Golf legend Ben Hogan says, “Golf begins with a good grip.”
Two factors go into a good grip: technique and… a good grip.
Your golf grip is the difference between a challenging round of golf and remaining 3-4 shots behind the rest of your party the entire afternoon.
Not yet familiar with the kind of grip you need? Check out our complete guide to choosing golf grips including five of our top picks.
Choosing a Comfortable Golf Grip
Grabbing the right grip will improve both your stroke and your stamina on the course. But how do you choose the right one other than trying out every single grip available on the market.
No one has the time or energy to do that.
Instead, find the grip that works for you during practice and on the 18th hole by looking at five factors:
- Size
- Material
- Firmness
- Texture
- Versatility & Durability
Let’s break down these five factors.
Size
You might have any number of preferences for your clubs and your grips, but finding the right grip is impossible if it’s not properly fitted.
In fact, you can expect to come in 3-4 strokes behind when your grip doesn’t fit correctly.
Unless you’re about to head out on the PGA tour with your custom grip, choosing a grip size means deciding between four common sizes. From smallest to largest, these include:
- Undersize
- Standard
- Midsize
- Oversize
If you’re a serious golfer, consider getting fitted at your local pro shop before buying a grip. They’ll be able to advise you on the best size grip to maximize your potential.
Material
In most cases, you’ll find yourself choosing between rubber and synthetic rubber grips. Rubber is the ideal material for any grip because it’s easy to hold, easy to shape, and provides the right amount of firmness during your swing.
But rubber isn’t your only option. If you’re playing a Low Country golf course during the summer, rubber isn’t a great choice. Playing in muggy weather is aided by corded golf grips, which give you sweaty hands more traction. Corded golf grips are also great for rainy conditions for the same reason.
Corded golf grips have a purpose – to work well in the rain. But many people prefer rubber because the cords create an abrasive surface to create traction. Not many golfers picture themselves on the green with an abrasive grip.
Wrap golf grips are another type of grip. These harken back to the original leather grips found on now-antique golf clubs. Wraps are made of leather, but they’re tweaked to provide a tacky surface with a soft surface texture, making these grips right for people who don’t like the firmness of rubber or corded grips.
Firmness
In some cases, your choice in material, you’ll focus on the firmness of the grip.
Firmness refers to how hard or malleable the grip material is.
How you choose your preferred firmness isn’t just personal preference and how it sits in your hand. The firmness of the grip dramatically impacts the way you use the club.
Firm grips offer better torsion control, which is useful for powerful swings. Professional golfers are more likely to choose a firm grip for this reason.
Are you a new golfer or someone who’s experienced wrist, elbow, or shoulder injuries? You may find you prefer a softer grip. It provides a more comfortable grip, making it easier to swing at your own speed.
Texture
The texture of your grip will be round or ribbed.
Round grips are smooth and symmetrical. Ribbed grips include a ridge that runs down the length of the grip.
Ribbed grips are helpful for beginners because they serve as a guide for hand placement on the grip.
Versatility & Durability
You need a grip that works in many settings and over a long period of time.
Most people don’t like the cord grips because they feel like they can tear up your hands. But a plain rubber grip doesn’t necessarily get the job done either.
When you’re looking for a grip, look for one featuring a heavy pattern to use during hot or rainy conditions.
Finally, most grip manufacturers say their product lasts for 40 rounds, meaning you’ll need to change it once a year.
Our Five Favorite Golf Grips
Do you already know what kind of golf grips you’re looking for? Check out these five products.
Winn Dritac AVS Midsize Golf Grip
This set of Winn grips comes in packs of 9 or 13, which suits those looking to add new grips to a new set of clubs or replace an existing set.
The feel on these grips is soft and tacky, which helps you play even through the rain.
What We Like:
- Comes in a multi-pack
- Work well in the rain
- Easy to install
What We Don’t
- Soft material causes fast wear
- May not be firm enough for some golfers
Winn Dritac Golf Grips
The Winn Dritac grip features a wrap-style design. Made from WinnDry polymer, it’s a cushioned grip designed for all-weather performance. It provides a decent amount of tackiness in wet weather, suggesting it stands up to its all season promise.
You’ll likely change this grip every season, depending on how much you golf. But they do keep their tack across the season.
What We Like:
- Tacky enough for wet play
- Maintain shape well
- Easy to change
What We Don’t:
- Soft material means they wear quickly
- May not fit all clubs
- Need to change them once a season
Winn Excel Wrap Golf Grip
This set of 9 or 13 Winn Excel Wrap grips are available in two colors: black and copper.
These midsize grips are soft enough to be malleable and tacky and best for those not looking for a firm, rubber grip.
What We Like:
- Lasts for several years
- Comes in large uniform package
- Tacky enough for a bit of moisture
What We Don’t:
- May take a while to install
- Not designed for all-weather play
Karma Standard Velvet Golf Grip Bundle
These Karma Velvet grips come in a standard size with a round shape and are suitable for an average day on the course.
The grips bring it back to basics. The standard rubber is met with an all black color scheme and a traditional grip pattern. If you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank or contort your hands, these grips may work.
Although it is a bundle, it does not come with any solvent or tape for changing the grips.
What We Like:
- Back to basics grips
- Imitates high end grips
- Easy to use on the course
What We Don’t:
- Fit ladies’ clubs but may not fit all men’s clubs
- Solvent and tape not included
- May be short compared to other brands
Super Stroke Fatso 5.0 Putter Grip
Your putter is deserving of a special grip. The Super Stroke Fatso is designed specifically for the putter.
The grip does more than help you position your hands properly. It also balances the pressure you used to hold the club, which promotes a more even putting stroke.
What We Like:
- Easy to install
- Ideal for large hands
- Improves putting stroke
What We Don’t:
- Doesn’t taper near the shaft
- May not suit smaller hands
Golf Pride Tour Wrap 2G Grip Kit
Looking for a standard size wrap-style grip? These grips imitate the feel and look of leather grips but are easier to install and more economical.
We like these grips because they include a full installation kit designed specifically for them.
What We Like:
- Install them upon arrival
- Long-lasting
- Easy to maintain
What We Don’t:
- Spray mist doesn’t always work better than solvent
- May feel thinner when you’re used to rubber grips
Choosing the Right Grip for You
The right size, material, and firmness are the basic components of a good grip. Of course, the right grip is a highly personal decision as unique as your own hands.
If you’re not sure what’s right for you, we recommend trying the Karma Velvet grips. These grips are designed for the average golfer and allow you to figure out the basics before investing in specialized grips, if that’s where your interest lies.
Choosing a golf grip is relatively easy once you know what you’re looking for. Have you tried any of these grips? Did we include your favorite grips? Let us know in the comments below.
