What is the correct golf grip size? The correct golf grip size is essential for consistent swings, better control, and lower scores. A grip that is too large or too small can hurt your game. This guide will help you find your perfect fit.
Why Golf Grip Size Matters So Much
Your golf grip is the only part of your body that touches the club. It acts as the main link between you and the ball. Getting the right fit is not just about comfort. It deeply affects how you swing the club.
Impact on Clubface Control
The size of your grip changes how your hands work together.
- Grip Too Small (Undersize Golf Grip): If the grip is too small, your hands squeeze too hard. This extra pressure makes the clubface want to close quickly through impact. This often leads to hooks or pulls.
- Grip Too Large (Oversize Golf Grip): A grip that is too big prevents your fingers from wrapping fully around the club. This can cause you to use too much wrist action or make it hard to square the face at impact, often resulting in slices or pushes.
Influence on Swing Tempo and Power
The right size helps your swing flow naturally.
- A proper grip lets your wrists hinge and unhinge correctly. This maximizes clubhead speed without forcing the swing.
- If the grip is wrong, you might grip too tightly to feel secure. Tight hands slow down your swing tempo and rob you of power.
Preventing Pain and Fatigue
The correct fit reduces stress on your joints.
- Small grips cause excessive gripping force. This strains the small muscles in your hands and forearms. Over time, this can lead to pain or injury.
- Large grips force your fingers to stretch too far. This uneven pressure can also cause discomfort during long rounds.
Deciphering The Right Fit: How To Measure Golf Grip Size
Determining proper golf grip size requires simple measurements. You do not need fancy tools. Just a ruler or tape measure and your non-dominant hand will do the job.
The Standard Measurement Method (The “Finger Overlap” Test)
This is the most common way to start choosing correct golf grip size. It focuses on how your fingers interact with your palm.
- Get Ready: Hold your non-dominant hand out, palm facing up. Keep your fingers together and straight.
- Position Your Middle Finger: Place your dominant hand’s middle finger down the center of your non-dominant palm.
- Check the Contact Point: Look at where the tip of your middle finger rests against the base of your non-dominant palm.
- Ideal Fit: The crease of your dominant middle finger should just barely touch or slightly overlap the bottom edge (the heel pad) of your non-dominant palm.
- Too Small: If there is a large gap between your finger tip and the heel pad, the grip is likely too small.
- Too Large: If your middle finger sinks deeply into the palm, or if the tip of your finger is well past the heel pad, the grip is probably too large.
Using the Rule of Thumb for How to Measure Golf Grip Size
Another quick check involves the space around your thumb.
- Hold the club (or mimic holding it) with your fingers loosely wrapped.
- Observe the space between the tip of your thumb and your index finger.
- If the grip is correct, you should have just enough room to fit the tip of your index finger snugly between your thumb and forefinger. If you cannot fit your finger, it’s too big. If there is a wide gap, it is too small.
Interpreting the Numbers: The Golf Grip Size Chart
Once you have done the physical checks, you need to match those results to industry standards. This uses the actual diameter measurement of the grip.
Golf grips are sized by their diameter. This measurement is taken over the installed grip, usually right under the larger butt end. Grip sizes are standardized, ranging from undersize golf grip to much larger options.
Common Golf Grip Sizes Explained
| Grip Size Designation | Diameter (Inches) | Typical Use Case / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Putter Grip | Varies Widely | Often much thicker; specialized for short game. |
| Standard (Regular) | 0.930″ | The standard golf grip size for most average male golfers. |
| Midsize | 0.960″ | For golfers with medium to large hands or those who prefer a slightly fuller feel. |
| Oversize (Jumbo) | 1.000″+ | For large hands or players who want to minimize wrist action. |
| Undersize (or Ladies/Junior) | 0.900″ | For smaller hands or players who naturally have strong grips. |
Adjusting for Hand Size and Glove Size
Your glove size offers a good starting point for best golf grip size for hand size.
| Glove Size | Starting Grip Size Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Men’s S or M (or Women’s L) | Undersize or Standard |
| Men’s L or XL | Standard or Midsize |
| Men’s XXL or Larger | Midsize or Oversize |
Remember, glove size is just a hint. The finger overlap test is more accurate.
Factors Beyond Hand Size in Determining Proper Golf Grip Size
Many golfers stop at measuring their hands. But determining proper golf grip size involves more than just hand dimensions. Your swing mechanics and typical ball flight play a big role.
Grip Size for Swing Type
How you move the club affects how tight you grip and what size feels best.
- Strong Grip Users: Golfers who naturally employ a stronger grip (where the lead hand is turned more to the right for a right-handed player) often benefit from a slightly oversize golf grip. The larger size prevents the hands from collapsing too much on top of each other.
- Weak Grip Users: Players who use a weaker grip might find an undersize golf grip helpful. This smaller size encourages the hands to rotate slightly more over the club, promoting better face closure.
- High Swing Speed Players: Fast swingers can sometimes benefit from a slightly larger grip to maintain control during the fast rotation and prevent the club from twisting.
Wrist Action and Flexion
Consider how much you use your wrists (wrist hinge) during the swing.
- If you have naturally large wrists or are prone to over-active wrist hinging, a larger grip can stabilize your wrists, making the swing feel more solid.
- If you have very small wrists or naturally minimal wrist action, an undersize grip helps keep the hands active and stops the wrists from feeling locked up.
The Role of Shaft Taper
When you install grips, the taper of the shaft must be considered. Standard shafts taper significantly from the butt end down to the clubhead. Grips are built to accommodate this.
However, if you use specialized grips (like some putter grips or unique training aids), the measurement might be different. Always measure the installed grip diameter if you are using non-standard equipment.
