Mid-Handicap golfer who loves to share his rounds and experiences playing courses all around the UK in a hope that it will help others find those hidden gem golf courses.
I seek out golf courses that don’t get the credit they deserve and are often overlooked for the bigger more well known ones.
A golf glove is an essential piece of equipment for any golfer. It not only improves the grip on your golf club, but also helps to protect your hand from blisters and injuries.
However, if you’re new to the sport or have never used a golf glove before, you may be wondering – what hand does a golf glove go on?
In this blog post, we will explore the answer to this question and provide some additional tips on how to choose the right golf glove for your game.
Key Takeaway
What Hand Does a Golf Glove Go On
A golf glove is typically worn on the non-dominant hand, which means right-handed players wear it on their left hand and vice versa for left-handed players.
In the game of golf, the glove serves a crucial role in providing grip and reducing the chance of the club slipping out of the hand.
Golfers usually wear the glove on their non-dominant hand, as this is the hand that has the most contact with the golf club during a swing.
For instance, if you are right-handed, your left hand is at the top of the club’s grip, hence you would wear the glove on your left hand.
Similarly, if you play left-handed, the glove would be worn on your right hand.
While it’s not common practice, some golfers choose to wear gloves on both hands to increase grip and reduce moisture, particularly in hot weather or if they have a tendency to sweat excessively.
Why Wear a Golf Glove
Golf gloves are worn to improve grip, control, and comfort during the swing, and to protect the golfer’s hand from blisters and calluses.
Improved Grip
Golf gloves are made from materials that provide an excellent grip, much better than bare hands, especially in hot or rainy conditions.
The texture of the glove helps to secure the golf club in your hands and prevents it from slipping during your swing. This allows for more consistent swings and better overall performance.
Enhanced Control
A golf glove can enhance your control over the golf club during a swing.
With a better grip, you can make more precise shots and have better control over the direction and speed of the golf ball. It’s especially beneficial during powerful swings where maintaining control is crucial.
Comfort and Protection
Golf gloves provide comfort during the game and protect your hands from blisters and calluses caused by repeated friction between the hands and the golf club.
They also reduce the pressure and impact on your hands, making the game more enjoyable.
Weather Adaptability
In adverse weather conditions, like rain or extreme heat, a golf glove provides an extra layer of security.
It helps to maintain a good grip when the club becomes wet or when your hands sweat, ensuring consistent performance regardless of the weather.
Should You Wear a Golf Glove on One Hand or Both Hands?
The decision to wear a golf glove on one hand or both hands is largely a matter of personal preference, with the majority of golfers choosing to wear a glove on their non-dominant hand due to its primary role in gripping the club.
Wearing a Golf Glove on One Hand
The common practice among golfers is to wear one glove on the non-dominant hand. This is because the non-dominant hand has a significant role in gripping the club.
For right-handed players, this means wearing a glove on the left hand, and for left-handed players, it’s the right hand. The main purpose of this is to enhance grip, especially in hot or rainy conditions when hands may become sweaty or the club may become wet.
Wearing Golf Gloves on Both Hands
While not as common, some golfers choose to wear gloves on both hands.
This can provide an extra layer of grip and comfort, and it can be particularly beneficial for those prone to blisters or who have a health issue that could be exacerbated by gripping the club with a bare hand.
However, using two gloves may reduce the feel and delicacy of the swing, which is why it’s less popular among golfers.
Factors Influencing the Decision
Several factors can influence the decision to wear one or two gloves. These include personal comfort, playing conditions, and individual preference.
Some golfers may find they prefer the increased grip and reduced chance of blisters that two gloves provide, while others may feel that one glove provides sufficient grip while maintaining a better feel for the club.
Types of Golf Gloves
There are several types of golf gloves available, each designed to suit different playing conditions and personal preferences, including leather, synthetic, all-weather, and winter gloves.
Leather Golf Gloves
Leather golf gloves are a favourite among many players due to their superior feel and fit.
They are usually made from cabretta leather, which is soft, thin, and provides excellent grip and tactile feedback.
However, leather gloves may not perform as well in wet conditions and can wear out faster than synthetic gloves.
Synthetic Golf Gloves
Synthetic golf gloves are typically more durable and weather-resistant than leather gloves.
They are made from man-made materials such as polyester, nylon, or elastane, which can withstand the rigours of the game better and offer more flexibility.
