Properly Sizing Golf Grips

← Golf Equipment | Golf Clubs

BLOCKQUOTE_0

Quick Answer

• Getting your golf grip size right is a game-changer for control and consistency on the course.
• Your glove size is a solid starting point, but there’s a bit more to it than just that.
• Experimentation is key; what feels good in your hands is the ultimate test.

Who This Is For

• Golfers who are struggling with shot consistency or feel like their hands are slipping during the swing.
• Anyone who experiences hand fatigue or discomfort after a round, or even during practice.

What to Check First: Golf Grip Sizing

• Your Glove Size: What size do you wear? Men’s Medium, Ladies Small? This gives us a baseline.
• Current Grip Thickness: Grab your clubs. Do the grips feel too skinny, or like you’re holding a baseball bat? Get a feel for the current setup.
• Grip Condition: Are your current grips shiny, cracked, or slick? Worn-out grips can make even the perfect size feel wrong and affect your control.
• Hand Measurements: Know your hand size. It’s not just about glove size; actual hand dimensions are more precise.

Step-by-Step Plan for Sizing Golf Grips

1. Action: Determine your glove size.

What to look for: Check a standard golf glove sizing chart. For men, a Medium glove typically fits hands measuring between 7.25 and 7.75 inches from the tip of your longest finger to the base of your palm.
Mistake: Using a glove that doesn’t fit you properly. If your glove is too tight or too loose, it won’t be an accurate reference point for grip size.

2. Action: Measure your hand for precision.

What to look for: Use a flexible tape measure. Measure from the tip of your longest finger straight down to the crease at the base of your palm. This measurement is more objective than just glove size.
Mistake: Inaccurate hand measurements. Be sure to hold the tape measure straight and measure to the correct point. A sloppy measurement leads to a bad starting point.

3. Action: Understand standard grip dimensions.

What to look for: Standard men’s grips are generally around 0.600 inches in diameter. Standard women’s and junior grips are usually smaller, often around 0.580 inches. This gives you a reference for what “standard” means.
Mistake: Assuming all grips are the same thickness. There’s a range, and knowing the baseline helps you understand if you need to adjust up or down.

4. Action: Simulate grip thickness with tape.

What to look for: Get some double-sided grip tape and solvent. Wrap one layer of tape around the shaft where the grip will sit. You’re building up the diameter.
Mistake: Not having a grip to test over the tape. You need the actual grip to feel the combined thickness and how it fits your hand.

5. Action: Test the simulated grip feel.

What to look for: Slide a grip (or a spare one if you have it) over the taped shaft. Grip the club as you normally would. Can you comfortably place the tip of your thumb and the first joint of your index finger of your dominant hand together or with a slight overlap? There shouldn’t be a big gap.
Mistake: Only holding the club loosely. You need to simulate your actual grip pressure to get an accurate feel for the thickness.

6. Action: Adjust tape for optimal feel.

What to look for: If the grip feels too thin, add another layer of tape and re-test. If it feels too thick, you might need to remove tape or consider a grip with a smaller core. The goal is a comfortable, secure feel where your fingers and palm meet naturally.
Mistake: Going overboard with tape. Adding too many layers can make the grip excessively thick, forcing your hands into an unnatural position and reducing feel.

How to Size Golf Grips: Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Relying solely on glove size.

Why it matters: Glove size is a general indicator, but hand shapes and finger lengths vary significantly. What fits one person with a medium glove might not fit another.
Fix: Use your glove size as a starting point, but always test the actual feel of the grip on the club. The “thumb-to-finger joint” test is crucial.

• Mistake: Not considering your specific hand shape.

Why it matters: Some golfers have wider palms, others have longer fingers. A grip that’s too thin can cause your hands to overlap excessively, while one that’s too thick can prevent proper hand closure.
Fix: Pay close attention to how the grip fits your palm and fingers. Aim for a comfortable connection without excessive tension or a large gap.

• Mistake: Over-building grips with excessive tape.

Why it matters: While adding tape can thicken a grip, too many layers can make it feel like a sausage. This hinders proper hand placement, reduces feel, and can lead to less control over the clubface.
Fix: Add tape incrementally, one layer at a time, and test the feel after each addition. Stop when you achieve that comfortable, secure grip.

• Mistake: Ignoring grip wear and tear.

Why it matters: Even if you have the perfect size, worn-out grips lose their tackiness and can make any size feel wrong. This leads to tighter grips and loss of control.
Fix: Regularly inspect your grips. If they’re shiny, cracked, or feel slick, it’s time to replace them, regardless of size.

• Mistake: Not experimenting with different grip models.

Why it matters: Grips come in various materials, textures, and taper profiles, in addition to core size. These differences can significantly impact feel.
Fix: If you’re struggling to find the right fit with standard sizing, try grips with different textures or slight variations in taper. Sometimes a different feel is all you need.

FAQ

• What is the standard golf grip size?

Standard men’s grips are typically around 0.600 inches in diameter. Standard women’s and junior grips are usually smaller, around 0.580 inches. However, this is just a starting point, and variations are common.

• How do I know if my golf grips are too small?

If your grips feel too small, you’ll likely notice your hands gripping the club too tightly, trying to compensate. Often, the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand will overlap significantly when you grip the club. You might also feel your hands sliding on the grip during the swing.

• Can I adjust my current golf grips to make them thicker?

Yes, you can. The most common way to make a grip feel thicker is by adding layers of double-sided grip tape underneath the existing grip before it’s installed. Each layer of standard grip tape adds about 1/64th of an inch to the diameter.

• What’s the best way to measure my hand for golf grip sizing?

The most effective method is to measure from the tip of your longest finger down to the crease at the base of your palm. This measurement, along with your glove size, gives you a good starting point for determining the correct grip diameter.

• How often should I check my golf grip size and condition?

It’s wise to check your grip condition every few months, especially if you play frequently or practice a lot. As for sizing, reassess every year or two, or if you notice a significant change in your swing consistency, hand comfort, or if you get new clubs. Grips wear out and can affect your game.

• Are there different types of golf grips beyond size?

Absolutely. Grips vary in material (rubber, synthetic, cord), texture (smooth, ribbed, aggressive patterns), and taper. Some grips have a reduced taper in the lower hand area to encourage lighter pressure, while others are straight down. These factors, combined with size, contribute to the overall feel.