How to Determine Your Correct Golf Grip Size

← Golf Equipment | Golf Clubs

BLOCKQUOTE_0

Quick Answer

• Your hand measurements and personal feel are the main drivers for picking the right golf grip size.
• Common sizes range from undersize and standard to midsize and jumbo.
• Using the wrong grip size can throw off your swing tempo and make your game less consistent. It’s that straightforward.

Who This Is For

• Golfers who notice their shots going astray more often than not, or feel discomfort in their hands and wrists after swinging.
• Anyone looking to fine-tune their golf swing, boost performance, and especially those who are planning to re-grip their clubs and want to get it right the first time.

What Size Golf Grips Do I Need?

Figuring out what size golf grips do I need isn’t rocket science, but it does require a little attention to detail. It all comes down to the physical dimensions of your hands. Most manufacturers offer a range of sizes, and while there are general guidelines, personal preference plays a big role too. Don’t just guess; let’s get you measured up.

• Measure Your Dominant Hand Length: Take your dominant hand (the one you write with) and lay it flat. Measure from the crease at the base of your palm, right where it meets your wrist, all the way up to the tip of your middle finger. This measurement is typically done in inches.
• Measure Your Dominant Hand Width: Next, measure across the widest part of your palm. Again, this is usually measured in inches. This gives you a sense of how much your hand spans.
• Consult a Grip Manufacturer’s Sizing Chart: This is the crucial step. Once you have your hand length and width measurements, you need to compare them against a specific sizing chart provided by the grip manufacturer you’re interested in. These charts translate your measurements into recommended grip sizes. It’s important to use the chart for the brand you’re buying, as there can be slight variations between them.

How to Determine Your Golf Club Grip Size

Getting your grip size right is fundamental to a solid golf game. It directly impacts how you hold the club, how much tension you apply, and ultimately, the consistency of your swing. If you’ve ever felt like your hands are too far apart or too cramped on the club, it’s likely a grip size issue. Let’s break down how to make sure you’re asking the right questions about what size golf grips do I need.

Step-by-Step Plan for Selecting Your Golf Grip Size

1. Measure Your Dominant Hand Length.

• Action: Place your dominant hand flat and measure from the crease at the base of your palm (where your wrist bends) to the very tip of your middle finger.
• What to Look For: A clear, precise measurement in inches. Make sure you’re using a flexible measuring tape or a ruler and holding it straight against your hand.
• Mistake to Avoid: Measuring to the wrong finger. It’s specifically the middle finger that’s used for this measurement. Measuring to your index or ring finger will throw off the results.

2. Measure Your Dominant Hand Width.

• Action: Measure across the widest part of your palm, from the edge of your pinky finger to the edge of your index finger when your hand is relaxed and slightly open.
• What to Look For: A clear measurement in inches. Ensure you’re capturing the absolute widest span of your palm.
• Mistake to Avoid: Not measuring at the widest part of the palm. If you measure too far down or too far up, your width measurement will be off, leading to an incorrect grip size recommendation.

3. Consult a Grip Manufacturer’s Sizing Chart.

• Action: Find the official sizing chart for the specific brand and model of golf grips you are considering purchasing. You can usually find these on the manufacturer’s website or the retailer’s product page.
• What to Look For: A chart that clearly correlates hand measurements (length and width) to grip sizes. Common categories are Undersize, Standard, Midsize, and Jumbo. Some charts might even offer more granular detail.
• Mistake to Avoid: Using a generic sizing chart or one from a different manufacturer. Grip core diameters and taper can vary slightly between brands, so always use the chart specific to the grips you intend to buy. I learned this the hard way with some cheap online grips once; they felt way too small.

4. Consider Your Golf Glove Size (as a Starting Point).

• Action: Note your usual golf glove size (e.g., Medium, Large, Cadet Large).
• What to Look For: Your glove size can provide a rough ballpark estimate. For example, a Medium glove often corresponds to a standard grip, while a Large might lean towards a midsize.
• Mistake to Avoid: Relying solely on glove size without taking actual hand measurements. Glove sizing is an approximation and can vary between glove manufacturers, whereas direct hand measurements are far more accurate for grip selection.

5. Test Grips if Possible.

• Action: If you have the opportunity, visit a reputable golf shop or a friend who has clubs with different grip sizes. Hold the clubs and swing them gently to feel how the grips fit in your hands.
• What to Look For: How the grip feels. It shouldn’t feel like you’re squeezing too hard to hold on (too small) or like your hands are falling off the club (too big). Your fingers should comfortably meet your palm on the backswing.
• Mistake to Avoid: Ordering a grip size online without ever feeling it in person. While measurements are key, the tactile sensation is also incredibly important for comfort and control during your swing.

6. Factor in Your Swing Tempo and Grip Pressure.

• Action: Think about how you naturally swing the club and how much pressure you apply. Do you have a fast, aggressive swing, or a more relaxed, smooth tempo? Do you tend to grip the club tightly?
• What to Look For: Golfers with a faster swing tempo or those who tend to grip the club tightly might benefit from a slightly larger grip to help them maintain proper control without excessive tension. Conversely, a more relaxed tempo might suit a standard grip.
• Mistake to Avoid: Only focusing on hand measurements and ignoring your personal swing characteristics. What feels “right” can be influenced by your swing mechanics.

