In golf, it’s natural that the equipment you use will wear out. Even if you have a favorite golf club, it’ll ultimately lose its effectiveness. Sadly, when your club wears down, it significantly lowers your performance. In that case, switching to a different golf club is preferable.
This begs the question, how long do golf drivers last? Depending on how much golf you play, the answer may vary. The driver might last much longer if you don’t play as often.
In this article, we’ll discuss in-depth how long golf drivers last. We’ll also talk about how you can maintain them so they last a long time. Let’s dive right in!
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What Is the Average Lifespan of Golf Drivers?
Drivers deliver the most length range out of all clubs and are best for tee shots for par four and five holes. Unfortunately, as a result, they’re susceptible to wear and tear more than other types.
A driver will start to lose power after many years of use, and you’ll find your performance getting less precise.
If you play 30 to 40 rounds annually, you should consider purchasing a new driver every three to five years. However, your driver would normally last seven years and possibly even longer if you played less than that amount.
Most driver heads nowadays are made of titanium. Unfortunately, the material is a bit brittle, which is why it can wear out faster than others. Wood drivers are known for their high durability.
When to Replace Your Golf Drivers
Since you’ll need to replace your driver every few years, some indicators show that it’s time to do so. Here are some signs that you should get a new driver:
Noticeable Damage
If you notice any damage to your driver, it’s time for a replacement. Inspect your driver’s face and check for any indications of strain or wear. Any significant damage can heavily impact the driver’s performance.
If the club has any worn areas, they could start developing a fracture and render your driver inoperable.
Abrupt Reduction of Distance
Any sudden distance loss could indicate that something is wrong with your golf club. This could indicate an issue with the driver’s face, such as a dent or a little fracture.
When the damaged club strikes the ball, it won’t gain the proper spin it needs when it enters the green. Instead of bouncing and rotating, the ball will hop and roll out, losing distance.
If that’s the case, you should carefully check the club for any of the problems mentioned above.
A Shift in the Swing
It might be time for a new driver if you find that your swing has shifted and you consistently hit shots that are off-target. The worn-out drivers will cause the ball to fly inconsistently.
When your ball starts flying erratically, you’ll note that it keeps landing in places you didn’t intend it to. This is due to the face losing strength, which causes it to impart less force to the ball at contact than usual. If that’s the case, then you’ll need to replace your driver.
How to Take Care of Your Golf Drivers
There are many actions you can take to retain your driver’s good condition. Here are some tips for maintaining your golf driver to make the most use out of it:
Clean Your Equipment
Keeping your club clean is one of the most crucial aspects of upkeep. To ensure that the face of your club interacts with the ball as expected, make sure it’s clean and clear of dirt. This way, it’ll give the ball the best possible velocity and rotation.
The best way to clean the driver is using dish soap and a brush. This is how you do it:
- Allow the iron club head to soak in warm water for five to ten minutes.
- Wash the grooves of the club with dish soap and a gentle brush. Avoid using wire bristles since they’ll damage the exterior.
- Once done, give the club one more rinse to ensure that all the soap fully washes away.
- Dry the clubs with a towel. Make sure to completely dry it to avoid rust buildup.
- It may be a great idea to wipe your golf clubs after every game with a damp towel to remove the dirt on the spot.
Check the Temperature
While it may not seem like it, the temperature has a significant impact on golf clubs. Extreme temperatures can damage your equipment. Some club components may harden and shatter if they’re exposed to cold temperatures continuously. As a result, your drive might be affected.
Heat will also affect your equipment. The epoxy that connects the club head to the shaft and the adhesive holding the grips together can both degrade in extreme heat.
Because of that, try not to keep your equipment in the trunk of your vehicle. Always keep your clubs in a dry area with a temperature range of 40 to 80 degrees.
Cover Your Golf Club
It’s usually advisable to cover your golf club when in storage. In this manner, the weather or other external factors won’t affect your driver.
Nowadays, the majority of golf bags have a rain hood to protect your clubs from dampness. Additionally, it prevents the clubs from rusting or losing their strength. If you don’t have a hood, it may be a good idea to invest in one.
Summary
Golfing is usually a great experience. It’s calming, enjoyable, and challenging. However, if you play frequently, your golf club may start to wear out. So, how long do golf drivers last?
Generally, they can last for three to seven years, depending on how often you play. It might be time to buy a new club if you detect any obvious changes, including dents or shifts in your swing. Just be sure to maintain the club regularly so that it lasts a long time.
In this way, you can anticipate a seamless round of golf in which you can surpass your previous record with ease.
