Have you ever wondered if you are wearing golf gloves in the right hand? Do they make a difference to the game? Or what is the actual reason behind wearing golf gloves? If you are a newbie to this sport, it is very general to ask these questions.
I also got baffled if I should use a golf glove when I was a beginner at this game. Gradually, through my experience and fellow golfers, I got to know why it matters and who should use golf gloves. That’s why I thought of sharing everything about golf gloves with you to know it properly.
Why Wear A Golf Glove?
A golf glove is used for having a better grip so that you won’t miss a good swing. It is an accessory that is advised to use for every golfer, whether you are a pro golfer or a newbie who just came up with an idea to start a new sport.
By now, you might have known how much necessary grip is in golf. If you have correctly gripped the club, you may expect an excellent shot. When you are a beginner, it isn’t easy to hold a perfect grip. Very few golfers can have a proper grip when they are new. A golf glove can be a brilliant solution to this problem. It helps you correctly gripping the club. Without a glove, you might hold the club too tightly or too lightly. You don’t want this imbalance of tension between your hand and club. In this case, golf gloves will help you to maintain the balance of grip. Many golfers also use a glove to prevent getting blisters on hand that usually cause a tight grip.
Some golfers don’t prefer gloves because they like the feel of touching the club. It gives a natural feeling of hand and club to them, leading them to a praiseworthy swing. However, it depends on individual preference.
Types and what are golf gloves made of
You will find three types of golf gloves available at the market. This classification is based on the materials that are used to manufacture golf gloves. The three types of golf gloves are-
- Leather gloves
- Synthetic gloves
- Hybrid gloves
- Leather gloves
Leather gloves are trendy and the most used gloves among professional golfers. The main reason for the popularity is the feel it provides. Leather gloves are mainly made of Cabretta leather, which is also very much used for baseball gloves. Cabretta is considered one of the most comfortable leathers.
These gloves are widely used because they will give you the maximum grip along with premium comfort. They are so breathable yet offer a tight fit, so you don’t miss a perfect swing anyway. Leather gloves are most expensive than any other golf gloves, and frankly speaking, they worth it. But the drawback is that you have to replace the gloves more often as they get worn out frequently. However, if you manage to compromise with this snag, leather gloves are going to be your favorite.
Synthetic gloves
Synthetic gloves are just the go option for those looking for a durable yet less expensive one. Synthetic gloves are made of synthetic leather construction. But synthetic material is way more flexible than leather ones. So it will, however, give you the feel of leather. Synthetic gloves are also very much durable in comparison to leather. Moreover, they come in a reasonable price range, so synthetic gloves have a high market value.
But the disadvantage is you will find that they are not as breathable as leather. It may causes you discomfort while playing.
Hybrid gloves
Hybrid gloves are a combination of leather and synthetic material. Leather is used on the palm and the fingers for better grip, and synthetic is used for joints and other common areas. You will get both benefits of leather and synthetic in hybrid gloves. That’s why they are becoming trendy rapidly with time. A large number of golfers are leaning towards hybrid gloves. You will get the maximum grip and comfort along with durability. On top of that, the price is also close to your hands. So hybrid gloves can be a great deal for you.
Golf gloves can be classified into two more types varying upon the hand size. They are-
- Cadet golf gloves
- Regular golf gloves
Cadet golf gloves are for men who have tiny fingers compare to palms.
Regular golf gloves are of standard size of the hand shape of men. Sizes can vary, but the proportion of fingers and palm has a balance that helps to fit most men.
How to wear a golf glove
Wearing a golf glove is not a difficult task to do. It is almost the same as wearing ordinary winter gloves. You have to choose the right glove for your hand and know the right way, that’s it.
First of all, pick the right glove for you. You will find varieties of sizes of golf gloves at the store. Small, medium, large, extra-large, every kind of glove is available for each sized hand. If your fingers are minor or more prominent than your palm, you can go for ‘cadet’ golf gloves.
When you have already picked suitable-sized gloves, you need to know which hand you will wear. This is important. Many golfers don’t know which hand is suitable for the glove and get disappointed by gloves. It would be best if you remembered, golf gloves are always worn at the top indicator of grip. The hand you are using to hold the club at the top has contact with the club. So, you have to wear a glove on that hand. In short, if you are a right-handed person, wear the glove on the left hand. Do the opposite if you are a left-handy.
Now, gently put all the fingers into your glove, just like you do when wearing a casual glove. When you feel your hand is evenly fitted firmly with the glove, pull out the Velcro tab to secure the hand with the glove. A super easy thing to do, isn’t it?
How to clean
It is evident in getting dirty if you use your gloves quite often. You might not want to order a new glove whenever the current one gets dirty. So, the solution is you need to clean your golf gloves. It is relatively easy if you know the proper way. Follow the tricks and methods I am mentioning to get a clean glove like a new one.
If you have a leather glove, you must first check if the glove is washable or not because most of the leather gloves are not washable. Whether cleaning a leather glove or a synthetic glove, you must not soak them into water. Spray some water to the dirtiest places like fingertips, hill pads, or you can rinse it with a bit of water. Now take a towel that has microfiber and rub the glove very gently. Remember not to be very tough as it may wear out leather. You can use some mild detergent if the dirt is very stubborn. When it is clean, take another wet towel and rub the glove gently to wipe out soap, or you can rinse it again with water. Be careful not to be very harsh and use lots of water. Now, air dries it till it dries completely. Finally, please place it in your golf bag.
Here are some tips to take care of your gloves.
- Try not to buy a white glove as it becomes dirty significantly quicker.
- Avoid washing the gloves in the washing machine. It is too risky for your gloves.
- Store it in the pocket of your golf bag
- If possible, keep the gloves in their original box to keep them wrinkle-free.
- Never wipe your sweats wearing gloves. Keep a towel for wiping sweat.
- Do not use bleach.
- Avoid using any dryer for drying the glove after washing.
- Clean the glove only when excessively needed. Washing gloves often is not a good thing to practice.
Consideration before buying a golf glove
If you decide to buy a golf glove to make your game more professional, you must consider it before buying it. A golf glove is not very confusing or difficult to accept. You need to be aware of the material used in the glove you are buying.
I have already discussed the three types of materials that are used to manufacture a golf glove. You can choose your favorite one. However, I would recommend a beginner to go with a hybrid or leather one.
When you have finalized the glove material, check the size also if it fits well to your hand. If the glove doesn’t work well, you won’t have the perfect grip you are looking for.
Various reputed brands make golf gloves. Titleist, Mizuno, Finger Ten, Callaway, MG, bionic are among the famous brands you can buy your golf gloves from.
Although golf gloves are not among the shortlisted equipment, you must need while golfing. They can indeed change the game as this affects your grip. A golf glove is excellent for enhancing your game. So, if you are thinking of buying a glove or have already purchased it, you will notice the difference. And if we talk about maintenance, it is super easy. Just follow, as I mentioned above, and you will get a durable glove for sure.