They’re not the most glamorous piece of your golf kit, but just like your shoes and those little weird balls you keep whacking into the trees, the right glove can make a huge difference to your game. Many players who struggle with painful hands after a round often overlook their gloves as the source of their discomfort. However, choosing the right Golf Glove for every shot will help reduce strain on your fingers and reduce blistering after that 18-hole ordeal. But with so many different options to choose from, which ones are worth spending your hard-earned money on?
We take a look at some of the best golf gloves for every type of player out there.
The Importance Of A Good Golf Glove
The first thing to understand about golf gloves is that there are two main types of material used for their construction: leather and synthetic. Leather gloves tend to be more durable and last longer due to its natural qualities, but synthetic gloves are usually lighter in weight. This can make a huge difference if you suffer from arthritis or have limited mobility in your hands due to injury.
Fit is also key when it comes to choosing the right golf glove. You’re looking for a snug fit so your fingers don’t move around inside the glove, but not so tight it’s restricting your blood flow and causing cramping. If you’re playing during the summer months, it’s also worth keeping in mind that golf gloves come in many different colors, so you can match your golfing outfit, too.
If you’re playing a round on a hot day, it’s also a good idea to choose a glove with a mesh back to keep your hands cool and allow air to circulate. Always remember that golf is a game of repetition, so good technique is even more important when wearing a glove. If you don’t feel comfortable with one on your hand, try switching to one that’s a bit looser, but don’t sacrifice your technique just to fit your glove.
Leather Golf Gloves
There are many different types of golf gloves on the market, including cowhide leather, pigskin leather, goatskin leather and kangaroo leather golf gloves. Cowhide leather is the most popular leather material used for golf gloves thanks to its durability and strength, but it can be quite stiff and cause people with sensitive hands pain if it doesn’t fit correctly.
Pigskin leather is softer than cowhide, so it’s often used in kids’ golf gloves and women’s golf gloves to provide a softer fit. A goatskin leather golf glove provides the wearer with a very soft feel and excellent flexibility, while kangaroo leather is very light in weight and breathable.
Synthetic Golf Gloves
Synthetic golf gloves are made from a mixture of different types of materials, such as polyester, nylon, and spandex, and are often used by golfers who require a lightweight glove that is highly breathable. The main advantage of synthetic golf gloves is that they are very light in weight, so they’re a great option for those with arthritis or those who experience pain in their hands.
Synthetic golf gloves can also be machine-washed, so you don’t have to worry about them getting too smelly between uses. The only negative aspect to synthetic golf gloves is that they are not as durable as leather golf gloves, so they will need to be replaced a little more frequently.
Mesh Golf Gloves
These gloves usually have a mesh back and thin materials on the palms. Their main advantage is that they are very breathable and great for summer golfing. They are also often cheaper than leather gloves and synthetic gloves, so they are an excellent choice if you’re on a tight budget. While these gloves may not last as long as leather or synthetic golf gloves, they are a great option for summer golfing when you need to keep your hands cool. They are also a good option for those with sensitive skin, as they are unlikely to cause any irritation.
Corded Golf Gloves
Corded golf gloves are a unique hybrid that incorporates the best of both worlds by utilising synthetic materials on the palm of the glove, while leather is used on the back of the hand. This provides a glove that is lightweight and provides excellent flexibility, but also has added durability that comes from the leather on the back of the hand. This makes them a great choice for those who find that synthetic gloves aren’t quite strong enough for the rigours of golf.
The only real negative to these types of golf gloves is their price tag, as they are generally more expensive than leather or synthetic gloves.
Electronic Gloves
Electronic gloves are gloves that are designed to help golfers track their distance while they play. The main advantage of these types of gloves is that they provide accurate distances from anywhere on the golf course. The only real negative to these types of golf gloves is that they are more expensive than other types of golf gloves. However, if you are a serious golf player who wants to track every aspect of their game, they are a great investment.
Conclusion
While the golf gloves may not get the same amount of attention as a brand-new driver, it is an essential piece of golfing equipment. The best golf glove should have a snug fit, flexible material and a breathable back. If your golf glove is too tight, it could cause pain in your hands.
If your golf glove is too loose, it could fall off while you are swinging and get dirty or get in the way of your shot. Choosing the right golf glove will help you with your grip, provide a better swing and help avoid blisters and pain in your hands. Don’t forget to checkout our guide on Gold Clubs!
