Do you want to play better golf? Many golfers forget one important thing: the golf grips on your clubs. The right golf grips can help you hit the ball straighter and farther. The wrong ones can make your game worse. In this guide, we will help you find the best golf grips for you. We will look at many things like price, how long they last, and what other golfers say.
Why Golf Grips Matter
Think about this: your hands are the only part of your body that touches the golf club. If your golf grips are bad, you cannot control the club well. Good golf grips help you:
- Hold the club better
- Hit the ball more accurately
- Feel more comfortable during your swing
- Play better in wet or dry weather
Many golfers wait too long to change their grips. If your grips look shiny or feel hard, it’s time for new ones. The best golf grips for you will match your hands, your swing, and where you play golf.
Performance: What Makes a Good Golf Grip?
When we talk about performance, we mean how well the grip helps you play. Here are the main things to know:
Material Matters
Most golf grips are made from these materials:
- Rubber: Good for wet weather. Soft and easy to hold. Great for beginners.
- Synthetic: Lasts longer than rubber. Good for hot weather. Many pros use these.
- Corded: Has small strings in the material. Gives extra grip when your hands sweat. Best for hot and humid places.
In North America, the weather changes a lot. If you live in Florida, you need grips that work when it’s wet. If you live in Arizona, you need grips that work when it’s dry and hot.
Size and Thickness
Golf grips come in different sizes:
- Undersize: Smaller than normal. Good for kids or people with small hands.
- Standard: Fits most adults.
- Midsize: A little bigger. Good if you have big hands or want less wrist movement.
- Oversize: Much bigger. Helps people with arthritis or joint pain.
To find your size, measure from the middle of your palm to the end of your middle finger. Many golf stores let you try different sizes before you buy.
Texture
Some grips are smooth. Some have bumps or lines. Bumpy grips give you more control. But if you have sensitive hands, smooth grips might feel better.
Price: How Much Should You Spend?
Golf grips can cost from $5 to $20 each. How do you know what’s right for you?
Budget Grips ($5-$8)
These are good if:
- You are just starting golf
- You play only a few times a year
- You want to try different types
Budget grips don’t last as long. But they let you see if you like golf before spending a lot.
Mid-Range Grips ($9-$14)
These are the best choice for most golfers. They:
- Last longer than cheap grips
- Feel better in your hands
- Work well in most weather
- Cost about the same as a bucket of range balls
Many golfers say mid-range golf grips give the best value. You get good quality without spending too much.
Premium Grips ($15-$20)
These grips are used by many pro golfers. They:
- Feel very soft and comfortable
- Last a long time
- Have special features like extra tackiness
- Come in many colors and styles
If you play golf often (more than once a week), premium grips might be worth it. They can last 2-3 years with normal use.
Remember: Changing your grips is much cheaper than buying new clubs. A full set of new grips costs less than $100. That’s a small price for better play.
Durability: How Long Will They Last?
How long your golf grips last depends on many things:
How Often You Play
- If you play once a week: Grips last 1-2 years
- If you play 3+ times a week: Grips last 6-12 months
- If you’re a pro golfer: Grips last 3-6 months
Golf grips wear out faster when you play in hot sun or wet grass. The chemicals in your sweat also break down the material over time.
Care and Cleaning
You can make your grips last longer by:
- Wiping them with a damp cloth after each round
- Using special grip cleaner (available at golf stores)
- Not leaving clubs in hot cars
- Storing clubs in a cool, dry place
Good care can add months to your grip’s life. Many golfers forget this simple step!
Top Brands for Golf Grips
Some brands make the best golf grips. Here are the top ones in North America:
Golf Pride
Golf Pride is the most popular brand. Many pros use their grips. They have:
- Grips for every hand size
- Many colors to choose from
- Good warranty (they replace bad grips)
- Grips for wet and dry weather
Their MCC Plus 4 is one of the most sold grips in the USA. It has a rubber bottom and a corded top. This gives you grip when your hands sweat.
Lamkin
Lamkin grips feel soft and tacky. They are good if:
- You have dry hands
- You want extra comfort
- You play in cold weather
Many golfers say Lamkin grips feel “sticky” even when wet. Their Sonar grip is popular with weekend golfers.
