The benefits of cleaning the heads of your golf clubs should go without saying. But if you want to keep your clubs in pristine condition, you can’t neglect the other parts. To ensure a long-lasting set of clubs, you’ll need to keep the shafts clean, in good condition, and regularly polished. Whether you’re a novice or regular recreational golfer, we’ll guide you on what to know about cleaning your golf clubs’ shafts.
Why Is Cleaning the Shaft Important?
As the connecting piece between the grip and the head—two heavy-traffic parts of the club—the shaft doesn’t seem like it would have much to clean. That’s not necessarily true. Dirt, oil, and sweat can make their way from the grip to the shaft, which can lead to corrosion on steel shafts. Even chrome-coated steel can become vulnerable over time.
Which Products Should You Use?
How you clean your clubs’ shafts depends on the material you’re cleaning. If you’re dealing with a metal shaft that hasn’t begun to show rust, all you need is a slightly damp microfiber cloth and a bit of isopropyl alcohol for quick cleaning. If you begin to see some rust, try using vinegar and a baking soda paste to gently abrade some of that corrosion.
Graphite composite shafts require a little extra care. Graphite clubs have a polyurethane treatment that seals the graphite fibers. No matter how much grime your shafts accrue, solvents such as acetone and even isopropyl alcohol can degrade polyurethane and weaken the composite, so be sure to use an appropriate cleaning solution.
How Often Should You Clean Them?
In a perfect world, you’d give your full set of clubs a complete wipe down right after each day on the links. We don’t live in a perfect world, though, and sometimes you’re so exhausted after a 36-hole marathon that you’re thinking more about club sandwiches than club maintenance. As long as you store your clubs responsibly and set aside time to wipe down the shafts at least once a month, you should be able to get years of faithful service from them. If it’s time to regrip your golf clubs, one common regripping mistake to avoid is forgetting to wipe all the grime off the entire club before beginning the process.
What Else Should You Do?
The final thing to know about cleaning your golf clubs’ shafts is the importance of polishing them. After cleaning, use a polishing cloth or a polishing solution designed for golf club shafts. This will help bring out the natural beauty of your golf clubs, remove scratches, and protect them from future damage.
With these tips, you can enjoy cleaner, well-maintained golf clubs that will be sure to turn heads on the course.
