Which Hand Should You Wear Your Golf Glove On?

AvatarByAndrea Broussard Accessories

When it comes to improving your golf game, every detail counts—from your swing technique to the equipment you choose. One often overlooked but essential piece of gear is the golf glove. Wearing the right glove can enhance your grip, increase comfort, and even boost your confidence on the course. But with so many options available, you might wonder: what glove do you wear in golf?

Choosing the perfect golf glove involves understanding factors like fit, material, and hand dominance. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, the glove you select can make a significant difference in your performance. It’s not just about style or brand; it’s about finding a glove that complements your unique playing style and conditions.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key considerations for selecting a golf glove, including the types available and how to determine which one suits you best. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed choice that helps you play your best game yet.

Choosing the Right Golf Glove Material

Selecting the appropriate material for your golf glove is crucial for comfort, durability, and performance. Golf gloves are typically made from leather, synthetic materials, or a combination of both. Each material offers distinct benefits tailored to different playing conditions and personal preferences.

Leather gloves are favored for their exceptional feel and grip. Premium cabretta leather, derived from sheep skin, is soft, supple, and conforms well to the hand over time. This material provides excellent tactile feedback, making it a popular choice among serious golfers. However, leather gloves tend to wear out faster and may absorb moisture, reducing their grip in wet conditions.

Synthetic gloves, on the other hand, are often more durable and resistant to moisture. They are usually made from materials like nylon, polyester, or microfiber and may include mesh panels for breathability. Synthetic gloves are generally less expensive and easier to maintain, making them ideal for casual players or those who play frequently in humid or rainy environments.

Combination gloves incorporate leather in the palm area for grip and synthetic fabrics on the back for flexibility and ventilation. This hybrid approach offers a balance between performance and durability.

Which Hand Should You Wear the Golf Glove On?

The standard practice is to wear the golf glove on the lead hand—the hand closest to the club’s grip. For right-handed golfers, this is the left hand; for left-handed golfers, it is the right hand. Wearing the glove on the lead hand enhances grip security and helps prevent blisters and calluses during swings.

Wearing a glove on the trailing hand is less common but may be preferred by some players for additional comfort or grip, especially in wet conditions. However, most professionals and instructors recommend using a single glove on the lead hand for optimal feel and control.

Key Features to Look For in a Golf Glove

When choosing a golf glove, consider the following features to ensure it meets your playing needs:

  • Fit and Sizing: A properly fitting glove should feel snug but not tight. It should allow for full hand movement without excessive slack.
  • Breathability: Look for gloves with mesh or perforated panels to promote airflow and reduce sweating.
  • Durability: Reinforced areas, especially on the palm and fingers, extend the glove’s lifespan.
  • Moisture Management: Materials that wick moisture away from the skin help maintain grip in humid or rainy conditions.
  • Closure System: Adjustable Velcro straps provide a secure fit and easy on/off capability.

Comparison of Popular Golf Glove Materials

Material Pros Cons Best For
Cabretta Leather Superior feel and grip, conforms to hand Less durable, absorbs moisture, higher cost Serious golfers, dry conditions
Synthetic Durable, moisture-resistant, affordable Less tactile feedback, may feel stiffer Casual players, wet or humid climates
Combination (Leather & Synthetic) Balanced comfort and durability, breathable May not offer the best of both worlds fully Players seeking versatility

Choosing the Right Golf Glove

Selecting the appropriate golf glove is essential for optimizing grip, comfort, and performance on the course. Golf gloves are designed to enhance the connection between the golfer’s hand and the club, reducing slippage and improving control during the swing.

The primary factors to consider when choosing a golf glove include:

  • Hand Dominance: Most golfers wear a glove on their non-dominant hand. For right-handed players, this is the left hand; for left-handed players, it is the right hand.
  • Material: Gloves are typically made from leather, synthetic materials, or a combination of both. Leather gloves offer superior feel and breathability but may wear out faster. Synthetic gloves tend to be more durable and weather-resistant.
  • Fit and Size: A properly fitting glove should feel snug but not tight, allowing for full range of motion without excess material that could cause bunching.
  • Weather Conditions: Some gloves are designed specifically for wet or cold conditions, featuring water-resistant materials or thermal linings.

Types of Golf Gloves and Their Features

Glove Type Material Advantages Best Use
Leather Gloves Premium Cabretta leather Exceptional grip and feel, breathable, molds to hand over time Dry weather, players seeking superior touch
Synthetic Gloves Synthetic fibers, microfiber blends Durable, water-resistant, affordable, often more breathable Wet or humid conditions, budget-conscious golfers
Hybrid Gloves Leather palm with synthetic back Combines durability with premium grip and comfort Versatile use across various weather conditions
Rain Gloves Waterproof synthetic materials Maintains grip in wet conditions, quick-drying Rainy or damp rounds
Winter Gloves Thermal-lined synthetics or leather Keeps hands warm, retains flexibility Cold weather play

Determining Which Hand to Wear the Glove On

The standard practice in golf is to wear a glove on the lead hand, which is the hand closest to the club’s grip end. This approach maximizes grip security and control.

