Your golf grip is the only connection between you and your club. Yet surprisingly, it’s one of the most overlooked pieces of equipment in a golfer’s bag. The right grip can transform your game—improving control, reducing tension, and helping you hit more consistent shots.

After testing dozens of grips over the years and consulting with club fitters, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect grip for your game. Whether you’re battling sweaty hands, looking for more feel, or simply due for a regrip, this guide has you covered.

Why Your Golf Grip Matters More Than You Think

Think about it: every single shot you hit starts with your grip. A worn, slick grip forces you to squeeze harder, creating tension that travels up your arms and into your swing. This tension kills clubhead speed and makes it nearly impossible to release the club properly through impact.

Fresh grips with the right size and material for your game can add yards to your drives and help you hit more greens. It’s one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make to your equipment.

Golf Grip Sizing Guide: Standard, Midsize, and Oversize

Grip size affects how the club feels in your hands and can influence your ball flight. Here’s what you need to know about each size:

Standard Grips

Best for: Golfers with average-sized hands (glove size small to medium-large)

Standard grips are the baseline. Most clubs come with standard grips installed. If your middle and ring fingers barely touch your palm when gripping the club, standard is likely right for you.

Midsize Grips (+1/16″)

Best for: Golfers with larger hands or those who prefer less hand action

Midsize grips add about 1/16″ to the diameter. They’re becoming increasingly popular because they reduce excessive hand rotation through impact, promoting straighter shots. If you wear a large or XL glove, midsize grips are worth trying.

Oversize/Jumbo Grips (+1/8″)

Best for: Golfers with arthritis, very large hands, or those seeking maximum stability

Oversize grips significantly reduce hand action and can help golfers who struggle with hooks. They’re also excellent for players with arthritis or hand pain, as the larger diameter reduces grip pressure.

Golf Grip Materials: Rubber, Cord, and Wrap Styles

Rubber Grips

The most common material, rubber grips offer excellent all-around performance. They provide good traction, comfortable feel, and durability. Modern rubber compounds are designed to stay tacky even in humid conditions.

Pros: Soft feel, good in dry conditions, affordable
Cons: Can get slippery when wet

Cord Grips

Cord grips feature woven cotton fibers embedded in the rubber. This creates a rougher texture that maintains grip even in wet or humid conditions. They’re popular among tour players and golfers in rainy climates.

Pros: Excellent wet-weather performance, very durable
Cons: Firmer feel, can be harsh on hands

Wrap-Style Grips

Designed to mimic the feel of old leather-wrapped grips, these offer a soft, cushioned feel. They typically feature a smooth surface with subtle texture patterns.

Pros: Very comfortable, classic feel, reduced vibration
Cons: May wear faster than rubber grips

Hybrid/Multi-Compound Grips

These grips combine different materials in different zones—typically cord in the upper hand area for control and softer rubber in the lower hand for comfort. They offer the best of both worlds.

Quick Comparison: Best Golf Grips at a Glance

Grip	Best For	Material	Feel	Price Range
Golf Pride MCC Plus4	All-around performance	Hybrid (cord/rubber)	Medium-firm	$$
SuperStroke S-Tech	Consistent feel	Rubber	Soft-medium	$$
Lamkin Crossline	Classic feel, durability	Rubber	Firm	$
Golf Pride Z-Grip	Wet conditions	Full cord	Firm	$$
Karma Velour	Budget-friendly	Rubber	Medium	$
Winn Dri-Tac	Sweaty hands	Polymer	Very soft	$$

Best Golf Grips: Detailed Reviews

#1 Golf Pride MCC Plus4 – Best Overall Golf Grip

The Golf Pride MCC Plus4 is my top recommendation for most golfers. This hybrid grip combines brushed cotton cord in the upper hand zone with soft rubber in the lower section, giving you the control of cord with the comfort of rubber.

What makes the Plus4 special is the reduced taper in the lower hand area—it’s built up by about 4 layers of tape. This promotes lighter grip pressure and helps reduce hooks by quieting the hands through impact.

Key Features:

• Hybrid cord/rubber construction
• Plus4 technology reduces taper
• Excellent wet and dry performance
• Available in multiple colors and sizes

Pros: Best of both worlds, tour-proven, consistent performance
Cons: Higher price point, cord section may feel rough to some

#2 SuperStroke S-Tech – Best for Consistent Feel

The SuperStroke S-Tech brings the same innovative thinking that made SuperStroke putter grips famous to your full swing clubs. These grips feature a unique parallel design with no taper, promoting even grip pressure in both hands.

The rubber compound provides excellent tackiness and a comfortable feel that lasts. Many golfers report that the consistent diameter helps them grip the club more naturally and reduces tension.

Key Features:

• No-taper parallel design
• Soft, tacky rubber compound
• Cross-traction surface pattern
• Available in standard and midsize

Pros: Unique feel, promotes lighter grip pressure, very comfortable
Cons: No-taper feel isn’t for everyone, limited color options

#3 Lamkin Crossline – Best Classic Grip

The Lamkin Crossline is the most iconic grip in golf history. Its distinctive crossline pattern has been used by countless tour professionals and remains a favorite among traditionalists. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

This rubber grip offers a firmer feel than many modern options, providing excellent feedback and control. The surface pattern provides consistent traction without being too aggressive on your hands.

Key Features:

• Iconic crossline pattern
• Firm rubber compound
• Excellent durability
• Multiple size options

Pros: Time-tested design, excellent value, very durable
Cons: Firmer feel not for everyone, can get slick when wet

#4 Golf Pride Z-Grip Cord – Best for Wet Conditions

If you play in humid conditions or frequently encounter morning dew, the Golf Pride Z-Grip Cord should be on your radar. This is Golf Pride’s firmest cord grip, featuring a deep Z-shaped texture pattern that channels away moisture.

