I have decided to put my clubs away for the year! We still have some great weather, but it is time to transition to other activities and start getting ready for winter. This process does take a bit of time because I have to ‘winterize’ my stuff in order to protect it from the blustery days ahead. So, my slow transition of cleaning and storing my golf equipment has begun. My first step was to empty my golf locker (my car); I did not realize how much stuff I actually had squirrelled away. Regardless, it is time to start putting things away……it is a sad day.
The first thing I do is clean out my golf bag and remove anything that could spoil or needed to be washed. This is not a difficult process, but it is one that is important. Last thing I would want is to find a left over sandwich in my bag after six months of storage. Not that this has happened, but I know of a situation first hand where it has. Then, it is time to clean my clubs:
I use dish soap and lukewarm water to clean my grooves and the grips. I give them a good scrubbing and let them air dry before putting them away. After they are dry, I put a plastic bag over the top and store them under my stairs for the winter. I keep my expensive equipment out of the cold weather because I do not want to take the chance of damaging them. I keep my putter out of my bag because I know that I will be using it over the winter in my basement.
I take all my golf balls and other accessories and store them in a tote in my basement. It is important to store this ‘stuff’ in the warm temperatures because the cold would definitely affect them; especially the golf balls. Many sources suggest that storing golf balls in the very cold (my location in the winter) will be detrimental to their future performance. I did not need these sources to tell me this because I learned that lesson first hand. So, my golf balls are stored in the house for their long winters nap.
It does not take me long to put my golf equipment away. Most years I find this transition to be a bit emotional, but for some reason, this year is a bit different. It is a sad day for sure, but not quite as emotional as other years. Not sure why, but that is the way it is. I have played plenty of golf this year (close to 80 times on the links) and as such feel that I am ready to see what the fall and winter holds.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Jim, I hope you reconsider. Personally, if the weather cooperates, I am playing if there is a golf course open within reasonable driving distance. I like to think of myself as a fair weather golfer…with poor standards😀😀😀. I have learned to dress in layers and play during the warmest part of the day.
My friends and I love this time of year. The course isn’t as busy, pace of play is good and it is always good for our mental health. If the weather is cooler, we move up a tee block, frequently playing with our classic steel clubs (persimmon woods, older iron sets) using a softer golf ball. If you walk the course it is easy to keep warm.
I am not a big fan of using a golf simulator when I can play outside. Being retired, we can play on the best days. Fortunately, I have several friends that feel the same way. When our home course closes (usually mid November), we know the handful of courses in this area that stay open longest.
Jim, when there is snow on the ground, it is ok to clean your clubs. Until then, my clubs remain eager to challenge the elements and I feel it is my duty to set them free 😀😀😀.
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Lorne,
Normally, I am with you. This year, not to make any excuses, I have been nursing an elbow and Achilles tendon injury for about two months. It is time unfortunately. Next year fall golf will be at the top of my must do list. I am glad to hear you are still whacking away. Enjoy the fall.
Cheers Jim
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