A Golfer’s Guide to Golf Gloves

The golf glove is one of the fastest replaced items in a golf bag. Today most golfers consider them a necessity. Why are they even used though and how does someone go about choosing the right one? We answer these and many more questions in our complete guide to gloves

When were golf gloves first used?

While originally introduced in the late 1800s, golf gloves were not commonplace until the 1960s. Before that, golfing gloves were seen as mostly a gimmick. However, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer’s use of them helped thrust the golf glove into the mainstream. Since then, nearly every golf professional has used golf gloves.

What do golf gloves do?

Golf gloves serve two primary purposes. First, they provide increased grip with the club. The leather exterior of golf gloves has a much higher frictional force on the rubber grips of golf clubs compared to bare skin. Second, they protect golfers’ hands. Gloves are able to distribute a frictional force across the entire hand and lessen the chance of blisters and skin irritation.

Which hand does the glove go on?

The glove goes on your top hand. If you’re right-handed, then you wear a glove on your left hand.

How often should a golf glove be replaced?

A golf glove should be replaced “as needed”. What does that mean though? The lifespan of a golf glove is dependent on a multitude of variables including temperature, humidity, sweat, grip pressure, etc. Over time the leather on the glove will begin to break down, crack, and lose its grippy texture. Most sources claim this is every three to seven rounds of golf, but your mileage may vary. Overall, replace your glove once you distinctly notice its performance has declined.

What is the difference in golf gloves?

Premium golf gloves typically have a higher composition of leather. Leather is a premium material and companies typically try to save money by making much of the glove out of synthetic fabrics. These synthetics often are more stretchy than leather, but lack the grip and friction that leather can provide. Different gloves will have different designs and fitment as well

How do you know what size you are?

Many facilities, like here at Haggin Oaks, will have glove fitting gauge. However if you one is not available to you, we would recommend just trying on various gloves to find the one that works best for you. Different brands will have varying fitment, so be sure to try an assortment of gloves. Once you find the one for you, you can then simply purchase that model and size from the on.