The right golf grip size is vital for good golf. It helps you control the club better. It also stops your hands from hurting during your swing. What size golf grips do I need? You need grips that fit your hands well. Too big or too small causes problems. This guide will help you figure out the right fit.
Why Golf Grip Size Matters So Much
Grip size is one of the easiest things to change on your clubs. But many golfers overlook it. A wrong grip size messes up your swing feel. It can also lead to bad habits. Let’s look at why this choice is so important for your game.
Impact on Swing Mechanics
Your hands connect you to the club. The grip is the only thing touching your hands. If the grip is too small, your fingers squeeze too hard. This tight grip tightens your forearms. Tight forearms stop your wrists from hinging properly. This costs you power and distance. It can cause slices or pulls.
If the grip is too large, you can’t close the clubface easily at impact. You might struggle to control the club. This can lead to pushes or weak fades. It feels like you are fighting the club throughout the swing.
Comfort and Fatigue
Playing golf should be fun. Pain is not fun. Grips that are the wrong size can cause blisters. They can also strain your wrists and forearms. This leads to quick fatigue. If you play many holes, your hands will feel tired sooner. Choosing the correct size means less strain. This lets you play longer with more focus.
Deciphering Golf Grip Size Options
Golf grips come in several sizes. They are usually labeled by the diameter of the grip. You must know these terms to navigate the golf grip size chart.
Standard Golf Grip Size
The standard golf grip size is often called ‘Midsize’ or ‘Standard’ in the industry. This size works for most male golfers. It is the baseline for all other sizes. It is usually about 0.93 inches in diameter. This is a good starting point if you are unsure.
Undersized Golf Grips
Undersized golf grips are smaller in diameter. They are great for golfers with smaller hands. They are also good for players who like to keep their wrists flexible. People with smaller hands often feel they can rotate the club better with these. They help keep the top hand quiet during the swing.
Oversized Golf Grips
Oversized golf grips are thicker than standard grips. They are sometimes called Jumbo grips. These are best for golfers with large hands. They are also helpful for players who tend to over-activate their hands or squeeze too hard. A bigger grip naturally encourages a lighter pressure. This can help promote a smoother swing tempo.
Specialized Sizes
Besides the main three, you will find ‘Ladies,’ ‘Junior,’ and ‘Extra Large’ sizes. Ladies grips are usually smaller than standard. Junior grips are much smaller for young players. Extra Large grips cater to those with very big hands needing maximum diameter.
How to Measure for the Right Size: Finding the Right Golf Grip Size
You need a simple way for measuring golf grips effectively. You do not need fancy tools. A ruler or tape measure is enough. The most common method uses your hands and fingers. This process is key to finding the right golf grip size.
The Hand Measurement Technique
This technique compares your middle finger length to the grip size. Follow these easy steps:
- Stand Tall: Stand up straight. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides.
- Extend Your Hand: Hold your dominant hand out straight. Keep your fingers together and straight.
- Measure the Middle Finger: Use a ruler. Measure from the tip of your middle finger down to the crease where your palm meets your wrist (the heel pad). This measurement is crucial.
Relating Measurement to Grip Size
Once you have your measurement, compare it to the chart below. This chart is a basic golf grip size chart for reference. Always check the specific brand’s recommendation too.
| Middle Finger Measurement (Inches) | Recommended Grip Size | Common Label |
|---|---|---|
| Under 7.0 inches | Undersized (60R Core size .600) | Undersized/Ladies |
| 7.0 to 7.5 inches | Standard (60R Core size .600) | Standard |
| 7.5 to 8.0 inches | Midsize (60R Core size .610) | Midsize |
| 8.0 inches and above | Oversized (60R Core size .620+) | Oversized/Jumbo |
Note: The “Core Size” (.600, .610, etc.) refers to the internal diameter of the grip when installed. A higher core size makes the grip feel slightly thicker.
The Feel Test: What Size Golf Grips for My Hands?
Measurement gives you a great starting point. But feel is king. Once you have a few potential sizes, test them. Hold a club with the potential grip. Go through your normal practice swing motion.
- Too Small Feel: If the grip feels too small, your thumbs and fingers will overlap excessively. You will feel like you need to grip very hard. Your hands might feel cramped together.
- Too Large Feel: If the grip feels too large, your fingers won’t wrap around comfortably. The tip of your middle finger might not touch your palm or might barely touch it. You might feel like you are pushing the club away instead of holding it.
This tactile check helps confirm your determining golf grip size.
Core Size: The Hidden Factor in Grip Diameter
When looking at choosing golf grip size, you must look beyond just the ‘Standard’ or ‘Jumbo’ label. You need to look at the core size. This is the internal diameter of the grip. Most modern grips use a .600 core.
How Core Size Changes Grip Feel
A grip is labeled by its outside diameter and its core size.
- A .600 core grip is the baseline.
- If you put a .620 core grip on a shaft, it feels thicker than a .600 core grip of the same outside size label.
- If you put a .580 core grip on a shaft, it feels thinner than a .600 core grip.
This is where custom fitting gets tricky but rewarding. You can customize the thickness without changing the grip model itself.
Example for Fine-Tuning:
If the standard grip (.600 core) feels just a little too small, you have two options:
- Move up to a Midsize grip (which often has a .610 core).
- Stick with the Standard size grip but use extra layers of tape underneath it.
Using Grip Tape to Adjust Size
Golf grip tape is what secures the grip to the shaft. More tape equals a thicker grip feel. Less tape equals a thinner grip feel. This is crucial for subtle adjustments.
