Golf Hacks
Get Your Golf Gear in Shape with These 5 Easy Tips
So you’re stuck at home and you’ve already binge-watched “The Office” for the third time — in the last week. It’s safe to assume everyone is going a little stir-crazy as we continue to embrace social distancing. And with some courses hitting pause on daily play, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get your outdoor golf fix — unless your name is Padraig Harrington — which leads to a lot of time milling around the house trying trick shots, all in the name of #PlayingThrough. We get it.
Other than your wedges and putter, the rest of your golf clubs (and bag) aren’t getting a lot of love these days, but that doesn’t mean you have to forget about them entirely. It’s about this time every year when much of the country is counting down the hours until the Masters, that you likely get your bag out and start doing an inventory check as the days get longer, and opportunities to play become more frequent.
You could wait until coronavirus retreats to do the inventory check, or you could just go ahead and do it now. Let’s be honest, what else are you going to do? Hop on another video conference call? No thanks.
Instead, consider taking a few minutes out to follow these five simple gear tips to ensure everything in your bag is in good working order before you hit the course.
1. Check your grips
Want to know what isn’t fun? Taking a huge rip at the ball and watching the club twist or even fly out of your hands at impact. Could it have something to do with how you hold the club? Sure. But you might also want to check out your handles to see if they’re still in playing condition.
The golf grip is constantly overlooked during the early season tune-up. Golf Pride data shows the average usage for a set of grips is roughly 40-60 rounds — and, yes, practice sessions count as one round — which means you should be replacing your grips every year or two if playing regularly. On average, it’ll run you somewhere between $70-$140 depending on the grip you choose.
If your grips are starting to look slick or rip at the base, it’s probably time to change them out. Or you could consider the idea of using sandpaper to temporarily bring your grips back to life.
Another tip? If you don’t want to buy grips on the regular, wash them every so often with a scrub brush and mild detergent to remove the oils and sweat from your hands that break down the rubber. After giving them a good scrub, dry off the grip with a clean towel.
2. Clean the grooves
I was taught from an early age to always keep the grooves on your irons and wedges clean. (Thanks, Dad!) It’s a simple task that requires you to have a wet towel on hand during the round to clean off the face after each shot. It takes a couple seconds.
But chances are you aren’t cleaning off the grooves after each shot. All that dirt and grass currently caked in the grooves of your lob wedge is a problem. Unless you like hitting a flier, go ahead and check the grooves on all your clubs. (Yes, that includes the 3-iron.)
Studies have shown you can lose roughly 1,300 rpm’s of spin when the grooves can’t grip the cover of the ball properly, which is fairly significant when we’re talking about a wedge shot that needs to drop and stop.
Grab a bucket with warm water, a scrub brush (or even a toothbrush) with plastic bristles and go to work. It shouldn’t take you long to dislodge the dirt and reveal clean grooves. And if you don’t have a brush, a golf tee with a sharp tip will work in a pinch. Just make sure you have several handy if you plan on cleaning your whole set, as the tip of the tee will get worn out in a hurry.
As for the metal brushes you see hanging from golf bags? I’m not a huge fan of taking something with wire bristles to the face of an iron or wedge, especially if it’s of the soft carbon steel variety. But that’s your call if you want to go the metal brush route.
3. Spike check
I’ll be the first to admit I don’t check the spikes on my golf shoes as often as I should. Save for Tiger Woods and a few of his colleagues in the professional ranks, everyone is wearing soft spikes on the course. Soft spikes keep your golf sanctuary happy, but they can be somewhat frustrating to remove if you don’t keep tabs on the number of rounds they’ve logged.
A set of soft spikes will last between 20-30 rounds before they need to be replaced. For those playing on firmer courses in dry desert climates, it’s probably closer to 20. If you catch them before they completely wear out, it’s easy enough to buy a replacement set online — the wrench needed to remove the spikes costs $5-$10 — to keep from having to break in a new pair of shoes.
How can you tell if your spikes need to be replaced? If the rubber spikes have been worn down to nubs, it’s time to make a change. And what happens if you can’t see the two little holes in the soft spike where the wrench attaches to remove said spike? It means they’ve likely been worn to the point where getting new shoes makes the most sense for your sanity. Trust me.
4. Do an inventory check
Now is the time to empty out the golf bag and see what you’re missing. Are you all stocked up on tees, ball markers, sunscreen (make sure it hasn’t expired), permanent markers (we’ll get to this one in a moment) and koozies? If you’re missing one of the above, now is a great time to make sure it’s in the bag for the new season.
