What to check before the golf season so nothing catches you off guard right from the start?

Preparing for the golf season is essential for every golfer who wants to enjoy the game without unpleasant surprises while also improving their performance a little further. Proper inspection and maintenance of your equipment can significantly affect the quality of your game. In this article, we’ll look at the steps golfers should take before the season begins to ensure their equipment is in optimal condition and that no unexpected surprise awaits them on the first tee before their first shot of the year.

1. Inspecting golf clubs

• Clubheads: Check that the clubheads are not damaged or loose. With drivers and woods, check for cracks. We recommend cleaning irons and wedges with a damp towel and the grooves with a soft-bristled brush. To prevent damage to the face and grooves, avoid using brushes with steel bristles.
• Shafts: Check whether the shafts show any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, or bends. A damaged shaft can easily break. In the best-case scenario, you’ll find the clubhead; in the worst case, it will fly into a pond or injure someone.
• Grips: Grips should be in excellent condition, non-slip, and free of signs of wear. If they are hard, sticky, or peeling, it’s time to replace them. The golf grip connects the golf club to your hands. If your grips aren’t in good condition, you’ll never have a good feel.

2. Golf balls

• Inspect your golf balls and set aside any with significant scratches, cuts, or other damage. Balls with minor scuffs are usually fine for practice.

3. Golf trolley and bag

• Golf bag: Check that all the zippers work and that the bag is not damaged or torn. Pay attention to the top club compartments. If the fabric is already worn through, it’s time for a replacement. A divider is made either of metal or a hard material which, if not covered with fabric or rubber, can thoroughly abrade graphite shafts until the shaft eventually cracks during a swing. It’s also a good idea to check the pockets to make sure a forgotten mandarin hasn’t started turning into some kind of alien monster.
• Trolley: Make sure the trolley folds and unfolds easily and that its wheels rotate freely. Also check that the handles and brakes are not damaged. Tighten any loose nuts and screws. If you have an electric trolley, it is important to check the condition of the battery. Test whether the battery can be charged and whether the trolley works when it is connected.

4. Electronics

• If you use a golf GPS or laser rangefinder, check the condition of the battery and whether the devices are working properly. Also remember to update the software if necessary.

5. Clothing, footwear, and golf gloves

• Golf footwear: Check that the footwear is not worn or damaged. With spiked shoes, check whether it is time to replace the spikes.
• Clothing: Make sure you have enough suitable clothing for the various weather conditions that may occur during the golf season.
• Golf gloves: There’s probably no worse feeling than pulling out a stiff, sweat-damaged glove after winter—at best, one without holes. Don’t spoil your first rounds of golf with a glove that should have been thrown in the bin long ago. A glove has a significant impact on feel, grip, and ultimately the technique of your entire swing.

6. Maintenance and cleaning

• Finally, don’t forget to thoroughly clean all your equipment. Clean clubheads, grips, and balls with soapy water, wipe the shafts with a damp cloth, and treat your footwear with suitable products to maintain its quality. Clean golf equipment, from your clubs to your towel, is a reflection of you.

This preliminary inspection and maintenance of your equipment will not only improve your performance on the course but also extend its lifespan. We wish you an enjoyable 2025 golf season.