What golf club grip size should i use?

Golfers must always keep in mind that the golf grip is their only connection with the golf club. Ensuring that this connection is secure and comfortable is essential for proper performance.

The good news is that regardless of your hand size, golf grips are very customizable. You can find an exact match to work for your hand. Once you know your grip size and what works for you, you can apply this information to your golf club fitting for years to come.

Let’s take a look at the golf grip size that you should use, and the impacts of using the wrong size.

What size golf grip do i need ?

When it comes to fitting golf gloves, grip size should be considered as the first – and most crucial – factor. Playing the correct size grip can help reduce stress and pressure, and improve comfort and control.

Most importantly, it’s about confidence – if you know you have the perfect fit, you’ll be ready to play from any position.

Grip size can also affect spin rate and swing speed. The larger the grip, the greater the spin rate. 

The proper grip size will be directly related to a golfer’s hand size. The larger your hand, the larger the grip that you need. There are four standard golf grip sizes, undersized, standard, midsize, and oversized. Many people refer to the oversize golf grips as jumbo.

Grip size versus hand size

To determine the proper grip size for your hand, you must measure your hand. Take your left hand and measure from the tip of your middle finger down to the base of your palm. Make sure that you include the entire hand and stop your measurement right at the wrist.

Once you have this measurement, you can determine which of these grips will be best for your game. If you are in a hurry, your glove size can also be helpful in determining the correct grip size. 

Less than 7 inches

If your hand is less than seven inches in length, you will need junior grips or undersize grip. The Undersized grip is typically seen in clubs for children and for women. The undersize grip is not difficult to find, and more major brands will offer this size.

7 to 8 ¾ inches

This group will need to choose a standard golf grip or what some would refer to as a normal grip. Standard grips are what will come on any stock club that comes from a manufacturer. A player that typically wears a medium or large golf glove will use a Standard size grip.

8 ¼ to 9 ¼ inches

Anything around that 8 to 9-inch size is best suited for a midsize grip. Midsize grips are noticeably thicker than a standard grip. Midsize grips come standard on some putters and some golf clubs specifically designed for senior players.

Greater than 9 ¼ inches

Golfers with hands larger than 9 inches are going to need an oversized golf grip. A larger grip is very common on putters and are known to help golfers that struggle with arthritis as well. The oversize grip does not require as much strength to hang onto the golf club. 

If you find that you are in between grip sizes, you can always adjust the grip’s size with the layers of tape under the grip. For instance, if you have to choose between standard and midsize, you could simply put a few extra wraps of tape under the midsize grip. This process allows for complete grip size customization.

Additional Golf club grip reviews.

Does size really matter?

Yes, the size is the most critical factor in choosing the correct grip. If your hands cannot get around the golf club correctly, you will have inconsistent golf shots. When golfers choose a grip, they must decide on the size, color, texture, feel, and performance.

With all of the attention that golfers pay to golf club customization, the grips cannot be overlooked. The connection you have with the golf club and the way your hands are positioned will be very much affected by the size of the grip. Think about the difference between gripping a pencil and holding a piece of PVC pipe. Clearly, your hands will be in a different position, and it will impact your arm, hand, and shoulder movements.

What happens if the grips are too big ?

A golf grip size that is too big will limit what a golfer can do with the club. Perhaps the most considerable impact will be the player’s inability to turn and rotate the club when needed. In other words, there is going to be quite a bit less wrist action with a grip that is too big.

When wrist action is limited too much, golfers tend to leave the golf ball out to the right. If you are a player who truly struggles to release the club and turn it over at impact, your golf grip could be too big.

If the grips are too big, it can cost a player distance. To gain club head speed, you will need to have control and confidence with the golf club in your hand. When your grip is too big, this is too difficult to do.

See how you compare to others with your 5 iron Distances. (Don’t worry, it will open in a new window)

Having a grip that is either too big or too small will add strokes to your golf game.

Why oversize grips improve your golf game

In some situations, going to an oversized grip can help you save a few shots off your game. For many players, this is especially apparent with the putter. The oversized grips will give players less wrist action in their swing.

Typically, golfers that use their hands and wrists too much are considered to be “handsy” players. There are some good and bad things about being a handsy player. If your hands are timed correctly, you can do quite a bit to control your golf shots. If your timing is off, things can get ugly.

Handsy players tend to have some very low rounds of golf and some very high rounds. If you want to be a more consistent player, the oversized grips will be a better choice.

In addition, the oversized grips can help those golfers that have pain or arthritis in their hands. The oversized grips require less bending of the fingers and can make the club more comfortable to hold.

Different sizes for driver and irons

Once you find a golf club grip size and style that works for your game, apply it to all of your golf clubs. This consistency between the feel of each of your grips will help make the game much more manageable.

Having to adjust your grip position from one club to the next will not lead to consistency in your scoring.

The putter grip is a matter of preference. It is fine to have a jumbo grip on a putter and have a standard on the rest of your golf clubs.

Be sure to check out our recent blog post on Driver grip vs iron grip.  You can also check out our popular post on the best Best putter grip grips. 

Recap

Your golf clubs should feel comfortable every time you put them in your hands. If the grip size is off, it needs to be fixed as soon as possible. It’s challenging to have a consistent takeaway and swing path when your hands are not correctly positioned on your golf club.

AEC Info recommends changing out the grip on just one club, heading to the range, and making sure you are comfortable. Once you know you have the proper grip size narrowed down, replace the entire set.