If you have played golf for any length of time, you probably have reached a point where you had to regrip your clubs. In doing so, you may have noticed that grips are not very cheap these days, especially the high-end models from Golf Pride and Iomic that I like to play.

Making things worse is that most shops charge around $2-to-$3 per club for their regripping services. So what can golfers do to protect their grips? After all, the grip is the one part of a golf club that we actually hold during the swing. I’ve outlined some steps that will help golfers everywhere ensure proper function, longevity and untimely prevent erosion.

Cleaning

I can not stress enough how important it is to clean your grips. This is the one simple step that golfers can do to make their grips last a long time. The simplest way to do this is with a bucket of warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush. Simply place a tee in the hole at the end of your grip (it will prevent water from getting inside the shaft) dip the grip in the soapy water and gently scrub them clean. When you are finished, dry the grips off with a clean towel. This should be performed once every few rounds.

If you are like me and are a little obsessed with taking care of your gear, here are some common products I’ve used to help keep my grips feeling extra tacky.

• Windex Glass Cleaner: The streak-free glass surface cleaner will leave your grips streak free as well. Spray on a dry grip and wipe off with a damp towel.
• Welches Tire Bleach: Good enough to clean your vehicle’s tires and will do the same for your grips. Spray on a wet grip, gently scrub the grip and rinse off.
• GoJo (Orange Hand Cleaner): Designed to remove motor oil and grease from your hands, Gojo will work wonders for removing body oils from your grip. The grit mixed into the soap is an excellent exfoliator and will help remove even excess oil and grime. Rub thoroughly on a wet grip and rinse off.
• Clorox Sanitizing Wipes: These are great for that after round clean up. Keep a small pouch of them in your golf bag for quick access and cleaning. Gently wipe grip and wipe with a dry towel
• Scotch Brite Pad: If you have a very dirty grip or one that needs a little life restored, wet the grip and using a twisting motion with the Scotch-Brite pad to remove a light layer of the old rubber and restore the finish.

OK, we are past the point of cleaning or reviving a grip. So how can you tell when a grip has reached the end of its life?

If you notice any of the following, it’s time to change a grip.

• Smooth surfaces, either uniform across the grip or in isolated areas.
• Cracks.
• Shiny patches.
• Erosion of the painted areas or logos on your grips.
• Insufficient tack (slickness)

If you are unsure if you need new grips, remember that club experts recommend regripping your clubs once every year or every 40 rounds. Regardless of how often you play, ozone, heat, dirt and oils are constantly at work breaking down the materials that make up your grips. Also, keep in mind that because grip degredation happens over a period of time, you may not be as astute as noticing it as your playing partners.

When your buddies say, “Man, you need new grips,” you probably do.