Golf gloves are essential pieces of equipment for golfers of all levels. They provide protection and stability while gripping the golf club and can improve its feel. Many golfers wonder which hand should wear a golf glove – the left or the right?
This article will answer common questions about golf gloves and provide tips for choosing the right size, wearing the glove properly, and caring for and maintaining it.
The Purpose of Golf Gloves
Golf gloves serve three main purposes for a golfer. Firstly, they provide traction on the golf club. This allows golfers to grip the club with more confidence and control.
Secondly, golf gloves also provide protection. The padding and material of the glove cushion your hand from the vibrations that travel up the shaft when a ball is struck.
Finally, a golf glove also helps to absorb sweat and moisture. This can help improve the club’s grip and feel, which is especially important on hot and humid days.
What Hand Should You Wear A Golf Glove On?
When choosing which hand to wear a golf glove, the answer depends on whether the golfer is left or right-handed. Right-handed golfers should wear the glove on their left hand, and left-handed golfers should wear it on their right. This is because a golfer’s dominant hand is considered their power hand, and the glove should be worn on this hand to assist with gripping the club.
There are also some benefits to wearing a golf glove on both hands. Wearing a glove on both hands allows for a better grip and more control. It provides additional cushioning for the non-dominant hand and can improve the club’s feel. Wearing two gloves can also provide an extra layer of protection from blisters and calluses that can occur with prolonged golf club use.
Choosing the Right Size
When it comes to golf gloves, getting the right size is essential. If a glove is too big or too small, it can affect your grip and performance on the course. To ensure you get the right size, measuring your hand size accurately is important.
The easiest way to do this is to wrap a cloth tape measure around the widest part of your hand (around your knuckles). Once you’ve got the measurement, you can look up the correct size from the manufacturer’s size charts.
It’s also important to consider the individual fingers when selecting the size. Ensure there’s no excess material around your fingertips, as this could affect your grip. Some manufacturers even suggest measuring each finger and selecting the glove size based on the longest finger.
Try on the glove before purchasing. Ensure you do this when your hands are dry, as this will give you a better idea of how the glove will fit when playing golf. Also, make sure to practice taking the glove off and on, as this will help you get used to the feel and fit of the glove.
Finally, there are a few other tips to remember when selecting the right size glove. First, make sure to avoid any gloves that are too tight or too loose. Also, avoid cotton gloves, which tend to shrink over time and affect your grip.
Choosing the right size golf glove is an important part of getting the best performance on the golf course. You can ensure you get the perfect fit by accurately measuring your hand size and trying on the glove before purchasing. This will help ensure your grip is comfortable, secure, and reliable.
Wearing the Glove
Choosing the correct golf glove for your hand is just the first step in the process. You’ll also need to know how to put it on properly to get the most out of your glove and ensure your grip remains secure. Doing this not only ensures a comfortable fit but also ensures your golf glove will last longer.
Proper Technique for Putting on a Glove
The correct technique for putting on a golf glove is fairly straightforward. First, ensure the glove is the right size and fits snugly on your hand. Then, position your hand inside the glove and lightly grasp the palm and thumb of the glove. Slide your fingers carefully into the glove. If the glove is too tight, stretch it with your other hand to ensure it fits comfortably.
Once your fingers are all in place, slide the glove up your arm, taking care not to catch it on any jewelry or accessories. Ensure the Velcro tab on the glove is secured to the back of your hand. This will ensure that the glove stays in place during your round.
How Tightly Should a Golf Glove Fit?
As with any piece of clothing, you want your golf glove to fit snugly but not too tightly. If the glove is too tight, it will restrict your range of motion and make it difficult to hold your club correctly.
If the glove is too loose, it may slip off during your swing, resulting in lost control of the club. The best way to test your glove’s fit is to ensure you can still comfortably form a fist with it on. If you can, then the glove is the right size.
When choosing a golf glove, it’s important to remember that glove sizes vary between brands. Some brands may run small, while others may run large. To make sure you get the right size, it’s best to try on the glove before purchasing.
In addition, golf gloves come in different materials and thicknesses. If you plan to play in colder weather, choose a heavier glove with a thicker material. For warmer weather, go with a lighter glove made from a breathable material.
By following these tips, you can be sure you’ll have the correct fit and material for your golf glove. Wearing the right glove can help you improve your game and keep your hands comfortable and well-protected.
Care and Maintenance
Maintaining and caring for golf gloves is important to keep them in good condition. Proper care and maintenance of a golf glove will ensure that it provides the comfort, grip, and protection it is designed for. The following tips will help you keep your golf glove in top condition for better performance and longer life.
Clean your glove regularly. While gloves can be washed, it’s best to spot-clean them with a damp cloth and a mild detergent to remove dirt, debris, and sweat.
Make sure to avoid harsh chemicals and remember to clean the inside and outside of the glove. If the glove is made of leather, it’s important to use a leather conditioner to keep it soft and supple.
Store your glove properly. After cleaning, leave the glove in a cool, dry place to air dry before storing it. Store it away from direct sunlight or heat to avoid any potential damage and discoloration.
