Can I wear a golf glove on both hands? Generally, right-handed golfers wear a glove on their left hand, and left-handed golfers wear one on their right hand. This standard practice helps players maintain a firm hold on the club. Some golfers, often those who struggle with grip or sweat a lot, might choose to wear a single vs double golf glove setup, wearing one on each hand for maximum feel and control. This guide will walk you through every step to find your perfect glove.
Why You Need the Right Golf Glove
A good golf glove is not just an accessory; it is a key piece of performance gear. It acts as the main point of contact between you and the club. The right glove helps stop the club from slipping, especially when you swing hard or when it is wet. It also helps protect your hands from blisters and calluses during long practice sessions. Choosing correctly boosts your confidence and can lower your scores.
Deciphering Golf Glove Sizing
Getting the right size is the most important step. If a glove is too tight, it restricts blood flow and limits feel. If it is too loose, it bunches up, causing blisters and poor grip. This section covers golf glove sizing and gives you a clear golf glove fit guide.
How to Measure for a Golf Glove
To find your size, you need a tape measure. Follow these simple steps on how to measure for a glove:
- Measure Your Hand Length: Start at the bottom crease of your wrist. Measure straight up to the tip of your middle finger. Write this measurement down in inches.
- Measure Your Palm Circumference: Wrap the tape measure around the widest part of your palm. This is usually just below your knuckles, not including your thumb. Write this number down in inches.
Most golf glove brands use the hand length measurement for their primary sizing (e.g., 22cm, 23cm, 24cm, or Small, Medium, Large). The palm measurement helps confirm the overall fit.
Standard Golf Glove Sizing Chart
Golf gloves are sized using numbers or letters. Use this chart as a starting point. Always check the specific brand’s chart for the most precise fit, as sizing can vary slightly.
| Size Label | Hand Length (Inches) | Hand Length (CM) | Typical Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 / XS | 6 7/8 – 7 1/8 | 17.5 – 18.1 | Extra Small |
| 20 / S | 7 1/8 – 7 3/8 | 18.1 – 18.7 | Small |
| 21 / M | 7 3/8 – 7 5/8 | 18.7 – 19.4 | Medium |
| 22 / ML | 7 5/8 – 7 7/8 | 19.4 – 20.0 | Medium-Large |
| 23 / L | 7 7/8 – 8 1/8 | 20.0 – 20.6 | Large |
| 24 / XL | 8 1/8 – 8 3/8 | 20.6 – 21.3 | Extra Large |
| 25 / XXL | 8 3/8 + | 21.3 + | Extra Extra Large |
Checking the Final Fit
Once you try the glove on, check these key areas:
- Fingers: The fingertips should end just before the end of the glove fingers. You should feel the club shaft, but the seams should not pinch your knuckles.
- Palm: The material should lie flat across your palm with no excess fabric bunching up.
- Wrist Strap: The Velcro strap should fasten securely without needing to stretch tightly or having a large overlap.
Selecting the Best Golf Glove Material
The best golf glove material greatly affects feel, breathability, and longevity. Golf gloves mainly come in two categories: leather and synthetic. Sometimes, you find hybrid gloves that mix both.
Leather Golf Gloves
Leather gloves offer unparalleled feel and responsiveness. They mold to your hand over time, providing a custom fit.
Types of Leather
- Cabretta Leather: This is the gold standard. It is extremely soft, thin, and provides the best tacky feel. Cabretta gloves are prized for their high-quality golf glove grip enhancement. However, they are less durable and sensitive to moisture. Water makes them stiff when they dry out.
- Premium Leather: Thicker and more durable than Cabretta, offering a good balance between feel and toughness. They usually cost less than pure Cabretta gloves.
Pros of Leather:
* Superior feel and connection to the club.
* Excellent initial tackiness.
* Molds perfectly to the hand shape over time.
Cons of Leather:
* Lower golf glove durability compared to synthetics.
* Can be expensive.
* Poor performance when wet (unless specifically treated).
Synthetic Golf Gloves
Synthetic gloves are made from modern microfiber materials. They are designed for high performance in various conditions, especially heat and humidity.
Pros of Synthetic:
* Excellent golf glove moisture control; they handle sweat well.
* Very high golf glove durability; they last much longer than leather.
* Generally more affordable.
* Maintain their shape better after washing.
Cons of Synthetic:
* The feel is often less supple than premium leather.
* May not offer the same level of sensitivity during the swing.
Hybrid Gloves
Hybrid gloves combine the best of both worlds. They typically use leather (often on the palm where grip is crucial) and synthetic material (on the back of the hand for breathability and stretch). These are a fantastic choice for golfers who need durability but crave some of the leather feel.
Considering Conditions: Moisture Control and Feel
Your local climate plays a huge role in glove choice.
Hot and Humid Climates
If you play in hot, sweaty conditions, golf glove moisture control is your top priority. Synthetic or hybrid gloves excel here. They wick away sweat better than traditional leather. Some synthetic gloves feature perforated areas on the back of the fingers to maximize airflow.
Cool and Dry Climates
In cooler, drier weather, feel often takes precedence. Cabretta leather gloves shine here, offering maximum softness and the best tactile feedback.
Playing in the Rain
If you frequently play in the rain, look for gloves specifically marketed as “wet-weather gloves.” These often use specially treated leather or high-tack synthetic materials that maintain their grip even when soaked. Never rely on a standard Cabretta glove in the rain; it will quickly become slippery.
