More
How To Make Your Own Golf Clubs in 5 Steps
Often times, golf is labeled as the rich man’s game. From costs of country club memberships, private lessons, buying clubs, fresh Lacoste shirts and baggy plaid trousers and [insert other commonly stereotyped articles of golf clothing here], and the likes, a hobby can quickly turn from a favorable pastime into a burning hole in your pocket. So if there are any corners you can cut to save a little cash, why not do it?
If you’re going to play golf, the one thing you can’t be without, unless you plan on being promptly escorted from the premises (and possibly deported) are golf clubs and unfortunately, those can be the most costly investment in the game. The good news is you may not have to drop hundreds or even thousands of dollars on them; and even if you’re not MacGyver, you can make your own. Here’s how:
“This is what I ended up making by using this guide. But then again… I am MacGyver.
1. It’s Easier Than It Sounds
You should be able to get all the equipment you need from a pro golf shop in your area and a local hardware store. If in any doubt, someone at the golf shop should be able to help you with any questions you may have.
Making your own clubs has a few advantages compared to buying: it’s less expensive than buying brand new ones (or even used ones), and this will allow for a highly customized job that fits your personalized hitting style
2. Choosing the Parts
The first step you’ll want to make is to go shopping for grips, shafts and clubheads. Shafts that are a bit less expensive are made from steel. Though less expensive, they are still very durable and are a great choice. Clubs that are made from graphite are lighter. Many say it’s easier to hit the ball with graphite clubs, but as they are lighter, they’re also more expensive.
When choosing your grip and clubhead, you’ll want to customize them to your personal hitting style. These parts vary quite a bit in style and price.
3. Making the Driver
You should make your driver first since it is the easiest to make. The length of the club itself will depend on your comfort. Most novice golfers opt for a longer club, but many professionals would rather have a shorter club because they say the accuracy is much better without sacrificing much length.
4. The Shaft
The third step is to scuff up your shafts. (Stop giggling. Grow up.) They’ll need to be less smooth so that the epoxy will bond tightly when the shaft meets the clubhead. This goes for both steel and graphite shafts.
To rough up the shafts, all you need is some sandpaper. If you choose graphite, however, you’ll need to remove the outer coating first. For this, use a belt sander as graphite shafts a little easier to destroy. After that, you can use sandpaper or a file to rough up the rest of it.
5. Assembling the Pieces
Next, you’ll need to put the shaft in the hosel after applying the epoxy to both pieces. Make sure to apply a liberal amount to ensure the pieces stay together. And to make certain that that the shaft is completely inside the hosel, tab the grip part of the shaft against something hard, like the concrete ground.
After the epoxy has dried and hardened, shorten the shafts by sawing them with a hacksaw if they’re made from steel. For graphite shafts, you will need to wrap the area that you’re going to cut in a couple layers of tape before actually cutting them. This will keep them from shattering.
The final step is to install the grips by cleaning the area with grip solvent. After this step, apply double-sided tape to it. Soak the tape with the grip solvent, easing the process of sliding the grips onto the shafts. Now, make the final adjustments to the grips as the solvent dries. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The next day, you’ll be able to hit the course with your new, unique and handmade golf clubs.
“Someone from Athleticka is making me a golf club? HELLS YEAH!
Citations:
Michelle Brown is a writer working with Radical Golf Carts, a golf cart parts retailer selling parts and accessories for Yamaha, Club Car and EZ-GO golf carts.
Tagged do it yourself, featured, golf, how to, sports
