How to Store Your Golf Clubs This Winter

We squeezed in two late-season rounds at Warkworth Golf Club on the 21st and 23rd of November. It really is a great course, and John and his team are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. For me, the golf season never feels complete without at least a couple of trips to Warkworth.

The 14-day forecast isn’t offering much hope, and Sunday’s snowfall on November 30 sealed the deal; the outdoor golf season in the Bay of Quinte and Prince Edward County region is officially over.

I say outdoor because, for some, the “golf season” no longer ends when the fairways freeze. Indoor golf simulator options keep growing across the region, and many have already started promoting winter golf leagues and specials. I’ll have a full rundown on golf simulators in this region in a future post

Time to Get Your Clubs Ready for Winter Storage

Here are some tips to help get your clubs and golf gear in "game-ready" condition for next spring.

1. Clean Your Clubs Thoroughly

I don't know about you, but I keep my golf clubs clean throughout the season. I hang two towels on the side of my golf bag - a dry towel and a wet towel. For the 2025 season, the wet towel was my new Hungry Golfer golf towel.  It did its job admirably. Whenever one of my golf clubs gets dirty, I wipe the dirt off the club with the wet towel, followed by a quick wipe with the dry towel before putting the club back in my golf bag. This keeps my clubs nice and clean throughout the round.

Despite my ongoing efforts to keep my clubs clean, traces of grass, dirt, and sand accumulate in the grooves of golf clubs, especially the irons.

Use warm, soapy water to clean your clubheads, scrubbing them gently with a soft brush to avoid scratching the finish. Pay special attention to the grooves on the face, where the grass, dirt, and sand build up. After cleaning, dry your clubs thoroughly with a towel to prevent rust.

My buddy Dave introduced me to a groove-cleaning tool that removes the grass, dirt, and sand from deep in the grooves. Remember, sharp grooves on your irons will help create backspin on your approach shots next season.

Here is a link to a very affordable groove-cleaning tool. Now you have something to do this winter. On those cold winter nights when the snow is falling and the wind is blowing, find yourself a comfy chair and give your irons a thorough groove cleaning with your new HISTAR Groove Sharpening Tool. 

2. Inspect for Damage

Winter storage is the perfect time to inspect each club for any damage. Check for cracks in the shafts, loose ferrules, rust, or worn grips. Small issues might seem negligible now, but can worsen if not attended to.

If you notice any repairs that need attention, winter is an ideal time to address them. Many club repair shops offer winter discounts, so it’s worth taking advantage of the downtime to be sure everything’s in order.

If you have to deal with rust on your clubs this winter, Cattail Crossing Golf & Winter Club in Sturgeon County, Alberta, published a helpful blog post, How To Remove Rust From Golf Clubs. Check it out. It might help.

3. Choose the Right Storage Environment

Where you store your clubs makes all the difference. Avoid leaving them in your garage or the trunk of your car; extreme temperatures can damage the glue that holds the clubhead to the shaft, causing heads to loosen. Likewise, fluctuating cold and warmth can warp graphite shafts and make grips brittle.

Store your clubs in a climate-controlled area. A closet or corner of a heated basement is ideal, as consistent temperatures and low humidity prevent potential moisture buildup and rusting.

4. Store Upright in a Golf Bag

How you position your clubs during storage can affect their longevity. Keep them in your golf bag, standing upright to maintain the natural shape of the shafts. Use headcovers on your drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids to prevent accidental scratches or dings. If you have some old wool socks kicking around, slip one over the head of each of your irons to keep them warm and cozy over the winter. Who knows, they might thank you with a few good shots next season.

5. Don’t Forget to Clean Your Golf Bag and Other Accessories

Alongside your clubs, take a moment to clean and inspect other gear, like your golf bag and golf gloves. There is no need to store those old, shrivelled-up golf gloves in your bag all winter. Do yourself a favour and get yourself a few new Hungry Golfer golf gloves for next season. Speaking of gloves, if you want to know how to properly care for your golf glove, check out my story, Your Golf Glove Deserves More Respect.

Empty your bag of any food wrappers that might attract rodents over the winter. Check zippers, clean out the pockets. Make sure you wash your golf towels and rain gear if required. Winter can also be a great time to replenish supplies so you’re ready to go when the season begins.

Closing Thoughts

Following these steps to store your clubs correctly will ensure they stay in top condition during the offseason. When spring finally arrives, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing your clubs are ready for action. After all, giving your gear a little TLC now means you’ll have one less excuse come tee time next season.

Bonus Christmas Idea

If you are looking for the ideal Christmas gift for a friend who loves golf, get them the Hungry Golfer Good Buddy Golf Gift Pack. For much less than retail price, they'll be getting a high-quality golf glove, towel, and golf cap. I wore the glove and hat and used the towel many times this past season, and I highly recommend them all.

Stay Safe, Stay Well, and Be Good

Richard, The Hungry Golfer