Golf Equipment- Golf Grip Size Matters

Of all the factors taken into consideration when fitting clubs, golf grip size is the most easily modified on an existing set of clubs. Because your hands are your only physical connection to the golf club that strikes the golf ball it should make sense that having golf grips of the proper size will help you hold the golf club with the correct amount of pressure.

Up until 1949 when the use of rubber as a grip material became available grips were made of leather wrapped around a crepe underlisting that was glued to the shaft. Not only was it difficult to customize grip size for a set of clubs but it was almost impossible to get a consistent grip size throughout a set of clubs. Translated , that means that the clubs throughout a set never felt the same from club to club. Rubber was lighter in weight than leather and offered improved traction and feel. The original rubber grips were molded right to the shaft. Through this process the manufacturer could assure you that the grip size and weight were consistent throughout a set of clubs. It was, however, impossible to customize the grip size using this system.

In 1953 a slip on rubber grip was developed and revolutionized the way clubs are manufactured. A set of clubs could now be customized for proper grip size easily. Slip on rubber grips became popular in 1958 when Tommy Bolt won the U.S. Open using them on his clubs.

Not everyone has the same size hands so how can one grip size fit all golfers? The answer to that question is simple. One grip size does not fit all golfers. How does grip size effect my golf swing? If your grips are to small the golf club will have a tendency to twist at impact causing an errant shot. If the club should twist at impact it will cause the club face to open or close. If your grips are too large it will create tension in your hands and arms that will inhibit your swing. This will usually cause the club face to open causing a slice. If your grips are of the right size the tips of your ring and forefinger on your left hand should not dig into the palm of that hand. Below is a chart for grip size based on you glove size courtesy Of Golf Pride. Golf Pride is the largest of the US grip manufacturers. You can visit their web site http://www.golfpride.com for more information.

“Grip size can be a critical element in club fitting and performance. While standard size grips are adequate for the vast majority of golfers, many players can benefit from oversize or undersize grips. Conventional wisdom holds that a proper size grip permits the fingers in a golfers top hand to barely touch the palm. Unfortunately this rule of thumb does not address many other grip and swing issues, and the only sure-fire way to learn proper grip size is to seek the advice of a PGA golf professional or professional club-builder, who can make a recommendation based on your personal hand size, swing technique, and shot pattern.”

Here are some general size guides based on your glove size:

GLOVE SIZE GRIP SIZE

Men’s X-Large/ Cadet XL Midsize to Jumbo

Men’s Large/ Cadet L Standard to Midsize

Men’s Med-Large/ Cadet ML Standard

Men’s Medium/ Cadet M Standard

Men’s Small/ Cadet S Undersize to Standard

Women’s Large Undersize to Standard

Women’s Medium Undersize

Women’s Small/ Junior Undersize to Junior

With all the benefits offered by rubber grips there is one drawback. Rubber grips will absorb persperation and other grime associated with handling. Over time they will become hard and slick. I would suggest that if you play a lot of golf consider having your clubs regripped once per year.

I mentioned Golf Pride earlier in this article but I would be negligent if I did not mention Lamkin formerly known as Lamkin Leather. They actually predate the formation of Golf Pride. They are located in Chicago, my old stomping grounds, and I have known the Lamkin family all of my professional life. They offer a top quality rubber grips and should be considered for your gripping needs. You can see their products at http://www.lamkingrips.com.

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golf instruction & equipment

Golf Equipment- Golf Grip Size Matters