Most golfers in New York hang it up sometime in November. How you put your clubs away matters more than people think. A few simple steps now will keep your grips, shafts, and ferrules in good shape and save you a surprise repair in the spring.
Clean everything first
Dirt and grass hold moisture. Before your clubs go into storage, scrub the grooves with a soft brush and warm soapy water, rinse, and dry each club completely. Wipe down the shafts and grips too, and pay extra attention to the ferrules, the small rings where the shaft meets the club head. Water likes to sit there.
Dry grips last longer
Grips break down faster when they sit damp for months. Clean them with mild soap, rinse, and let them air dry fully before the bag goes away. If a grip already feels slick, hard, or cracked, winter is the easiest time to regrip. You start the season with fresh grips instead of waiting for a spot on the bench in April.
Store them somewhere dry and temperature-stable
Avoid unheated garages, damp basements, and the trunk of your car. Cold and humidity are hard on epoxy, grips, and leather. A closet inside your home is ideal. Stand the bag upright and give the clubs some breathing room.
Check for problems now, not in April
Putting the set away is a good moment to look it over:
- Loose or rattling club heads
- Ferrules that have crept up the shaft
- Grips that are worn smooth, cracked, or slippery
- Rust spots or dents on shafts
- Worn grooves on your wedges
Fixing these in the off-season means your clubs are ready for the first tee time of spring.
Thinking about a change?
The off-season is the best time for bigger work: a reshaft, a full rebuild, loft and lie adjustments, or refinishing a favorite putter. There is no rush, and your clubs are not sitting in the shop when you want to play.
If you want a hand getting your set ready for winter, or you spot something that needs repair, bring the bag by the shop at 1668 1st Ave (inside New York Paint & Hardware) or request a quote online. Most repairs are finished same-day or next-day.
