Summary: This article explains how most golfers are using the wrong size grips, how this occurs, and what they need to look for in a new set of grips for their clubs.
Most golfers believe that when it comes to golf grips, the standard sized grip is the one for them. After all, the standard grip is designed for the majority of people, so it is going to be the best fit for most people, correct? Well, that isn’t actually true. The reality is that finding the correct grip for you has less to do with the size of your hands than you might think, and there are other factors which will make a difference to the effect they have on your game.
Most golfers start by measuring their hand size using a static chart, and unsurprisingly most of them come out in the ‘standard’ range. However, various experiments have shown that if you provided golfers with a variety of grip sizes and let them hit a few shots, many of them would actually choose a different grip size to the one that the chart indicated. When the distances and accuracy of the test shots were measured, very few of the golfers managed to hit the ball furthest or most accurately with the grip size they were measured for.
What we can conclude from this is that most golfers are playing with the wrong size grip. They may feel ok, and the size chart may well tell you it’s the right size, but the proof is in how they perform out on the course and the chances are that you are needlessly throwing away a performance advantage which could be as much as 5 strokes every round you play.
As well as the size, you’ve also got various options for the grips. These range from the materials they are made from to the texture and the shape of them, and they may also give that little bit more of an edge when it comes to your game. To start with the materials, you get a variety of compounds which are harder or softer, allowing you to choose a hold on the club that suits you – a soft grip means you can hold the club more loosely and be more relaxed, while a harder grip requires a stronger grip. The texture follows on from that, with everything from smooth to knobbled to dimpled available, with some even ridged to force your fingers into the right place. Finally, the shape makes a difference to where you place your hands or fingers – a tapered grip on a putter, for example, will let your lower hand control the movement much more, while a wedge shaped grip will let your thumbs control the small movements needed for greater accuracy.
With all the above in mind, isn’t it worth taking time to investigate a new set of golf grips? Your only real way to do it properly is to handle and try out as many different ones as you can, but it’s clearly worth the time to do it. Once you’ve found the ideal grip, they aren’t expensive or difficult to replace, and they could be one of the best golf accessories you ever buy.
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