Do Golf Drivers Wear Out? • Honest Golfers

When it comes to golf drivers, how long do they actually last? In this case, the most-hated answer is the right answer: it depends. The golf driver is one of the most frequently used clubs in any golfer’s bag, so it’s important to learn how to properly care for your driver to extend its lifespan.

So, do golf drivers wear out? A golf driver will wear out and has about a lifespan of five years. Signs your golf drivers are worn out include visible damage on the clubhead and shaft, significant changes in swing, and the golf driver being three to five years old. The life of golf drivers can be increased by doing regular maintenance.

Sadly, even the best golf drivers of all time wear out. So in this article, we will discuss when you should replace your golf driver, valuable maintenance tips to extend the life of your golf driver, and more. Hint: for those of you who are just starting out, we also have recommendations for the best driver for beginners in our buyer’s guide.

4 Signs Your Golf Driver Is Worn Out

Take a look at some of these signs that indicate your golf driver needs replacing.

1. Visible Damage on The Shaft or Clubhead

This is the first thing you should take into account when determining if you should replace your golf driver.

Inspect the shaft for any damage from taking the golf club in and out of your bag. Examine the face of your golf driver for any signs of stress.

2. A Sudden Decrease in Distance

Consider changing your golf driver if you observe a considerable drop-off in your distance off the tee for no reason. Many times, this is a result of a small crack in the clubface that you cannot see with the naked eye.

You are more likely to crack the clubface if you regularly play golf in the winter or your swing speed is fast.

There are also other causes of decreased distance off the tee.

Altitude has a significant effect on golf ball distance. Your golf ball will travel more at higher altitudes. It will travel 2% farther at every 1,000 feet (304 meters) above the sea level of a course.
Common golf injuries, such as tendinitis in the elbows, wrist injuries, back pain, and knee pain, can considerably reduce distance off the tee and decrease clubhead speed.
Cold weather can drastically decrease your distance off the tee. For each 10-degree drop in the temperature, the distance off the tee reduces by two yards, as per the United States Golf Association (USGA). Cold air is denser and produces more resistance.

If you’ve observed a drop in distance and it’s not due to any of the above things, start looking for a new golf driver.

3. Age of The Golf Driver

Consider changing your driver if you have played it for 3 to 5 years.

The older the golf driver, the higher the chances for damage from daily wear and tear, which adversely affects your distance and driving speed.

4. A Change in Swing

If you have made significant changes to your swing since the last time you bought a golf driver, it might be time to buy a new one.

It could be that you have changed your swing to compensate for an injury or age. Go for a golf driver that matches your abilities and suits your current swing.

6 Valuable Tips to Extend the Life of a Golf Driver

Here are a few things you can do to increase the lifespan of your golf driver:

Ensure you clean the driver after each use. Here is how to clean it. Add one teaspoon of soap to a half-gallon (1.9 liters) of water, depending on the number of clubs you want to clean. Dip your brush in the soap solution and clean your driver vigorously. Use a towel or lint-free rag to dry your golf driver and put it back in your bag. Clean your dirty golf balls regularly to keep your clubface scratch-free.
Keep your clubhead dry and clean to prevent rusting. Dry the shaft and head of your golf club with a towel immediately after using the club. Protecting your golf clubs from rusting increases their life, and you can use them for as long as you want.
Keep your golf clubs stored in a dry and cool place. If you play daily, keep your golf club in the trunk of your car. If you are playing less, keep it in the corner of your garage.
Remove dirt from the grip using a damp cloth before putting it away.
If your grips are worn-out, replace them with new grips for better performance on the golf course.
Check the shaft for cracks and dents regularly, and clean it at least every few rounds. Shafts that are in good condition will last longer. Also, avoid exerting any strain on your shaft or leaning on your golf clubs since it will necessarily lead to permanent damage.

How Often Should You Replace Your Golf Driver?

The average golf driver should last five years with moderate use (30 to 40 rounds each year).

If you play less than 30 rounds per year, you should think about purchasing a new driver after seven years.

Are New Golf Drivers Better?

A new golf driver is better if your current one is over five years old. New golf drivers boast technological advancements that include improved head speeds so the golf club can be swung faster.

The new golf driver will not make much difference in your game if the one you are using is from the previous year.

Will a New Golf Driver Improve Distance?

A new golf driver will improve distance if the one you’re using is outdated.

It will not offer a significant boost in the distance if your current golf driver is one or two years old.

Recap: How Long Does it Take Golf Drivers to Wear Out?

As a golfer, you know how vital the right golf driver is. With moderate use, golf drivers should last for five years. They can wear out after a while, particularly if you use them regularly.

A golf driver can lose its pop when there is a crack in the clubface. Using worn-out drivers can be a real obstacle to your golf game. They will lead to irregular ball flights that can cause you trouble from the tee.

So, it is best to replace your golf driver every five years.