Do Golf Clubs Break Easily?

Most of us assume that golf clubs are durable because of the simple fact that they are made of metal. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true. 

Golf clubs don’t break easily but they can break if used improperly, stored wrongly, or simply left out in bad weather. Although it isn’t easy to break golf clubs they will break. 

Most modern golf clubs are made of graphite, and while it is very durable, the material is prone to breaking. Moreover, It is quite common for golf clubs due to improper swinging technique leading to ‘fat shots’.

In this article I will try to clearly answer the question of whether golf clubs break easily and what you can do to prevent this from happening.

To see some of the latest and greatest golfing gadgets currently on the market just click here.

Why Do Golf Clubs Break?

Manufacturers used to make golf clubs by hand using steel. Fast forward until today, and golf clubs are produced on a large scale – it’s why they are affordable. 

This means that it is common for manufacturing defects to creep in now and then to cause problems. But the truth is, the most common cause for golf clubs breaking down is poor technique.  

Some players, especially those new to the game, like to smack the club against the ground. This damage piles up over time and the club will break apart. 

Let’s explore a few reasons why your golf clubs might break. 

Don’t Make Contact With The Ground

The club is not designed for impact with the ground. Smacking the club on the ground is the equivalent of cracking an eggshell open. Do it enough times, and you’ll break it. 

It isn’t uncommon for the golf shaft to break in half if the person wielding it practices poor form.

Some players aren’t aware that their club is making contact with the ground. This can be prevented by placing the ball closer to you. Reaching the ball can increase the likelihood of smacking the ground with the club.

Assuming you are left-handed, don’t stand back on your left hand. Beginners new to golf like to stand to the side of their dominant hand. This is not the right technique and can cause problems. 

Always keep your shoulders level, head forward, and legs center to prevent hitting the ground.

Rust Starts To Develop

It is common for golf clubs to start rusting from the inside out. This usually happens when the owner leaves the club out in the rain or keeps them around in humid conditions. 

Cleaning the golf club can also cause damage. You do not want the water to run down the shaft because you’ll create the perfect conditions for rusting.

Once the rust starts to grow, it’s only a matter of time before the club breaks apart. A good solution is to keep the clubs indoors at all times. 

Always wipe the clubs with a dry towel after a game of golf to keep them dry. When washing, try to use a small amount of water and don’t dip the club in water – no matter how dirty it gets.

Graphite Shafts Require Extra Care

Graphite shafts are advertised as lighter than steel versions. The lightweight aspect of a club allows players to improve their strikes and swings – but it comes at a cost. 

Durability. 

Graphite clubs have a long way to go before they get more durable. Graphite shafts are more likely to break compared to steel variants.

With that said, you can get the most out of your graphite shafts as long as you’re practicing good form. Take good care of your clubs and you should be good to go.

The Use Of Epoxy Inside The Shaft Head 

Many golf club enthusiasts are fond of making their own clubs and use epoxy as an adhesive product. Epoxy can increase the likelihood of the shaft breaking apart. 

Apply too much and it’s only a matter of time. Some people use excessive amounts of epoxy when trying to connect the shaft and head. 

The more you hit golf balls, the more likely you create a breakpoint where the shaft and head meet. Durability also depends on the quality of the epoxy solution you are applying. 

For best results, choose an epoxy product that takes 24 hours to completely dry. 

You will find epoxy vendors who promise drying times of 10 minutes. This is an indication of low quality, and you should steer away.

Always use the least amount of epoxy possible!

Don’t Use Clubs Made Out Of Wood

Wood is quite vulnerable to the impact of clubs hitting the ball. It can break easily if the player makes too many fat shots. 

The impact with the ground can create a breaking point for the wood. You can prevent the golf club from breaking by working on your stance and swings. 

Once again, try not to place the ball too far away from where you are swinging.

Leaving Clubs in Extreme Heat

It isn’t uncommon for players to leave their golf clubs exposed to excessive heat for hours on end. Some golf rounds can last 4 hours or more – so the heat will build up over time.

The heat itself isn’t the main cause for concern – it’s the connecting point between the head and shaft that can weaken due to prolonged exposure to the heat. 

The epoxy, a common adhesive, breaks down. And without anything connecting the head to the shaft, the clubhead will just fly away.

The best solution is to keep the clubs in your car seat with the AC turned on. If you are storing the clubs in your garage, make sure the area is properly ventilated. 

A ceiling fan should also get the job done.

Minimize Club Chatter

Club chatter commonly occurs due to poor club storage procedures. Over time, the banging of the clubs can cause damage to one or more of them, often rendering them ineffective. 

You can increase your club’s life expectancy by properly storing your clubs. It will not eliminate the club chatter, but you’ll get more out of your club.

Make sure to place your clubs in a bag with built-in dividers. This will prevent the clubs from touching each other and causing damage over time.

Pro tip: Buy headcovers for your woods and driver. Place the headcovers over the clubheads to protect them.

How Durable Are Golf Clubs?

Some golf clubs are more durable than others. Irons, putters, and wedges can last for over 10 years if used properly. 

However, the most vulnerable clubs are the driver and wood. They usually have a life expectancy of 2 years or more.

You should take every precaution to keep your clubs from breaking. Improve your technique and make sure you’re not making ‘fat shots’.