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How to Choose the Correct Golf Glove Hand

ByMichael Reeves

← Golf Equipment | Golf Accessories & Apparel


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Quick Answer

  • Most golfers wear a glove on their non-dominant hand.
  • Right-handed players usually glove their left hand.
  • Left-handed players usually glove their right hand.

Who This Golf Glove Hand Guide Is For

  • New golfers trying to figure out the basics of their gear.
  • Anyone looking to improve their grip and feel on the club.
  • Golfers who are switching hands or experimenting with their grip.
  • Players who want to optimize their comfort and performance on the course.

What Hand Golf Glove To Check First

  • Identify your dominant hand: This is the hand you write or throw with. Simple stuff. If you’re not sure, try writing your name or tossing a ball. The hand you naturally use is your dominant one.
  • Determine your golf swing direction: If you stand on the right side of the ball and swing left, you’re right-handed. If you stand on the left side and swing right, you’re left-handed. This is crucial for knowing which glove hand you need.
  • Consider your natural grip tendency: When you pick up a club, which hand feels like it’s doing more of the “holding”? While the glove goes on the non-dominant hand, understanding your grip can sometimes shed light on why certain gloves or hand placements feel better.
  • Try it on: A good glove fits snug, like a second skin, without bunching up. You want to feel the club, not the glove fighting you. Check for any pressure points or looseness.
  • Think about the weather: While not directly about hand choice, conditions can influence your grip. If you tend to sweat a lot, a glove is even more important for maintaining control, regardless of which hand it’s on.

Step-by-Step Plan: Choosing Your Golf Glove Hand

  • Action: Pinpoint your writing hand. What to look for: The hand you use for everyday tasks like signing your name or tossing a ball. This is your dominant hand. Mistake: Thinking your dominant hand is automatically the one for the glove. For most golfers, it’s usually the opposite hand that gets the glove.
  • Action: Figure out your golf swing direction. What to look for: Do you stand on the right side of the ball and swing left across your body (right-handed golfer)? Or do you stand on the left side and swing right (left-handed golfer)? This confirms your on-course handedness. Mistake: Confusing your dominant hand with your golf swing direction. While often the same, it’s essential to confirm your golf swing orientation.
  • Action: Grab a glove for your non-dominant hand. What to look for: This is the key step. If you’re a right-handed golfer (swinging right-to-left), you’ll put the glove on your left hand. If you’re a left-handed golfer (swinging left-to-right), you’ll put it on your right hand. The glove should feel snug around your palm and fingers but still allow full movement. No pinching or excessive looseness. Mistake: Wearing a glove that’s too big or too small. This messes with your grip big time and can lead to blisters or a loss of control.
  • Action: Check the fit in the fingers. What to look for: The fingertips of the glove should reach the end of your actual fingers without excessive material bunching up. You should be able to close your hand around the club comfortably. Mistake: Gloves that are too long in the fingers. This extra material can reduce your feel for the club and potentially cause blisters from rubbing.
  • Action: Assess the wrist strap. What to look for: The strap should close securely over the back of your hand, holding the glove in place without cutting off circulation or feeling too loose. It needs to stay put during your swing. Mistake: A strap that’s too tight or too loose. If it’s too tight, it’s uncomfortable and restricts movement. If it’s too loose, the glove can shift, affecting your grip.
  • Action: Swing the club (with the gloved hand). What to look for: Does the glove move independently of your skin during your swing? Does it feel like it’s enhancing your grip and providing stability? You should feel a secure connection to the club. Mistake: Feeling like the glove is bunching up, slipping, or restricting your wrist action. This indicates an improper fit or that you’re trying to wear it on the wrong hand.
  • Action: Consider the material and feel. What to look for: Different gloves are made from leather, synthetic materials, or a combination. Leather generally offers a better feel and conforms to your hand over time. Synthetics can be more durable and perform better in wet conditions. Mistake: Ignoring the material. A glove that doesn’t breathe well can get sweaty and slippery, while one that’s too stiff can hinder your natural swing.

For right-handed golfers, this means you’ll be reaching for a golf glove left hand.

