The grip is the only part of your golf club you have direct contact with. Every swing, every stroke, every putt goes through the grip to the club. Yet, this component is completely ignored by most golfers until the grip is so slick they can barely hold the club anymore. In this article, we explain everything about golf grips: which types exist, how to choose the right size, when to replace them, and how to change them yourself.

Why the grip is so important

A worn-out grip has immediate consequences for your game. If the grip starts to become slick, you unconsciously squeeze the club harder to hold onto it. That extra tension in your hands, wrists, and forearms prevents a free, smooth swing. Players who complain about muscle pain in their shoulders or forearms have sometimes simply played too long with worn-out grips.

Furthermore, grip thickness affects ball flight. A grip that is too thin causes the hands to be too active in the swing, which most likely leads to a closed clubface and a pulled ball flight (to the left for right-handed players). Conversely, a grip that is too thick suppresses hand activity, often causing the clubface to remain open at the moment of impact, resulting in a push to the right.

In short: a good grip costs little, but a poor or worn-out grip costs you strokes. For an overview of all the equipment that belongs with your clubs, read more in our article about golf equipment per phase.

The four types of grips

Rubber grips

The most common variant. Rubber grips are durable, affordable, and available in dozens of texture variations. They offer a good balance between grip and cushioned feel. In humid conditions or with sweaty hands, rubber grips sometimes provide less traction unless they have a rough texture.

Cord grips

Cord grips contain fabric threads (braided cord) in the material, which provides a rougher but firmer grip, even in wet conditions. They are popular among advanced players and tour professionals who play in variable weather conditions. They feel harder than rubber grips. The Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord is one of the most popular grips on the PGA Tour.

Hybrid grips

A hybrid grip combines cord at the top (upper hand) with a softer rubber section at the bottom. The Golf Pride MCC is a well-known example. This combination provides the feel of a cord grip for the upper hand, while the lower hand experiences more comfort.

Leather grips

Leather provides a premium feel and was used by most professional golfers in the past. Nowadays, leather is rarer, more expensive, and less resistant to moisture. It is primarily used in putters by players who prefer a soft, traditional feel.

Check out the range of grips and club accessories on the accessories page of Reswing Golfstore.

Determining the right grip size

The size of a grip is just as important as the material. There are four standard sizes: undersize, standard, midsize, and oversize (jumbo).

The starting position for determining your size is the size of your hand. A simple test: take the club in your normal grip and see if the fingertips of your top hand lightly touch the palm of that same hand. If they press firmly into the palm, the grip is likely too small. If there is a lot of space between them, the grip may be too large.

PING has developed a color-coded system where you measure your hand size and determine the correct grip thickness using a table. This system also works if you do not play with PING clubs.

Extra layers of grip tape under the grip are an inexpensive way to increase the thickness. Four layers of tape are roughly equivalent to half a size extra. Tour players regularly apply this to get their grip exactly to their preferred size.

When should you replace grips?

The rule of thumb: every 40 to 60 rounds, or at least once a season if you play regularly. In practice, most golfers wait too long. Seventy percent of all golfers never replace their grips, even though worn-out grips directly cost you quality in your game.

Signs that replacement is necessary:

• The grip feels slick or shiny
• There are visible cracks or tears
• You have to squeeze harder than normal to hold the club
• The grip feels hard and dried out

If you buy the grips of a new set of clubs, they come with standard grips that are not necessarily the best choice for your hand. It is smart to have new clubs immediately fitted with the grip that suits you best.

Replacing grips yourself: is it possible?

Yes, and it is cheaper than you think. Replacing a grip yourself takes 10 to 15 minutes per club once you have mastered the technique. What you need: a grip cutter or sharp knife, double-sided grip tape (specifically for golf clubs; hardware store tape does not work well), grip solvent or mineral spirits, and the new grip.

The process in short: cut off the old grip, remove remaining tape, apply new tape to the shaft, pour solvent into the grip and over the tape, slide the grip on immediately and smoothly, align it, and let it dry (at least 20 minutes).

Having a complete set of 14 clubs regripped at a golf shop costs an average of 150 to 200 euros, including grips. Doing it yourself costs a lot less with a set of grips at 42 euros and some patience. The disadvantage of doing it yourself is that alignment requires more attention; a crookedly mounted grip is uncomfortable and affects your hold on the club.

The grip as a neglected investment

If you recently bought a golf set but have never replaced your grips, there is a good chance you are now playing with slick, hardened grips. For less than 15 euros per club—or less if you do it yourself—you can have grips that feel like new. It is likely the cheapest improvement you can make to your golf game. Want to also tackle rust on your clubfaces? Then read everything in our article about removing rust from golf clubs.

Author: Team Reswing Golfstore Reswing Golfstore offers a full range of golf grips and related accessories for all types of golfers.