Which Hand Should You Wear Your Golf Glove On?
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Time to read: 6 min
Introduction: Golf Glove Hand Orientation
Navigating the world of golf can be like learning a new language, especially if you are a beginner. With its unique terminologies, customs, and gear, there's a lot to take in, and among those, the golf glove stands as a silent enigma for many beginners. A common question that echoes in the minds of those new to the game is, "What hand should I wear my golf glove on?" We have your answer and will be a brief guide.
Why wear a golf glove?
Before we dive into the specifics, let's understand the 'why' behind the glove. The primary purpose of a golf glove is to provide a secure grip, prevent blistering, and offer a stable connection to the club, particularly important during wet or humid conditions when hands might become slippery. The goal is to not death grip the glove, and give you enough to hold onto the club. A death grip will cause inconsistent shots, and the glove enables a more soft touch without losing the club.
What hand does a golf glove go on?
Golf glove hand orientation for Right-Handed Golfers:
If you swing the club right-handed, meaning your left side faces your target, then the glove should be worn on your left hand. Here's why: the left hand (for right-handed players) is the 'lead' hand, guiding the direction, angle, and precision of the swing. By wearing the glove on your left hand, you gain enhanced grip and control, ensuring a more stable and powerful performance. Most leave their trail hand ungloved for a better feel and grip of the club.
Golf glove hand orientation for Right-Handed Golfers:
Left-handed swingers, you're up! Naturally, you'll be doing the opposite. Your right hand is the 'lead' in this scenario, steering the motion of your swing. As such, you'll want to wear your glove on the right hand, granting it the grip necessary to execute that flawless swing.
The Exception: Golf two gloves:
While traditional golf etiquette suggests one glove is sufficient, some players opt for wearing gloves on both hands, seeking an all-around firmer grip and additional protection from blisters. This technique isn't as widespread but might be worth a try if you're exploring comfort and performance options. PGA Pro Tommy Gainey was nicknamed “Tony Two Gloves” for this. His Twitter if you want to give him a follow for being such a legend.
Proper Fit is as Important As The Correct Golf Glove Hand Orientation
After sorting out which hand you will be wearing your golf glove on, make sure your golf glove fits properly. A golf glove that fits just right is essential for optimal performance. Ill-fitted gloves can cause problems in your swing, rip early, and cause blisters. Make sure to look at the golf glove brand's size guide before purchasing, example of ours below. As it is made of 100% leather it will stretch a little bit, so snug is important. Not loose.
Here is what to look for:
Fits like a skin:
Your golf glove should embrace your hand snugly, feeling like a second skin, with a firm fit across your palm and fingers and no excess material.
Fingers should be snug:
If there's excess material at the tips of your fingers, consider going down a size or you may be a better fit for a cadet sizing (we do not offer at the moment).
Room to adjust closure:
The fastening tab should cover roughly 75% of your hand's backside, leaving about a quarter-inch of Velcro® exposed. This ensures you have room for adjustments while playing.
Importance of Your Golf Grip
The grip is one of the fundamental components of a golfer's technique, and its importance in the game of golf cannot be overstated. There are also various types of grips and our guide to them. Here's why it's so critical:
Control: Your grip is the only physical connection between you and the golf club. A proper grip helps you control the direction and the precision of your shots. Without proper control, your club could twist upon impact, causing the ball to go off its intended path.
Power and Distance: A good grip allows you to swing more powerfully and achieve greater distance. By holding the club correctly, you can fully leverage your body's strength, effectively transferring that power from your body through your arms, to your hands, and finally, to the club.
Accuracy and Consistency: An effective grip helps with the accuracy of your shots. It provides the stability needed to hit the ball consistently well. If your grip changes from swing to swing, there will be little consistency in your rounds.
Ball Trajectory: The grip affects the clubhead's angle at the moment of impact with the ball, which then influences the ball's trajectory and spin. For example, a strong grip can often lead to a lower trajectory and more roll, whereas a weaker grip might create a higher shot with less roll.
Efficient Spin: A proper grip helps prevent the clubface from being open or closed at impact, situations that can cause slices and hooks, respectively. These common issues often stem from a grip problem.
Adapting to Conditions: Different playing conditions (like wind) might require adjustments in your grip for better control. Being able to modify your grip while maintaining its effectiveness is crucial for adapting to various situations on the course.
Reducing Injury Risk: An improper grip could lead to compensation in your swing, potentially causing strain or injury in your hands, wrists, arms, or even your back. A proper grip helps ensure that the body moves as a cohesive unit.
Confidence and Mental Game: Knowing you have a solid grip enhances your confidence during the swing. Doubting your grip can introduce hesitation and mental disruptions that negatively affect your performance.
Because of these factors, much coaching time is dedicated to ensuring golfers have the right grip for their game. Even experienced players periodically revisit their grip technique to make adjustments as their game evolves.
Understanding and applying a proper grip is a foundational skill that every golfer, regardless of their level, should continually refine throughout their golfing journey and your golf glove hand orientation has a direct impact on it.
What to Learn from Your Golf Glove
The beautiful thing about wearing a golf glove is it can offer signs of areas for improvement within your grip. These 3 areas of wear can lead to the below assumptions.
Palm Wear
Palm wear can be a sign of slipping hands during your swing or could be a sign that you're gripping the club with your palms instead of your fingers.
Heel Wear
It's possible that you're adjusting your grip at the peak of your swing, or you might be holding the club too near its end. Ensure that your grip is maintained approximately an inch away from the club's end.
Thumb Wear
Your thumb might be stretching too far along the shaft. Try angling your left thumb a bit towards the right to achieve a smoother and more comfortable backswing.
Conclusion: Golf Glove Hand Orientation
Wrapping it all up, golf glove hand orientation is a pivotal aspect of your game that combines functionality with personal comfort and style. What to look for when buying a golf glove is another consideration. The one takeaway from this is that wearing your glove on your "lead" hand—the left hand for right-handed golfers and the right hand for left-handed players—is key to enhancing grip, control, and stability in your swings. This seemingly small detail could make a significant difference, potentially shaving strokes off your round and increasing your overall comfort and confidence on the course.
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