Have you seen golfers wearing gloves but some don’t? Well, wearing golf glove isn’t really required in the course, but it is deemed necessary due to plenty of reasons (which will be discussed later on).
And golf gloves don't really need to be worn on both hands, just wear it on the ‘leading’ hand on where the top of the grip is, and you’re good to go.
Yes, you read that correctly, ‘on the leading’ and not on your dominant hand. For example, if you're right-handed, you will wear the golf glove on your left hand. And left-handed players wear their golf gloves on the right hand.
But most of the time, golfers who wear golf gloves remove it when they perform putts and iron shots so they will have a good grasp of the clubface’s feel when striking the golf ball.
Additionally, golf gloves come in different materials, style, and colors that you can choose from. Each material has different advantages and uses to each other. Therefore, it’s also highly recommended to review each one of them so you will know what to buy and why choose it amongst the others.
In this article we will explain to you the reasons why you should consider having a golf glove, and its different materials.
What is a Golf Glove Used For?
For better grip
Perhaps one of the most important reasons to wear a golf glove is for better grip.
A golf glove is stickier than your skin. During hot weather, it will help the club to stay stable in your hand to prevent it from turning. And since it is tackier, it provides better friction between your hand and the grip.
Particularly, players that have loose and poor grips may find golf gloves highly useful and beneficial for their game.
Weather and climates are also unpredictable such as cold weather and rain. Wearing a golf glove will give you better and improved grip.
For skin protection
Aside from protection from harsh and unpredictable weather, golf gloves will also keep your hands healthy for they can prevent blisters and calluses on your hands that are caused by repeated swing actions.
Another good tip, some players tape the areas of their hands that are very prone to blisters.
For Dryness and Warmth
Since golf gloves are made from different materials like synthetic and leather kinds, they can be worn in various occasions and conditions. There are also manufacturers that produce golf gloves intended for a specific climate like cold or hot weather.
Although mentioned above that you can wear a golf glove on only one hand, it’s best to wear both in cold weather. You can buy winter golf gloves to keep your hands dry and warm. It also prevents stiffness and numbness so your hands will maintain its natural grip.
Rain golf gloves on the other hand, helps resist moisture, which allows golfers to have a good grip despite the slippery, wet weather.
For comfortability
When buying a golf glove, it should fit and slide comfortably on your hand. That’s why purchasing one that will suit the weather and your needs is very important for it serves as your second skin.
Different golf glove materials
Leather Golf Gloves
The most common type of golf glove material is the leather. I couldn’t say it’s the most popular, but most golfers prefer it due to plenty of benefits.
Leather golf gloves provide an excellent feel and grip, serving as a good second skin-like.
Leather materials are also known for their moisture resistant feature, while maintaining softness even for a long time.
However, it stretches over time so don’t buy one that is too large on your hand.
It’s also worth noting that leather golf gloves hold water. But as soon as they’re completely dried properly, they will still offer the same grip.
So after using it on a wet day, you have to pull it back to its natural shape, and let it air dry naturally. Don’t use heating materials to dry it, like a hair dryer.
All-Weather Golf Gloves
The all-weather golf gloves are made to play and perform in extremely harsh weather and humid conditions. The materials are more water resistant compared to other golf gloves. You’ll notice a better feel once you test one on moist conditions.
This type of glove also has breathable and light synthetic material that surprisingly provides good grip the more it gets wet. Pretty cool right? It works as the fibers of the glove’s hand stand up to generate more friction.
A lot of golfers buy the all-weather golf gloves in addition to their other golf gloves. Its thick, but comfortable material will help your hands keep warm as you play through cold conditions. If your hands get easily sweaty, this type of glove will also best work for you.
Synthetic Golf Gloves
Synthetic golf gloves are more commonly found on small areas of the golf glove. It gives a sufficient stretch and lightweight material that fits every golf glove well.
The synthetic material is primarily used to bridge the knuckles which assists in finger and joint flexibility.
There are certain golf gloves in the market that use pure synthetic material. These kinds are said to be more durable compared to a leather glove.
Overall, synthetic golf gloves are lightweight and very breathable. All thanks to their stretchy microfibers that work wonders to adapt and adjust to every golfer’s hand, while providing cooling sensation during warm weather.
Thermal Gloves
As a golfer, cold and hot temperature may bother you to go out to play golf. But don’t worry
because thermal gloves got your back! Just like the winter gloves, this kind provides the balance of warmth for your fingers.
The thermal gloves is thick and often knitted. Its look is similar to a typical golf glove, but mostly darker in color. This provides consistent heat in the player’s hands that is very important for cold weathers.
