Can You Play With a Dented Driver? Facts and Fixes

A rules adjustment by the USGA in 2019 details that; "A player is allowed to keep using and/or to repair any club damaged during the round, no matter what the damage and even if the player damaged it in anger."

It's worth noting, however, that the USGA prohibits replacing damaged golf clubs during a round unless the damage was caused by an outside entity. For example, if a member of the gallery were to snap Dustin Johnson's driver in half, Johnson could replace the club mid-round. If Johnson were the snapper, it could not be replaced.

Now that we know the USGA allows us to play with a damaged golf club, such as a dented driver, can it be fixed? The short answer is, no. Truthfully, the process to get a dent out of a driver in the crown or sole requires measures that would further damage the golf club. This involves attempts at heating the clubhead and using precise tools that the club's manufacturer, most likely, would not attempt.

It might seem bleak, but it's good to know what options you have once you've put a dent in your driver's head.

As unsightly as it may be, learning to live with the dent in your driver is the path of least resistance. Depending on how large the dent is, you can look into refinishing the driver into a darker color so it's not as noticeable.

The likely answer you'll get from a club manufacturer such as TaylorMade or Callaway is that they don't replace driver heads that have been dented. Some might offer the option of sending it in for repair, but with fewer full titanium drivers being produced it's not as common. Still, contacting the manufacturer might open a different avenue such as purchasing a refurbished replacement directly from the company.

Replacement is an unwanted result, especially when you consider how expensive drivers are today. Thankfully, with modern driver technology, you only have to replace the head of the driver if it's an adjustable model. You can find components such as driver heads by calling the manufacturer, visiting your local golf retailer, or checking sites such as eBay.

Along this blemished journey, you might be wondering just how much the dent in your driver's head affects its ability to perform on the golf course. The answer is that it depends on the size and location of the dent.

If the dent is smaller (dime size) and located on the crown or sole of the driver, you likely won't see a change in its performance.

However, if the dent is larger (quarter size) it can affect the club's center of gravity or it can cause the head to lay open or closed if it's on the sole.

If the dent is located anywhere on the face of the driver you will see your tee shots affected in both distance and accuracy.

Carbon has become a preferred material among club manufacturers. For drivers, carbon makes the club lighter so the player can produce faster swing speeds, ball speeds, and ultimately achieve more distance. Carbon, however, cracks as opposed to dents. If you crack the carbon on a driver, there's not much of a question as you will have to replace it entirely.

A sky mark on your driver's head is less severe than a dent. Sky marks are blemishes that occur when you hit too far underneath the golf ball and it comes into contact with the crown. Sky marks can be ugly, but there is a method of getting rid of them, almost entirely.

1. Clean the driver head with some warm water and a small amount of his soap combined in a bowl.
2. Take a soft, microfiber cloth and dip it into some clean water followed by a small amount of toothpaste.
3. Work the cloth in circular motions on the mark. It may take a few minutes and some additional toothpaste, but you should see most of the mark disappear.
4. Take a clean microfiber cloth, dip it in warm water, and wipe away the excess.

If you find yourself with a dented driver head it's unfortunate to know that you don't have a ton of options. With golf club companies releasing new models every 12 to 18 months, it could be your excuse to purchase the latest and greatest technology.