Buying golf clubs is an investment for many golfers who expect to use each club for several years, so asking how long golf clubs last is an important question. Knowing when it's time to upgrade to a new set can be tricky, especially if you're using used clubs or are considering buying new equipment. But how do you know when you should take the leap and upgrade to a new set? To help with this decision, we’ll share six warning signs that indicate it's time to get a new set of clubs. We'll also explore the life expectancy of golf clubs and give tips for keeping your clubs in top condition so they last as long as possible.
How Long Does Each Golf Club Last?
With proper use and care, you can expect your golf clubs to last between 3 to 10 years of regular play. Although wear and tear is normal, not all clubs experience the same level of depreciation over time.
Drivers
Because of their frequent use and the intensity of each hit, drivers are usually the first clubs to wear out in a set. Over time, your driver will lose impact, and you’ll start to see your accuracy, shot height, and distance go downhill. After about 150 rounds, you might start noticing your driver is losing its efficacy. If you play 30 rounds of golf a year, that’s still about five good years of play.
Learn more: What is a 460cc Driver?
Irons
A good set of irons can last you around 300 rounds of golf, which means about ten years of play based on 30 rounds a year. You may even get more play out of longer irons as they’re used less frequently than other clubs in a set. The key indicator that you need a new iron is the state of the grooves in the club head. If the grooves are worn out, it’s time to replace your irons.
Learn more: Ultimate Golf Iron Buying Guide
Woods
Woods take their fair share of abuse on the course, but should still last roughly the same amount of time as your driver or perhaps longer, about 150-200 rounds. After this time, the shaft will weaken and possibly break. You’ll also notice the club face start to cave slightly.
Wedges
Wedges get a good deal of play, so you’ll be looking to replace these at about the same time as your driver, after about 150 rounds of golf. Again, you’ll be keeping an eye on the grooves of the club head to determine how worn out your clubs are getting. But keep environmental factors in mind with wedges as well; if you frequently play on a course with a lot of sand traps, your sand wedge might start looking rougher faster than the other clubs in your set.
Learn more: What Wedges Should You Carry?
Putters
Putters have the longest lifespan out of all golf clubs, lasting 15-20 years or longer. Because they don’t experience the same intensity as other clubs do, putters don’t experience the same amount of wear and tear. Additionally, manufacturers don’t update their putter designs as often as they do drivers, so you don’t have to worry about having the latest and greatest putter.
Learn more: 8 Types of Putters: How to Choose the Right One for Your Game
6 Signs You Need New Clubs
Here are some key signs that you are in need of a new golf club set.
1. Your Performance is Declining
One of the key signs you need new clubs is your performance. If you practice and play regularly, you should see your performance improve at best, and maintain an equilibrium at worst. If your golf buddies are suddenly starting to out-drive you, especially if one of them just got a new driver, it’s probably time for a golf club upgrade.
Learn more: Golf Club Forgiveness: What Is It and Why It Matters
2. Club Wear and Tear is Too Bad to Ignore
If a cursory glance at your wedges or irons makes you say, “What grooves?” then it’s time for a new set. If there are any cracks, dents, or other damage to the driver club face, your performance will absolutely suffer.
3. Too Much Spin
Too much spin with your driver or irons will give significant height with very little distance, and distance is ultimately what will help you score. Newer golf equipment is more forgiving and generates a lower spin rate compared to older clubs.
Learn more: What Is The Average Distance for Each Golf Club?
4. You Never Have the Right Club for the Situation
Distance gaps can be a real bummer. If you’re constantly running into situations where it feels like you just don’t have the right club for a specific shot, you probably need an upgraded set that has little-to-no distance gaps.
5. You Want New Clubs
There’s nothing wrong with wanting new clubs, especially if you’re playing with a hand-me-down set and want to invest in a set of your own. If you’ve started playing with regularity and are still using the clubs you learned to play on, it’s perfectly fine to want an upgrade.
6. Your Clubs Are Old
Your golf clubs can last for several years with continual repairs and maintenance. But wear and tear from play isn’t the only thing that depreciates your clubs. With golf technology changing and improving rapidly, your three-year-old clubs could start feeling like grandpa’s clubs when compared to newer sets. And if your clubs are ten years old or older, well… an upgrade might be long overdue.
Learn more: How Much Should You Spend on Golf Clubs
How to Extend the Life of Your Golf Clubs
Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your golf clubs so you can enjoy multiple years of play.
1. Clean Your Clubs
Wiping off the club head after each shot can increase the longevity of your clubs. Dirt, sand, and other debris can all quicken the depreciation of your clubs if not cleaned off regularly.
Learn more: How to Clean Your Golf Clubs
2. Use a Sturdy Bag and Head Covers
Invest in a sturdy bag with multiple compartments for storing your clubs. The extra storage prevents your clubs from knocking into one another in the bag. Head covers for your clubs also keep them in top shape and prevent unnecessary damage when not in use.
3. Store Your Clubs Properly
Where are your golf clubs right now? If they’re currently in the trunk of your car, you’re not alone–though that’s not the most ideal storage space for your clubs. The unregulated temperature in a car can affect the quality of your clubs, with extreme heat, cold, and humidity all playing a part. If possible, store your clubs in an extra closet at home.
Upgrade Your Gear
Getting a new set of golf clubs is pretty exciting. Whether you’ve been working with old equipment or are looking to upgrade to a set you can improve with, Stix has the perfect clubs for you. The sleek design is a confidence booster, and the superior technology will have you playing the best game of your life.
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