Golf Glove Guide for Beginners — Which Hand, Sizing, and When to Replace
A golf glove is one of the cheapest, most overlooked pieces of equipment — and one of the most useful for beginners. Here is everything you need to know to buy the right glove, fit it correctly, and make it last.
Golf glove materials compared
| Material | Feel | Lifespan | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabretta leather | Best feel and grip | 8–15 rounds | $15–30 | Tour professionals |
| Synthetic / microfiber | Durable, washable | 20–30 rounds | $8–15 | Beginners, frequent players |
| Hybrid (leather palm) | Good balance | 12–20 rounds | $12–20 | Most recreational golfers |
| Rain gloves (pair) | Grips in wet | Varies | $20–35/pair | Rainy-climate golfers |
5 things every beginner should know about golf gloves
Wear it on your lead hand — the one closest to the hole at address
Right-handed golfers wear a glove on the LEFT hand. Left-handed golfers wear a glove on the RIGHT hand. The glove goes on your lead hand — the one that controls the club through impact. Think of it this way: if you write with your right hand, your glove goes on your left. This is the single most common question beginners have, and the answer is always your non-dominant (lead) hand.
Size it so the glove fits like a second skin
A properly sized golf glove should fit snugly — no excess material bunching at the fingertips or palm. To size yourself: measure the circumference of your dominant hand (the non-glove hand) across the knuckles. Most brands use S/M/L/XL sizing, some add Cadet sizing for people with shorter, wider fingers. Try the glove on: you should barely be able to pinch any extra material between two fingers anywhere on the glove.
Choose your material: leather for feel, synthetic for durability
Golf gloves come in three main materials. Cabretta leather (soft Scandinavian sheepskin) offers the best grip and feel but wears out fastest. Synthetic materials (polyester, microfiber) are more durable, machine-washable, and cheaper, but with less tactile feedback. Hybrid gloves combine a leather palm with synthetic fingers. For beginners, a mid-range synthetic or hybrid is the sweet spot — affordable enough to replace when needed without sacrificing too much feel.
Take the glove off when putting (most of the time)
Most tour professionals remove their glove before putting. The reason: putts need maximum feel and sensitivity, and a glove slightly deadens the feedback from the putter grip. Some golfers (including many amateurs) putt with the glove on and do just fine. Try both and see which gives you more confidence on the greens. If you leave it on for putting, it will wear out faster at the base of the thumb.
Replace the glove when it stiffens, tears, or loses grip
A worn-out golf glove is worse than no glove at all — a stiff or slick glove reduces grip and causes you to over-tighten your grip, which kills swing speed. Replace your glove when: (1) the leather stiffens and no longer conforms to your hand, (2) you feel slippage on your grip, (3) there are holes or worn-through patches (especially at the base of the thumb and index finger). A good mid-range glove lasts 15–25 rounds if you care for it properly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a golf glove to play?
No — a golf glove is not required, but most golfers find it helpful for two reasons: grip security (especially on humid or cold days when hands sweat or go numb) and blister prevention (new golfers often develop blisters without a glove). Many tour professionals wear one for every full shot. If you are a beginner, a glove is strongly recommended until you build calluses and a consistent grip.
Which hand does a golf glove go on?
The lead hand — your left hand if you are right-handed, your right hand if you are left-handed. The lead hand controls the club through impact and benefits most from the added grip and friction. Some golfers wear gloves on both hands in wet or cold conditions, but for normal play, one glove on the lead hand is standard.
How do I know if my golf glove fits correctly?
A properly fitted glove should feel like a second skin with no excess material anywhere. Check these three things: (1) Fingertips — the tips of the fingers should reach the end of the glove with no extra material bunching at the top. (2) Palm — no bunching or looseness across the palm. (3) Fastener — the velcro tab should close comfortably without feeling tight across the back of the hand. A glove that is too small will restrict movement; one that is too large will twist and cause blisters.
What is the difference between leather and synthetic golf gloves?
Leather gloves (especially cabretta leather) offer superior feel, grip, and conformity to the hand — they are the choice of most tour professionals. They cost more ($15–30) and wear out faster. Synthetic gloves ($8–15) are more durable, often machine-washable, and hold up better in heat and humidity. For most beginners, a synthetic or hybrid is the practical choice: affordable enough to replace without guilt and durable enough to last a season with proper care.
Why do golfers take off their glove to putt?
Putting requires maximum feel and sensitivity — the golfer needs to sense exactly how the putter is sitting in the grip and how hard the putt is struck. A glove creates a slight barrier between the hand and the grip, reducing tactile feedback. Most tour professionals remove the glove before putting and put it back on after. That said, many amateur golfers putt with the glove on successfully — try both and use whatever feels better for you.
How long does a golf glove last?
A quality leather glove typically lasts 8–15 rounds. A synthetic glove can last 20–30 rounds. Variables that shorten glove life: playing in heat or humidity, leaving it wet without drying properly, leaving it balled up in a pocket (vs. laying it flat), and overly tight grip pressure. Signs your glove is done: it has stiffened, the grip surface feels slick, or there are holes at the thumb or base of the index finger.
Are there special rain golf gloves?
Yes — rain gloves are made from synthetic materials that actually grip BETTER when wet. Unlike regular leather gloves (which slip when wet), rain gloves are typically worn as a pair and perform their best in wet conditions. If you play in rainy climates, having a pair of rain gloves is worth it. They are sold as pairs because both hands become slippery in the rain. Keep a pair in your bag for when weather turns.
Should I wear a golf glove on both hands?
Most golfers wear just one glove on the lead hand. Some golfers, particularly those with arthritis, circulation issues, or in cold weather, wear a glove on both hands. Rain gloves are specifically designed to be worn as a pair. There is no rule against wearing two gloves — experiment and find what works for you. For most standard conditions, one glove on the lead hand is sufficient.
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