As you’ll know, golf clubs can cost hundreds, if not thousands of pounds. They are your pride and joy – and they need protecting. Sadly, the theft of golf clubs sometimes can’t be avoided, as recent instances prove. After all, thieves will pounce on any opportunity we afford them, wherever that may be.
However, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the risk of theft as much as possible. Here’s a quick guide on how to protect your golf clubs from theft.
Check for CCTV
Park in full view of the CCTV cameras. You may know where these are located at your golf club, but it’s worth looking out for them when you’re playing somewhere new. Ask in the pro shop whether the car park is monitored and you may also learn of any recent thefts to help you take precautions.
Use your boot space
You’ve finished your round, but a cup of coffee is calling. Put the clubs away, ideally in the boot. It’s sad to think thieves might operate at your club, but they’ll target wherever there’s an opportunity for easy pickings. Don’t make it straightforward for them by leaving your equipment unguarded outside the locker rooms.
Be vigilant when part of a large group
If only thieves operated like they do in the cartoons with black and white stripes and swag bags. They’d be much easier to spot then! Opportunists will often pose as a fellow golfer and swipe your putter and driver in the blink of an eye. It’s not uncommon for thieves to target large groups and societies whose bags can sit unguarded for long periods of time.
Get your clubs marked
Marked clubs offer less appeal to thieves because they’re more difficult to sell on. Whether you go for the fancy stamping and personalisation offered by some manufacturers, or another form of permanent engraving, it’s an effective way of deterring thieves and helps trace ownership of property.
‘Buddy up’
Stop sniggering, this is sound advice! If the car boot is out of the question, get your playing partner to be your eyes whilst you pop into the locker room or grab some refreshments. Believe it or not, stories of stolen gear during a quick stop in the pro shop are common.
Get yourself a valuables pouch
It’s easy to mislay your car keys when you have so many gadgets to look after, and they often end up in full view on the table. It’s worth investing in a valuables pouch, which makes it easier to keep all of your personal possessions safe. The only thing worse than a stolen car is a stolen car with clubs in the boot.
Use safe storage on your travels
Depending on where you’re playing and staying, it’s not always wise to leave your clubs in the hotel or concierge. Some resorts manage this better than others, but if you have any concerns, keep your clubs in your hotel room.
Don’t advertise you’re a golfer
Granted, your golf travel bag does rather give the game away. However, some bags attract less attention. If you must travel with that colourful staff bag, the one that says ‘I have very expensive golf clubs in here’ then keep it in sight all the way to the oversize baggage desk.
Consider an anti-theft or locking device
There are various such products on the market, including GPS devices. Many of these are relatively cheap compared to the price of a set of clubs. As well as acting as a deterrent, they give you a little extra peace of mind.
Share your experiences
Nothing beats golf club membership and an hour or two in the 19th. Club life has other advantages, too. Even if you’re a golfing nomad, you can still help your fellow golfers by reporting suspicious activity and helping spread the word through various communications channels, such as the club’s noticeboard, newsletter or social media channels.
Be present to sign for new equipment
Yes, couriers have guidelines to follow when delivering packages. However, how many times do you find packages left outside the house without a signature? Golf clubs stand out like a sore thumb, so be careful not to have them swiped from your doorstep before you’ve even had a chance to admire them up-close.
Specialist golf insurance through Golf Care
While being vigilant on and off the course certainly reduces the probability of your clubs being stolen, thieves could still find a way to get their hands on them.
That’s why you might want to consider specialist golf equipment insurance in case you’re the victim of theft. At Golf Care, we arrange up to £5,000 of Equipment Cover for your golf equipment if it’s lost, stolen, or damaged, including when you’re travelling to and from the course.
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