The Installation Process: How Grip Changes Diameter
Simply buying a grip of a certain size is only half the battle. The way a grip is installed directly changes its final size. This is crucial information when using a golf grip size guide.
Building Up the Grip Diameter
You can make any grip effectively larger by adding layers underneath it before installation. This process is called “building up.”
Golfers often build up grips using layers of double-sided tape.
| Desired Size Increase | Typical Tape Layers Needed |
|---|---|
| + 1/64 inch (Slight increase) | 1 Layer of standard grip tape |
| + 2/64 inch (Moderate increase) | 2 Layers of standard grip tape |
| + 3/64 inch (Significant increase) | 3 Layers of standard grip tape |
Important Note: Adding tape underneath a grip makes the final diameter larger. If you buy a standard golf grip size (0.930″) but add two layers of tape, you are effectively creating a midsize or larger grip feel without buying a completely different product.
When to Build Up vs. Buying Larger
- Choose a Larger Size to Buy: If you need a significant jump in size (e.g., moving from Standard to Oversize), it is usually better to purchase the correctly sized grip.
- Choose to Build Up: If you are very close to the next size, using one or two layers of tape is a great, cost-effective way to fine-tune your fit. This lets you dial in the exact feel you want.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Picking Grip Size
Many golfers make simple mistakes that negate the benefits of a proper fitting. Avoid these common pitfalls when determining proper golf grip size.
Mistake 1: Relying Only on Hand Size
As discussed, hand size is a starting point, not the final answer. If you have large hands but have always used a very light, thin grip, moving immediately to an oversize golf grip might feel bulky and awkward initially. Always test the feel during a practice swing.
Mistake 2: Assuming All “Standard” Grips Are Identical
While the 0.930″ diameter is the industry benchmark for standard, material matters. A soft, tacky rubber grip will compress slightly more in your hand than a firm synthetic grip, even if they have the exact same installed diameter. A softer grip can feel slightly smaller than a harder grip of the same size.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the Putter Grip
Putters require a different approach. The golf club grip size chart for irons and woods does not apply perfectly here. Putter grips are often much larger and flatter on one side. This is because a thick putter grip limits the movement of the small wrist muscles, encouraging a stable, pendulum-like stroke. If your putter grip is too thin, you are likely adding too much wrist action to your stroke.
Mistake 4: Not Re-evaluating After Equipment Changes
If you switch shaft lengths or club lengths, you must reassess your grip size.
- Longer Shafts: A longer shaft increases the leverage on the clubhead. You might need a slightly larger grip to maintain control against that increased leverage.
- Shorter Shafts: Shorter clubs require a slightly different hand position, sometimes favoring a slightly smaller grip for easier closure.
Golf Grip Size Guide for Specific Scenarios
Let’s look at how different player profiles should approach selecting their size.
For the Golfer with Slices (Overactive Release)
If you consistently slice the ball, your clubface is likely open at impact. This often happens because the hands cannot rotate fast enough or you are fighting the grip.
- Recommendation: Try moving up one size (e.g., from Standard to Midsize, or Midsize to Oversize). A larger grip encourages lighter pressure and may prevent the lower hand from slipping or overpowering the release, which can cause the face to stay open.
For the Golfer with Hooks (Overactive Release)
If you pull the ball left frequently, the clubface is likely closing too early.
- Recommendation: Try going down one size (e.g., from Standard to Undersize). A smaller grip forces the fingers to wrap more completely, which naturally promotes a slightly stronger wrist position and helps keep the face square longer.
For the Player Seeking Maximum Distance
Distance relies on maximizing clubhead speed while maintaining accuracy.
- Recommendation: Stick close to the standard golf grip size based on your hand measurement. Do not automatically jump to Oversize hoping for more distance. Too large a grip reduces wrist hinge, which costs speed. Too small a grip causes tightness, which also costs speed. Consistency is key here.
For Senior Golfers and Those with Arthritis
Flexibility and grip strength decrease with age.
- Recommendation: A slightly larger grip (Midsize) is often preferred. It requires less raw gripping force to maintain control, reducing strain on the hands and knuckles. Softer materials are also highly recommended for comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use men’s grips if I am a woman, or vice versa?
A: Yes, you absolutely can. Grip selection should always be based on your hand size and comfort, not gender labels. Many female golfers require a standard men’s grip, and some male golfers benefit from a Ladies or undersize golf grip. Always use the finger overlap test first.
Q: How often should I change my golf grips?
A: Most experts recommend replacing grips every 10 to 12 months, especially if you play regularly or play in wet conditions. Grips wear down, lose tackiness, and harden over time, which makes you squeeze harder to maintain control. Worn grips directly impact performance, regardless of the initial size choice.
Q: If my driver grip is one size, should all my irons be the same size?
A: Ideally, yes. For maximum consistency across your set, all your main swing clubs (Driver through to 7-iron) should share the same grip size and model. This trains your hands to expect the same feel every time you grab a club. You might choose a slightly different, often thinner, grip for wedges and putter based on specific needs, but consistency through the core set is vital.
Q: What is the difference between Midsize and Oversize grips?
A: Midsize grips (around 0.960″) offer a modest increase in diameter, usually enough to reduce grip pressure for medium-to-large hands. Oversize golf grip (1.000″ and up) is significantly thicker, often requiring 4 or more tape layers beneath a standard grip to achieve a similar increase. Oversize grips drastically restrict wrist action.
Q: Does the material of the grip affect the required size?
A: Yes, slightly. A very soft, heavily cushioned grip will compress more when you hold it, making it feel slightly smaller than a hard, dense polymer grip of the exact same measured diameter. When determining proper golf grip size, always try to test the specific material you intend to use if possible.