What is the correct golf grip size? The right golf grip size feels comfortable in your hands and allows your fingers to gently touch your palm when you hold the club. Getting the size right is very important for better golf. Poor fit causes bad shots. We will show you how to find your perfect fit today.
Why Grip Size Matters So Much
Your golf grips are the only part of the club that touches you. They link your body to the clubhead. If the grip is too small or too big, it hurts your swing. It can cause slices or hooks. It also leads to hand pain. Finding the right size makes your swing feel natural and strong.
The Science Behind Grip Fit
When a grip does not fit, your hands try to fix the problem.
- If the grip is too small: You squeeze it too hard. This tight grip stops your wrists from moving freely. This often leads to the clubface opening at impact, causing a slice. It can also make your forearms feel tight and tired.
- If the grip is too large: You use smaller muscles to hold on. Your fingers might not wrap around enough. This can cause you to hold the club too lightly or struggle to control the face. Some golfers might try to overpower the club, leading to pulls or hooks.
How grip size affects golf swing performance directly. A proper fit lets your hands work together naturally. This keeps the clubface square at impact. It helps you swing faster with less effort.
Deciphering Standard Golf Grip Size Measurements
Golf grips come in a few basic sizes. These sizes are measured by diameter. We need to look at the standard golf grip size measurements to start.
The main measurement is the diameter of the grip itself. It is usually measured across the top part where the index finger rests.
Here are the common sizes:
| Grip Size Name | Diameter (Inches) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Junior/Child | 0.900 | Small children or very small hands |
| Standard | 0.950 | Most average male golfers |
| Midsize (or Undersize +1) | 1.000 | Golfers with larger hands than average |
| Oversize (or Undersize +2) | 1.050 | Golfers with large hands |
| Jumbo | 1.100+ | Very large hands, or golfers seeking major wrist stabilization |
It is important to note that these numbers are general. Different brands might have slight variations. That is why choosing the right golf golf grip size often requires testing.
How to Measure Your Hand Size for Golf Grips
You cannot guess your grip size. You must measure your hand. This is the key step to determining proper golf grip diameter. We use a simple method that professionals use.
Step 1: Measuring Your Hand Length
You need a ruler or a tape measure.
- Stand up straight.
- Keep your dominant hand (the one you use to write with) relaxed by your side.
- Place the heel pad of your hand flat on a table.
- Measure from the bottom crease of your palm to the tip of your longest finger (usually the middle finger).
- Record this measurement in inches.
Step 2: Using the Measurement to Find Your Size
Once you have your hand length, you compare it to a golf grip sizing chart. This chart connects your hand size to the recommended grip size.
General Guidelines Based on Hand Length:
- Less than 7 inches: Undersize Grips
- 7 to 8 inches: Standard Grip Size
- 8 to 9 inches: Midsize Grips
- More than 9 inches: Oversize Grips
This chart gives you a great starting point. Remember, this is just a guide. Feel is crucial.
The Role of Finger Length in Sizing
Hand length is not the only factor. How long your fingers are matters too. We check this using the “trailing hand test.”
The Trailing Hand Test
This test uses your dominant hand (the one lower on the club).
- Hold a club lightly, as if you were about to swing.
- Look at your fingers.
- If the grip is the right size, your fingers should just touch your palm or the base of your thumb pad when you hold it naturally.
- Fingertips Digging Into Palm: The grip is likely too small. Your fingers have to wrap too far.
- Large Gap Between Fingers and Palm: The grip is likely too large. You cannot get your fingers around it fully.
This test helps you confirm what the best golf grip size for hand size should feel like.
Comparing Grip Sizes: Standard vs. Undersize vs. Oversize
Let’s look closer at the main categories and their uses. We will use a golf grip size conversion chart idea here to see how they relate.
Undersized Golf Grips Benefits
Undersized golf grips benefits include promoting a lighter pressure grip. They encourage fuller hand action and faster hand speed through impact.
- Who needs them? Players with small hands.
- Who else benefits? Golfers who tend to grip the club too tightly. Smaller grips force you to use less pressure to secure the club.
- Impact on shot shape: They often help players who struggle with a fade or slice, as they promote a quicker release of the hands.
Oversized Golf Grips for Large Hands
Oversized golf grips for large hands provide more surface area. This helps stabilize the hands and wrists.
- Who needs them? Players with large hands (as measured above).
- Who else benefits? Golfers who suffer from excessive wrist movement (often called ‘flipping’ the hands). A larger grip limits this motion.
- Impact on shot shape: They can help golfers who hook the ball too much, as they restrict over-active wrist action.
Midsize Grips: The Middle Ground
Midsize grips sit between standard and oversize. They are great for golfers whose hands are slightly larger than average but don’t need the bulk of a full oversize grip. They offer a great balance of feel and stability.
Fine-Tuning Your Fit: Using Tape for Adjustments
Sometimes, you are between sizes. Or maybe you know your size but need a slight adjustment for one or two clubs. This is where grip tape comes in. This is a key part of any re-gripping golf clubs size guide.
You add tape under the grip before installation. Each layer of standard double-sided grip tape adds diameter.
- One extra wrap of tape: Adds about 1/64th of an inch to the diameter. This is a small but noticeable change.
- Two extra wraps: Adds about 2/64th of an inch (or 1/32nd of an inch).
If you feel a standard grip is slightly too small, adding one or two wraps of tape can bring it up to a comfortable midsize feel without buying a whole new grip size.
If you are using a grip designed to be slightly tapered (wider at the top than the bottom), be careful adding too much tape. It can make the grip feel bulky where you don’t want it to be.