7. Consider Adding Extra Layers (if needed).

• Action: If you’re between sizes or want a slightly thicker feel than the standard chart suggests, you can add layers of grip tape underneath the new grip.
• What to Look For: Typically, two to three layers of standard grip tape can effectively increase the diameter of the grip by about 1/64th of an inch per layer. This is a common practice for golfers who prefer a thicker feel.
• Mistake to Avoid: Overdoing the tape. Adding too many layers can make the grip excessively thick, leading to a loss of feel and control. It’s best to add one layer at a time and test.

Common Mistakes

• Mistaking glove size for grip size — Why it matters: Glove size is an estimate and can vary by brand, while actual hand measurements provide a more precise basis for grip selection. Relying on glove size alone can lead to a grip that’s too small or too large. — Fix: Always measure your hand length and width directly using a tape measure, then cross-reference with a grip manufacturer’s sizing chart.

• Using a generic sizing chart — Why it matters: Different golf grip manufacturers have slightly different standards for their core diameters and taper. A chart from one brand might not accurately reflect the sizing of another brand’s grips. — Fix: Always use the specific sizing chart provided by the brand of grip you are considering. This ensures you’re getting the most accurate recommendation for that particular product.

• Ignoring swing tempo and grip pressure — Why it matters: A golfer with a naturally fast swing tempo or a tendency to grip the club tightly might find a slightly larger grip helps them maintain control and prevent tension. Conversely, a very smooth, relaxed tempo might be best suited to a standard or even slightly smaller grip. — Fix: Consider your own swing characteristics and how you naturally hold the club. If you’re unsure, a midsize grip can often be a good compromise for many players.

• Not measuring accurately — Why it matters: Even small errors in your hand measurements (e.g., not measuring the widest part of your palm, or measuring to the wrong finger) can result in a grip that feels uncomfortable, leads to tension, and negatively impacts your swing consistency and shot-making. — Fix: Double-check your measurements before consulting any charts. Ensure your hand is relaxed and measured correctly against a flat surface.

• Going too big or too small based on assumption — Why it matters: An ill-fitting grip is one of the most common culprits behind inconsistent golf shots. A grip that’s too small can cause you to grip too tightly, leading to a slice or hook. A grip that’s too large can restrict your hands, leading to tension and loss of clubhead speed. — Fix: If you’re on the borderline between two sizes, it’s often recommended to start with the smaller size and add tape if needed. However, if possible, testing grips in person is the best way to avoid this mistake.

• Assuming all “standard” grips are the same — Why it matters: While there’s a common core diameter for standard grips (often .600 inches), the outer diameter, taper, and overall feel can vary significantly between brands and models. What feels standard to one golfer might feel different to another. — Fix: Always refer to the specific grip’s specifications and sizing chart. Don’t assume that because it’s labeled “standard” it will feel identical to another brand’s standard grip.

FAQ

• What is the standard golf grip size?

The most common standard golf grip size has a core diameter of .600 inches. However, this can vary slightly between manufacturers. For many golfers with average hand sizes, this “standard” size provides a comfortable feel where the fingers of their top hand can just touch the palm during the grip.

• How do I measure my hand for a golf grip?

To measure your hand for a golf grip, lay your dominant hand flat. Measure the length from the crease at the base of your palm (where your wrist bends) straight to the tip of your middle finger. Then, measure the width across the widest part of your palm. Compare these measurements to the specific sizing chart of the grip manufacturer you are interested in.

• Can I use my golf glove size to determine grip size?

Your golf glove size can offer a general indication, but it’s not precise enough to be the sole determinant for grip size. Glove sizing is an approximation and can differ between glove brands. Actual hand measurements taken with a tape measure are far more accurate for selecting the correct golf grip size and ensuring optimal club control.

• What happens if I use the wrong size grip?

Using a grip that is too small can lead to excessive hand tension, a tendency to hook the ball, and a loss of control. Conversely, a grip that is too large can cause you to feel like you’re not getting a full grip, leading to tension in your arms and shoulders, a potential slice, and a general feeling of discomfort that disrupts your swing tempo and consistency.

• When should I re-grip my clubs?

You should consider re-gripping your clubs when they start to feel hard, slick, or show visible signs of wear, such as cracking or peeling. Typically, this occurs after about 40-50 rounds of play or every couple of years, depending on how often you play, the conditions you play in (e.g., heat, moisture), and the quality of the original grips.

• How can I make a standard grip feel thicker without buying a midsize grip?

You can effectively increase the diameter of a standard grip by adding layers of specialized golf grip tape underneath the new grip. Most golfers find that two to three layers of standard grip tape will add about the equivalent of a midsize grip. This is a cost-effective way to customize the feel.

• Is it better to go slightly larger or slightly smaller if I’m on the fence between two grip sizes?

If you find yourself on the borderline between two grip sizes, it’s generally recommended to err on the side of slightly smaller and add grip tape if needed. It’s easier to make a grip thicker by adding tape than it is to make it thinner. However, if you have very large hands and a strong preference for a substantial feel, starting with the larger size might be appropriate. Testing grips if possible is always the best approach.

Sources:

• How to Determine Your Golf Club Grip Size