FINGER TEN Men's Golf Gloves for Right Left Handed Golfer Rain Grip Value 2 Pack, Golf Glove for Hot Wet Weather No Sweat Black Gray White Blue (Black, Large-Worn on Left Hand)
FINGER TEN Men's Golf Gloves for Right Left Handed Golfer Rain Grip Value 2 Pack, Golf Glove for Hot Wet Weather No Sweat Black Gray White Blue (Black, Large-Worn on Left Hand)
  • Develop Your Perform in Rain, Hot, Wet Conditions: A Best Choice for Rain Hot Wet Weather Daily Practice. Unbeatable Wet Weather Grip and Quick- Drying Comfort. Get Ready for Rain Play;
  • Quality Material to Solve Your Sweat and Moisture Problem: The High Quality 3D Performance Mesh, Provides Perfect Fit and Solve Your Moisture Wicking& Breathable. Very Lightweight and Flexible. For Golfers Who Have More Sweat in Hot Weather, Try This One. It Will Develop Your Performance in More Sweat and No Slip at All;
  • Glove Worn on Left Hand or Right Hand in Size S M ML L XL Available: Please Check the Attached Picture for Hand Orientation. It Is Not Only for Rain Day But Also for Your All Weather Daily Practice. Worn on Left Hand for Right-Handed Golfer, Worn on Right Hand for Left-Handed Golfer. The Sizes Conform with USA Regular Sizes. No Misunderstanding, Happy Purchase;
  • Please Note: If You Select Worn on Left Hand From Size, You Will Get 2 Gloves For Your Left Hand; and If You Select Worn on Right Hand From Size, You Will Get 2 Gloves For Your Right Hand.
  • Ideal Gift Choice:You Will Receive 2 Golf Gloves Packaged Well in Good Condition. Each Glove Will be Put in a Small Bag at First and Then put Into the Paper Package. An Ideal Gift for Birthdays, Christmas, or for Golf Lovers in General.
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Understanding What Hand Golf Glove To Wear

Picking the right glove hand is more than just a formality; it’s about optimizing your connection to the club. For the vast majority of golfers, the glove goes on the hand opposite their dominant side. This might seem counterintuitive at first, but it’s designed to enhance grip and control. Think about it: your dominant hand is typically more active and provides the power in your swing. By placing the glove on your non-dominant hand, you create a more stable, friction-free anchor point. This allows your dominant hand to rotate and control the clubface more effectively throughout the swing.

When you’re trying to determine what hand golf glove do I need, the first and most critical step is understanding your handedness in golf. This is usually, but not always, aligned with your dominant hand for writing or throwing. For instance, a right-handed individual will swing from right to left, placing the glove on their left hand. Conversely, a left-handed individual will swing from left to right, wearing the glove on their right hand. This setup is standard because it promotes a consistent grip pressure and prevents the club from slipping, especially when your hands get sweaty or the weather turns damp.

If you’re a right-handed individual, you’ll typically need a women’s golf glove for your left hand.

Titleist Perma-Soft Women's Regular Left Pearl, Medium
Titleist Perma-Soft Women's Regular Left Pearl, Medium
  • Premium, quality fit means a seamless connection to your club
  • Satin reinforcement at cuff and thumb for strength and durability
  • Item Package Dimension: 10.23L x 4.29W x 0.47H inches
  • Item Package Weight - 0.088 Pounds
  • Item Package Quantity - 1
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The feel of the club is paramount. A well-fitting glove on the correct hand should feel like a natural extension of your grip. It shouldn’t be so tight that it restricts blood flow or movement, nor so loose that it bunches up and creates friction points. Many golfers find that a leather glove offers superior feel and molds to their hand over time, becoming even more comfortable. However, modern synthetic materials are also excellent, offering durability and enhanced performance in wet conditions. The goal is to achieve a secure, comfortable grip that allows for maximum feel and control of the clubface through the swing.

