They may be the most powerful clubs in a player's bag, but golf drivers can also be some of the most delicate clubs too.
Their hollow heads and intricate designs mean they need constant care and attention during and after every game, to ensure they look - and play - as well as possible round after round.
It might be tempting to abandon them in your car boot once the game is done, but if you want to make the most out of your driver purchase, you’ll need to put in a small amount of extra time and effort. Which makes complete sense, given they’re usually the most expensive clubs we own.
At Clarkes Golf, we’re an approved stockist of premium golf drivers from the sport’s biggest brands, so we like to think we know a thing or two about good drivers!
With this in mind, here are a few handy tips to keep your golf drivers performing as expected.
Keeping your golf driver as good as new
Clean your golf drivers thoroughly
This should have become muscle memory by now, but you’d be surprised how many golfers simply abandon their driver after a round, with no thought to its longevity.
It may have a primarily smooth appearance, but the fine grooves in your driver’s clubface, as well as other shapes and indentations in the design of the crown and underside, can be hotbeds of muck and grass picked up from the course.
If left, these elements could begin to decay, causing damage to any surface they’re attached to - in this case, your driver.
So after each game, it’s essential to give your golf driver a healthy scrubbing, to keep it as clean as the day it came off the shelf.
A common way to ensure all foreign bodies have been removed from the driver head is to submerge it in warm (not hot), soapy water for a few seconds, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any grime caught in the grooves of the face.
For the rest of the club and club head, a soft rag soaked in the same soapy water should do the trick.
From here, you can dry off the club with a gentle towel, add your driver head cover, and pop it back in your bag, ready for the next round!
Store your golf drivers correctly
They may be made from sturdy metals, but your golf clubs are just as exposed to the conditions they’re kept in as any other materials.
Far too many golfers simply shove their clubs in their garage or shed, or leave them in the boot in-between rounds.
But these environments are no place for golf clubs. The humidity in the air and fluctuations in temperature can cause damage to the structural integrity of golf clubs - specifically hollow-head golf drivers.
That’s why, for safety, you should always keep your golf clubs in your home, in a room or cupboard that has stable humidity and warmth all year round.
Avoid picking up scuffs and scratches
Your driver is bound to pick up a few unwanted marks here and there. After all, you are trying to crush the ball off the tee at full force every time.
But driver heads are built to handle the impacts offered by golf balls. Despite their solid appearance, these balls do have a little give, compressing on impact with the club face.
What does not have any give, however, are stray stones and pebbles that can be trodden into the tee by previous players unintentionally.
Catching one of these with your driver will undoubtedly result in some nasty results that won’t just affect your golf driver aesthetically, but functionally too.
So before you line up your drive and give the shot everything you’ve got, have a quick scan of the area surrounding your ball, just in case there are any rogue elements that could cause your driver head harm.
Explore the best golf drivers for sale at Clarkes Golf
If you’re concerned your current driver has gone past the point of no return, or it’s been in your bag for a long time and you simply fancy an upgrade, you can’t go wrong shopping with Clarkes Golf.
With plenty of top-quality golf drivers from the world’s biggest brands - including Callaway, Titleist, Cobra, TaylorMade, Mizuno, Wilson Staff, PING and more - we’re your go-to choice for the best golf driver to add to your bag.
Take a look at our huge range of golf drivers here, or get in touch with the Clarkes Golf team if you have any questions before making a purchase.
Whether you're looking for a new driver that's of a lower loft or higher loft than your current club, or if you prefer something with a bit of flex instead of extra stiff, we'll always have the perfect driver to meet your needs.
But don’t forget about our price promise guarantee - if you find the exact same driver listed elsewhere at a cheaper price, let us know and we’ll match the price for you.