What about golf gloves? If you’re anything like me, you have a few fresh options in a Ziploc bag. Also, consider throwing a pair of rain gloves in the mix if you play in the elements, or want to do your best Phil Mickelson impression.
Something else to consider? It wouldn’t be a bad idea to air out your gain gear if it’s regularly stored in the side pocket of your bag. Also, most bags have a small side zipper that allows you to access the bottom in the event something falls between the club dividers. I’ve found an old peanut butter and jelly sandwich and $20 by simply doing a semi-regular check. You never know what you’re going to find.
5. Mark your golf balls
Please don’t be the guy in your foursome who continually asks, “Is it you or me who’s playing the Titleist red 3?” That guy is the worst. Just mark your golf ball and save everyone the headache. If you’ve never marked your ball before, you could always go “Justin Thomas style” and add four red dots around the play number. There’s also “Castaway style,” if you have a bit more time.
If you mark your balls now, you won’t have to worry about doing it right before you tee off. Simple stuff.
And if you’re looking for a specific marker, I’d recommend the Milwaukee Inkzall. Did you know it’s Tiger Woods’ marker of choice? Yes, that’s really a thing. It works great for not only marking the ball but the scorecard as well with pinpoint precision.
By Jonathan Wall
This article originally appeared on Golf.com.
Blog
5 Sneaky Hacks to Crush Your Spring Golf Game in 2025
Gear up, swing smart, and snag pre-season deals with ClickitGolf to kick off your 2025 golf season like a pro!
Spring’s creeping up, golfers! The fairways are shaking off winter, and it’s time to get your game dialed in for 2025. Whether you’re chasing pars or just happy to keep it on the grass, here’s your chill guide to hitting the ground swinging. Let’s go!
Hack 1: Gear Check—Don’t Let Last Year’s Clubs Hold You Back
Dust off your bag and give it a look. Grips feeling like a slip-n-slide? Swap ‘em out—control’s king. And if your driver’s ancient, maybe peek at something fresh. We’ve got the lowdown on the Mizuno OMOI putters—heavier heads, smoother rolls, pure magic. Read the full review; it might just fix your green woes.
Hack 2: Swing Smarter, Not Harder
No need to rebuild your swing from scratch—just polish it. Try the “One-Club Challenge”: grab a 7-iron, hit the range, and mix it up—high, low, whatever. It’s all about feel over force. You’ll be outfoxing courses before the grass turns green.
Hack 3: Mindset Matters
Golf’s a mental game, and winter’s your prep window. Get inspired with some Pebble Beach greatness—like this hole-by-hole flyover narrated by Jim Nantz from Golf Digest. It’s a quick tour of every iconic shot at Pebble, perfect for daydreaming your spring opener. Visualize your ball sticking the green—you’ll be ready.
Hack 4: Score Early Deals
ClickitGolf’s serving up pre-season heat. The shop has deals flowing—Check out all the cool products. Grab ‘em now before the snowbirds invade. Road trip on the brain? Our HotelPlanner Travel partnership cuts costs on hotels and flights. More golf, less cash—done.
Hack 5: Ryder Cup Hype – Channel the Pros
Keegan Bradley captaining the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage? Unexpected and awesome. Start channeling that Team USA energy—watch Pebble Beach’s greatest moments on our video page for some clutch inspo. September’s gonna be a party; we’ll keep you posted on the news page.
Tee It Up!
Gear up, swing smart, snag deals, and get hyped—2025’s your year to own the course. What’s your spring prep go-to? Drop it in the comments—let’s get this crew fired up!
For amateur golfers seeking to enhance their game, stay updated on golf news, or simply enjoy engaging discussions, podcasts offer a convenient and informative medium. Based on recommendations from reputable sources and golf communities, here are some top golf podcasts tailored for non-professional enthusiasts:
Hosted by CBS commentator Mark Immelman, this podcast features weekly interviews with instructors, coaches, players, and other golf experts. With over 700 episodes, it provides in-depth discussions aimed at helping golfers improve their skills.
A favorite among golf enthusiasts, No Laying Up offers a mix of tour coverage, player interviews, and discussions on various golf topics. It’s known for its insightful commentary and engaging content.
Featuring European Tour player Eddie Pepperell, this podcast provides a blend of tour insights and personal experiences, offering listeners a unique perspective on the professional golf scene.