The Grip Size Conversion Chart: Bridging the Gaps
When looking at different grip brands, you might see confusing sizing systems. Some use simple names (Standard, Midsize). Others use a numerical system based on shaft diameter equivalents.
A golf grip size conversion chart helps map these systems. For example, a grip listed as “0.580” refers to the internal diameter of the grip fitting over the club shaft butt end.
Shaft Butt Diameter vs. Installed Grip Size:
- Shaft Diameter (Core Size): This is the hole size of the grip. Standard shafts are often 0.600 inches or 0.580 inches.
- Installed Diameter (The Size You Feel): This is the final feel after the grip is installed, which is what we discussed earlier (0.950″, 1.000″, etc.).
If you use a .600 core grip on a .600 shaft, it installs true to size. If you install the same grip on a .580 shaft, the smaller shaft makes the installed grip feel slightly smaller. Conversely, putting a .600 core grip on a .580 shaft will make it feel slightly larger.
This interaction between core size and shaft size is important for advanced fitters. Most club builders use grips matching the existing shaft core size for simplicity.
Adjusting Grip Size for Different Clubs
Do you need the same size grip on your driver as your wedges? Not always. Many players fine-tune grip sizes based on the club’s function.
Driver and Woods
These clubs require maximum distance and control. A slightly larger grip (perhaps one wrap of tape on a standard size) can help stabilize the longer shaft. This prevents excessive wrist turnover, promoting straight shots.
Irons
Irons are used for consistent yardages. Most golfers prefer a very consistent feel across all their irons. This is where the standard golf grip size measurements usually apply perfectly. Consistency here promotes swing rhythm.
Wedges and Putter
These clubs rely heavily on feel and precise contact.
- Wedges: Some players prefer a slightly smaller grip on their wedges. This allows for more wrist hinge and feel for delicate shots around the green.
- Putter: Putter grips are a whole separate category, often much larger (jumbo) to stabilize the hands and prevent unnecessary wrist break during the putting stroke. Putter sizing is almost entirely based on personal comfort and stroke style.
Practical Steps for Re-Grip Installation and Sizing
If you are taking on the task of re-gripping golf clubs size guide yourself, follow these steps to ensure your size choices are installed correctly.
- Remove Old Grip: Use a hook blade or specialized tool to cut off the old grip. Clean the shaft thoroughly with mineral spirits or a degreaser. Any residue will prevent the new grip from sliding on or sticking properly.
- Apply Tape: Apply the correct amount of double-sided grip tape. If you determined you need one extra wrap of tape for sizing, apply that now. Make sure the tape ends flush with the butt end of the shaft, but not over the end cap (it can block air release).
- Lubricate: Apply a solvent (like mineral spirits) generously to the inside of the new grip and lightly over the tape on the shaft. This allows the grip to slide on easily.
- Install and Align: Slide the grip onto the shaft quickly. Align the logos or alignment aids perfectly straight, or according to your preferred hand position.
- Set the Grip: Once positioned, hold the butt end firmly and use a blowing tool or squeeze firmly to work out all the air and secure the adhesive bond. Let it cure fully before use.
If you mess up the alignment or size estimation, you can usually remove the grip quickly by spraying more solvent in from the bottom.
Common Mistakes When Sizing Grips
Many amateurs make the same sizing mistakes. Avoiding these will save you time and money.
- Mistake 1: Relying Only on Old Grips: If your old grips are worn down, they feel smaller than they were originally. Never size based on a worn-out grip.
- Mistake 2: Focusing Only on Shaft Size: Ignoring the actual diameter you feel in your hands and focusing only on the .600 vs .580 core size leads to poor fitting.
- Mistake 3: Buying Oversize for Tight Grippers: If you squeeze too hard with a standard grip, you might think you need an oversize grip. Usually, the solution is focusing on grip technique, not size. An oversize grip can mask a technique flaw but might not solve it.
- Mistake 4: Inconsistent Sizing: Putting a midsize grip on your driver and a standard grip on your 7-iron creates inconsistency in feel, hindering your tempo. Aim for consistency across irons.
FAQs on Golf Grip Sizing
What if I play left-handed but measure my right hand?
Always measure the hand that is lower on the club (the trailing hand). For a right-handed golfer, this is the left hand. For a left-handed golfer, this is the right hand. This is the hand that dictates pressure and feel.
Can I use undersized grips benefits if I have average hands?
Yes. Some players deliberately use undersized golf grips benefits to encourage faster hand release and shallower swing planes. It promotes a lighter grip pressure, which can add speed. Try this only after perfecting your swing fundamentals.
How often should I check my grip size?
Grips wear out from UV exposure, sweat, and use. They generally should be replaced every 1-2 years if you play frequently. When you re-grip, that is the best time to reassess your size, especially if your swing mechanics have changed.
Are oversized golf grips for large hands always better for older golfers?
Not necessarily, but they are popular with seniors. Older golfers sometimes have arthritis or decreased grip strength. Oversized golf grips for large hands require less grip pressure to hold securely, which reduces strain on the joints. However, if hand size is average, a standard size grip with high-quality, tacky material might be better than an oversize grip that feels bulky.
How does grip material affect the perceived size?
Softer, rubbery grips feel slightly larger than firm, corded grips, even if they have the exact same core diameter measurements. This is because soft material molds more to your hand. When comparing brands, keep the material similar if possible, or account for this tactile difference.
Getting the perfect grip size is a critical step toward better golf. Use the measurement guide, consult the sizing charts, and always trust how the club feels in your hands during a practice swing. A proper fit removes one major barrier between you and lower scores.