SuperStroke
SuperStroke makes thick grips. They help reduce wrist movement. This can help if:
- You slice the ball (send it right)
- You have shaky hands
- You want a different feel
Their oversized grips are easy to install. Many beginners like how they feel.
Winn
Winn grips have a special material that feels soft. They are good for:
- Golfers with hand pain
- Players who want light-weight grips
- People who play in hot weather
Many senior golfers choose Winn grips because they are easy on the hands.
What Golfers Say: User Reviews
We looked at what real golfers say about golf grips. Here’s what we found:
Most Common Good Comments
- “My shots go straighter now!”
- “My hands don’t hurt after 18 holes.”
- “I can hold the club better when it rains.”
- “They feel great right out of the package.”
Most Common Bad Comments
- “They got slippery after 2 months.”
- “Too thick for my small hands.”
- “The color faded in the sun.”
- “Hard to put on by myself.”
Top-Rated Grips Right Now
Based on user reviews, these grips get the best scores:
- Golf Pride Tour Velvet – 4.7/5 stars
- Lamkin Sonar – 4.6/5 stars
- Winn Dri-Tac – 4.5/5 stars
Most golfers agree: spending a little more on good golf grips is worth it. Many say it’s the easiest way to improve their game.
Choosing for Your Situation: Real-Life Examples
Let’s see what golf grips are best for different golfers in North America.
Example 1: The Weekend Golfer in Texas
Situation: Plays 1-2 times a week in hot, dry weather. Has medium-sized hands.
Best Choice: A corded grip like Golf Pride Tour Cotton. It gives extra grip when hands sweat. Midsize would be good if hands are big.
Why: Texas heat makes hands dry and slippery. Corded grips work best here.
Example 2: The Senior Golfer in Florida
Situation: Plays twice a month. Has arthritis. Plays in humid, rainy weather.
Best Choice: Winn Dri-Tac in oversized size.
Why: The soft material is easy on sore hands. Oversized size reduces wrist pain. The Dri-Tac material works well when wet.
Example 3: The Junior Golfer in Canada
Situation: 12-year-old learning golf. Plays after school when weather is cool.
Best Choice: Lamkin Jumbo Quik wrap in undersize.
Why: Small size fits young hands. The soft material feels good in cool weather. Easy to install for parents.
Example 4: The Pro Golfer in California
Situation: Plays every day in warm, dry weather. Needs consistent feel.
Best Choice: Golf Pride MultiCompound in standard size.
Why: Lasts long with daily play. Works well in dry conditions. Many pros use this grip.
How to Buy the Best Golf Grips
Follow these steps to find your perfect grips:
Step 1: Know Your Needs
Ask yourself:
- How often do I play?
- What’s the weather like where I play?
- Do my hands sweat a lot?
- Do I have any hand pain?
Step 2: Try Before You Buy
Most golf stores let you hold clubs with different grips. Try these things:
- Squeeze the grip – does it feel soft or hard?
- Rub your thumb across it – is it tacky?
- Hold a club – do your hands feel comfortable?
Step 3: Get the Right Size
Don’t guess your size. Measure your hands or ask for help at a golf store. The right size makes a big difference.
Step 4: Think About Your Budget
Good grips don’t have to cost a lot. Mid-range grips often give the best value. Remember, you can change grips yourself to save money.
Step 5: Install or Get Help
You can put new grips on yourself with a kit ($15-20). Or pay a pro shop ($3-5 per grip). If you’re not sure, let a pro do it.
Final Tips for Finding the Best Golf Grips
- Change grips every 1-2 years, or when they look shiny
- Clean grips often to make them last longer
- Try one new grip type before changing your whole set
- The best golf grips are the ones that feel right to YOU
- Don’t worry about what pros use – your hands are different
Conclusion
Choosing the right golf grips is easy when you know what to look for. Think about your hands, where you play, and how often you golf. Good golf grips help you hold the club better, hit straighter shots, and enjoy the game more.
Remember, the best golf grips aren’t always the most expensive ones. They are the ones that fit YOUR game. Try different types and see what feels best. Your scores will thank you!
When you’re ready to buy, look for the best golf grips that match your needs. A small change in your grips can make a big difference in your game. Happy golfing!
