Buying a new golf glove is unlikely to get you quite as excited as, well…just about any other item of equipment or apparel, with the exception of tees maybe? It’s easy to overlook their importance, and I’m definitely guilty of putting off this trip to the Pro shop for as long as possible.
The best golf gloves on the market should demand a little more of our enthusiasm however, not just because your old one is knackered, but because of their integral role in keeping your clubface square throughout contact, irrespective of conditions.
Moisture is not your friend when it comes to grip and can have a hugely damaging effect on your swing with even the smallest amount of rain or sweat having the potential to cause unintended changes to your grip. These fractional adjustments of only a millimeter or two can be amplified down at the club face, leading to wayward ball flights that cause you to miss fairways and greens and will ultimately lead to bigger scores.
So next time you concede to parting way with some cash in exchange for a crisp new golf glove, what are the key factors to consider? In this buying guide we highlight what to bear in mind and suggest some excellent options.
#1 Grip
Most importantly, grip must be the number one priority and the best golf gloves must have the ability to perform in challenging conditions, be that heavy rain or sweltering heat that causes your hands to overheat. Our top picks include:
FootJoy WeatherSof – $34 / £35 RRP (2-pack)
The WeatherSof has helped more than 90 million golfers around the globe play their best golf in all conditions. The glove’s classic design partnered with FootJoy’s Fibresof palm makes for a comfortable and consistent fit. With a soft feel, high levels of durability, and grip it is no wonder this is the world’s most popular golf glove.
Under Armour Iso-Chill Golf Glove – $17 / £13 RRP
A very clever bit of kit from Under Armour that is designed for warm-weather golf. The patented Iso-Chill technology is designed to pull heat away from your skin. The clever seam taping also ensures you get an excellent fit and another glove that offers great value for money.
Cobra PUR – $14 / £20 RRP
The Cobra PUR Tour is the glove used by Cobra’s staff tour players and offers exceptional fit and feel. It’s a full Cabretta leather construction with perforations for breathability, while the tailored cuff provides a great, secure fit.
#2 Feel
For delicate greenside chips and wedge play that requires pinpoint accuracy, feel is essential, and the best golf gloves should not jeopardize this. Some of the best in this department include:
TaylorMade Tour Preferred – $25 / £18 RRP
As you might expect from TaylorMade, an excellent option and definitely one to consider for those who like their gloves hyper-thin. The company’s patented AAA Cabretta TM Soft Tech leather glides onto your hand. Comfort-wise it is hard to imagine there is anything better.
Titleist Player’s Golf Glove – $26 / £23 RRP
Probably one of the most worn gloves in golf, this is the glove the Titleist pros wear. Beautifully crafted out of Ethiopian Cabretta leather, it performs excellently in all weather conditions and provides outstanding feel due to the thinness of the leather, meeting the needs of very high-caliber players.
Duca Del Cosma Elite Pro Fontana Golf Glove – $29 / £24 RRP
The Elite Pro glove is constructed from the finest Italian Cabretta leather to ensure the glove has unrivaled quality. It features parallel rows of elastic stitching around the wrist making for a highly flexible glove partnered with a nice secure fit. The glove features a range of perforations around the fingers, preventing sweaty hands and keeping them cool and dry.
#3 Durability
Gloves made from synthetic blends are typically more durable than pure leather constructions that offer more softness and feel. If long-lasting grip is your priority, here are some options worth considering:
Nike Dura Feel X Golf Glove – $12 / £12 RRP
This is a classic-looking glove from Nike that features an abundance of versatility, the synthetic leather palm allows a secure grip, and with the latest version comes a reinforced palm and thumb for better durability. A stretchy fabric around the knuckles supports the natural movement of the swing, the fingers and thumb also feature perforations for airflow to keep the hands cool.
Mizuno Comp Golf Glove – $11 / £7 RRP
For golfers wanting an all-weather glove, Mizuno have given golfers a great option with the Comp glove that retails at a very affordable price point for all budgets. Its synthetic upper gives you great durability and long-lasting shape, which, when partnered with a leather palm for improved grip, gives golfers everything they need regardless of the conditions.
Callaway Weather Spann Golf Glove – $13 / £13 RRP
This all-weather glove uses durable Japanese synthetic leather for a great feel, added durability and flexibility. The 4-way stretch synthetic on the knuckles allows for the glove to be more breathable and helps circulate air to keep the hand dry. Callaway’s Opti Fit Technology gives a secure, adjustable fit and reinforced palm patches allow for improved grip and durability in all conditions.
#4 Size
Once you’ve settled on your preferred glove, a final thought should go to size. Your glove should feel very tight when you first put it on, and you shouldn’t be able to pinch any material on the palm or fingers. If you can cover all the Velcro with the fastening tab, that’s another sign it’s too big.