The full-cord construction means maximum grip in any weather, though it does come with a firmer, more aggressive feel. Tour players love these grips for their unmatched wet-weather performance.

Key Features:

• Full brushed cotton cord
• Deep Z-texture pattern
• Maximum wet-weather traction
• ALIGN technology option available

Pros: Best wet grip available, extremely durable, tour-proven
Cons: Very firm feel, may cause blisters for some golfers

#5 Karma Velour – Best Budget Golf Grip

Don’t let the low price fool you—the Karma Velour is a legitimately good grip that rivals options costing twice as much. The classic velvet-style rubber compound provides a soft, comfortable feel with good all-around performance.

These grips are perfect for golfers who want to regrip their entire set without breaking the bank, or for anyone building clubs on a budget. They’re also a popular choice for junior sets.

Key Features:

• Velvet-style rubber compound
• Available in multiple sizes
• Several color options
• Ribbed option available

Pros: Excellent value, comfortable feel, available in sets
Cons: May not last as long as premium options

#6 Winn Dri-Tac – Best for Sweaty Hands

If you struggle with sweaty hands or play in hot, humid conditions, the Winn Dri-Tac might be your salvation. Winn’s proprietary polymer material actually gets tackier when wet—the opposite of traditional rubber grips.

These grips also feature excellent shock absorption, making them ideal for golfers with arthritis or those who experience hand fatigue. The soft, cushioned feel is unlike any other grip on the market.

Key Features:

• WinnDry polymer material
• Gets tackier when wet
• Superior shock absorption
• Very soft feel

Pros: Perfect for sweaty hands, extremely comfortable, great for arthritis
Cons: Soft feel isn’t for everyone, may wear faster than rubber

How to Measure Your Grip Size

Getting the right grip size is crucial for optimal performance. Here’s how to measure:

Method 1: The Finger Test

Grip a club with your normal grip and look at your lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers):

• Fingers dig into palm: Grip is too small—try midsize
• Fingers barely touch palm: Standard size is correct
• Gap between fingers and palm: Grip is too large

Method 2: Hand Measurement

Measure from the crease of your wrist to the tip of your middle finger:

• Under 7″: Undersize or Junior
• 7″ to 8.25″: Standard
• 8.25″ to 9.25″: Midsize
• Over 9.25″: Oversize/Jumbo

Method 3: Glove Size Guide

• Small/Medium glove: Standard grip
• Medium-Large/Large glove: Standard or Midsize
• XL/XXL glove: Midsize or Oversize

Pro Tip: When in doubt, try a demo grip at your local golf shop or get fitted by a professional. The right size makes a noticeable difference in both comfort and performance.

When to Regrip Your Golf Clubs

Most golfers wait too long to regrip their clubs. Here are the signs it’s time for fresh rubber:

Time-Based Guidelines

• Once per year: If you play 30-40 rounds annually
• Every 6 months: If you play 60+ rounds or hit balls frequently
• Every 40-60 rounds: Regardless of time, grips wear out with use

Signs Your Grips Need Replacing

• Shiny or hard spots: The rubber has worn smooth
• Slipping during swing: Loss of traction, especially in humid conditions
• Visible wear patterns: Especially where your thumbs sit
• Cracks or peeling: Grips are past their prime
• Gripping harder: Compensating for lost tackiness

Money-Saving Tip: Clean your grips regularly with warm water and mild soap to extend their life. Dry thoroughly and avoid leaving clubs in hot car trunks, which accelerates grip deterioration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to regrip golf clubs?

Regripping costs typically range from $3-15 per grip for the grip itself, plus $2-5 per club for installation if you have it done professionally. DIY regripping requires a one-time investment of about $20-30 for tools (tape, solvent, vise clamp), making it very cost-effective if you regrip regularly.

Can I regrip my own clubs?

Absolutely! Regripping is one of the easiest DIY golf maintenance tasks. You’ll need grip tape, grip solvent, a utility knife, and a vise with a rubber clamp. The process takes about 5 minutes per club once you get the hang of it.

Should all my grips be the same?

Most golfers use the same grip throughout their bag for consistency, but it’s not required. Some players prefer softer grips on wedges for added feel or firmer grips on woods for control. Putter grips are typically different from full-swing grips.

Do grip size and material affect ball flight?

Yes, grip size can influence ball flight. Smaller grips allow more hand rotation, potentially promoting a draw or hook. Larger grips reduce hand action, which can help golfers who fight a hook hit straighter shots. Material doesn’t directly affect ball flight but does impact feel and confidence.

What grips do PGA Tour players use?

The Golf Pride Tour Velvet and MCC series are the most popular on tour, followed by Lamkin grips. However, tour players often customize their grips with extra tape builds or specific sizes. The best grip for you depends on your hands and preferences, not what the pros use.

Are more expensive grips worth it?

Premium grips typically offer better materials, improved durability, and more consistent performance. However, budget grips like the Karma Velour provide excellent value and performance for most recreational golfers. The best investment is finding the right size and style for your game.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right golf grip doesn’t have to be complicated. For most golfers, I recommend starting with the Golf Pride MCC Plus4—its hybrid construction and reduced taper make it the most versatile option available. If you’re on a budget, the Karma Velour offers exceptional value without sacrificing quality.

Remember these key points when selecting your grips:

• Get properly fitted for grip size
• Consider your playing conditions (wet vs. dry climate)
• Think about your preference for feel (firm vs. soft)
• Replace grips at least once per year if you play regularly

Fresh grips are one of the most affordable ways to improve your game. Don’t overlook this simple upgrade—your hands (and your scores) will thank you.

Have questions about golf grips? Drop a comment below and I’ll help you find the perfect grip for your game!