Comparing Golf Glove Brands
The market is crowded with options. A good golf glove brands comparison helps narrow down your choices based on reputation and specialty. While preferences are personal, some brands consistently rank high for quality and innovation.
| Brand | Specialty Focus | Typical Material | Price Point | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FootJoy | All-around performance, widest selection | Cabretta, Synthetic, Hybrid | Mid to High | Excellent consistency across models |
| Titleist | Tour performance, premium feel | Premium Cabretta | High | Exceptional initial fit and feel |
| Callaway | Innovation, value, and grip tech | Synthetic, Hybrid | Low to Mid | Good performance in varied weather |
| TaylorMade | Modern materials, high-tech fabrics | Synthetic, Microfiber | Mid | Focus on breathability and durability |
When you look at any golf glove brands comparison, remember that one brand’s Medium might fit slightly differently than another’s. Always try before you commit to a multi-pack.
The Role of Grip Enhancement Technology
Modern gloves use various technologies to improve grip. This is critical for golf glove grip enhancement.
- Tacky Coatings: Some synthetic gloves apply a thin, grippy polymer coating to the palm area. This enhances initial tackiness immediately out of the package.
- Texturing: The pattern or weave of the material itself can create micro-channels that help grip the club handle better, especially when slightly damp.
- Perforations: Small holes drilled into the palm and fingers help release heat and moisture. This keeps the glove and your hand drier, which indirectly improves grip, as sweaty hands lead to slippage.
Durability Considerations
If you play or practice daily, golf glove durability becomes very important for your budget.
Leather gloves, especially thin Cabretta, often wear out fastest across the index finger and the seam between the thumb and index finger. This wear happens because these areas rub against the club shaft during the swing.
Synthetic gloves generally last longer. If you rotate two pairs of gloves, allowing them to dry fully between rounds, you will significantly extend their life, regardless of the material. Never leave your sweaty glove crumpled in your golf bag; this speeds up material breakdown and causes odor.
Single vs Double Golf Glove Use
Most golfers stick to a single vs double golf glove choice based on tradition.
The Standard Single Glove
Right-handed players wear it on the left hand. This hand is responsible for guiding the club and maintaining connection through impact. The glove on this hand provides the necessary grip security.
The Double Glove Approach
Some golfers opt for a glove on both hands.
- For Better Grip Security: Players with weaker grips, arthritis, or those who sweat excessively might wear two. It offers maximum slip prevention.
- For Better Feel (Sometimes): Some players use a very thin, almost sock-like glove on the non-gloved hand just to keep it from getting rough or blistered, while still feeling the club directly with their dominant, bare hand.
- For Cold Weather: Wearing two gloves provides an extra layer of insulation.
If you try wearing two gloves, ensure the second glove (the one on your dominant hand) is much thinner or even specially sized down so it does not interfere with fine motor control.
Specialized Golf Gloves
Beyond material and size, gloves can be designed for specific needs.
Cold Weather Gloves
These are thicker, often fleece-lined, or made from insulating synthetic materials. They sacrifice some feel for warmth. Some are designed to be worn over a thinner performance glove.
Rain Gloves
As mentioned before, rain gloves prioritize grip above all else when wet. They often use synthetic palms or specialized treatments that become tackier when wet, offering a secure grip even in a downpour.
Left/Right Hand Specificity
Always buy the glove marked for the correct hand. A right-hand glove fits the left hand. Buying the wrong one will make it impossible to grip the club correctly.
Maintenance and Care for Longevity
Proper care is essential for maximizing the life of any glove, especially premium leather.
Washing Leather Gloves
Never machine wash a high-quality leather glove.
- Gently hand wash using cool water and mild soap (like baby shampoo).
- Do not wring or twist the glove.
- Reshape the glove immediately.
- Hang or lay flat to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Heat will stiffen the leather.
Washing Synthetic Gloves
Synthetics handle washing better. Check the care tag. Many can be tossed in a mesh laundry bag on a gentle, cold cycle. Always air dry synthetic gloves as well.
Storage Tips
- Air Out: Always take your glove out of your golf bag immediately after your round.
- Reshape: Use the original plastic glove form if you kept it, or gently mold the fingers back into shape before hanging to dry.
- Rotation: If you play often, buy two or three gloves and rotate them. This allows each glove to dry completely, significantly boosting overall golf glove durability.
Final Thoughts on Selection
Choosing the perfect golf glove involves balancing personal feel, climate, and budget. Start by accurately determining your golf glove sizing. Then, decide if the superior feel of leather is worth the lower durability, or if a synthetic option offers better golf glove moisture control for your environment. Test different golf glove brands comparison options until you find that perfect marriage of fit and function that locks you onto the club shaft through every swing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Should I replace my golf glove often?
A: Yes. Even if the glove looks fine, the material loses its tackiness over time and use. A good rule of thumb is to replace your primary glove every 10 to 15 rounds, or sooner if you notice any slippage, especially across the index finger and palm.
Q: Which hand should I wear a glove on if I play right-handed?
A: If you play right-handed, you wear the glove on your left hand. This glove is on your lead hand and stabilizes the club during the swing.
Q: Can I use powder or chalk to improve my grip instead of a glove?
A: While some players use chalk, a glove provides more consistent golf glove grip enhancement and protects your hands. Chalk can wear down quickly, especially if humid, and may leave residue on your club grips.
Q: Are expensive golf gloves worth the extra cost?
A: For many serious golfers, yes. Premium Cabretta leather gloves offer a superior feel that cannot be matched by cheaper synthetics. If feel is paramount to your game, investing in a top-tier glove is often worthwhile, though you may need to replace it sooner.
Q: How do I handle a glove that has become stiff after drying?
A: If a leather glove has dried stiffly, you can try slightly re-moistening it with a damp cloth (not soaking wet) and gently working it with your hands while it is still slightly damp. Do not use heat to dry it again. For minor stiffness, simply wearing it during a practice swing often restores flexibility.