Chances are you’ve seen them on every golf bag, from the PGA Tour to your local course - the puffy, colorful accessories that sit atop the clubs. They're called headcovers, and their job is much more important than just adding a bit of flair to your setup. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about headcovers, from why they’re essential to the different types available for every club in your bag.
Why Bother with Headcovers? A Coach's Perspective
As a golf coach, one of the most jarring sounds I can hear is the clatter of unprotected clubs banging against each other in a golf bag. It's like hearing nails on a chalkboard. That sound represents potential damage, and damaged clubs lead to inconsistent shots. The primary function of a headcover is protection, and that protection is valuable for a few specific reasons.
- Preventing Dings and Scratches: Your woods, hybrids, and putter are finely crafted instruments. Woods and hybrids have thin faces and crowns that can easily be dented or scratched by the sharp grooves of your irons. A significant ding on the topline of your driver is not just ugly, it’s a distraction every time you stand over the ball. A scratch on the face of your putter can affect the roll. Headcovers act as padded shields, absorbing the impacts from walking or riding in a cart.
- Reducing Distracting Noise: If you prefer to walk the course, a set of uncovered clubs can create a constant, annoying chatter. This isn't just about sound pollution, it's about focus. A quiet walk allows you to concentrate on your next shot and enjoy the peacefulness of the course. Headcovers silence this noise, making for a much more pleasant round for you and your playing partners.
- Protecting Your Investment: Golf clubs aren't cheap. A new driver or a premium putter can be a significant financial commitment. Using headcovers is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain the condition and resale value of your equipment. Keeping them looking new doesn't just feel good, it's a smart financial decision if you ever plan to upgrade or sell.
The Different Types of Headcovers Explained
Just as there are different clubs for different shots, there are various types of headcovers designed for specific roles. Think of it like this: you wouldn't use a putter off the tee, and you shouldn't try to fit a putter cover on your driver. Let's break down the main categories you'll find.
Driver Headcovers
This is the king of the headcover world. Since the driver has the largest head in the bag (up to 460cc), a driver headcover is the biggest and most noticeable of the bunch. It’s also where most golfers choose to show off their personality.
- Stock Headcovers: This is the cover that comes directly from the manufacturer (TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, etc.) when you buy a new driver. They are designed to fit perfectly and showcase the brand and model of the club.
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Novelty and Custom Headcovers:
This is where it gets fun. From plush animals - like Tiger Woods’ famous tiger headcover, "Frank" - to superheroes, college mascots, and custom-embroidered designs, the options are endless. A unique driver headcover can be a great conversation starter and a way to make your bag uniquely yours.
Fairway Wood and Hybrid Headcovers
Slightly smaller than their driver counterparts, fairway wood and hybrid covers serve the same protective purpose. They shield the more delicate heads of these clubs from your irons. Most modern fairway wood and hybrid headcovers include a small, adjustable tag or dial on them. This feature is more practical than you might think.
The tag (often labeled with numbers like 3, 5, 7, X, or corresponding hybrids like H3, H4) lets you easily identify which club is which without having to pull off every cover. When you're standing in the fairway calculating your next shot, grabbing the right club quickly and confidently makes a difference. It seems like a small detail, but it streamlines your process and keeps your head in the game.
Putter Covers
Your putter is arguably the most important club in your bag. It's a precision tool responsible for more than 40% of your strokes in a typical round. Protecting its face and alignment aids is absolutely necessary for consistent performance. A deep scratch or dent on the putter face can send your putts wobbling offline. Putter covers generally come in two main styles to match the type of putter you use.
- Blade Putter Covers: These are designed for traditional, blade-style putters. They are generally rectangular and slide over the head like a sleeve.
- Mallet Putter Covers: These are larger and more contoured, designed to fit the diverse shapes of modern mallet putters, which can range from semi-circles to futuristic, M.O.I.-boosting designs.
Both blade and mallet covers typically use either a Velcro or magnetic closure system to stay secure. Many players prefer magnetic closures because they are quieter and often easier to operate with one hand.
Iron Covers: The Great Debate
This is where the golfing world is a bit divided. Iron covers are individual sleeves that fit over each iron in your set. Supporters love them for the complete protection and silence they offer. They argue that protecting the grooves and edges of every iron, especially expensive forged models, preserves performance and feel.
On the other hand, many golfers find them cumbersome. Taking a cover off and putting it back on for every single shot can slow down play and be a bit of a hassle. Because most modern irons are made from durable steel, many players feel the extra protection isn't necessary. From a coaching standpoint, my advice is this: if you have a set of premium forged irons, covers can be a great way to protect that soft metal. If you play with more durable cast irons, you can probably go without them. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Common Headcover Materials
The material of a headcover affects its look, feel, durability, and level of protection. You'll generally find them made from one of these common materials.
- Leather and Synthetic Leather: This is the premium option. Leather (or high-quality synthetic leather, often called "PU leather") offers excellent durability, weather resistance, and a classic, high-end look. They feel substantial and are built to last for years.
- Knit: Pom-pom knit headcovers deliver a retro, old-school vibe. They offer good padding and are flexible, but they aren't as weather-resistant as leather and can get soaked in the rain.
- Plush/Fabric: This material is almost exclusively used for novelty headcovers. It’s perfect for creating those fun animal and character designs. While they offer great cushioning, they can be bulky and may not be the most durable option over time.
- Neoprene: If you’ve seen those form-fitting iron covers with the clear plastic window, they're likely made of neoprene. It's the same material used in wetsuits. It’s flexible, water-resistant, and provides a snug fit.
Simple Headcover Etiquette on the Course
Using headcovers effectively is part of being a prepared and courteous golfer. Following a simple routine helps protect your clubs without slowing down your game.
Where to Put a Headcover During a Shot?
You’ve just pulled your driver and are ready to hit. What do you do with the headcover? You have a few good options:
- In the Cart Basket: If you're riding, this is the easiest place. Just toss it in the basket behind you.
- In Your Pocket: A fairway wood or hybrid cover can often be stuffed into a back pocket. A driver cover might be too bulky for this.
- On Another Club: Some golfers temporarily place their driver headcover over their alignment sticks or even their putter to keep it off the wet ground.
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It's perfectly fine to place it on the ground near the tee box, but be sure to grab it before you leave! It’s one of the most common items left behind on a golf course.
Putting It Back On
As soon as you’re done using a club, put the cover back on before placing it in your bag. This simple habit becomes second nature quickly and is the best way to ensure your clubs stay protected throughout the round. When you get back to your bag after a great approach shot, your woods are already shielded and ready for the next tee.
Final Thoughts
So, what are golf club covers called? They’re officially known as headcovers, and they are an essential piece of equipment for protecting your woods, hybrids, and putter. By preventing damage and silencing annoying bag clatter, they help you care for your investment and maintain your focus on a great round of golf.
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