Is Rust On Golf Clubs Actually Good?

As readers of this blog will know, we are not fans of rust. Whether it be on our vehicles, firearms, or tools, we try to prevent rust before it starts. But what about encouraging golf club rust? Golf clubs are sometimes considered desirable if they have a rusty patina. While we find this to be unthinkable, there is controversy over whether or not golf clubs, specifically wedges, actually perform better when rusty. Read on to find out why this might be the case!

The Debate Over Rust on Wedges

In a set of golf clubs, each club has a specific purpose. For long range driving off of the tee, a driver can achieve the farthest distance. After the first drive, the skill of the golfer determines how many more shots will be needed to reach the hole. Woods, hybrid clubs, or irons are used, with each club optimized to hit the ball a certain distance. As you near the hole, a wedge is used to hit a short, precise shot onto the green. Wedges work by having a low angle that scoops the ball high into the air, and creates backspin that helps the ball stop quickly when landing. There is a long standing belief that rust on wedges improves backspin by adding texture to the face of the club.

Golf clubs are made of various materials, such as titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, and wood. The heads of wedges are made from steel, which we know rusts quite easily. Historically, wedge heads are chrome plated to keep the head from rusting. However, many pro golfers actually prefer raw, or uncoated wedges. This must prove that raw wedges perform better, right?

According to TaylorMade golf, raw wedges do appear to perform better, at least in wet weather. In TaylorMade’s testing, the difference between raw and plated wedges was minimal in dry conditions. However, in wet shots, the chrome plated wedge had 50% less spin compared to dry shots, and the raw club lost only 25% of it’s spin. Most golf clubs have tiny grooves machined into the club face that impart the spin on the ball. According to TaylorMade’s analysis, the raw wedges allowed the integrity of the grooves to be more pronounced, whereas chrome plating made the grooves less effective.

On the other hand, you’ll find many other sources that say that raw wedges improving spin is a myth, and the difference in spin is inconsequential. If this is the case, why do many pros choose uncoated wedges? One reason is that the raw finish doesn’t cause glare like a chrome finish would, which is important for pro golfers who are playing in bright sunlight. Also, the head can be ground down to make fine adjustments without worries of ruining the finish. Some golfers just like the look of the uncoated wedges. As with all competitive sports, golfers are looking for any edge they can get, no matter how small. There is a case to be made that a raw wedge improves performance, so many feel it’s worth trying.

What Finish Is Best?

For golf pros, this is a tired argument and they’ve long settled on what wedge finish works best. For the average golfer, it probably won’t make much of a difference! While raw finishes may have a marginal improvement in spin and feel, the golfer’s technique is the most important part of getting a good spin with a wedge. Whether you prefer chrome or raw finish clubs, your swing and technique determines your success. In other words, it’s the player, not the club! If you want to try a rusty wedge, it’s possible to remove the chrome plating and encourage rust by spraying or soaking the club head with salt water. However, we recommend keeping your expensive golf clubs rust free! They will last longer and look nicer. Wipe your clubs off after each round, especially if playing in wet conditions. When storing your clubs, one of our rust prevention vapor capsules is ideal for placing into your golf bag, especially when paired with the rain hood or bag cover. For long term storage, try our VCI protection poly bags, which will protect against rust, particularly in damp areas such as sheds and garages. If you have questions about how to avoid golf club rust, contact us!