Can the Wrong Size Golf Grip Cause Problems?

Does golf grip size matter? This is a question that most golfers have asked themselves and the simple answer is, absolutely. Grip size is important to the game of golf because everyone is built differently and the different sizes available are designed to suit specific hand sizes and preferences.

As an example, a lady or a junior golfer might get their best results and be most comfortable using undersized golf grips because they are slimmer and fit better in small hands.

On the other end of the spectrum, a large man with larger than average hands may be more comfortable using a midsize or oversize grip which are thicker and more accommodating to larger hands.

Whether you’re on one end of the scale or in the middle, there is a grip that fits you best. Before you go to your local golf club and buy the first set of black rubber grips you see, you should understand what options are out there for you and find a set that fits your needs and preferences.

Golf Grip Size

The importance of comfort in the game of golf can never be overlooked. This is especially true when it comes to the comfort of your hands at address because the hands will determine the outcome of the swing.

That being said, it’s crucial to have grips that are the correct size for your hands in order to get the most out of your game. Grips that are too big or too small will make it difficult for you to make consistent contact and we all know that consistency is a key to the game.

Golf grips come in four basic sizes: junior/undersized, standard, midsize, jumbo/oversize. Each grip is designed for different sized hands and golfer preferences.

Junior or undersized golf grips are for players with smaller hands. The slim design makes it easier for the player to grip and control the club throughout the swing. You are likely to find this style grip on junior and lady golf clubs.

Standard grips are the most common because they are the correct fit for the majority of average golfers. If you were to buy a basic set of adult golf clubs, they would likely come with standard size grips because this is the most popular size.

Midsize golf grips are one step above standard. Some players whose hands are working too much during the swing have found a cure by switching to a slightly larger midsize grip. Afterall, comfort is most important and each player has their preferences.

Finally, you have jumbo or oversized grips. These grips benefit players with larger than average hands because it offers the player more to hold onto. For a golfer that fits this mold, oversize grips can help them improve their wrist action and feel while reducing the amount of pressure in the hands.

How to Determine Your Grip Size

With the wide variety of sizes to choose from, finding the correct one for your game can be confusing but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few ways for you to make sure that you are using the correct size for your hands.

One way to check grip size is by searching the phrase ‘golf grip size chart,’ You will find a chart that uses the measurement of the bottom of your palm to the tip of your middle finger to determine which size is the best fit.

As an example, 6.6”-7.5” from the crease of your palm to the tip of your middle finger means your best fit would be a standard size grip. But, just because you fit the parameters for one grip doesn’t mean you have to use that one. Some players may prefer to size up or down for a wider variety of reasons.

Another way to check this would be going to your local golf course or golf shop and trying different sizes. This is one of the best ways to find the right grips for you because you not only get to see and feel all of your options, you will also have an expert to answer any questions that you may have.

Grip Material Options

If you’ve ever shopped for golf grips, you know that there are a wide variety of options and materials available on the market. Each material is designed for a purpose and each will have its pros and cons. The most popular types of grip materials are rubber, cord, hybrid, synthetic, and leather.

Rubber: The most common golf grip material of all is rubber because it’s an inexpensive, comfortable,  long lasting option. Rubber golf grips are durable so you can be sure that a set of them will last for several years of consistent golf. These grips are tacky and easy on the hands in good weather conditions but they can become slippery when they get wet.

Cord: This type of grip has cord woven into the outer layer of the grip to provide the maximum amount of traction which means these grips are going to be easy to hold onto on those rainy days. Cord grips are incredibly durable and they will last for several years of consistent use.

The downside of this type of grip is a lack of comfort considering the cord texture can be rough on your hands.

Hybrid: A hybrid grip is one that contains both smooth rubber and cord. The bottom part of the grip is made with smooth comfortable rubber for your dominant hand while the top features a textured cord for your non-dominant hand.

This style of grip has become more popular in recent times because it combines the top performing elements of both. The downside of this grip is that it will cost you a bit more.

Synthetic: Over the past few years, companies like Winn have been popularizing synthetic golf grips which are incredibly soft feeling and comfortable. This style grip is more cushioned than it is a hard surface which makes it easier on your hands but also sacrifices durability.

