Golf clubs can last five to ten years or more, depending on how many rounds you play per season and how well you take care of them.
As a seasoned golf pro and instructor for over forty years, I have had a great deal of experience in how to get the most out of your golf clubs.
Golf has come a long way from the days of hickory clubs and wooden balls. Today’s golf technology has advanced to such a degree that you may wonder, how long do golf clubs last?
This article will explain everything you need to know to keep your golf clubs in excellent shape for as long as possible.
Average Lifespan of Golf Clubs
Each type of golf club in your bag is going to experience varying degrees of wear based on the way you play the game. You will use your driver 13 or 14 times in a single round of golf. You may use your 4-iron once, if at all. Your skill level is a factor as well. The weekend warrior who does not golf regularly is more prone to make poor golf swings that can damage the club.
You hit your driver with the most force, so it stands to reason it will take the most damage over time and have to be replaced more often. Stainless steel irons and wedges are more durable and should last twice the life of your driver. A favorite putter can be in your bag for as long as you play the game.
How well you care for your equipment is also a major factor in the lifespan of your golf clubs. With regular cleaning, proper protection, and careful storage, you can keep your clubs in great condition and use them for many years to come.
When Should I Replace My Golf Clubs?
Some golf clubs wear out faster than others from the simple fact you use certain clubs more than others.
Drivers
You can expect to replace your driver every 3-5 years.
Nowhere is the advancement of golf technology more evident than with the driver. Every golf manufacturer showcases a Titanium driver with an oversized head designed with cutting-edge technology to make the ball fly farther and straighter. Stainless steel club heads may last a few years longer but are quite a bit heavier. Titanium heads will eventually crack and lose their pop over time.
Fairway Woods
Your fairway woods should have a 5-year lifespan similar to that of your favorite driver.
Although you may hit your driver more often, your woods do sustain a fair amount of wear and tear. You can hit your fairway woods from a tee, but usually, you are playing a second shot on a long par-4 or par-5. When hitting from the grass, you should be hitting your wood behind the ball, making contact with the ground and the ball almost simultaneously. This creates pressure on both the shaft as well as the clubhead.
Irons
Your irons should last at least ten years before you have to think about replacing them.
Irons have shafts made of steel or graphite. Steel shafts with steel club heads are built for durability. Although the lighter graphite shafts may enable a faster swing, they will weaken and eventually break over time.
Irons are designed with grooves intended to control the ball with spin. If your irons have worn grooves, you won’t get the same spin on the ball. Since certain irons are used more often than others, it is possible to replace an individual iron without replacing the entire set.
Wedges
Wedges are typically stainless steel club heads with steel shafts and will last ten years with regular play.
The type of shot you make using a wedge relies on the club’s face’s grooves. The grooves must be in good condition to control the ball with the desired spin. If you play a lot of rounds and hit the driving range regularly, you will shorten the lifespan of your wedges by wearing out the ridges on the clubface.
Putters
Since the club speed is so slow and the impact between the putter and the ball is with little force, your putter could have a lifespan of twenty years or more.
Put a headcover on your putter to protect the face of the club. Clean contact between the putter face and golf ball is critical. Take care of your putter, and you can have the club in your bag forever.
How Can I Extend the Life of My Golf Clubs?
Well-used golf clubs can last a decade or more with the proper care and maintenance.
Replace Your Grips
It is common to replace the grips on your clubs every two to three years. Once the grip of your club has worn down, you will not be able to hold the club effectively, your hands can slip, and bad shots will result.
Replacing grips is an inexpensive option over replacing your golf clubs. You can replace grips yourself or have a professional do it and make your clubs feel like new. Keep your grips in good condition, and you will lower your handicap.
Keep Your Golf Clubs Clean
Every golf bag should be equipped with a towel that you can use to wipe your club off after every shot. By keeping the club’s face clean from sand, dirt, and debris, your golf clubs will last longer.
Protect Your Clubs
Headcovers are pretty much standard for the more expensive drivers in your golf bag. But to extend the life of your entire set of clubs, there are headcovers for your irons and putter as well. If traveling, be sure to invest in a hard-shelled golf club case.
Proper Storage of Your Clubs
Do you throw your golf bag into the trunk of your car? Every bump and pothole you hit will bang your clubs together. Your trunk can also get quite hot, and extreme heat is not good for your club heads.
Proper storage of your clubs in a temperature-controlled area like your garage or basement is the ideal way to extend the life of your golf clubs. Some golf courses offer club storage for their members, eliminating the need to drive around with your clubs in the car.
Summary: How Long Will My Golf Clubs Last?
Remember, it is a poor musician who blames the instrument. Improving your playing ability will lower your score and preserve the life of your golf clubs. New grips can make a worn club feel like new.
Drivers may need to be replaced every few years, while your irons and wedges can last ten years or more. By keeping your golf clubs clean with proper protection and storage, you can own your set for a very long time.