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Popular Golf Grips Used by Professional Players

ByMichael Reeves

← Golf Equipment | Golf Clubs


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Quick Answer

  • Most pros lean towards reliable workhorses like the Golf Pride Tour Velvet or MCC models.
  • The real deal is personal preference – feel, size, and how it handles sweat matter most.
  • Durability and a consistent feel are the non-negotiables for tour players.

Who This Is For

  • Amateur golfers looking to dial in their gear like the pros.
  • Anyone feeling their current grip is holding back their swing or just feels off.

What Grips Do Pro Golfers Use: A First Look

Before you start chasing what the pros use, let’s check your own setup. It’s easy to get caught up in the gear, but sometimes the fix is simpler than you think.

  • Inspect your current grip: Look for any smooth spots, tears, or hardening. This tells you a lot about how you’re swinging and if it’s time for a change. A worn grip can lead to over-gripping, which is a fast track to tension and a less fluid swing.
  • Figure out your size: Is it standard, midsize, or something else? Your hand size dictates this. Too small and you’ll choke up; too big and you won’t get enough fingers around. Both mess with your control.
  • Know the material: Is it rubber, cord, or a fancy synthetic blend? Each feels different and performs differently in varying conditions. A cord grip bites down when wet, while a softer rubber might feel better but offer less feedback.

Understanding the different golf grip materials is key, as each offers a unique feel and performance. For example, a cord grip offers superior traction in wet conditions, while a softer rubber might feel better but offer less feedback.

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Step-by-Step Plan for Choosing a Pro-Inspired Grip

Choosing a grip is more art than science, but following these steps will get you close. It’s about finding what works for your swing, not just what your favorite player uses. We’re aiming for feel and control here.

1. Assess current grip: Examine your current grip for wear patterns. Look for smoothing, tearing, or hardening. Mistake: Ignoring existing wear, which can mask underlying issues with your swing or grip pressure. If your grip is slick, you’ll naturally squeeze harder, which is a big swing killer.

2. Consider grip size: Determine your ideal grip size based on hand measurements. Measure from the bottom of your palm to the tip of your middle finger. A standard grip is usually around 9 inches. If your measurement is significantly more or less, you might need a midsize or undersized grip. Mistake: Using a grip that is too small or too large, affecting your ability to control the clubface and leading to tension. Too small and your fingers dig in; too large and you can’t get your hands fully around it.

3. Evaluate grip material: Research common materials like rubber, cord, and synthetic blends. Feel samples if possible for texture preference. Rubber offers a softer feel and vibration dampening. Cord grips, with their embedded fabric, offer superior traction, especially in damp conditions. Synthetic blends try to offer the best of both worlds. Mistake: Choosing a material solely based on appearance without considering how it feels in your hands, especially in different weather. That cool-looking grip might feel like a bar of soap when it’s humid.

4. Research popular pro choices: See what the top players are using. Golf Pride and Lamkin are big names, and models like the Tour Velvet, MCC, and Z-Grip are common. This gives you a starting point for brands and types. I remember seeing a pro once with a grip that looked totally unique, but it turned out to be a custom build on a standard model. Mistake: Blindly copying a pro without understanding why they might use it. They have coaches and years of experience tailoring their equipment.

5. Test for feel and tackiness: Grab a few different grips and see how they feel. Do they feel secure? Do they offer enough tackiness without being sticky? Tackiness refers to how much friction the grip provides, helping you maintain control without excessive pressure. Mistake: Not physically holding the grips; online descriptions can only tell you so much. You need to feel that connection.

6. Think about weather conditions: Do you play in rain or sweat a lot? Some grips offer better moisture management. Corded grips excel here, channeling sweat away. Some newer synthetic materials also have advanced moisture-wicking properties. Mistake: Forgetting about how your grip will perform when it’s wet or you’re feeling the heat. A slick grip on a crucial shot is nobody’s friend.

7. Consider your swing tendency: Are you a player who tends to grip too tightly? A softer, more cushioned grip might help you relax your hands. Conversely, if you struggle with grip pressure or clubface control, a firmer grip with more feedback might be beneficial. Mistake: Not thinking about your personal swing habits. A grip is a key interface between you and the club.

8. Get them installed professionally: A good grip installation makes a huge difference. A slightly misaligned grip can subtly affect your swing path and clubface angle. Professionals use special solvents and tools to ensure the grip is perfectly straight and securely attached. Mistake: Trying to install them yourself without the right tools or technique, leading to an uneven or damaged grip. It’s worth a few bucks to get it right.

What Grips Do Pro Golfers Use: Insights into Their Choices

Understanding what drives professional golfers to choose specific grips can offer valuable clues for your own game. It’s not just about brand names; it’s about function and feel that translates to performance on the course. Many professionals are meticulous about their equipment, and the grip is no exception. It’s the only part of the club they touch throughout the swing.

The consensus among many tour players is that a reliable, consistent feel is paramount. This is why you see certain models showing up repeatedly in their bags. For instance, the Golf Pride Tour Velvet has been a staple for decades. It offers a classic, comfortable feel with a moderate amount of tackiness that works well for a wide range of players and conditions. It’s a no-nonsense grip that just performs.

Another highly popular choice is the Golf Pride MCC (Multi-Compound) grip. This hybrid design combines the performance of rubber with the stability and control of cord in the upper half of the grip. The cord section provides excellent traction for the hands that control the clubface (your left hand for right-handers), while the rubber lower half offers comfort and vibration dampening. This blend appeals to pros who want a secure feel in all conditions.

