Golf clubs take a lot of punishment: thousands of impacts, bumps in the bag, wet weather and the occasional bang against a tree root. Most problems are easy and inexpensive to fix, either at home or by a club repairer. Knowing what can be repaired, and what needs replacing, saves money and keeps your clubs performing well. Here's a guide to the most common repairs.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Worn, slippery grips | Age, sweat, UV | Regrip. Read how to regrip golf clubs |
| Loose or spinning ferrule | Adhesive failure | Reglue or replace the ferrule |
| Rattle in the head | Loose epoxy or debris inside | Professional repair; sometimes harmless |
| Loose head | Adhesive failure | Professional re-epoxy |
| Bent shaft | Impact or misuse | Reshaft |
| Cracked graphite shaft | Impact or wear | Reshaft immediately; it can snap |
| Rusty steel shaft | Moisture | Clean minor rust; reshaft if pitted |
| Lofts and lies out of spec | Wear over time, especially forged irons | Loft and lie adjustment. Read golf club lie angle and length |
| Worn grooves | Use and practice | Replace wedges. Read golf club grooves explained |
| Cracked or caved driver face | Fatigue or damage | Replace the head |
| Marked crown from skied drives | Impact | Usually cosmetic unless cracked. Read how to stop skying the driver |
| Loose adjustable hosel | Screw not tightened | Tighten with the correct wrench |
DIY repairs
- Regripping: straightforward with tape, solvent and a vice clamp.
- Tightening adjustable heads: use the manufacturer's wrench.
- Cleaning and minor rust removal. Read how to clean and care for golf clubs.
- Ferrule reattachment: possible with care and the right adhesive.
Professional repairs
- Reshafting, including changing shaft flex or weight. Read the golf shaft flex guide.
- Loft and lie adjustments, which need a specialist machine.
- Lengthening or shortening clubs, which affects swing weight. Read golf club specs explained.
- Re-epoxying loose heads.
Many pro shops and clubfitters offer these services. Read custom golf club fitting.
Repair or replace?
- Repair when the head is sound and the fix is simple.
- Replace when the face is cracked, the head is badly damaged, or the repair costs more than a good used replacement. Read when to replace golf clubs.
Damaged during a round
Under the Rules of Golf, if a club is damaged during the round, you may continue to use it or have it repaired. You may replace it only if the damage was not caused by you. Read conforming golf equipment.
Prevention
- Use headcovers on woods and putters.
- Don't throw or slam clubs.
- Dry clubs after wet rounds and store them indoors.
- Check grips, ferrules and heads regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Can a rattling golf club be fixed?
Usually, yes. A repairer can remove debris or re-glue the head.
Is it worth reshafting a golf club?
Often, if the head is in good condition or you want a better-fitting shaft.
Can a cracked driver be repaired?
Generally no. A cracked face or head means replacement.
How often should I have my lofts and lies checked?
Every year or two for regular golfers, especially with forged irons.
The bottom line
Most golf club problems can be fixed simply and cheaply. Regrip regularly, tighten and reglue where needed, use a professional for shafts, lofts and lies, and replace clubs with cracked faces or serious damage. For more on equipment, read what to do with old golf clubs.