Golf Mitts
Another kind of winter glove is a golf mitt. This type is built to slip over your hands. Therefore, you cannot play your game while wearing them.
It’s sole purpose is to only maintain a more natural feel in your hands compared to winter golfing mitts.
Choosing the Right Golf Glove For You
Statistically, 50% of the golfers are wearing a golf glove that’s too big for them. The golf glove must give you a feel like its a second skin. Meaning to say, you shouldn’t feel an excess material at the end of your fingers or across your palm.
Choosing the right size plays a very important role. When you put your golf glove on, work the fingers first. Do this by gently pushing down the glove around in your every fingers, before finally sliding in the thumb.
Golf gloves also come with velcro fasteners. For a handy tip, ensure that the fastener won’t exceed across more than 75%. If it does exceed that way, the it only means the glove is too big for you. Hence, you need to pick a smaller size.
Always remember that the perfect size of the golf club will determine if your fingers are comfortably stretching across your palm. Plus, the fingers of the glove should not be too long or short either.
The gloves that are over a velco straps are what secures your hand to have that excellent fit. And manufacturers always create golf gloves that will fit a wide range of sizes. The options ranges from small size to XXL. They are also released in different cadet, men, and women’s styles and sizes.
Helpful Tips When Buying a Golf Glove
- Always look for the golf glove’s functionality. Choose one that has paddings located in the palm. Finer golf gloves are made with stretchy material on the knuckle areas, which provides added flex added flex each time you get a grip on the club.
- Choose golf gloves that are comfortable for you. Although all golf gloves are produced to be comfortable, it’s still beneficial to choose one that fits you well and a material that is best suitable for your liking.
- Look for the right fit. Comfortability mostly comes from right fit. And one of the factors for this is choosing the right size. The glove should fit snugly into your hands and fingers. However, it shouldn’t be too tight either as this would make each golfer struggle with their swings. Golf glove sizes vary depending on manufacturers, some have bigger cuts than others. In this case, it's best to try on the globes first before buying. And when buying online, check the measurements first.
- Choose the most suitable material that feels right to you. This aspect will also fall under comfortability. There’s no question that a fine leather material will give you a pleasing feel and great mold in your hand. But pure synthetic glove material can interpret the feel of leather, but it is more lightweight and less expensive.
- Buy a glove in accordance with the weather and temperature. If it’s winter time and you’re planning to buy golf gloves, choose a heavier glove that is suitable to provide warmth in your hands. Usually, winter golf gloves are best advisable. While all-weather golf gloves are great for rainy days. Just keep in mind to wear gloves on both of your hands during these climates.
- Find a specialty glove if you’re suffering from arthritis and other medical conditions that may need extra protection in your hand. Usually these kinds have more padding and better grip features.
Interested in other Golf Accessories? Check out the following guides:
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Gloves
Q. Why do some golfers wear only one glove?
The primary reason why some golfers only wear one glove is because they want to have added grip. At the same time, there isn’t really an added benefit on the grip or performance if you wear two. You’ll save more money too.
The only time you’ll get benefit from wearing two is for added warmth during cold weather. Or if your other hand has bruises or cuts that needs extra protection.
Most of the time, you will only be grasping the club with your fingers. So the added grip on the golf glove won’t really do too much. Some players also stated that there are fewer feel when wearing two gloves.
But the real truth is, it’s not true. Wearing two gloves won’t decrease the feel. The feel still retains to its natural state. It can be more, but it won’t be less.
Q. Should you wear a golf glove when putting?
Most golfers take off their golf gloves when putting. The reason for this is that, according to them, wearing one glove gives them ‘more feel’ along the lines than wearing two.
Of course, since golf gloves have thick materials, wearing one will give you a more lightweight feel.
But, it’s also advisable to bring with you your other glove in case rain, or extreme heat and cold weather occurs.
Also Read: Best Golf Putters
If you haven’t tried wearing a glove when putting, it might feel odd the first time. But once you use it for the succeeding rounds, you’ll get used to it.
One of the reasons why players only wear one glove when putting is that it saves them more time due to less hassle. You don’t want to keep taking your other gloves on and off right? You can also focus more on performing the putt.
Key Takeaway
Golf gloves provide players the added grip, protection, and warmth that they need to perform well on the course.
Golf gloves are offered in different styles and sizes for every golfer's needs, fit, and comfortability. Before you buy one or two, it’s important to consider the reason why you’re choosing that material over the others.
It’s also vital to choose a glove that fits well on your hand because it serves as your second skin, so it shouldn’t be too loose or too fit.