Lamkin is another brand that frequently appears in professional bags. Their grips, like the UTx or the Crossline, are known for their durability and distinctive textures designed to enhance grip security. The UTx, for example, uses a unique ACE (Advanced Cohesion Elastomer) material that provides a firm feel with exceptional tackiness and moisture management. The Crossline pattern is a classic, widely adopted design offering a good balance of comfort and control.

It’s also worth noting that some pros opt for slightly different grip sizes than standard. This is often tailored to their specific hand size and swing mechanics. For example, a player with larger hands might use a midsize or jumbo grip to prevent their fingers from digging into their palm, which can lead to tension. Conversely, a player with smaller hands might find a standard or even a slightly reduced grip size to be more comfortable and controllable.

Finally, the condition of a professional’s grips is meticulously maintained. They understand that a worn or slick grip can lead to costly mistakes. While amateurs might wait until their grips are visibly falling apart, pros often replace them based on feel and performance degradation, sometimes after just a few dozen rounds. This constant attention to detail underscores the importance of the grip as a critical piece of equipment.

Common Mistakes When Selecting a Golf Grip

Don’t let these trip you up. Choosing the right grip can make a difference, but making a mistake here can be more detrimental than you think.

  • Not checking grip size — Leads to inconsistent clubface control and tension in your hands. If the grip is too small, you’ll tend to over-rotate your hands, leading to hooks. Too large, and you won’t be able to get your fingers around it properly, leading to slices and a weak grip. — Measure your hand length and consult grip size charts. A common measurement is from the wrist crease to the tip of your longest finger.
  • Ignoring material feel — Can result in discomfort, blisters, or slipping during your swing. A grip that feels harsh or abrasive will make you tense up. A grip that’s too slick will make you squeeze harder to compensate, which kills clubhead speed. — Test different materials for tackiness and texture before committing. Feel them with your bare hands if possible, and imagine swinging.
  • Overlooking wear and tear on current grip — Masks the need for replacement and can hide underlying swing issues. If your grip is worn smooth, you’re likely gripping too hard to maintain control. This tension travels all the way up your arms and into your shoulders, restricting your swing. — Regularly inspect your grip for damage and replace it when it starts to feel slick or worn. A good rule of thumb is to replace them at least once a year for regular players.
  • Choosing based on looks alone — A flashy grip won’t help if it feels bad in your hands. That neon green grip might look cool, but if it’s slippery or uncomfortable, it’s doing more harm than good. — Prioritize feel and performance over aesthetics. Function over form, always.
  • Using the wrong grip for your swing — Some players need more cushioning, others more feedback. If you have arthritis or sensitive hands, a softer, more forgiving grip is key. If you’re trying to improve clubface awareness, a firmer grip with more texture might be better. — Consider your natural swing tendencies and any tendencies to grip too tightly.
  • Not considering installation quality — A poorly installed grip can twist during your swing, leading to errant shots. This can happen if the tape isn’t applied correctly or if the grip isn’t aligned straight. — Have your grips installed by a professional club fitter or a reputable golf shop. They have the tools and experience to ensure a perfect installation.
  • Assuming all “cord” grips are the same — While cord offers great traction, the type and density of the cord can vary significantly, affecting feel and durability. Some cords are very aggressive, while others are more subtle. — Try out different corded grips to see which texture and firmness level suits you best.

FAQ

What is the most popular golf grip among professional players?

While preferences vary, models like the Golf Pride Tour Velvet and the Golf Pride MCC (Multi-Compound) are consistently found in pro bags. They offer a solid balance of feel, durability, and performance [1]. Many players also use Lamkin’s Crossline or UTx models for their reliable traction and feel.

How often should professional golfers change their grips?

Pros often change their grips more frequently than amateurs, sometimes every 20-30 rounds, or even sooner if they notice any degradation in feel or tackiness. They rely on consistent feedback from their clubs, and a worn grip compromises that connection. For an average amateur playing once a week, replacing grips annually is a good benchmark.

Does grip material affect swing speed?

Not directly, but indirectly. A grip that feels secure and comfortable allows you to relax your hands, which can lead to a more fluid and potentially faster swing. A slippery or uncomfortable grip can cause you to tighten up, hindering speed. The right material can also improve moisture management, preventing slippage and allowing for a more consistent, powerful release.

What’s the difference between cord and rubber grips?

Cord grips have fabric fibers embedded in them for superior traction, especially in wet conditions. These fibers bite into your hands, providing a secure hold. Rubber grips are generally softer and offer more cushioning and vibration dampening. Many pros use hybrid grips that blend both materials, like the Golf Pride MCC, to get the benefits of both.

Can I use the same grip as my favorite pro?

You can certainly try! It’s a good starting point and a way to experiment with high-performance options. However, remember that pros have spent countless hours refining their swings and preferences with coaches and fitters. What works for them might not be perfect for your unique swing, hand size, or playing conditions.

How do I know if my grip is the right size?

A good rule of thumb: when your left hand (for a right-handed golfer) is on top of the club, your middle and ring fingers should lightly touch your palm. If there’s a significant gap between your fingers and palm, the grip might be too large. If your fingers are digging into your palm, it’s likely too small. Another common check is to see if your thumbs overlap significantly on a standard grip.

What are the benefits of a softer grip?

Softer grips can provide more shock absorption, reducing vibration that travels up your arms. This can be beneficial for players with hand or joint issues, like arthritis, or for those who simply prefer a more cushioned feel. They can also help players who tend to grip too tightly to relax their hands. However, softer grips may wear out faster and can sometimes offer less precise feedback than firmer grips.

Sources

[1] Golf Grips Preferred by Professional Players: https://golfhubz.com/golf-grips-preferred-by-professional-players/

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