Golf grips are generally made of rubber, assorted polymers or leather. In addition to dirt, oils, ozone, ultraviolet light and normal wear and tear, extremely hot temperatures can drastically increase the rate at which your club grips deteriorate. In extremely hot climates, golf grips will eventually dry out, harden or even crack. If your grips aren't providing your hands with proper traction, you'll probably subconsciously hold your club a little tighter and throw off your swing mechanics. It is very important, therefore, to take good care of your grips.

What types of extreme temperatures are we talking about? The temperature in Arizona, Nevada and other usually hot states can routinely reach over 100 degrees. If you store your clubs in your car trunk or your garage, your clubs might be subjected to temperatures of over 160 degrees. Those are temperatures you can set on your oven. Would you store your clubs in an always-on oven? Unless you plan on making grip jerky, it’s not a good idea,

It is very easy to keep your equipment in moderate temperature conditions. Bring your clubs inside and only store them in your car when you are driving to the range or the course. Other small things you can do to help maintain the quality of your grips is to wipe them down after every round with warm water and a soft washcloth. Be sure to towel or air-dry them completely afterwards. If you don’t already have a towel clipped to your bag, you have a good excuse to have a few golf towels printed up with the corporate logo. Clients love free golf stuff and you certainly won’t mind swinging with a cleaner grip.

Here are some tips for playing golf in places where most other people are trying to stay inside, especially when it gets over 90 degrees:

• Always wear a hat, and always use sunblock.
• Drink lots of water, and if you want to eat a snack, try fruit. Don't eat anything that's very fatty or heavy on the course.
• Avoid drinking alcohol both before and during the round. I know, I know, how about “try” to avoid it, ok?
• Stay in the shade as much as you can, and use a golf cart - or get one of those swanky pull carts with an umbrella holder. It doesn’t look silly. Sunburns look silly.
• Hit fewer balls when you warm up. The small bucket will do. Save your energy!
• Again, keep hydrated!

You're never going to completely be able to beat the heat, but you can still have an awesome round of golf! 

This post was created by the makers of PURE Grips, the most durable all natural rubber golf grips now available in full color. Find out more about our tapeless installation, advantages and color options.