Golf grips are a piece of equipment that often gets overlooked. Most players are willing to spend plenty of time and money finding the right club heads for their swing, and the right shaft to go in those club heads. However, when it comes time to pick out a grip, very little effort is put into the process. Since the grip is the only part of the club that you actually touch during the swing, it would be wise to take a little extra time to be sure you are picking out the right grips for your game.

There are an incredible number of golf grips on the market today. They range from basic, low-cost models all the way up to advanced grips with plenty of features and a high price tag. You don’t necessarily need to break the bank in order to purchase a quality set of golf grips, but you probably don’t want to buy the cheapest ones you can find, either. Buying good grips that feel comfortable in your hand can have a dramatic effect on your ability to swing the club properly. Bad grips will only make the game harder – and golf is not a game that needs to be made any harder.

Three Basic Points Regarding Golf Club Grips

Before getting into the specifics of different grip manufacturers and how to pick the right grips for you, there are a few points that need to be made. Grips aren’t nearly as complicated as shafts or club heads, but you still want to be sure that are doing everything you can to allow your grips to help you play better golf.

The following three points are important for any golfer to remember –

• Replace your grips before they wear out. Too many golfers continue to play with grips that are hard and slick – which is only going to make it more difficult to hit quality golf shots. Your grips should feel slightly tacky in your hands, and they shouldn’t be hard or cracked on the surface. As soon as you notice that your grips are slippery – even after you have cleaned them – it is time to put new grips on your clubs. Typically, you want to replace all of your grips at the same time to maintain consistency throughout your bag. Even if some of the lesser-used clubs (like long irons) aren’t worn out quite yet, it is smart to simply replace the whole set all at once and start over.
• Get fitted for your grips. Custom fitting of golf clubs is important when it comes to shaft flex and loft and lie angle, but it is also important when choosing grips. There are multiple grip sizes available, and you can also alter the thickness of the grip during the installation process. You can have a club fitting professional work with you to determine what size grips will work best. Using a grip that is too small can cause overactive hands in the golf swing, while a grip that is too large can make it difficult to release the club through the shot. It should be easy to tell when you find a grip that is ‘just right’ because the club will feel comfortable in your hands from the moment you pick it up.
• Wash your grips frequently. As you go through a round of golf, sweat and oils from your hands will be transferred into your grips. If you fail to wash your grips, they will quickly become slippery and hard to hold on to during your swing. To prevent having to replace your grips prematurely, get into the habit of washing the grips with a towel and some soapy water following every round. You don’t want to use a lot of water – just dip the towel in your bucket of soapy water and rub down each grip. Leave them out of your bag to dry and they should be ready to go for your next round.

Grip maintenance is important because you need tacky grips in order to maintain a light grip pressure on the club throughout your swing. When you play with slick grips, you will have to squeeze the club tightly in order to hold on to the club – and a tight grip is never a good thing in golf. Prior to each round, make sure that your grips are clean and in good condition. This seemingly minor step can go a long way toward helping you play your best.