Get your golfing kit ready for the new season

Empty out your bag to check you’ve got everything
  

From golf’s return to the Olympics in Rio, to the Open at Royal Troon, this year is undoubtedly a big one for golf. And after watching the top players drive their way around these courses, you’ll no doubt be itching to get on the tee yourself.

But did you just dump your bag in the garage at the end of last year? Are your shoes starting to look a little worse for wear? When was the last time you put on a new grip?

It’s time to dig everything out and make sure your equipment is ready to go…

Sort out your bag

First things first, get your golf bag and empty it. Clear all the pockets and delve into the bottom for loose tees, balls and more. Once you’ve emptied the bag give it a clean, wiping down the outside and taking a handle-held hoover to the inside.

Now it’s time to refill it. Make sure you’ve got all the usual stuff like a new bag of tees, some clean balls and a few hand towels for those trademark British downpours.

New grips

Grips are one of those areas that can sometimes be overlooked – but as we’ve pointed out in the past, how you hold your club is one of the most important aspects of your swing. It’s where your body comes into contact with the equipment. And if it’s not right, or is uncomfortable, no matter how good your swing is it won’t transfer to the ball.

Check your grips to see if there’s any wear or tear, or if it’s starting to peel away. Even if it looks in good condition, you should still be putting new grips on every 2 years at the least. For more regular players, it should be an annual task.
   

Restock the wardrobe

As seasons pass, so fashions change. And on the fairways and clubhouses of Britain’s golf courses it’s no different. What was stylish and cool last summer may well be a fashion faux pas in 2016.

We suggest investing in some pastel colours this year. They’ll work just as well in the July sun and summer showers.

But it’s not just about getting the newest trends. You've got to make sure your clothes are fit for purpose. This means re-spiking your shoes to give them a new lease of life.

And make sure you’ve also got suitable hats, jumpers, waterproofs and shorts – you never know what the British summer will throw at you.

Check your clubs

Finally, once everything else is updated and ship shape it’s time to turn to your clubs. They may have served you well over the years, and your swing might have evolved to take into account the slight bend in your 7-iron. But it’s worth looking to them now to see whether they need updating.

Signs that they are past their best include a lack of definition in the club face’s grooves, which can cause balls to ‘slip’ off the face when you’re playing, leading to slicing. Or cracked shafts, which can lead to rust and a weakened shaft.

You don’t need to buy new clubs, though – repairing and reconditioning them is also an option. Heads can be replaced, damage repaired and grooves sharpened.

After that it’s just a matter of getting the rust out of your swing.