Golf may seem like a sport that’s easy to pick up but for beginners, it can be overwhelming. There’s so much to consider, choosing the right equipment, learning the proper swing mechanics, and golf etiquette. One common question many new golfers ask is, “What hand do you wear a golf glove on?” This simple but important decision is often dependent on whether you’re right or left-handed.
In this blog, we’ll break down the science behind wearing a golf glove, why it matters, and how it affects your game. For golfers in North America, it’s also important to note how important it is to wear the correct glove to improve grip, comfort, and performance, especially in the varying weather conditions we have in this country.
As one of North America’s largest suppliers of left-handed golf equipment, Left Behind Golf Company is here to provide everything you need to improve your game including high-quality golf gloves.
What Hand Does a Golf Glove Go On?
The general rule of thumb is to wear the glove on the “opposite” hand of your dominant hand. So if you’re a right-handed golfer you wear the glove on your left hand, if you’re a left-handed golfer you wear the glove on your right hand. Why is this?
The main reason is your non-dominant hand leads the grip providing stability and control throughout your swing. Your dominant hand guides the direction and power. By wearing a glove on your non-dominant hand you’re better equipped to maintain a firm and stable grip on the club.
Why Wear a Golf Glove?
So why do golfers wear gloves? Is it really necessary? The answer is yes, especially if you want to improve your game. Here’s why:
- Better Grip: Golfers wear gloves to enhance their grip, especially in hot, humid or rainy weather. Sweaty hands can make it difficult to hold onto the club causing slippage and inconsistency in your shots. The glove provides a better grip reducing the risk of losing control during your swing.
- Prevents Blisters: Regular swinging can cause blisters, especially on long rounds. A golf glove acts as a buffer between your hand and the club protecting your skin from constant friction and reducing the chance of getting painful blisters.
- Comfort and Stability: A good glove adds comfort to your game giving you the confidence to play without worrying about your grip. It also adds stability especially when using a higher lofted club or trying to hit a delicate shot.
- Weather Protection: In places like Canada where the weather can be unpredictable golf gloves offer an extra layer of protection against cold and moisture. This is especially useful for those playing in rainy or cold conditions. Many golfers invest in rain gloves which are worn on both hands to maintain grip in wet weather.
Statistics of Performance Benefits of Wearing a Golf Glove
Research and testing have shown that wearing a glove improves overall performance. For example, compared to playing without a glove, golfers get faster ball speeds, better dispersion, and more distance.
Here are some key performance metrics:
- Pitching Wedge: With a glove, golfers saw 1.63 mph more ball speed, more control, and distance.
- 7-Iron: With a glove, there was a 2.2 mph increase in ball speed, enhancing accuracy and flight.
- Driver: Even with only 0.97 mph more ball speed, golfers felt more stable with a driver with a glove.
These numbers show that wearing a golf glove, especially on your non-dominant hand, can make a big difference on the course. At Left Behind Golf Company we make gloves to help left-handed golfers of all levels get a better grip, more precision, and more confidence in their game.
Can You Wear Two Golf Gloves?
While it’s common to wear one glove on your non-dominant hand, some golfers wear gloves on both hands. This is a matter of personal preference and is especially common in wet or cold conditions where grip and hand warmth are key.
Many golf rain gloves are sold in pairs. Wearing two gloves gives you maximum grip in rainy conditions which is perfect for golfers in areas like Canada where rain can make it hard to hold the club.
But for most players, one glove on the lead hand is usually enough in dry conditions.
How to Choose the Best Golf Glove
When buying a golf glove there’s more to it than just knowing what hand a golf glove goes on.
- Material: Golf gloves are made of leather, synthetic, or a combination of both. Leather gloves feel soft and tacky, that’s why pros love them. However, synthetic gloves are more flexible and more durable, which is perfect for casual or budget-conscious players.
- Fit: Your glove should fit snugly but not too tight. If it’s too loose it won’t give you the grip or protection you need and if it’s too tight it can restrict movement and be uncomfortable. Most gloves come in different sizes so make sure to find the one that fits your hand perfectly.
- Weather Considerations: For golfers in areas like Canada where cold and rain is an issue, it’s worth investing in all-weather gloves. These gloves are designed to handle moisture so your grip will be secure even in less than ideal playing conditions.
- Durability: All golf gloves will wear out over time due to constant friction and use. But choosing a high-quality glove will give you more play before you need to replace it. Leather gloves for example may not last as long as synthetic ones but they give you exceptional feel and grip.
Final Thoughts
Wearing a golf glove is more than just a matter of comfort—it's a performance-enhancing tool that provides better grip, prevents blisters, and offers stability during your swing. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, understanding what hand to wear a golf glove on is key to improving your game.
For right-handed golfers, the glove goes on the left hand, while left-handed golfers should wear it on the right hand. Wearing the glove on your non-dominant hand ensures better grip, prevents blisters, and enhances comfort during your swing.
As one of Canada's largest suppliers of left-handed golf equipment, Left Behind Golf Company is committed to providing high-quality golf gear designed for all weather conditions, giving golfers across the country an edge in their game. Browse our range of golf gloves for left-handed golfers and find the perfect fit to improve your performance.
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