- One extra wrap of standard double-sided grip tape adds about one thickness layer. This can make a standard grip feel slightly larger, bridging the gap between sizes.
- If you need to go significantly smaller, you might use less tape than normal, but this is less common. Most installers use two or three wraps minimum for proper adhesion.
This tape adjustment is part of determining golf grip size accurately for your specific needs.
Common Scenarios and Adjustments
Not everyone fits neatly into the standard box. Here are common scenarios and the corresponding grip solutions. This helps address what size golf grips for my hands in specific situations.
Scenario 1: The Grip Squeezer
You have average-sized hands, but you admit you squeeze the club too hard. Your hands get tired quickly.
- Solution: Try oversized golf grips. The larger diameter forces your fingers to wrap further around. This makes a full, tight squeeze physically harder to achieve. It encourages a lighter grip pressure naturally.
Scenario 2: The Wrist Dominator
You struggle with slicing or flipping your wrists at impact. You feel like your hands take over the swing.
- Solution: Try undersized golf grips. The smaller grip allows for better wrist hinge. It can help promote better lag and release through impact. Be careful not to squeeze too hard with these, as they feel smaller inherently.
Scenario 3: Smaller Than Average Hands
You have small hands, and standard grips feel like sausages. Your fingers don’t reach around properly.
- Solution: Opt for Ladies or Undersized grips. These are specifically designed for smaller palms and shorter fingers. This ensures a comfortable, secure hold without excessive overlap.
Scenario 4: Very Large Hands
You find even Jumbo grips feel small. You have large hands and a strong grip style.
- Solution: Look for grips labeled “Jumbo” or “Super Oversize.” You might also use a larger core size grip (.620 or .640) combined with extra tape if needed.
The Professional Fitting Process
While DIY measurement is helpful, a professional fitting offers the best results for finding the right golf grip size. A fitter uses specialized tools and experience.
What Happens in a Fitting?
- Initial Assessment: The fitter will look at your current grips. They will ask about pain, slice/hook tendencies, and overall comfort.
- Hand Check: They will perform the simple finger measurement we discussed. They may also measure your palm width.
- The Test Racks: They will have clubs equipped with various sizes—undersized, standard, midsize, and oversized.
- Swing Analysis: You will hit balls with each size. A good fitter watches how your grip changes under load. They check for tension in your forearms or wrists during the swing.
- Final Recommendation: They will combine the objective measurement with the subjective feel during the swing. This provides the most accurate golf grip size guide for you.
Comprehending Grip Wear and Replacement
Even the perfect size grip loses its performance over time. Grip material degrades. They get slick from sweat, oils, and sun exposure.
When to Replace Grips
Most experts recommend replacing all grips once a year, especially if you play frequently (more than once a week).
Signs it is time for replacement:
- The grip feels hard or shiny instead of tacky.
- You feel the need to grip tighter to keep the club secure (a sign of slippage).
- There are visible cracks or deep wear spots.
- You notice blisters or hand fatigue returning.
Replacing grips regularly ensures you maintain the correct feel that you established when determining golf grip size. Old, slick grips can instantly ruin a good swing by forcing excessive grip pressure.
Putting Together Your Golf Grip Size Chart Reference
To simplify the process of choosing golf grip size, keep this summary handy. This is a simplified golf grip size chart covering the core considerations.
| Size Category | Typical Use Case | Effect on Swing |
|---|---|---|
| Junior/Undersize | Small hands, or players who like active wrists. | Promotes wrist hinge; requires lighter pressure. |
| Standard | Average male golfer; starting point for all. | Balances control and feel. |
| Midsize | Slightly larger hands; mild over-squeezers. | Offers more surface area than standard. |
| Oversize/Jumbo | Large hands; severe over-squeezers; arthritis sufferers. | Encourages lighter pressure; stabilizes the hands. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Grip Size
Q1: Can I use different size grips on different clubs?
Yes, you absolutely can. Many golfers use slightly different sizes based on the club type. For example, some players prefer a slightly smaller grip on their driver for maximum feel and control over distance shots. They might use a slightly larger grip on their wedges and short irons for better control and feel around the green. This is part of advanced fitting, but if you are new, start by matching all your irons and woods first before experimenting with individual clubs.
Q2: Does grip size affect left-hand dominant players differently?
For a right-handed golfer, the grip size is determined by the right hand (the lower hand). For a left-handed golfer, the left hand (the lower hand) dictates the size. Always measure the dominant hand that sits lower on the shaft when determining golf grip size.
Q3: Are women’s grips the same as undersized grips?
They are very similar, but not always identical. Women’s grips are designed specifically for a smaller overall hand size and often feature softer compounds. While an undersized grip might fit a woman well, a dedicated “Ladies” model often offers a better balance of diameter and material feel. Check the golf grip size guide from the manufacturer for specific details.
Q4: How much tape is considered standard when installing grips?
Most manufacturers recommend using two wraps of standard double-sided grip tape when installing a grip with a .600 core size onto a standard steel or graphite shaft. This creates the proper fit for a “Standard” grip feel. If the manufacturer states the grip is a .610 core size, they often assume fewer wraps or no extra wraps are needed to achieve the intended diameter. This is essential when measuring golf grips during installation.
Q5: My hands fit a standard grip, but I hook the ball. Should I go smaller?
If you hook the ball severely, it often means the clubface is closing too much. Going to an undersized golf grip might make your wrists more active, potentially worsening the hook if the issue is too much release. However, if you feel you are choking the club because it is too large, that tightness could cause the hook. It is best to test a standard grip with slightly less tape (making it thinner) or consult a fitter to check for tension in your forearms. This highlights the complexity of finding the right golf grip size.