A golf club component, such as a golf club head and/or a golf club shaft, can comprise a golf club component substrate having an outer layer of titanium carbide, typically comprising at least forty percent (40%) carbon content. Alternatively, a golf club component can comprise a golf club component substrate, at least a portion of which is enveloped by a first coating layer of, for example, electroplated nickel, a second coating layer of, for example, electroplated chromium or palladium, and a third coating layer of titanium carbide applied by physical vapor deposition. The titanium carbide layer is durable and can provide the golf club component with a desired aesthetic appearance, such as a black color. Additionally, the golf club component can be coated with a fourth coating layer, such as a layer comprising a sealant or clear coat material.