Common Mistakes: What Hand Golf Glove To Wear

  • Wearing a glove on the dominant hand — Reduces feel and control for most golfers. The dominant hand often provides the power and fine motor control needed for the swing. Placing a glove on this hand can dampen that feel and make it harder to make subtle adjustments to the clubface. — Switch to the non-dominant hand. This is the standard and most effective setup for the majority of players.
  • Choosing the wrong size glove — Causes blisters, poor grip, and discomfort. A glove that’s too tight can restrict movement and blood flow, while one that’s too loose will bunch up, creating friction that leads to blisters and a less secure grip. — Follow manufacturer sizing charts and try on before buying. Pay attention to how the fingers fit and if there’s any excess material.
  • Forgetting to check glove condition — Worn-out gloves offer poor grip and can hinder performance. The tackiness of the glove wears down over time, and the material can stretch out, making it less effective at providing a secure grip. — Inspect gloves regularly and replace them when worn. Look for thinning material, especially in the palm and finger areas, and a loss of grip.
  • Ignoring glove material — Different materials offer varying levels of breathability and grip. A stiff, non-breathable glove can make your hand sweaty and the grip slippery, especially in warm weather. — Consider weather conditions and personal preference. Leather offers a great feel, while synthetics can be better for rain or extreme heat.
  • Not breaking in a new glove — A stiff glove can feel awkward and affect your swing. A brand-new glove, especially leather, can be a bit stiff and might not conform perfectly to your hand on the first few swings. — Wear it around the house or take practice swings to soften it up. This helps the glove mold to your hand for a better feel and fit.
  • Assuming your golf handedness is the same as your writing handedness without checking — While usually true, there are exceptions. Relying solely on your writing hand without confirming your golf swing direction can lead to wearing the glove on the wrong side. — Always confirm your golf swing direction (right-to-left or left-to-right) to ensure you’re choosing the correct glove hand.
  • Over-tightening the wrist strap — This can restrict wrist flexibility, which is crucial for a smooth golf swing. It can also be uncomfortable and distracting. — Ensure the strap is snug but not constricting. You should be able to move your wrist freely without the glove shifting.

FAQ: What Hand Golf Glove Do I Need?

  • Why do golfers wear gloves?

Golf gloves are primarily worn to enhance grip on the club, especially when hands get sweaty or during humid conditions. They provide a consistent, tacky surface that prevents the club from slipping. Gloves also help reduce the occurrence of blisters and calluses by creating a barrier between your skin and the rough grip of the club, offering a more comfortable and consistent feel.

  • Does glove hand depend on the type of shot?

No, your glove hand is generally consistent regardless of the type of shot you’re hitting, from a powerful drive to a delicate putt. The choice of glove hand is determined by your natural golf swing direction (right-handed or left-handed), not by the specific shot being played.

  • Can I wear a glove on both hands?

Some golfers, particularly those playing in very wet or humid conditions, choose to wear gloves on both hands. This can provide maximum grip security and help manage sweat. However, the vast majority of golfers find that wearing a glove on only their non-dominant hand provides the best balance of grip, feel, and control. It’s largely a matter of personal preference and playing conditions.

  • What if I’m ambidextrous?

If you genuinely play golf with equal proficiency using both hands, you have a rare situation! In this case, you might experiment with wearing gloves on both hands to see which setup feels most natural and provides the best control for your swing. Alternatively, you might find that one hand feels slightly more dominant or comfortable for your primary grip, and you’d glove that non-dominant hand.

  • How do I know if my glove fits right?

A properly fitting golf glove should feel snug around your palm and fingers, like a second skin, without any loose material. When you close your hand into a fist, the glove should not bunch up significantly, and you should be able to move your fingers and wrist freely. There should be no excessive pressure points or tightness that restricts blood flow. The fingertips should reach the end of your fingers without being too long.

  • Can I use a regular sports glove instead of a golf glove?

While other sports gloves might offer some grip, they are generally not designed with the specific needs of a golf swing in mind. Golf gloves are engineered for the precise grip and feel required for club control, allowing for the subtle movements and rotations necessary for a good swing. Regular sports gloves might be too bulky, lack the necessary flexibility, or not provide the specific tackiness needed for golf.

  • How often should I replace my golf glove?

The lifespan of a golf glove depends on how often you play, the material of the glove, and how well you care for it. A general guideline is to replace it when the material starts to wear thin, especially in the palm and finger areas, or when you notice a significant decrease in grip or comfort. For avid golfers, this might mean every 10-20 rounds. For casual players, it could be much longer. Proper care, like letting them air dry and not stuffing them in your bag wet, can extend their life.

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