What Hand Do You Wear A Golf Glove On

New golfers often find themselves puzzled by seemingly simple questions like which hand should wear a golf glove. This fundamental aspect of golf equipment can impact your grip, comfort, and ultimately your performance on the course. Let’s clear up any confusion and explore the proper way to wear a golf glove.

The Basic Rule for Golf Glove Placement

The standard practice in golf is to wear a glove on your “lead hand” – the hand positioned at the top of the grip. For right-handed golfers, this means wearing the glove on your left hand. For left-handed golfers, the glove goes on your right hand.

This convention exists for practical reasons. Your lead hand plays a crucial role in controlling the club throughout your swing, and the glove provides several benefits:

– Enhanced grip security during the swing
– Reduced friction between your hand and the club
– Prevention of blisters and calluses
– Improved comfort, especially in hot or wet conditions

Golf Glove Terminology Explained

When shopping for golf gloves, you’ll notice they’re labeled as either “left-hand gloves” or “right-hand gloves.” This designation refers to the “Glove Hand” – the hand that actually wears the glove.

Understanding Glove Labeling

– A “left-hand glove” is worn on the left hand (for right-handed golfers)
– A “right-hand glove” is worn on the right hand (for left-handed golfers)

This naming convention can initially confuse beginners who might assume the label refers to their dominant hand rather than the hand that wears the glove.

Glove Placement Based on Your Dominant Hand

Your golf stance and swing are typically determined by your hand dominance. Here’s a simple breakdown of which hand should wear the glove:

Special Cases: Cross-Dominance and Personal Preference

Some golfers experience cross-dominance, where they might be right-hand dominant for most activities but prefer to swing left-handed (or vice versa). In these cases, the glove should still be worn on the hand at the top of the grip, regardless of your natural hand dominance.

What If You’re Right-Hand Dominant But Swing Left-Handed?

This situation occasionally arises, especially for players who’ve played other sports like baseball or hockey that influenced their golf stance. If you’re right-hand dominant but swing left-handed:

– You’ll position your right hand at the top of the grip
– You should wear your glove on your right hand
– You’ll need to purchase a right-hand glove

The key factor isn’t your natural hand dominance but rather your golf stance and which hand sits at the top of your grip.

Do Professional Golfers Follow These Rules?

Professional golfers predominantly follow the standard convention of wearing a single glove on their lead hand. However, you’ll occasionally see variations:

Notable Professional Practices

– Most pros wear a single glove on their lead hand
– Some pros remove their glove for putting to enhance feel
– A few players like Fred Couples often play without gloves entirely
– In adverse weather conditions, some pros wear gloves on both hands

These variations demonstrate that while there are conventions, personal comfort and preference also play a role at the highest levels of the game.

When to Consider Wearing Two Gloves

While the single-glove approach is standard, there are situations where wearing gloves on both hands might be beneficial:

– In rainy conditions for improved grip security
– In extremely cold weather for warmth
– If you have skin sensitivities or medical conditions
– For players who experience excessive sweating

Golf brands recognize these needs and offer specialized all-weather and winter gloves designed for both hands.

Common Glove Problems for Beginners

New golfers often encounter several issues related to their golf gloves:

Blisters Despite Wearing a Glove

If you’re developing blisters despite wearing a glove, you might be:
– Gripping the club too tightly
– Using a glove that’s too large or too small
– Playing with a worn-out glove that’s lost its protective qualities

Proper Glove Fit

A properly fitted golf glove should feel like a “second skin” – snug but not restrictive. When fitted correctly:
– There should be no excess material at fingertips
– The closure should fasten comfortably without excessive overlap
– The leather should stretch slightly but not feel tight
– You should maintain full range of motion in your fingers

Glove Materials and Their Benefits

Golf gloves come in various materials, each offering different benefits:

Glove Care and Maintenance

To extend the life of your golf glove and maintain its performance:

– Remove the glove between shots, especially on hot days
– Allow wet gloves to air dry naturally (never use direct heat)
– Smooth out and flatten the glove after each round
– Store in a cool, dry place
– Consider rotating between multiple gloves during humid conditions

With proper care, a quality leather glove can last 15-20 rounds before needing replacement.

When to Play Without a Glove

Some situations where playing without a glove might be beneficial:

Putting

Many golfers remove their glove for putting to enhance feel and sensitivity on the greens. This practice is common even among professionals who otherwise wear gloves for full shots.

Short Game

Some players prefer the direct feel of skin-to-grip contact for delicate chip shots and pitches around the green.

Personal Preference

A small percentage of golfers, like Fred Couples, play their entire rounds without gloves. If you develop a comfortable grip without experiencing blisters or grip issues, playing gloveless is a valid option.

Conclusion

The convention for golf glove placement is straightforward: wear it on your lead hand, which is the left hand for right-handed golfers and the right hand for left-handed golfers. This placement provides the optimal balance of grip security and feel.

While this standard practice serves most golfers well, factors like weather conditions, personal comfort, and specific shot requirements might influence your glove choices. As with many aspects of golf, the fundamentals provide a starting point, but your personal experience on the course may lead to adaptations that work best for your game.

Remember that a properly fitted glove should enhance your comfort and confidence without becoming a distraction. Whether you’re shopping for your first glove or reconsidering your current setup, focusing on fit and function will help you make the right choice for your game.