Why You Should Wear Golf Gloves

Get the best grip regardless of the conditions

What do Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, and Dustin Johnson all have in common, aside from being the top-ranked golfers on the PGA Tour? They each wear golf gloves. A golf glove might seem like an accessory reserved for national championships and elite courses, but that’s not the case. It should be a necessity for every golfer, whether you’re navigating the world’s toughest courses or spending the afternoon at the driving range.

A brief history of golf gloves

Golf gloves have been around for ages – the first golf glove patent was issued to The Rawlings Company in 1885. They served one purpose – to help avid golfers deal with slippery grips on their favorite golf clubs. Back then, wooden-shafted clubs with grips made of leather were popular. But dirt and humidity made the grips difficult to handle. Golfers also found that the gloves protected their hands from the wear and tear of excessive play.

By the turn of the century, golf gloves were being advertised in popular magazines like Vanity Fair and Golf Illustrated. However, they didn’t become popular until golfers like Sam Snead started wearing them during competitions in the 1940s. Over the next several decades, cultural perception changed, more innovative designs came to market, and golfers all over the world embraced them.

Why wear golf gloves?

The original purpose of golf gloves still holds true – golfers use them to improve their grips on their favorite clubs. But unlike the late 19^th century, when clubs were less advanced, the golf glove isn’t meant as a workaround for bad design. Instead, they’re revered for how much they improve grip in a variety of circumstances, regardless of the quality of the club.

Weather protection

Golf is often played in warm weather. 18 holes in the sun means a lot of sweating – sweaty hands mean a loose grip. A golf glove provides the security of a firm grip regardless of how slick your hands may be. The same goes for golfers who brave the rain for a round.

And, for those who golf in the cold, golf gloves keep your hands warm, which helps you avoid the stiffness that comes with playing in chilly temperatures.

Stop blisters

If you play a lot of golf, the repetitive friction between the club and your hand can cause calluses or painful blisters. A golf glove serves as a barrier that can possibly prevent or at least reduce the occurrence of this pesky condition.

How to wear golf gloves

You’ll need to decide how you’ll wear your golf gloves. Many golfers, including the elite class on the PGA Tour, wear only one glove on their lead hand. But some golfers prefer to wear gloves on both hands. This might be a matter of preference, something you’ll have to feel out on the course. Try it both ways and pay attention to your grip. What feels most comfortable? What gives you the most improved grip? Then, stick with what works best.

Head here to shop Big Country Golf’s Big Country Golf Glove.