Scratches on the surface or irons is a natural occurrence.  It can't be helped. After all - most courses have many sandy areas and scratches on the clubs cannot be avoided through normal use. Unfortunately, although very beneficial to keeping the courses lush, some high nitrogen fertilizers and sandy soil conditions can accelerate the production of rust. I would recommend not using iron head covers as they trap moisture and accelerate the production of rust.

A light wiping of the irons with gun oil on a cloth should wipe away the rust that you have. You may need to use a nylon brush if you need to get deeper into the grooves.

The key is to clean them after your round, and to keep them dry when you put them away.

Darius

Hi Darius, 

Thanks for the response.  Althought you answered how to get rid of the rust, could you answer my other questions as well? Can rust be good?  What happens if I remove it, does it make it rust easier?  Are there any other methods than gun oil? Thanks

You may have to wait for a Staff member to respond to the balance  of your questions...

I have some wedges that are not nickle plated, and they always have small spots of rust on them. It has never grown to the point where I was concerned about the longevity of the club. Just spots that add character (in my opinion). The rust disappears when I clean my wedges and I think no more about it. I don't think removal of the rust will make it rust easier, however if one were to use a wire brush and scrape off the plating, then obviously more of the iron is exposed which could show more rust spots in the future. As for something other than gun oil, I have heard some people say they use WD40 so that may be a choice. I am not suggesting soaking the irons though - just wiping them down once in a while with a rag that has been sprayed.

Looking forward to hearing suggestions from TT Staff.

Darius

Hi Justin,
Thanks for the question.
Darius is on the right track with his feedback.

Scratches are a normal occurrence.  The chemicals used as well as sandy areas and dirt can accelerate the deterioration of a clubface.  Once the chrome plating has been broken through due to use, it is a raw carbon steel underneath and can rust.  For an iron, this process usually takes a while, so you would not see it on a new club, unless it has been exposed to water or liquid for a significant time.
For Vokey Wedges however, since they are not plated - it is expected to rust because it is a raw wedge. 

Many players believe that the rust will help them with spin. 
Removing the rust on the irons may accelerate the rusting if it takes off more of the chrome plating. 
Removing the rust on a raw wedge, will not harm the wedge.

We hope this helps.

Cheers,
Mitch D
Team Titleist Canada

Thanks for all your help! Much appreciated!