What to check before the golf season so that nothing surprises you right at the start?

Preparation for the golf season is crucial for every golfer who wants to enjoy the game without unpleasant surprises and at the same time improve their performance a little. Proper inspection and maintenance of equipment can significantly affect the quality of play. In this article, we will look at the steps a golfer should take before the season starts to ensure their equipment is in optimal condition and that no unexpected surprises await them right at the first tee before their first shot of the year.

1. Inspection golf clubs

• Club heads: Check whether the club heads are damaged or loose. For drivers and woods, check for cracks. We recommend cleaning irons and wedges with a damp towel and brushing the grooves with a soft-bristle brush. To prevent damage to the impact surface and grooves, avoid using brushes with steel bristles.
• Shafts: Check whether the shafts show signs of damage such as cracks, dents, or bends. A damaged shaft can easily break. In the best case, you will find the club head; in the worst case, it will fly into a pond or could injure someone.
• Grips: Grips should be in excellent condition, non-slip, and free of wear signs. If they are hard, glued, or peeling, it is time to replace them. The golf grip connects the golf club with your hands. If your grips are not in good condition, you will never have a good feel.

2. Golf balls

• Examine your golf balls and discard those with significant scratches, cuts, or other damage. Balls with minor scuffs are usually fine for practice purposes.

3. Golf trolley and bag

• Golf bag: Check that all zippers are functional and that the bag is not damaged or torn. Focus on the top compartments for clubs. If the fabric is already worn there, it is time to replace it. The divider is made either of metal or hard material which, if not covered with fabric or rubber, can thoroughly wear down graphite shafts until the shaft breaks during the swing. Also, it is definitely good to check the pockets to see if some alien creature is hatching from a forgotten tangerine.
• Trolley: Make sure the trolley folds and unfolds easily and that its wheels rotate freely. Also check for damaged handles or brakes. Tighten any loose nuts and screws. If you have an electric trolley, it is important to check the battery condition. Test whether the battery can be charged and if the trolley works when connected.

4. Electronics

• If you use a golf GPS or laser rangefinder, check their battery status and whether the devices are functional. Also remember to update the software if needed.

5. Clothing, footwear, golf gloves

• Golf shoes: Check whether the shoes are worn or damaged. For spiked shoes, make sure it is time to replace the spikes.
• Clothing: Make sure you have enough suitable clothing for various weather conditions that may occur during the golf season.
• Golf gloves: There is probably no worse feeling than pulling out a hardened, sweat-damaged glove after winter, hopefully without holes. Don’t spoil your first rounds of golf with a glove that should have long ago been thrown in the trash. Gloves have a significant impact on feel, grip, and ultimately the technique of the entire swing.

6. Maintenance and cleaning

• Finally, don’t forget to thoroughly clean all your equipment. Clean club heads, grips, and balls with soapy water, wipe shafts with a damp cloth, and treat shoes with appropriate products to maintain their quality. Clean golf equipment from clubs to towels is your business card.

This preliminary inspection and maintenance of equipment will not only improve your performance on the course but also extend its lifespan. We wish you a great game in the 2025 season.