When the rain sets in and the course is closed, it doesn’t have to be a wasted day. Here are eight things I do to stay ready for the next round.
- Look after your clubs
- Clean and dry them
- Fix any ferrule creep
- Tighten any clubhead screws
- Shoe care
- Plan your next practice session
- Turn your golf bag upside down
- Wash that golf towel
- Learn a random golf rule
- Work on your flexibility
- Indoor putting
1. Look after your clubs
Clean and dry them
Every golfer should have a towel on their bag so they can wipe the clubhead between shots. Dirt and water left in a headcover can cause rust spots, and dirt that hardens on the clubface is much harder to shift.
To give your clubs a proper clean, fill a bucket or sink with warm water and a squirt of washing-up liquid. Never use hot or boiling water, as it can damage the clubs.
- Irons: soak the heads for 5 to 10 minutes, then work over the clubfaces with a soft-bristled brush.
- Woods and putters: just dip the head in the soapy water. Don’t soak them.
- Everything: towel-dry the heads and shafts straight away. Left damp, they will rust.
Check your shafts and grips
Shafts. Look along each one for nicks, dents and cracks. Steel shafts are tough and a wipe with a towel is usually enough. Light rust spots can be rubbed off with very fine (0000) steel wool. Graphite shafts have a painted, lacquered coating, so clean them with water and a soft cloth, not solvents.
Grips. These are the most neglected part of a club. Wash them with a brush, mild soap and warm water at least once a month. If they are shiny, cracked or slippery, it’s time for new ones. If you play once a week, a set of grips should last a year or two.
Fix any ferrule creep
The ferrule is the small plastic ring where the shaft meets the clubhead. Over time it can creep up the shaft and leave a gap.
The usual fix is to warm the ferrule gently, for example with a hairdryer, so the glue softens, then ease it back down into place and let it set. Don’t overheat it, as too much heat can weaken the glue holding the head on. If you’d rather not risk it, any golf repair shop can do it quickly.
Tighten any clubhead screws
Many drivers, fairway woods and putters have screws, or weights held by screws, that can work loose over time. Check each one and nip it up gently with the right key or screwdriver. If one is stuck, leave it alone and ask a club fitter.
Store them properly
Dry your clubs and the inside of the bag before putting them away, and keep them indoors somewhere dry. Avoid leaving them in the boot of the car. Knocks while driving can damage them, and heat in warm weather can weaken the glue in the clubs.
2. Shoe care
Brush off the mud and wipe the shoes down with a damp cloth. Stuff them with newspaper and let them dry naturally, away from radiators and direct heat, which can crack the leather and damage the soles. Check the spikes or studs while you’re at it.
3. Plan your next practice session
A wet day is a good time to think about what actually cost you shots last round. Pick one or two things to work on, such as putting from short range or chipping, and write down what you’ll do at the range or practice area so you go with a plan.
4. Turn your golf bag upside down
You’ll be surprised what falls out: old tees, scorecards, wrappers and a few forgotten balls. Empty every pocket, throw away what you don’t need, and let the inside dry before the clubs go back in. It also lets you see if you’re carrying more than you need.
5. Wash that golf towel
It’s done a lot of wiping. A grubby towel just moves dirt about, so give it a wash, or replace it if it’s past its best.
6. Learn a random golf rule
Pick a rule you’re not sure about and read it properly. Then perhaps take the “Beginner” level 18 hole rules quiz, taken from the R&A.
7. Work on your flexibility
A bit of stretching helps your swing and keeps you comfortable over 18 holes. Here’s a video to follow along with.
8. Indoor putting
A putting mat or even a strip of carpet at home is plenty. Roll a few balls at a coin or a small target from three feet, then move back. Short putts are where a lot of shots are lost, so a few minutes here and there adds up.