Just like a golf ball, a golf grip loses its efficacy over time. Instead of being somewhat tacky and comfortable to the touch, weathered golf grips feel slicker, worn down and just old. Golf grips need to be replaced every so often, restoring that tackiness and comfort. Golf grips are the only part of the golf club that you touch. This is where the transfer of energy begins, and having a new grip means a higher percentage of energy from your swing will make it down the shaft through the head and to the ball.

What benefits will players get from a fresh set of grips? The benefits are endless. Increased traction, more tackiness, better performance in wet weather, comfort, less tension in your hands resulting in smoother swings. And ultimately all these benefits lead to lower scores and more enjoyable golf.

Do golf grips really make a difference?

Yes, your grip size can affect how high or low you hit the golf ball. Playing a grip that is too small can force you to squeeze the grip and not use your wrists enough. Oppositely, if you’re using too big of a grip, it can make it harder to square the clubface at impact.

Why is it necessary to regrip my golf clubs, including my putter?

That’s easy: because worn out golf grips can ruin your game.

Over time (and rounds, plus practice sessions), heat, sweat, dirt and oily residue combine to degrade the grip. You’ll feel less traction between your hands and the club, which will cause you to grip it more tightly to keep it from slipping. This creates tension in the hands, wrists and forearms – and tension is a guaranteed swing-wrecker.

How often should I regrip my clubs?

As a general rule, every 12 – 18 months or every 30 – 40 rounds. Also, consider a normal practice session the equivalent of one round. Also, storing your golf clubs in a warm place, like your house or a poorly ventilated garage, can hasten their demise.

Can cleaning my golf grips help them last longer?

You bet it can. And if you clean them often, you’ll enjoy better performance between regrips. It’s a simple process that’s well worth your time. Clean each grip with warm water and dish soap, scrubbing with a non-abrasive surface like a cloth or soft brush. Rinse, then dry with a bath or kitchen towel.

You’ll be amazed how much tackier a golf club grip feels after a nice cleaning.

What are the signs that a grip needs replacing?

If a grip is hard, shiny, and cracking, it’s well past time.

Short of that, check for surface tackiness against your bare hand. If you can slide your hand easily up and down the grip while holding it with light to moderate pressure, it may be time to regrip.

If you’re not sure, try cleaning the grip first. That may help you squeeze a few more rounds from it.

Which golf grips should I replace most often?

Sometimes, you don’t need to replace all 14 grips at once. Naturally, the grips that wear out fastest are the ones you use most. The putter gets the most action of any golf club in the bag – most golfers average 30 – 40 putts per round, plus practice sessions. You might even work on your putting at home, which causes even more wear and tear. The driver, which you might hit as many as 14 times per round, can also degrade quickly. Next check your wedges, then the rest of your set, in order of most-used to least.

To get more advice or information about our grips – please pop in to our Pro Shop to speak to our Grip Shack team!