Short answer: yes, if they live there. In an Arizona State University study, cars parked in the sun on 100°F days reached 116°F inside after one hour, with dashboards at 157°F. Heat like that, day after day, can soften the epoxy that holds clubheads on, wear out your grips and trap moisture that leads to rust. A drive to the course and back is fine. Leaving them in the trunk all summer is what does the damage.
If you're passionate about golf, you know your clubs aren't just tools. They're an investment. The trunk might seem like a convenient spot to keep them, but it can lead to some costly consequences. Keeping your golf equipment in top condition doesn't just improve your game. It saves you money, keeps your spouse happy and leaves your trunk free for everything else.
Here's why it's time to rethink where you store your golf clubs and how to take better care of them.
The Hidden Risks of Leaving Clubs in Your Trunk
1. Heat Is Your Worst Enemy
A parked car turns into an oven on a summer day, from Arizona to Florida. The heat can weaken the epoxy that holds clubheads, grips and shafts together. Over time, even a slight shift can affect your shots. Graphite-shafted clubs are even more sensitive to big temperature swings.
Imagine stepping up to the tee expecting perfection, only to find your clubs have been compromised. Not ideal.
2. Humidity Can Rust Your Clubs
Heat isn't the only problem. Hot days and cool nights cause condensation, especially if your clubs went back in the bag wet. That moisture causes rust, which pits and weakens your clubs over time.
3. Keep Trunk Space Free for Life's Priorities
Picture this: you're packing for a weekend away or loading groceries, and your golf bag is taking up the whole trunk. Keep the trunk free and there's room for what matters. Your partner will appreciate it too.
4. A Security Concern
Golf equipment isn't cheap, and a bag in the car can make your vehicle a target for theft. You wouldn't leave your wallet in plain view, and your clubs shouldn't be an exception.
How to Prevent Golf Club Damage
Taking care of your clubs doesn't have to be a hassle. A few small habits keep them in top condition for years.
Store Them Indoors
Keep your clubs somewhere cool and dry, like a golf room or the garage, ideally in a Links Lockers golf locker. This protects them from heat, moisture and wear.
Wipe Them Down
After every round, wipe your clubs with a clean, dry cloth to remove dirt and moisture. Regular cleaning makes them last longer and keeps them looking new.
Regular Inspections
Take a few minutes each month to check for loose clubheads or worn grips. Maintenance is easier and cheaper than replacing a club.
Where to Keep Golf Clubs Instead
Indoors or in the garage, standing upright, off the floor and out of the sun. A rack works if the garage is tidy. A golf locker keeps the bag, 8 extra clubs, shoes and balls behind one door, so nothing gets knocked over or buried. If your clubs live in the garage, our golf locker for the garage in satin black is the one most golfers choose.
Final Thoughts
Your golf clubs are an investment, in money and in your love of the game. Keep them out of the hot trunk, store them somewhere cool and dry, and they (and your game) will thank you for it.