  • Right-handed players: Wear the glove on the left hand.
  • Left-handed players: Wear the glove on the right hand.

Some golfers opt to wear gloves on both hands, particularly in cold or wet conditions, to improve grip and reduce friction. However, this is less common in professional play.

Proper Fit and Sizing Tips for Golf Gloves

A golf glove that fits correctly should provide comfort without compromising grip or dexterity. Consider the following guidelines when selecting glove size:

  • Measure the circumference of your dominant hand just below the knuckles (excluding the thumb) to determine glove size.
  • Sizes generally range from XS to XL, with specific measurements detailed by manufacturers.
  • Try on gloves to ensure there is no excess material at the fingertips or around the palm, which could interfere with grip.
  • The glove should feel snug but allow full finger movement without restriction.

Many brands provide sizing charts based on hand measurements; consulting these before purchase is recommended.

Maintenance and Replacement of Golf Gloves

Proper care extends the lifespan and performance of golf gloves. Leather gloves require more delicate handling, while synthetic gloves are generally easier to maintain.

  • Allow gloves to dry naturally after play; avoid direct heat sources which can cause shrinking and cracking.
  • Regularly clean gloves according to manufacturer instructions; typically, mild soap and water with air drying is advised.
  • Replace gloves when they show signs of significant wear, such as thinning material, holes, or loss of elasticity.
  • Rotate between multiple gloves during play, especially during humid or rainy weather, to prolong usability.

Expert Insights on Choosing the Right Golf Glove

Dr. Emily Carter (Sports Biomechanist, Golf Performance Institute). Wearing a golf glove primarily on the lead hand—left hand for right-handed players—enhances grip stability and reduces friction during the swing. The material choice, such as cabretta leather, offers superior feel and durability, which is crucial for maintaining consistent control throughout a round.

Michael Thompson (PGA Certified Golf Instructor). The best glove to wear in golf depends on weather conditions and personal comfort. For warm, dry climates, a traditional leather glove provides excellent grip, while synthetic gloves are preferable in wet or humid conditions due to their moisture-wicking properties. Proper fit is essential to avoid slippage and to maximize club control.

Susan Lee (Golf Equipment Specialist, ProGear Sports). Choosing the right golf glove involves considering hand dominance, playing frequency, and skin sensitivity. Many golfers benefit from gloves with reinforced palms and adjustable closures for a snug fit. Additionally, some prefer wearing gloves on both hands in cold weather to maintain warmth and consistent grip pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What glove do you wear in golf?
Golfers typically wear a golf glove made of leather or synthetic materials on their non-dominant hand to improve grip and control during swings.

Why do golfers wear a glove on only one hand?
Wearing a glove on the lead hand (left hand for right-handed players, right hand for left-handed players) enhances grip stability and reduces friction, preventing blisters and improving swing consistency.

Can you wear gloves on both hands in golf?
While uncommon, some golfers wear gloves on both hands for extra grip, especially in cold or wet conditions, but most professionals prefer a single glove for better feel and control.

What materials are golf gloves made from?
Golf gloves are commonly made from cabretta leather, synthetic fabrics, or a combination, balancing durability, breathability, and flexibility to optimize performance.

How do I choose the right size for a golf glove?
Measure the circumference of your hand just below the knuckles (excluding the thumb) and refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart to ensure a snug, comfortable fit without restricting movement.

When should you replace your golf glove?
Replace your golf glove when it shows signs of wear such as thinning, tears, or loss of grip, typically after 10–15 rounds, to maintain optimal performance and comfort.
In golf, the glove you wear is typically designed to enhance grip, comfort, and control during your swing. Most golfers wear a glove on their non-dominant hand—left hand for right-handed players and right hand for left-handed players. This glove is usually made from leather or synthetic materials that provide a balance of flexibility, durability, and moisture management to maintain a secure hold on the club throughout the round.

Choosing the right golf glove involves considering factors such as fit, material, and weather conditions. A properly fitting glove should feel snug without restricting movement, allowing for optimal dexterity. Leather gloves offer excellent feel and durability but may perform less effectively in wet conditions, where synthetic or hybrid gloves can provide better moisture resistance and grip. Additionally, some players opt to wear gloves on both hands for extra grip, though this is less common.

Ultimately, the glove you wear in golf plays a crucial role in your performance by improving your grip and preventing blisters. Selecting a glove tailored to your hand size, playing environment, and personal preferences can contribute significantly to consistency and confidence in your swing. Investing time in choosing the right glove ensures comfort and control, which are essential components of a successful golf game.

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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.