A guide to golf gloves
CORNWALL, Ontario — When it comes to equipment, we often mention drivers, irons, putters, balls; now let’s discuss the importance of the golf glove. The glove is the only intermediate between the club and the golfer and must not be overlooked.
The primary reasons for wearing a glove are to maximize adhesion to the club and to protect the hands from blisters. All players have different skin types that are more or less tolerant to the wear and tear of holding a golf club at incredibly high speeds. Some are dry and some are sweaty. The grip materials are also a factor.
The universal rule is to wear the glove on the top (lead) hand. Different theories abound, but in my opinion, centrifugal force makes it imperative to wear the glove on the hand that is closest to the rotation axis, the spine!
Your top hand is the constant throughout the swing because the downswing is more of a pulling action and the lead hand must hang on for dear life.
Modern frame-by-frame and slow-motion videos have revealed that former world number one player Vijay Singh’s lower (trail) hand is actually off the club at impact. Popular PGA Tour veteran Fred Couples and 2009 U.S. Open Champion Lucas Glover (no pun intended) incredibly, never wore a glove. They both claimed that the glove impeded their feel for the club.
Other than Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey, no other touring professional wore two gloves in normal playing conditions. Although there are no regulations in the “Rules of Golf”, it simply amounts to personal preference.
However, in adverse weather such as rain and/or cold, it is common to wear two gloves. These rain and thermal gloves are actually sold in pairs and made from synthetic materials that are specifically designed for rainy and cold playing conditions.
As the synthetic material for these gloves is thicker, the feel is notably reduced. Rather than wearing synthetic gloves, most competitive players prefer using cart mitts. They are loosely-fitted mitts that go half-way up the forearm and keep the hands warm between swings.
In day-to-day conditions and for the majority of competitive golfers cabretta* leather is the most popular choice as it’s the softest, thinnest and most comfortable feel and contact with the club.
After the leather, synthetic is the way to go for most recreational players. Although synthetic gloves are slightly thicker, they are a great value for the money.
When choosing a glove, size is the most important factor. Manufacturers are very specific about size regulations and they offer sizes for men, women and kids. The only way to find out your size is to try them on; it must fit like a second skin. A glove that’s too big actually has an adverse effect as the hand moves inside the glove that’s adhering to the grip.
If you want to squeeze the maximum lifespan of each of your gloves, I suggest you take it off for putting. Adherence is no longer a factor and putting requires more feel. This will give it a chance to dry, and help with your golfer’s tan, LOL.
Always buy a white-coloured glove, as the black, navy and red ones have too much dye. It may match your head covers and umbrella, but the glove is for maximum feel and adherence. If your white glove gets dirty after one round, it’s time to wash your grips. Warm water on a white towel works best and it will take five minutes. Inevitably, grips pick up dust on their way in and out of the bag. On occasion, remove all the clubs from your bag and wipe the inside – you’ll be surprised.
Save your worn gloves for practice and remember, a glove must “fit like a glove”.
*Cabretta is from hair sheep leather. Hair sheep grow hair instead of curly wool and the leather they produce is very soft and kid-like. The name actually derives from the Spanish word for goat, cabra.
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