How often you need to replace a golf glove will depend on how often you play golf and how well you care for the glove. Generally, it’s recommended to replace golf gloves every few months. If you wear the glove for 18 holes, it may need to be replaced more often.
When you’re ready to replace your golf glove, make sure to save the one you have as a spare. Jot down the size and brand of the glove to make it easier to find the right fit and style when you’re ready to purchase a new one.
Note that golf gloves are not meant to last forever. If the glove shows signs of wear and tear, it’s time to replace it. Look for signs of wear in the fingertips, palms, and glove seams. If there is any visible damage, replace it.
By taking proper care and maintenance of your golf glove, you’ll ensure that it provides the comfort, grip, and protection that it’s designed to. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and timely replacement will all help extend the life of your glove and improve your overall golfing experience.
Types of Golf Gloves
Golfers have several different types of gloves to choose from when selecting the best glove for their game. The main types of golf gloves are full-fingered gloves, half-fingered gloves, and specialty gloves. Each type has advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to consider what kind of glove suits your needs.
Full-Fingered Gloves
Full-fingered gloves are the most common type of golf glove. These gloves cover the entire hand, providing the maximum amount of protection. They are made with breathable fabrics, such as leather or synthetic materials.
Full-fingered gloves can help improve your grip and prevent blisters while playing golf. They also help to keep your hands warm in colder temperatures.
Half-Fingered Gloves
Half-fingered gloves are an alternative to full-fingered gloves. These gloves only cover the palm and fingers, providing less protection than the full-fingered gloves but more freedom of movement.
Half-fingered gloves are great for those with sweaty palms or who are sensitive to heat. They are generally more lightweight than full-fingered gloves and can provide a better feel for the grip.
Specialty Gloves
Specialty gloves are designed for specific purposes and are often used by professional golfers. They are usually made from more expensive materials and provide more protection than the more basic gloves.
Specialty gloves can be made for any type of weather, including rain, cold, and hot. They can also have padding to help protect the hands or a reinforced thumb or palm for added stability.
When choosing a glove, it’s important to consider your playing style and the conditions in which you will play. If you play in cold weather, a full-fingered glove may be your best choice, while a half-fingered glove may be the better choice for hot and humid days.
Specialty gloves can provide the most protection and the highest level of performance. No matter which type of glove you choose, it’s important to ensure it fits properly for maximum comfort and protection.
Important Considerations
When choosing the best type of golf glove for your game, there are certain important considerations to consider before making your final selection.
Weather and temperature can play a huge role in choosing golf gloves. Depending on the season, you may need to opt for different materials.
For example, it is best to choose breathable material that can wick away moisture during the summer months to ensure your hands stay cool and dry.
On the other hand, in winter months, you may want to select materials that offer more insulation and warmth. Specialty gloves are also a great option if you play in wet weather. These gloves are designed to be waterproof and provide a secure grip even in wet conditions.
In addition to weather and temperature, a golf glove’s amount of breathability and moisture wicking should also be considered. Higher-end gloves are designed with advanced breathable materials that allow air to flow freely and keep hands dry and comfortable.
On the other hand, cheaper gloves are often made with thicker materials that don’t wick away moisture or allow air to circulate. This can cause hands to become damp and uncomfortable.
The type of closure on the glove is also important to consider when selecting the right size and fit. Velcro, elastic, and drawstring closures are all common closure types.
Velcro closures are the most popular option as they are adjustable and easily adjusted to fit any size hand. Elastic closures are less adjustable but offer a snug fit that is less likely to slip or bunch when swinging. While more secure and adjustable, drawstring closures can sometimes be difficult to put on and take off.
Finally, the quality of a golf glove can vary greatly from one brand to the next. Cheaper gloves are often made with materials that will not last as long or perform as well as higher quality gloves.
Therefore, choosing a glove made with quality materials and construction is important to ensure maximum performance, comfort, and durability.
By considering all of these important considerations, you can make sure that you select the right golf glove for your game. The right glove can provide you with essential comfort, stability, and protection while on the course.
Final Thoughts
Wearing the right golf glove on the right hand is an important part of golfing. Not only does it provide a better grip and better control, but it also ensures that your game is comfortable and safe. Wearing gloves on the right hand is important for preventing blisters and wear and tear on the skin.
Gloves also protect from the elements and help to keep your hands dry. Choosing the correct glove size and putting it on properly for maximum benefit is important. Things to consider when choosing a glove include the material’s weather, temperature, and breathability.
When it comes to maintaining your golf glove, it is important to store it properly and clean it regularly. Depending on how often you golf and the conditions, you should replace your golf glove every 6-12 months.
Several types of golf gloves are available, including full-fingered gloves, half-fingered gloves, and specialty gloves. Each type of glove offers different benefits, so choose the type that best suits your needs.
In summary, wearing a golf glove on the right hand is important for comfort and performance. Make sure to choose the right size, put it on correctly, and maintain it properly. This will ensure you get the best performance and protection during your golf game.