Golf Gloves Buying Guide
Opinion is divided on whether or not golf gloves are an essential piece of apparel to the game, although the vast majority of golfers do tend to use them. Some professional golfers play without gloves, but to the average amateur, a golf glove is essential in helping prevent the club's handle twisting during the swing. Gloves also help to prevent blisters and calluses on the hand, as well as slipping as a result of sweat, rain, or worn-out grips. Most golfers, however, take their glove off when putting to achieve maximum feedback from the club at this delicate stage.
When playing, only one glove is necessary and it's worn on the hand closest to the end of the grip when holding the club. This means that right-handed people will wear the glove on their left hand, while left-handed people will wear the glove on their right hand.
Golf Glove Materials
The most popular gloves are made of cabretta leather, which provides a good feel and a firm grip on the club, as well as being water resistant. Thin leather gloves are at the top end of the market and are the most expensive. The disadvantage with leather gloves is that they wither easily and become stiff when wet. Synthetic materials are sometimes used on parts of the glove that require more stretch, such as the knuckle area. Over time leather gloves will stretch to fit your hand, so make sure they are a good, snug fit when you first buy them.
Gloves made entirely of synthetic materials are harder than leather gloves, but more durable, and a cheaper option if keeping to a budget is a concern.Extremely lightweight and stretchy, synthetic golf gloves are breathable and are excellent for keeping the hands cool in hot weather.
All-weather gloves are the cheapest kind available and are water resistant while still offering good feel and grip in wet conditions. All-weather gloves are often covered in a thick outer layer in order to provide increased insulation for colder conditions. Heavier all-weather gloves are also available for bad weather conditions, or for players who suffer from arthritis. All-weather golf gloves are more water-resistant than any other material, moulding to the shape of your hand as they get moist, so perfect for golfers who tend to play in wet or very humid conditions.
Thermal gloves and mitts are another option for cold and wet conditions, ideal for playing golf in the winter. They are made with a thick, insulating thermal material in order to keep the heat in the glove during play. Some models of glove combine both synthetic and leather in order to improve performance. Mitts can be worn either on top of a playing glove or just over the hand, but it isn't advisable to play your shots while wearing them. Just slip them on between rounds or while walking to the next tee to keep your fingers really toasty.
Whatever type of glove you buy, it should be replaced when tears appear or when it begins to show signs of wear.
Golf Glove Sizes
Before purchasing golf gloves, ensure that you measure your hands properly on a hand chart (provided freely at any American Golf shop) or make sure you know your exact hand size. There is no 'one size fits all' model of golf glove. Most manufacturers make gloves in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes. The glove you buy should fit snugly while not feeling uncomfortable or constrictive. If the fit is too loose the club could twist and slip when swinging back through to hitting the ball.
We stock all sizes of golf glove at American Golf including gloves especially for ladies, juniors, and left-handed players.
N.B
When talking about golf gloves, the term "cadet" is often used and refers to a glove that has shorter finger lengths than a standard glove. This is a good option for people who have large hands and relatively shorter fingers.