Is it OK to keep golf clubs in trunk?
Keeping golf clubs in the trunk is not ideal for long-term storage, especially in extreme heat, cold, or high humidity. It’s better to store clubs in a climate-controlled space when possible, and limit trunk storage to short trips with proper precautions.
When golfers load their bags into a car, the trunk becomes a convenient temporary resting place. However, trunk environments can swing dramatically with weather and sun exposure, and that variability can affect everything from grip material to shaft integrity. There’s also the practical concern of theft and potential damage to the car’s interior if clubs shift during transit.
How temperature, humidity and exposure affect golf clubs
Trunk temperatures can spike quickly in hot weather, sometimes reaching levels well beyond the cabin temperature. Prolonged exposure to heat can soften adhesives around clubheads, degrade grip materials, and potentially affect graphite shafts. Cold pockets can make grips stiff and may cause moisture in the bag to condensate when you move the clubs into a warmer environment. Humidity inside a closed trunk can promote rust on irons and dirty, damp conditions on leather or synthetic grip surfaces. In short, the more extreme the conditions and the longer the exposure, the higher the risk of damage.
These effects are usually gradual, but they can compound with repeated trips or season-long storage in a trunk. Even if the clubs look fine, subtle degradation can impact feel, balance, and longevity over time. Theft risk is another practical consideration in many urban and suburban settings, especially when the vehicle is parked in public or exposed locations.
Risks of leaving clubs in the trunk
Before listing the main concerns, it helps to keep in mind the typical scenarios golfers encounter when leaving clubs in a trunk:
- Heat can weaken grips and adhesives, potentially causing peeling or looseness over time.
- Moisture and humidity can lead to rust on metal parts and mold or mildew on fabric bags and grips.
- Sunlight through the car’s windows can still heat the bag and its contents even if the trunk is closed.
- Graphite shafts may be susceptible to heat-related effects on the resin bonding, especially with repeated exposure.
- Clubs can shift and bang against each other, increasing the risk of cosmetic scratches or internal loosening of ferrules and heads.
- There is a higher risk of theft when golf gear is visible or easily accessible in a parked vehicle.
Even with protective bags and headcovers, trunk storage comes with trade-offs that are worth weighing, particularly for high-end clubs or sensitive shafts and grips.
Best practices if you must store clubs in the trunk
To minimize damage when trunk storage is unavoidable, consider these precautions and practices:
- Use a sturdy golf bag with reinforced bottom and a tight-fitting headcover to dampen shocks and prevent movement.
- Place the bag in a way that minimizes contact with metal or sharp edges of the trunk; use a protective mat or blanket underneath.
- Remove damp towels and any moisture-prone items from the bag; consider moisture-absorbing packs if you’re traveling in humid conditions.
- Avoid leaving clubs in the trunk overnight or for extended periods during extreme heat or cold; if possible, store in the cabin or at home between rounds.
- Park in shade when feasible and use a reflective cover to reduce heat buildup if you must leave the trunk closed during the day.
- Ensure the trunk is securely closed to deter theft, and consider locking the vehicle or using a dedicated golf gear lock when parked in public areas.
While these steps don’t eliminate risk, they can reduce the likelihood of moisture damage, heat-related degradation, and theft when trunk storage is a practical necessity.
Alternatives to trunk storage
For most golfers, avoiding long-term trunk storage is the simplest way to protect clubs. Consider these alternatives when possible:
- Store clubs in a climate-controlled space at home, in a garage, or a dedicated gear closet where temperature and humidity are stable.
- If you must transport clubs, use the car’s cabin space instead of the trunk, provided there’s room and the bags are secured to prevent shifting.
- Invest in a travel bag or hard-shell case for air travel or long trips, which offers more protection against impacts and temperature swings.
- Use a dedicated gear cabinet or wall rack at home or in a clubhouse locker to keep clubs organized and shielded from moisture and sunlight.
These alternatives reduce exposure to heat, humidity, and theft risk, while also making gear easier to manage on and off the course.
Summary
Keeping golf clubs in a car trunk can be acceptable for brief trips in mild, stable conditions, but it is not ideal for long-term storage. Extreme heat, cold, and humidity can damage grips, shafts, and hardware, and there is always a theft risk. If trunk storage is unavoidable, take precautions such as using a sturdy bag with headcovers, minimizing movement, parking in shade, and avoiding overnight stays. Whenever possible, store clubs in a climate-controlled space or transport them in a way that reduces exposure to temperature swings and moisture. A well-planned storage approach helps preserve club performance and longevity over many rounds.
