golf club. It is therefore very crucial to learn how to polish golf clubs as a regular maintenance routine.

Before and after cleaning

In this article, you will get a detailed guide on how you can polish your golf clubs the right way. The methods here are tried and tested, and you can be assured that they will yield useful results for your golf clubs.

How to polish golf clubs? Getting ready

Before you start polishing your golf clubs, you first need to wear safety gears. The most common safety gears are gloves, eye protection and ear protection. These are essentially crucial when you are working with power tools. Other than the protective gears, you need at least the following items to clean your golf clubs:

  • Cordless drill
  • Cleaning rag / soft sponge
  • A clean bucket
  • Metal polishing (Chrome or steel polish)
  • A vice or metal clamp

How to polish and clean golf clubs

How to polish golf clubs

The conventional method (A Stepwise Guide)

  • Add warm water to the cleaning bucket. Note that if you use hot water, the ferrules can get damaged and the head loosened.
  • Put the golf club’s head in the warm water until all the dirt is removed. The amount of time that the club’s head will stay in water depends on the dirt’s intensity. Generally, the club should stay in the water for at least 5 minutes. If however, you played golf in muddy conditions, you need to let the club keep in water for at least 10 minutes. If your bucket is large enough, you can soak several golf clubs at the same time.
  • Use the sponge or cleaning rag to remove the dirt still on the club entirely. If the dirt is stubborn, you can use a soft brush but ensure that it is not so hard on the club’s face.
  • Rinse the club with clean water and then dry it up immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Keep in mind that drying has to be done directly if the ferrules get wet. That is because, if you leave them in this condition, they deteriorate easily and can ruin the entire club.

How to polish golf clubs following the conventional cleaning method

  • Depending on the finish of your golf club, dip a rug on the chrome or steel finish.
  • With gentle pressure, apply the polish on the golf club in swirls. Do this until the entire polished part is covered with a single thin layer of new polish.
  • Let the polish on the golf club dry then give it a final wipe with a clean, dry cloth.

The drilling method

A cordless drill is an available golf club cleaner that you can use to clean to your golf club, especially when it is scratchy and lousy. Follow this procedure to clean your golf club using this method.

  • Use a cleaning rag or soft sponge to remove dirt and rust that may have accumulated on the clubs’ surface. If the dirt is stubborn, you can as well go for a soft brush.
  • Use the cotton polishing wheel connected to the drill and rub up the golf club to apply the polishing compound. Use less mixture here since the polish will be extensively and thoroughly applied to cover all the stains and scratches.
  • Wipe the club’s surface with a rug to ensure that you are removing all the remaining scratches and discolourations.
  • To achieve a final glossy look, apply the white compound and rub it gently on the club’s surface. Note that the club will smoothen after subsequent usage; hence it will be easier to wash after some time.

How to clean grip How to clean golf club grips

The golf club grips can also get dirty after prolonged use of the golf club. To effectively clean the grips, here are the items you should have:

  • Bucket
  • Towel
  • Washing liquid
  • Warm water
  • Toothbrush

Procedure

  • Fill the bucket with warm water, add washing liquid and stir until the water becoming bubbly.
  • Dip the golf club into the water while securing the ferrules.
  • After a few minutes of submerging the clubs in water, use a toothbrush to scrap the dirt off while putting more stress on the grips.
  • After cleaning the grips, move to the club’s head and sole
  • When all the parts are clean, rinse the club with clean water.
  • Wipe the club with a dry cloth to remove the club’s excess water and let it air dry.

Golf club cleaner Club cleaning tips

Clean your clubs regularly

Frequently cleaning your golf clubs ensures that dirt does not harden up to the point that it causes rust. Note that if you are used to cleaning your clubs, it will take you relatively less time to clean them in one round.

Concentrate on the grooves

The grooves on the club’s face tend to collect grass, dirt and moisture. If you do not stress on these parts, your club may develop a foul smell not to mention that it can lead to inaccurate shorts and ball spins.

The bottom line

The only way you can return the favour that the game of golf offers in relaxing your mind is by cleaning and polishing the golf clubs you use frequently. If you want natural motivation each time you turn up to a golf course, you should keep your golf clubs clean, shining and thoroughly polished. Luckily, you now know how to polish golf clubs with super easy and effective methods. Remember that if you care for your golf clubs properly, they can serve you for a lifetime!

FAQ

❓ What tools do you need to clean your golf clubs?

  • Cordless drill;
  • Cleaning rag / soft sponge;
  • A clean bucket;
  • Metal polishing (Chrome or steel polish);
  • A vice or metal clamp.

❓ What tools do you need to clean your golf grips?

  • Bucket;
  • Towel;
  • Washing liquid;
  • Warm water;
  • Toothbrush.