The golf glove is only a small accessory, but it supports the golfer significantly during the game.
Many golfers believe that the golf glove is not absolutely necessary and that you can play just as well without it. There are some pros who play successfully without the help of the glove.
However, for the average player, the glove is crucial. The hands are the only part of the body that touch and directly affect the club.
Do you wonder what type of golf glove should I use? Read our guide on different types of golf gloves and choose which one fits you.
Many amateurs spend a lot of money buying golf shoes, caps or other accessories instead of investing in proper gloves as well.
However, if you lose your grip on the club, you consequently lose control. Contrary to popular belief, there is a huge selection of gloves that can have a price range from a few Euros to the price of a 12 golf ball pack.
The following descriptions are intended to give you an overview of the differences between golf gloves, so that you can find the right one for you.
Different types of golf gloves
1. Leather glove
As the most widely used material in golf gloves, leather has many advantages. The texture is perfect for golf: It offers a super feel to the golfer and feels like a second skin.
Leather is also water repellent and, if cared for, will remain soft and supple for a long time. After some time, the leather will stretch a bit, so it is better to choose a smaller size.
After a rainy day, the glove will be damp, but after proper drying in the air, the leather glove will have the same grip as before.
2. Synthetic glove
The synthetic material is usually used on smaller parts of the glove. The material is very stretchy and very light.
It is usually processed at the knuckles to get more elasticity and mobility. Some gloves on the market are made of 100% synthetic material, which extends the life of a glove.
The synthetic glove is generally very lightweight, breathable and stretchy to fit the player’s hand perfectly and keep the hand cool even in warm weather.
3. All Weather Glove
The all-weather glove is designed for golfers who play in wet or extremely humid conditions. This glove is the most water resistant in comparison and promises a better feel in cold wet climates.
The lightweight, breathable material grips better, especially in wet conditions, thanks to the friction force of the fibers.
The thicker material provides optimal hand protection in cold conditions, undoubtedly the best option in the rain or on warmer days.
4. Winter glove
Winter temperatures often deter golfers from hitting the course. Special warming gloves are designed to provide relief.
There are two types: so-called winter gloves or mittens. The winter glove is worn on one or both hands and stores heat in the glove.
5. Mittens
The other type of glove for cold temperatures is the mitten. This is designed to be worn over the normal glove.
However, you cannot play with the mitten. It is only used to bridge between the holes to keep warm.
What type of golf glove should I use: FAQs
On which hand do you wear the glove?
If you are right-handed, you should wear the glove on your left hand. Likewise, if one is left-handed, one should wear the glove on the right hand.
Some winter and all-weather gloves are available as a pair, but this is very rare.
Why do pros take their glove off when putting?
Most professional golfers take their glove off when putting. This is not to prevent a glove mark or for casual style, but to give more feel.
The more layers you have on your hand, the less feel you get. In putting, feel is the name of the game, as most coaches preach.
You have to feel the length and the stroke through the grip. So feel and control are the reasons pros take off their gloves when putting.
What sizes do manufacturers offer?
So far, there is no one size fits all golf glove. But glove manufacturers produce gloves that fit the hand perfectly.
Most retailers differentiate between men’s, women’s and children’s sizes. In the men’s and women’s section, there are usually the common sizes S, M, L and XL.
Furthermore, some manufacturers offer the size M/L for men, as most men find this size fits between medium and large.
A “Cadet” size fits players with slightly shorter fingers and stronger palms. In any case, you should test the different gloves before buying.
What should you do if the glove is wet?
You should make sure the glove is dry before it gets wet. The best thing to do is to let it dry at room temperature or outside in the air.
If a glove is wet in play, it’s best to change it right away to continue to get maximum performance.
Good advice would be to have at least two pairs of gloves in your bag for each round to make sure you have a spare in case of rain.
Pros usually have 4-6 gloves with them on each round, changing them two to three times.
Of course, they also get the gloves for free. For amateur players, it is important to try different gloves and also rotate them during the round to get the best grip.
