Your Golf Grips Could Be Making Golf Harder Than It Needs to Be

By Andrew Gurney | NZ PGA Golf Coach

When was the last time you replaced your golf grips?

It's a question I regularly ask golfers during coaching sessions. And you'd be surprised how often the answer is, “I haven't.”

I've had golfers arrive with clubs that are 10 to 15 years old, still sporting the original grips. They're shiny, slippery, hardened and well past their best. Yet these same golfers are working incredibly hard to improve their swings.

Your grips are your only physical connection to the golf club. If that connection isn't right, everything becomes more difficult.

Grip size matters more than you think

One of the most overlooked aspects of equipment fitting is grip size. A grip that's too small or too large can make it harder to position your hands comfortably and consistently. That matters because the way your hands hold the club influences your ability to control the clubface.

Having large hands doesn't automatically mean you need large grips. Likewise, small hands don't necessarily mean you need small grips. Grip diameter, taper, texture and even extra layers of grip tape can change how the club feels and how comfortably you control the face. A grip that is too large for one golfer may make releasing the club harder and contribute to an open face and a slice; a slightly thicker grip can help another golfer who hooks it by reducing excessive hand action. These aren't universal fixes, and changes should be tested with your own swing, but grip fitting is one of the most underrated parts of the equipment puzzle.

Are your grips creating unnecessary tension?

Think about what happens when you're holding something slippery. You squeeze harder. Exactly the same thing can happen with your golf clubs.

When grips lose their original texture and tackiness, golfers frequently compensate by increasing grip pressure. That additional tension can extend through the wrists and forearms, making a fluid, relaxed golf swing more difficult.

The goal is to hold the club securely without squeezing unnecessarily. Fresh, appropriately fitted grips can make that considerably easier.

How often should you change your grips?

Golf Pride recommends changing grips about every 40 rounds or at least once a year. In my experience, that's fairly frequent for the average recreational golfer: quality grips that are cleaned and cared for can often last two or three years, depending on use and storage. What surprises me is how often I meet golfers still playing the original grips on clubs that are five, seven or even ten years old. By then the grips may have become hard and slippery, and the golfer may have got used to compensating by squeezing harder. Judge your grips by their condition as well as their age.

Golf Pride has also published research indicating improvements in accuracy, distance and ball speed when golfers replace worn grips. Those manufacturer-reported findings aren't guaranteed results for every golfer, but they demonstrate why grip condition deserves attention.

Three signs your grips need attention

First, they're shiny or slippery. A loss of texture or tackiness can make the club harder to hold securely.

Second, they're hard, cracked or visibly worn. Rubber deteriorates through use, age and environmental exposure.

Third, you're squeezing the club harder than you used to. Sometimes your hands are compensating for grips that no longer provide adequate traction.

Cleaning grips regularly can help maintain their condition, but it won't reverse deterioration.

Before replacing your golf clubs, consider replacing your grips

Think about your car tyres. You wouldn't expect worn, slippery tyres to provide the same confidence and traction as a good set. Your golf grips deserve similar attention.

Sometimes a fresh set of properly fitted grips can make your existing clubs feel sensational again.

Professional regripping at The Clubhouse

At Clubhouse Golf in Tauranga, we offer genuine Golf Pride grips sourced through our established supplier, Golf Imports, alongside other quality grip options.

We have an extensive selection of demonstration grips available, so you can come in, hold different models and discover what actually feels comfortable.

We also provide professional fitting advice, competitive pricing and preferred rates for Clubhouse members and Coach Gurney coaching clients.

Whether you're interested in midsize grips, reduced taper, additional traction or simply replacing worn grips, we're happy to help.

Before spending thousands on new golf equipment, consider refreshing the one part of your clubs you actually touch.

Andrew Gurney — NZ PGA Golf Coach