However, they might not provide the same level of feel as leather gloves.
All-Weather Golf Gloves
All-weather golf gloves are designed to provide good performance in various weather conditions.
They are often made from a combination of leather and synthetic materials to offer a good balance between feel, durability, and weather resistance.
These gloves are a good option for golfers who frequently play in changeable weather conditions.
Winter Golf Gloves
Winter golf gloves are designed for golfers who play in cold weather. They are typically thicker and warmer than other types of gloves and often feature thermal insulation to keep your hands warm.
Some winter golf gloves also have water-resistant or waterproof properties to cope with wet conditions. However, these gloves may not offer the same level of grip and feel as regular golf gloves.
Choosing the Right Golf Glove
Choosing the right golf glove involves considering several factors such as hand dominance, proper fit, material, and weather conditions.
Hand Dominance
The first step in choosing the right golf glove is determining which hand to wear the glove on. Traditionally, players wear one glove on their weak hand.
So, if you’re right-handed, you would wear the glove on your left hand, and vice versa for left-handed players.
Proper Fit
A well-fitting golf glove is essential for comfort and performance. The glove should be snug, covering the hand completely without any bunching or excess material at the fingers. It should not feel restrictive or tight.
The Velcro strap should come around approximately 75% across the back of the hand for a secure fit.
Material
Golf gloves are typically made from leather, synthetic materials, or a combination of both. Leather gloves provide a superior feel and fit, while synthetic gloves offer more durability and weather resistance.
The choice between these materials depends largely on personal preference and playing conditions.
Weather Conditions
Different types of golf gloves are designed for different weather conditions. All-weather gloves, made from a mix of leather and synthetic materials, are suitable for various conditions.
Winter gloves, which are thicker and often have thermal insulation, are designed for cold-weather play.
FAQs
Q: Do you wear a glove on both hands in golf?
A: No, in golf, you typically wear a glove on your lead hand only. The lead hand is the hand that is closest to the grip of the club. So if you are right-handed, you would wear a glove on your left hand, and if you are left-handed, you would wear it on your right hand.
Q: Can golfers wear two gloves?
A: Yes, some golfers choose to wear two gloves for various reasons. It can provide extra grip and better control of the club for golfers who have sweaty hands or for those playing in wet conditions. However, it is more common for golfers to wear only one glove on their lead hand.
Q: What is the purpose of wearing a golf glove?
A: The main purpose of wearing a golf glove is to improve the golfer’s grip on the club. It helps prevent the club from slipping out of the hands during the swing, providing better control and accuracy. It also helps protect the hand from blisters and provides a more comfortable feel.
Q: What size golf glove should I wear?
A: To find the right size golf glove, you should measure the circumference of your hand just below the knuckles. Use a tape measure and refer to the sizing chart provided by the glove manufacturer to determine your glove size. It is important to wear a glove that fits snugly but is not too tight or too loose.
Q: Do professional golfers wear gloves on both hands?
A: No, professional golfers usually wear a glove on their lead hand only. However, some professional golfers may choose to wear two gloves depending on their personal preference and the weather conditions they are playing in.
Q: Can wearing golf gloves improve my golf swing?
A: Wearing golf gloves can provide a better grip on the club, which can lead to a more controlled and consistent golf swing. It can also help prevent the club from twisting in the hands, resulting in better accuracy and distance. However, improving your golf swing requires practice and proper technique in addition to wearing the right golf gloves.
Q: Do I need to wear gloves in cold weather?
A: In cold weather, it is recommended to wear gloves specifically designed for winter or cold conditions. These gloves are made of materials that provide insulation and keep your hands warm while still allowing for a good grip on the club. Regular golf gloves may not provide enough warmth in cold weather.
Q: Can wearing golf gloves help prevent blisters?
A: Yes, wearing golf gloves can help prevent blisters by providing a barrier between your skin and the club’s grip. The glove’s material absorbs some of the friction and rubbing that can cause blisters. It is important to choose a glove that fits well and is made of soft leather or materials that are comfortable and gentle on the skin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that the wearing of a golf glove is not simply a matter of personal preference or fashion. Rather, it plays an important role in enhancing grip, improving performance, and protecting against injuries on the golf course.
This means that for right-handed players, the glove should be worn on the left hand, and vice versa for left-handed players.
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