This podcast chronicles the journey of two amateur golfers striving to achieve a scratch handicap. It’s relatable for many non-professional players and offers both entertainment and insights into the challenges of improving one’s game.
Hosted by golf coach Mark Crossfield, this podcast delves into various aspects of the game, from equipment reviews to swing techniques, providing practical advice for amateur golfers.
Hosted by Rick Shiels, a former golf teaching professional from Bolton, this podcast covers a wide range of topics, including equipment reviews, interviews with golf personalities, and discussions on current events in the golf world.
Hosted by popular golfer Andrew “Beef” Johnston and comedian John Robins, this podcast offers a light-hearted take on the game, discussing various golf topics and sharing personal anecdotes.
This podcast explores the highs and lows of being a golf enthusiast, sharing stories and experiences that many amateur golfers can relate to.
Featuring instructors Mark Crossfield, Greg Chalmers, and Lou Stagner, this podcast discusses various aspects of the game, offering insights and tips to help golfers improve.
Hosted by Peter Finch, this podcast features discussions with various guests, covering a wide range of golf-related topics, from equipment to personal experiences.
These podcasts offer a variety of content tailored to amateur golfers, from instructional advice to entertaining discussions. Whether you’re looking to improve your game or simply enjoy golf-related conversations, there’s likely a podcast on this list that suits your interests.
Golf Hacks
How to Play Better Golf Without Changing Your Swing
Improve your golf game without changing your swing by focusing on smarter strategies, better equipment, and a winning mindset.
Improving your golf game often feels like it requires endless swing changes and hours at the range. But the truth is, you can elevate your performance without altering your swing mechanics. With smart strategies and subtle adjustments, you can lower your scores and enjoy the game more. Here’s how to play better golf while keeping your swing as is.
1. Fine-Tune Your Equipment
One of the quickest ways to improve is by ensuring your clubs and accessories are suited to your game.
- Custom Club Fitting: Adjusting your clubs to match your swing can improve distance, accuracy, and comfort without any changes to your technique. Seek out a fitting session with a local pro or a retailer like PGA Tour Superstore.
- Choose the Right Ball: Matching your golf ball to your swing speed and play style can enhance control and maximize distance.
- Replace Your Grips: Fresh grips improve your hold and prevent slippage, helping you hit better shots consistently.
2. Focus on Course Management
Great golfers don’t just play harder—they play smarter.
- Play the Safe Shot: Stick to shots you know you can execute well rather than chasing risky plays.
- Understand Your Distances: Knowing how far you hit each club can help you make better decisions on the course.
- Avoid Trouble Areas: Be mindful of hazards and tough pin placements, opting for strategies that keep you out of trouble.
3. Prioritize the Short Game
A strong short game is essential for lowering scores, and it doesn’t require any swing overhauls.
- Master Your Putting: Work on reading greens and improving your speed control to sink more putts.
- Refine Your Chipping: A simple, repeatable chipping motion can make all the difference around the greens.
- Practice Sand Play: Confidence in bunkers can save strokes and boost your overall game.
4. Work on Fitness and Flexibility
Your physical condition can directly impact your golf performance.
- Build Core Strength: A strong core provides stability and power, making your swing more efficient.
- Improve Flexibility: Stretching regularly helps maintain a full range of motion, reducing strain and enhancing consistency.
- Stay Active on the Course: Walking instead of riding in a cart can help maintain your rhythm and focus during a round.
5. Develop a Winning Mindset
Golf is as much a mental game as a physical one. Sharpening your mental approach can improve your results significantly.
- Stick to a Routine: A consistent pre-shot routine builds confidence and reduces anxiety.
- Focus on the Positive: Visualize successful shots and stay calm under pressure.
- Learn to Let Go: Don’t let a bad shot ruin your round. Accept mistakes and focus on the next opportunity.
6. Use Helpful Tools
The right accessories can make your game easier and more enjoyable.
- Rangefinders and GPS Devices: Knowing precise distances lets you make smarter club selections.
- Alignment Aids: Tools like alignment sticks can improve your aim and help you stay consistent on the course.
- Golf Shoes: A solid pair of shoes provides the stability you need to maintain balance during your swing.
Your Path to Smarter Golf
Improving your game doesn’t have to mean endless swing adjustments. By focusing on smarter strategies, optimizing your equipment, and sharpening your mental approach, you can achieve better results and enjoy golf more. Embrace these tips, and let your natural swing take center stage as you play your best rounds yet!
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