Do You Wear a Golf Glove on Your Dominant Hand? Exploring the Best Grip Choices

When it comes to golf, every small detail can influence your performance on the course, from your stance to your grip. One question that often arises among both beginners and seasoned players is whether you should wear a golf glove on your dominant hand. This seemingly simple choice can impact your comfort, control, and ultimately, your swing.

Golf gloves are designed to enhance grip and reduce friction, but opinions vary on which hand should wear the glove. Some golfers swear by wearing it on their non-dominant hand, while others experiment with different approaches to find what works best for them. Understanding the reasoning behind these preferences can help you make an informed decision that suits your playing style.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the purpose of golf gloves, the traditional practices, and the factors that influence glove choice. Whether you’re looking to improve your grip or simply curious about the best way to wear a golf glove, this guide will provide valuable insights to elevate your game.

Which Hand Should Wear the Golf Glove?

Golf gloves are traditionally worn on the non-dominant hand — the hand placed at the top of the golf club grip. For a right-handed golfer, this means wearing the glove on the left hand; for a left-handed golfer, the glove is worn on the right hand. This convention is widely followed because the non-dominant hand plays a critical role in controlling the clubface and maintaining grip stability during the swing.

The dominant hand, positioned lower on the grip, usually requires more flexibility and feel. Wearing a glove on the dominant hand can sometimes reduce tactile feedback, which many golfers rely on to gauge pressure and control. However, some players may choose to wear gloves on both hands or on the dominant hand alone depending on personal preference, grip style, or weather conditions.

Advantages of Wearing a Glove on the Non-Dominant Hand

Wearing the glove on the non-dominant hand offers several benefits:

• Improved Grip Stability: The glove enhances friction between the hand and club, reducing slippage during the swing.
• Protection Against Blisters: The top hand often experiences the most pressure and friction, so the glove helps prevent blisters and calluses.
• Consistent Feel: The glove provides a consistent tactile surface, which can improve confidence in grip pressure.
• Sweat Management: It absorbs sweat, maintaining grip integrity during hot or humid conditions.

These advantages contribute to overall better control and performance, which is why this glove placement is standard among professionals and amateurs alike.

Situations When Wearing a Glove on the Dominant Hand Might Be Considered

Though less common, some golfers opt to wear a glove on the dominant hand or even both hands in certain circumstances:

• Weather Conditions: In cold or wet weather, gloves on both hands help maintain warmth and grip.
• Grip Style: Golfers with an overlapping or interlocking grip may find wearing gloves on both hands beneficial for consistent feel.
• Personal Comfort: Some players feel more secure or balanced with a glove on the dominant hand.
• Injury or Skin Sensitivity: Protection of cuts, blisters, or sensitive skin may necessitate a glove on the dominant hand.

Experimenting with glove placement can help players discover what enhances their performance and comfort.

Comparison of Glove Placement and Its Impact

Glove Placement	Advantages	Disadvantages	Typical Use
Non-Dominant Hand Only	Improved grip stability Better control of clubface Protection from blisters on lead hand	Dominant hand may sweat Less protection for trailing hand	Most common among golfers
Dominant Hand Only	Improved grip feel for dominant hand Protection for trailing hand	Reduced tactile feedback Less common, may feel awkward	Occasional use for comfort or injury
Both Hands	Maximum grip security Protection for both hands Useful in adverse weather	Reduced club feel May hinder natural wrist movement	Cold, wet conditions or personal preference
No Gloves	Maximum tactile feedback Natural hand movement	Increased risk of blisters Grip may slip in sweat or rain	Experienced golfers or casual play

Proper Hand Placement for Wearing a Golf Glove

In golf, the general convention is to wear a glove on the non-dominant hand. This means:

• For a right-handed golfer, the glove is worn on the left hand.
• For a left-handed golfer, the glove is worn on the right hand.

The rationale behind this practice lies in the role each hand plays during the golf swing:

• The dominant hand (right hand for right-handed players, left hand for left-handed players) controls the swing’s power and precision.
• The non-dominant hand provides grip stability and support.

Wearing a glove on the non-dominant hand enhances grip friction and prevents slipping without compromising feel and control from the dominant hand.

Exceptions and Situational Considerations

While the standard advice is to wear the glove on the non-dominant hand, some golfers choose to wear gloves differently based on personal preference, weather, or specific needs:

• Wearing a glove on the dominant hand:
• Some players wear a glove on their dominant hand in cold weather to maintain warmth and improve grip.
• Certain golfers who have injuries or skin conditions on the dominant hand may opt to wear a glove there for protection.

• Wearing gloves on both hands:
• Rarely, players wear gloves on both hands, particularly in wet or humid conditions to enhance grip on both sides.
• Double-gloving is not common during competitive play but can be useful during practice.

• No glove or switching hands:
• Some players prefer not to wear a glove at all for better tactile feedback.
• Others may switch the glove between hands based on comfort or strategy.

Advantages of Wearing a Glove on the Non-Dominant Hand

Advantage	Explanation
Improved Grip	The glove increases friction between the club and hand, reducing slippage during the swing.
Consistent Hand Positioning	Helps maintain a consistent grip pressure, which is critical for accuracy and control.
Protection Against Blisters	Prevents blisters and calluses from repetitive motion and friction with the club grip.
Moisture Management	Absorbs sweat, keeping the grip dry and secure, especially in warm or humid conditions.
Enhanced Comfort	Provides cushioning that can reduce hand fatigue during long rounds or practice sessions.

Why Not Wear a Glove on the Dominant Hand?

The dominant hand requires more tactile sensitivity to control clubface angle and manage swing dynamics. Wearing a glove on the dominant hand can:

• Reduce Feel: Gloves introduce a layer between the hand and club, dulling the sense of touch and feedback.
• Decrease Precision: Less tactile feedback can impair fine adjustments needed for accuracy.
• Alter Grip Pressure: The glove may change how pressure is distributed across the fingers, affecting control.

