Golf Grips Guide — How to Choose and Replace
The grip is the only part of the club you actually touch — yet most golfers ignore it for years at a time. Worn grips reduce control, lose feel, and can quietly damage your swing. This guide covers what to look for and when to replace.
Why Grips Matter
A grip in good condition:
- Provides traction for a relaxed swing (you don’t have to grip tightly)
- Transmits feedback from the clubhead to your hands
- Maintains consistent club orientation through the swing
- Survives weather conditions (rain, sweat, sun)
A worn grip forces you to hold tighter, which tenses your forearms and shoulders — and a tight grip is the enemy of a smooth swing.
How Often to Replace Grips
General guideline: every 2-3 years for regular golfers, or every 50-60 rounds. Sooner if:
- The grip feels smooth/slippery rather than tacky
- The grip is visibly worn (shiny spots, cracks)
- You play in wet conditions regularly
- You’re upgrading from an old set you bought used
Regripping is one of the most cost-effective improvements for older clubs — £40-80 typically regrips an entire set.
The Main Grip Types
Rubber Grips
The standard. Examples: Golf Pride MCC, Lamkin Crossline.
- Tacky surface, good in dry conditions
- Moderate to good wet weather grip
- Comfortable for most hand types
- Lifespan: 50-70 rounds
Corded Grips
Rubber with embedded cord material. Examples: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord, Lamkin Crossline Cord.
- Excellent wet weather and sweaty hand grip
- Slightly rougher feel — preferred by serious players
- Lifespan: 60-80 rounds (more durable than pure rubber)
Wrap-style Grips
Rubber moulded to look like leather wrapping.
- Soft feel, popular with traditional golfers
- Less performance in wet conditions
- Common on beginner sets
Hybrid/Composite Grips
Combine rubber and cord (like Golf Pride MCC Plus 4) — softer feel with cord traction.
Grip Size
Most grips come in three or four standard sizes:
- Undersize: for smaller hands, women, juniors
- Standard: default for most adults
- Midsize: +1/16 inch larger circumference. For larger hands or those wanting less wrist action.
- Jumbo / Oversize: +1/8 inch. Significantly larger.
Grip size affects swing mechanics. A grip that’s too small encourages excess wrist roll (which causes hooks); too large restricts wrist action (which causes pushes/slices). If you have arthritis or sensitive hands, oversize grips often help.
Signs You Need New Grips
- The grip feels smooth or slippery
- You’re gripping harder than you used to
- The grip shows shiny patches or wear from your hands
- Small cracks appear in the grip surface
- You’ve played 60+ rounds since the last regrip
How Regripping Works
Most golf retailers will regrip your clubs:
- Cost: £6-12 per grip + the cost of new grips (£4-15 each)
- Time: 30-60 minutes for a full set
- Most pro shops can do this while you wait or within a day
DIY regripping is possible with the right tools (grip tape, solvent, vice) and a YouTube tutorial — saves £40-60 per set if you do multiple sets.
Putter Grip — A Special Case
Putter grips:
- Often thicker than club grips (oversize)
- Designed for steady stroke — less wrist action
- Replaced less often (putter sees less weather/handling)
- Range from pencil-thin to “SuperStroke” oversize
A poor putter grip can cost more strokes than worn iron grips. Replace if the grip is hardened or feels uncomfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what grip to choose?
Start with what’s on your current clubs. If you like it, replace with the same. If you grip too tight, try corded or midsize.
Does grip choice really matter for beginners?
Less so than experienced players, but a good grip helps. Don’t overthink it — standard rubber Golf Pride MCC is a safe choice.
Can I do it myself?
Yes — basic regripping costs about £30 in tools (vice, hook blade, grip tape) and saves £40+ per set. YouTube has many tutorials.
Should I match grips across the bag?
Recommended. Consistent grip texture and size produces consistent feel.