Five ways to make your equipment last longer
Golf gear costs a lot of money, so it pays to look after it all to maximise its lifespan. Here are my five top tips:
Clean your grips
A good rub of your grips using a cloth and warm, soapy water will remove the sweat and dirt that has gathered, reactivate the tackiness and make them feel like brand new.
Practise chipping with an old wedge The wearing of wedge grooves can have a big impact on the control you can generate greenside. So to reduce the number of shots hit, keep your old wedge in your car to practise with. It should be similar in set-up to your current wedge. Your on-course wedge will spin for longer as a result.
Separate practice kit
Practice is a source of unnecessary wear and tear. Never wear a brand new glove to hit range balls with, even before you play. Have an old one set aside for this, and chip and putt with old balls of the same model you use on the course, so they react and feel similar.
Dry out headcovers
After you play in the rain, make sure you remove your headcovers, turn them inside out and leave them near a warm radiator so the clubs don’t rust.
Look after your golf shoes
Giving your favourite pair a wipe down with a cloth or baby wipes after you play will help keep them looking pristine for longer. You can even remove the laces and soak them in hot, soapy water.
Cleveland Halo hybrid Solid and powerful and the Glide rails really help from bad lies. One of the easiest hybrids to hit. Price £179
Adidas Tour360 XT Twin Boa shoe Quite unorthodox to look down on, but provides excellent support and encourages a snug fit. Price £179.95
Footjoy Thermal mid-layer Offers exceptional warmth given how relatively thin and soft the material is. Price £110