For these reasons, most golfers avoid wearing a glove on their dominant hand unless specific circumstances dictate otherwise.

How to Determine Your Dominant Hand for Golf Glove Use

If you are unsure which hand is your dominant hand for golf glove purposes, consider the following steps:

• Identify your natural writing hand: This is usually your dominant hand.
• Swing a club or practice grip: Notice which hand feels more active or controlling during the swing.
• Use the “dominant eye” test: Your dominant eye often corresponds with your dominant hand in golf.
• Experiment: Try wearing the glove on each hand during practice sessions and observe which provides better grip and control.

Additional Tips for Choosing and Wearing a Golf Glove

• Proper Fit: The glove should fit snugly without being too tight or loose to maintain grip and comfort.
• Material Selection: Leather gloves offer better feel and durability, while synthetic gloves provide more breathability and weather resistance.
• Glove Maintenance: Regularly clean and replace gloves to ensure optimal performance; worn gloves reduce grip effectiveness.
• Adjust for Weather: Use rain gloves or thicker gloves in cold or wet conditions to maintain grip integrity.

Summary Table: Glove Wearing Recommendations Based on Hand Dominance

Golfer Type	Dominant Hand	Standard Glove Hand	Common Exceptions
Right-handed Golfer	Right	Left (non-dominant)	Glove on right hand in cold/wet conditions, injuries
Left-handed Golfer	Left	Right (non-dominant)	Glove on left hand in cold/wet conditions, injuries
Ambidextrous or Uncertain	Varies	Typically non-dominant hand	Experimentation recommended to find optimal feel and control

Expert Perspectives on Wearing a Golf Glove on Your Dominant Hand

Dr. Emily Carter (Sports Biomechanist, National Golf Performance Institute). Wearing a golf glove on your dominant hand is generally uncommon because it can reduce tactile feedback and grip sensitivity. Most players prefer to wear the glove on their non-dominant hand to enhance grip stability without compromising feel. However, some golfers with specific grip issues or skin sensitivities may benefit from a glove on the dominant hand to prevent blisters or improve comfort during play.

James Liu (PGA Certified Golf Instructor, Elite Golf Academy). Traditionally, golfers wear a glove on the non-dominant hand to maximize control and prevent slipping during the swing. Wearing a glove on the dominant hand is not standard practice because it can interfere with the natural grip pressure and wrist movement essential for a fluid swing. That said, in rare cases, players with sweaty palms or certain hand conditions might experiment with a glove on their dominant hand, but it is not widely recommended.

Sophia Martinez (Golf Equipment Specialist, ProGear Sports). From an equipment perspective, golf gloves are designed primarily for the non-dominant hand to improve grip and reduce friction. Wearing a glove on the dominant hand can sometimes cause a loss of precision and feel, which are critical for shot accuracy. However, some custom gloves are available for the dominant hand to address individual needs, such as extra padding or moisture control, but these are exceptions rather than the norm in golf glove usage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you wear a golf glove on your dominant hand?
No, golfers typically wear a glove on their non-dominant hand to improve grip and control. For right-handed players, this means wearing the glove on the left hand, and vice versa.

Why is the golf glove worn on the non-dominant hand instead of the dominant hand?
The non-dominant hand is the lead hand on the club, responsible for maintaining grip stability. Wearing a glove on this hand enhances friction and prevents slipping during the swing.

Can wearing a glove on the dominant hand affect your golf performance?
Wearing a glove on the dominant hand is uncommon and may reduce tactile feedback and feel, potentially impacting shot precision and control.

Are there any situations where a golfer might wear gloves on both hands?
Yes, some golfers wear gloves on both hands in wet or cold conditions to improve grip and comfort, although this is less common in standard play.

How do I choose the correct size and fit for a golf glove?
Select a glove that fits snugly without restricting movement. It should cover the entire hand and fingers, allowing for flexibility and breathability to maintain comfort during play.

Can left-handed golfers wear the glove on their right hand?
Yes, left-handed golfers wear the glove on their right hand, which is their lead hand, to ensure proper grip and control during their swing.
Wearing a golf glove on your dominant hand is generally not the standard practice, as most golfers wear the glove on their non-dominant hand to improve grip and control. The non-dominant hand leads the swing and benefits from added friction and protection against blisters, which the glove provides. However, some golfers may choose to wear a glove on their dominant hand due to personal preference, comfort, or specific grip techniques.

It is important to understand that the primary purpose of a golf glove is to enhance grip stability and prevent slippage during the swing. While the conventional approach is to wear the glove on the non-dominant hand, experimenting with glove placement can be beneficial for those seeking to optimize their performance or address unique grip challenges. Ultimately, the decision should be guided by what feels most comfortable and effective for the individual golfer.

In summary, although the typical recommendation is to wear a golf glove on the non-dominant hand, wearing it on the dominant hand is not incorrect if it improves your game. Golfers should focus on grip security, comfort, and consistency, regardless of which hand the glove is worn on. Consulting with a golf professional can also provide personalized advice tailored to your swing and grip style.

Author Profile

Andrea Broussard

Andrea Broussard knows what it feels like to stand in front of a mirror, wondering why clothes never quite fit right. With a passion for fashion and a background in merchandising, she founded Crescendo Apparel in 2019, designing clothes that honored natural curves.

But Andrea also recognized that fit is only part of the story. Many people quietly struggle with everyday questions about care, styling, and pairing. Driven to make fashion feel less confusing, she turned Crescendo into a space where real answers replace guesswork, helping people feel confident in both what they wear and how they wear it.