Trying to pick the right grip for your clubs can be difficult, especially considering how many options are available in the marketplace. On top of choices for style, size and texture, golfers also have to consider the level of comfort and traction they are looking for in their ideal grip and normal playing conditions.
With all of these factors in mind — and to make sure you find the best grip for your game — we’ve got a tip that can help you make that decision easier and could prevent you from wasting a lot of money.
Start testing
Sure, it might sound simple, but testing different grips under various conditions will help you make the best decision.
But when we say testing we don’t mean walking into a store or going online and ordering 13 of the same grips to regrip your full set because you think they might feel good; that’s when mistakes happen. Instead, narrow your grip choices to a couple of options and install one or two on some of your favorite clubs, or find a few older clubs still kicking around to use as your test subjects.
For this process, I suggest a driver, short iron (8-9 iron) and your highest lofted wedge since they’re the clubs golfers use the most. The highest lofted wedge is important because it’s one club that gets manipulated the most during a round, and you need to like it under all gripping conditions.
Test your tape
Another great way to test a new grip is by adjusting the layers of tape put under the grip before it’s installed. It is standard for grips to have one wrap of tape, but as data from PGA Tour players suggest, using the tape to alter the size of the grip can help create a better connection to your clubs, and a little experimenting can go a long way.
One last thing to consider is that you don’t have to use the same grip on all your clubs. Sure it can help if you struggle to find the right feel through your set, but if you have an adjustable driver a round grip could be the best choice for that club compared to a grip with a rib or reminder that works better on irons.
Once you have the grip style, size, shape and number of layers of tape, you’ll be freed up to make confident swings with every club in your bag.
Remember, the grip is the only connection you have between you and your clubs, and having the right one can make a big difference in performance, whether it be based on size, texture or alignment. So before you upgrade the grips on your clubs, invest some time into the process of finding the right ones for your game and don’t rush into a choice for the entire set.