Leather: If you’re an old school golfer, you might be interested in leather golf grips which will surely give your clubs a classic look. Leather grips are durable and will perform exceptionally well in poor conditions because they are overly tacky. These grips will be a little more pricey.

Picking Your Grip Style

Like most other aspects of the golf grip, your choice of materials will depend heavily on preference. Preference combined with the climate of the areas that you play golf should be the determining factors in your choice of grip.

For example, if you play in Florida where they have hot temperatures and lots of rainy days, you might want to consider cord grip in order to minimize club slipping. On the other hand, if you play in a dry climate, a rubber grip might be the better choice for you.

Before you choose your new grips, think about the conditions that you play in most frequently and base your decision on those factors.

Putter Grip Styles

When it comes to putter grips, there are even more options to choose from than there are with all other grips. Since you aren’t making a full swing with a putter, there is a lot more room for experimenting by changing the size and shape of the grip.

Unlike a round iron grip, most putter grips have a flattened topside to make it easier to control the face of the putter. Additionally, putter grips tend to be considerably larger than a standard golf club grip. The size of the players hands is much less of a factor than preference when choosing a putter grip.

Over the past decade, overly large golf grips have become popular because many find them to be easier to control than a smaller grip. Companies like SuperStroke, make large putter grips that perform at a high level and last for a long time.

Another popular style putter grip is the pistol grip. This grip is larger at the top than the bottom and features a slight curve on the spine of the grip to fit easily in your hand. Because of this comfortable fit, this style has been a go to of many players, including Tiger Woods.

Similar to a pistol grip, more popular recently is the tapered grip. This grip is larger at the top than the bottom but doesn’t have the pistol grip curve.

Most putter grips are made of rubber which is suitable for putting because you don’t have the worry of having the grip slip out of your hands like you do with a full swing.

Regripping Golf Clubs

Once you’ve found the best grips to replace your old ones, you will need golf grip tape, mineral spirits solution, a small knife, and something to hold the golf club in place. (Most commonly a vice)

The first step is to carefully cut your old grips with a small knife, starting at the end of the grip closest to the head of the golf club. (Be careful not to cut into graphite shafts) Once you’ve made an incision through the old grip, peel the grip off.

This will leave you with a layer of old golf grip tape which will then need to be scraped off.

Now that the old grip and tape is gone, you’re left with just the metal or graphite shaft. Place your club firmly in a vice to keep it in place. Take a strip of your golf grip tape equalling just less than the size of your golf grips and place the tape running down the shaft. Wrap the tape all the way around.

Next, you will use the mineral spirits solution by putting it inside of the golf grip and shaking it to evenly coat the inside of the entire grip. (keep the hole on each end covered with your fingers) After the grip is coated, also coat the tape.

Quickly after the mineral spirits solution is applied, push the grip on in one motion. It’s important to get the grip on and lined up quickly before the solution dries. Finally, let the grip sit for 12-24 hours and get out there and play golf!

FAQ

What happens if golf grip is too big?

When a golf grip is too big, you will have a difficult time properly engaging your wrists which can cause them to tighten up. This prevents you from having a loose, fluid swing. This can also make it more difficult to square the clubface at impact.

What happens if golf grip is too small?

Opposite of the issues that occur with overly large grips, grips that are too small for your hands can cause your wrists to become overactive and can make your hands work too much. This makes it more likely for you to close the clubface too early.

Does golf club grip size matter?

Yes, as the only point of contact between you and your club, golf grip size is crucial to comfort and performance in the golf swing.

Can I regrip my own golf clubs?

Yes, you can regrip them on your own. With a few tools and materials, you can regrip your golf clubs at home with only a few minutes of work per club.

Should all your golf club grips be the same size?

Consistency between clubs is important but they don’t all need to be the same size. For example, a player may find that having midsize grips on their irons helps them while standard sized grips are a better fit for their wedges.

Bottom Line

There is a lot to know about golf grips and even more options to choose from. By following the tips above, you should have an idea of which grip might be the best fit for you but at the end of the day, the determining factor will be your preferences.

As you play more golf and are exposed to different varieties of golf grips, try as many of them as you can so that you can determine for yourself which one is the most comfortable for you and which grip performs the best in your specific region of the world.

The offseason is the best time to begin thinking about your golf grips and start making the changes that will lead you to success in the upcoming season. A new set of grips might just be the thing you need to take your game to the next level!