Welcome to another edition of Fully equipped mail bagsponsored by Cleveland/Srixon Golf, is an interactive series from GOLF.com in which we answer challenging equipment questions.
I just read about that college player who stepped on a tee and hit his foot. Are there other risks I should look out for when I play? Stephanie N. , California
Yes, we’ve seen that, too. When a golfer from Oregon State stepped on his tee last week during the NCAA tournament, only to have his shoe ripped through and hit his foot, we also began to consider the hidden dangers lurking around our golf bags.
While standing on a tee may seem relatively safe (apparently it isn’t), we’ve jotted down a few equipment-related injuries we’ve not only heard and seen, but also happened to some of us.
If you’re feeling a little squeamish, consider yourself warned.
Clubheads that snap
This is a fairly common occurrence, and no doubt some of you have experienced it first hand. When the clubhead detaches from the shaft, it could end up anywhere—hopefully not in your direction or anyone else’s. Because not only the club head is shot, but also the broken shaft parts can be extremely sharp, easily causing serious injuries.
A club break is usually caused by cracks or fractures caused by factors other than swinging the club. It may be from colliding with other clubs in the bag or encountering a sharp edge in the trunk or golf cart. This isn’t to say you can’t break a club by swinging it – you certainly can – but it is very unlikely that swing is at the root cause.
Broken spear under the fist
This one is equally worrying because it is impossible to predict. Again, damage from a dropped bag, a collision in a car, or improper storage in the baggage area on an airplane can result in fractures or breaks under the handle. In most cases, you won’t spot it until you swing the racquet and it literally breaks in your hands. The worst case scenario we witnessed happened when a steel pole broke, severing the fist and then tearing off the hands of an unfortunate player. Multiple stitches were required.
This scratch scuffs
Sometimes scuffs or pits occur on an iron or wedge, especially when playing in the desert or on golf courses with sand or rock outcrops on each hole. When this happens, avoid trying to remove a sharp edge with a tee or towel, or any other item for that matter. It is not worth scraping a finger or palm. Reserve a repair club for when you can do it at home while wearing thick work gloves.
Very heavy bag
There’s nothing impressive about carrying a golf bag that’s too heavy. Those of you who do this for a “good workout” are kidding yourselves. A typical golf bag weighs about 20-25 pounds, which when carried using a double strap, should be a manageable weight for almost anyone in good shape. However, carrying a 50-pound bag over one shoulder runs the risk of serious injury to your shoulder or back. The only exception? You are a professional gamer.
Sharp objects in your bag
Tees (see above), hole repair kits, pencils, corkscrews, bottle openers, pocket knives, you name it: reaching for your golf bag in a hurry only to get stabbed with something sharp can ruin your entire day. Keep anything that has a sharp edge or point in a separate place in your bag and away from golf balls.
All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by our editorial team. If you purchase an associated product, GOLF.COM may earn a fee. Prices may vary.
Bat, meet the ankle. Ankle, racquet encounter
If you’ve played long enough, you know what we mean. Whether you’re walking backwards, sideways, or somehow moving without noticing, you’ll always figure out what it feels like when your racket (or any club, really) hits you right in the ankle. And yes, it hurts.
Wear shoes without traction
We’ve seen people fall flat on their backs after swinging a club while wearing no-strap shoes. Although it may seem amusing at the time, the risk of injury is anything but. Falling, slipping, or sliding—none of these actions end well on the golf course. Always wear shoes that provide adequate traction and stability in both wet and dry conditions.
Hot torches and toxic fumes
Some of us like to tinker and build custom gear (we’re looking at you @employee), and doing so usually requires not only the right tools and knowledge, but a hot torch as well as a mixture of some very strong adhesives and paints. If you are a player who loves to work for your club, for your eyes, nose, throat and skin, always wear the necessary protection any time fires and chemicals are involved.
Being in the wrong place at the wrong time
Finally, being in the wrong place at the wrong time on the golf course can lead to serious injury, whether from someone swinging a club or driving a cart or from a wrong golf putt flying through the air. Dangers loom on the golf course, so always be present and aware of where you are. The last thing anyone needs is a golf ball the size of a golf ball on the back of their head.
Want to fix your bag for 2023? Find a suitable location near you True Golf spec. For more on the latest gear-related news and information, check out our latest fully geared podcast below!