Buying golf clubs, again and again, can be quite expensive and hectic at the same time. If you don’t know how to keep the golf clubs alright, you must learn the maintenance tactics.
However, if your golf club is wearing out too soon, you might wonder, how long do golf clubs last?
Typically, different golf clubs provide different longevity. Drivers remain good for 5 to 10 years or more, and irons will give you company for 8 to 10 years. Again, wedges remain usable for 2 to 5 years, whereby putters last for even 10 years or more. It all depends on how you take care of the golf club.
How Long Do Golf Clubs Last: Depending On The Types
There are different types of golf clubs available in the market. So, if you want to check the longevity, you need to know that depending on the type and with what materials the golf clubs are made. Here are a few:
Drivers
These are the most expensive clubs that golfers can own. If you have already used them, you know how durable they can be, so the price speaks for itself. Usually, you can use drivers for 5 to 10 years if you ensure good maintenance.
The modern drivers are built of expensive and strong materials like titanium or composite materials. That’s why, they are very light and sturdy at the same time. So, even during your repetitive hits, they don’t go bad quite soon.
Drivers are built to withdraw regular wear and tear, but if you don’t take care of them, they can start to show damage in around 5 years. However, for rough usage, you can expect longevity of a minimum of four years.
Compared to other clubs, drivers are generally used on a handful of tee shots per round. This reduced usage reduces the wear and tear on the club head and shaft, thus permitting drivers to maintain their performance characteristics over a more extended period.
Irons
Irons are pretty common to notice in any golfer’s hands. They can undergo rough usage and last for up to 10 years. They are meant to be used for regular sessions, but your usage will reduce the lifespan for sure.
Golfers who play more frequently may find that their irons wear down faster. Similarly, golfers who frequently play on courses with tight turf or hit off hard surfaces may encounter more significant wear on their irons.
Taking good care of your irons will increase their lifespan, but many golfers choose to upgrade their irons every 5-7 years.
That’s because the functionality downgrades over time and you will get fewer advancements over the course of time.
Regular cleaning, protecting the club heads with headcovers, and replacing worn-out grips can help extend the lifespan of irons.
Also, a routine check of the club heads and shafts for signs of damage is essential, as addressing any issues promptly can help extend their lifespan.
Wedges
Wedges are used for different types of shots like bunker shots and pitches. These shots tend to wear or damage wedges more often. That’s why, they usually offer less durability, up to 5 years if you take proper maintenance.
Over time, the grooves can wear down, resulting in reduced spin and performance. So, even if you keep using your wedges, those won’t be as functional as they were at first.
Your playing style, golf frequency, and shot hits also determine the durability of your wedges.
However, some players may choose to replace their golf wedges more often to ensure optimal performance, while others may extend their usage if the grooves are still in good condition.
Putters
Putters have the longest durability span among all the other golf clubs. If handled with care, they can last for 10 years or more. These are the most personal and individualized clubs in a golfer’s bag.
Using putters can give you more accuracy in your shots. Thus, due to the extraordinary built quality, they tend to get damaged less often.
A well-crafted putter can become a reliable companion on the greens for a decade or even longer.
The durable structure and materials used in putters donate to their longevity, letting golfers hold an invariant feel in their strokes over an elongated period.
One reason putters have a longer lifespan is that, unlike drivers or irons, putters are primarily used for gentle strokes on the putting green.
The minimal force exerted on the ball and the absence of rough contact reduces the wear and tear on the putter head.
How Often Do Golfers Replace Their Clubs?
Golfers need to notice a few things before replacing their clubs. The frequency of their golfing is one of the prior things to notice.
When golfers play frequently, the clubs become more damaged in a short course of time. Thus, they require replacement fast.
Many golfers choose to upgrade their clubs periodically to take advantage of advancements in club design, materials, and technology.
That’s why, even if the durability is way more than 5 years, some prefer to change their golf clubs every 2-3 years.
Another thing that we have noticed is that some golfers don’t change the whole golf club. Rather, they replace specific components that seem to impact the performance.
Changes in a golfer’s swing characteristics can also influence the decision to replace clubs. As golfers improve their skills, they may discover that their existing clubs no longer fit their game.
In such cases, upgrading to clubs that better match their swing aspects, such as shaft flex, clubhead design, or loft angles.
Tips To Make Sure Your Golf Clubs Last Longer
Regardless of where you ask, everyone will share the same insights to keep your golf club content. It’s regular maintenance and care. But how to do so? Here are a few tips:
- Proper Storage: The first thing to keep in your mind is the storing process. How you keep your golf club matters as leaving them in the trunk of your car or exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods can damage the clubs. So, you need to keep them away from direct sunlight exposure or humidity.
- Regular Cleaning: Many golfers play with their clubs and then forget that it exists. But to ensure the optimum durability of your clubs, you need to clean your clubs thoroughly after every session. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove dirt, grass, and debris. Dry the clubs thoroughly before storing them.
- Use Protective Materials: Use headcovers for your woods and putter so they don’t come in direct contact with the surface which can cause scratches, and dings during transportation and storage.
- Dodge Hitting Hard Surfaces: Don’t hit on hard courses or other surfaces with your clubs. This can lead to dents, scratches, and shaft damage.
- Replace Grips: Over time, grips can become worn, affecting your grip and control. You need to replace them when you notice any change in the performance. This will help you maintain consistent performance during your shots.
- Regular Shaft Inspection: Check your club shafts regularly for any signs of damage, such as cracks, or bending. If you notice any issues, repair the required area or replace the shaft to ensure optimum performance.
- Avoid Overuse: Rotate your clubs regularly to distribute the impact evenly. If you do so, one club won’t face too much of the impact and you can make them last longer than usual.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know when to replace my golf clubs?
The major sign to notice when you need to replace your clubs is when you see a downgrade in your performance. There will be fewer spins and you will struggle to ensure accuracy. Besides, you need to check for physical signs of damage.
How often do you need to replace your driver?
You need to replace your driver every 3-5 years. Usually, you can play around 50 rounds with a driver. However, you might need to change it sooner if you notice any signs of damage.
How many rounds do wedges last?
Wedges usually last for around 60-70 rounds. But if you notice any signs of physical wear or tear, you need to replace them sooner.
When should I upgrade my irons?
You need to upgrade your irons if you notice a decrease in your performance. Usually, irons don’t require upgrades that often, but if you need some enhancements, you can go for them anytime.
Conclusion
Knowing how long do golf clubs last can save you from the extra headache of researching every time before you get a new club.
However, you can easily extend the lifespan of your clubs if you ensure regular care. Make sure to follow the tips to prevent your clubs from wearing down quickly.