Club care: why soap is not right for every grip

After a wet round, separate cleaning, drying and inspection. This is a care checklist, not a repair manual.

TaylorMade recommends mild detergent, a damp cloth and a soft nylon brush for cleaning clubs. This is routine care, not a method for restoring damaged finishes: cleaning should not be mistaken for repair.

Golf Pride’s grip-care guidance specifies soap, water and a soft brush. Grips should be thoroughly dried after washing or playing in rain. For storage, the manufacturer recommends a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat.

For its genuine-leather grips, The Grip Master prescribes a clean, well-wrung cloth dampened with water: wipe gently and allow to dry. Soap, creams, lotions and solvents are prohibited. This is one manufacturer’s rule, not universal leather-care guidance.

Titleist stresses that both clubs and headcovers must be completely dry before storage. A damp cover can encourage rust and corrosion. Wiping a head and immediately returning it to a wet cover therefore does not finish the job.

Next, inspect the grips. Golf Pride identifies a slick, glossy surface, hardening and crumbling material as signs of wear; putter grips need checking too. Inspection helps distinguish dirt from deterioration. This guide does not set a mandatory timetable for buying replacement grips.

Sources: Golf Pride; TaylorMade; Titleist; The Grip Master.

Golftwitt editorial team