5 tips to give your golf gear a long life

Your golf gear only needs a bit of care and attention to keep you swinging for years to come.

• Clean clubfaces using a soft-bristled toothbrush (or a similar soft brush) and warm, soapy water.
• Be sure to towel-dry the clubface and shaft immediately after cleaning.
• Wipe down steel shafts with a damp cloth; never use abrasives, as they can leave scratches.
• While you're cleaning, check the shafts for dents, rust, pits or any structural abnormalities.
• You can also use mild soap and water on a soft cloth to clean graphite club shafts.

• Be sure to clean and dry your clubs after playing a round in the rain or on a wet course.
• Wet clubs stored in your golf bag are almost certain to emerge with rust spots.

• Use covers for clubheads — especially woods — to keep them clean and to prevent scratches and chipping.
• Also use long-neck head covers to protect the finish of your graphite shafts, which are easily scratched.

• You can prolong the life of your golf grips by regularly cleaning them with a bit of water and mild dishwashing soap.
• Clean buffed grips (including tour velvet and cord grips) with a soft abrasive pad or bristle brush.
• Trade in the brush for a soft washcloth when cleaning non-brushed grips (tour-wrap style).
• Be sure to rinse grips well with lukewarm water and thoroughly towel-dry them after washing.

• If you and your golf buddies like the same brand of golf balls, you can always be sure who got on the green first by marking your balls with a dot of bright nail polish.
• This colour-coded approach can also make it easy to identify golf tees, batting gloves and other items that don't have enough room to fit your name.