Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Golf Glove Hand
Improve your swing and game performance by getting the perfect fit for your golf glove hand. With a proper fitting glove, you get a tackier grip on the golf club. This reduces the tension in your hands and arms, producing a better swing. Plus, the glove protects your hand from pesky friction. See how to find a golf glove that fits your hand like a dream!
Wear the Golf Glove on Your “Opposite” Hand
First things first — make sure to wear the golf glove on the opposite hand of your dominant hand. That means if you’re right-handed, the glove should be worn on your left hand (and vice versa). The reason why is because the "top" hand on a golf club is the lead hand, which is critical for swinging.
Measure Your Glove Hand Size
The key to finding the perfect fit is measuring your golf glove hand to determine the glove size. Even if you’ve done this before, we recommend checking your glove size at the start of every season because it can change over time. Find your glove size by taking a measuring tape and measuring the length of your middle finger from the tip of your finger to the top edge of your palm. Next, measure the circumference of your palm (excluding your thumb) by wrapping the tape around the index finger knuckle to the pinky finger knuckle. If your measurements are between two sizes, try the smaller size first for a snug fit. Also, consider women’s golf gloves to find a better fit.
How Your Golf Glove Should Feel
There are three things to look for with a golf glove so it feels great while you’re playing. First, the glove should fit snugly like a second skin. There shouldn’t be any loose material or wiggle room. If there is, then your hand will move around when swinging the club. Your fingertips should also completely fill out the golf glove. Again, no extra material is essential. Last but not least, the closure should be adjustable. Look for a glove where the closure reaches about ¾ of the way to allow for adjustment during play. Hands swell for a variety of reasons (e.g. heat, exercise, fluid retention), so it’s important that you can adjust the closure tab.
Glove Material Considerations
When shopping for golf gloves, you’ll usually find them in leather, synthetic, and hybrid material. There’s no “best” material since each has benefits and drawbacks. For instance, leather golf gloves are supple and the most popular type, but they tend to wear out the fastest. Synthetic gloves are generally the least expensive and offer more flexibility and durability than leather, however, the material isn’t as breathable. Hybrid golf gloves are a combination of leather and synthetic materials, which provide a better grip on the palm and fingers. Plus, the joints and wear points are more flexible and last longer.
Preserve the Shape for a Longer Lasting Fit
Enjoy your golf glove for longer by preserving its shape and material quality. There are several things you can do to maintain the glove’s feel and look. First, don’t yank off the glove when removing it — gently pull from the fingers. Also, air your glove after each use as trapped sweat will make it crusty and stiff.
Use a golf glove shaper, a popular accessory that’s shaped like a hand and slips into the glove, to promote an organic air-drying process. The shaper maintains the glove’s shape instead of getting crinkly. It comes with a carabiner clip to attach to a golf bag for easy access.
With these golf glove tips and the shaper accessory, you’ll have the perfect fit every time you play!