The grip is the only part of the club you touch, yet it is often the most neglected. Grips wear out gradually: they harden, turn shiny and lose their tack, so you end up squeezing the club harder without realising. That extra tension creeps into your wrists and forearms, slows your swing and makes it harder to release the club. Fresh grips of the right size are one of the cheapest and most effective upgrades in golf, and fitting them yourself is easier than most golfers think.
This guide explains when to change grips, how to choose the right size and material, and how to regrip your clubs step by step.
Why grips matter
- Grip pressure. A tacky grip lets you hold the club lightly and still control it. A slick grip makes you squeeze, which creates tension and slows clubhead speed.
- Consistency. Worn grips are often worn unevenly, so your hands sit differently from club to club.
- Comfort. The right grip reduces shock and fatigue, and can help golfers with arthritis or sore hands.
- Confidence. Fresh grips simply feel better. Many golfers say their clubs feel new again.
Read our guide on how to grip a golf club to make sure your hands are working well together on your new grips.
When to replace your grips
As a guide, replace grips once a year if you play regularly, or about every 40 rounds. Heat, sunlight, sweat and sunscreen all speed up wear, and so does storing clubs in a hot car boot.
Signs your grips need replacing:
- They feel hard or slippery, even after cleaning.
- They look shiny or glazed.
- There are cracks, splits or worn patches, especially under your thumbs.
- The texture has worn smooth where your hands sit.
- You find yourself squeezing harder or the club twists in your hands on mishits.
Choosing the right grip size
Grip size affects how your hands work through impact. The general guide:
- Too small a grip can encourage overactive hands, which may cause pulls and hooks.
- Too large a grip can restrict the release of the club, which may cause pushes and slices.
Common sizes are:
| Size | Typically suits |
|---|---|
| Junior | Children's clubs |
| Undersize | Golfers with small hands, many women |
| Standard | Most golfers with average-sized hands |
| Midsize | Larger hands, or golfers who want less hand action |
| Oversize (jumbo) | Very large hands, or golfers with arthritis who want less grip pressure |
How to check your size
- Glove size is a useful starting point: smaller glove sizes often suit undersize or standard grips, and larger sizes midsize or oversize.
- The fingertip test: hold the club in your lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers). The middle and ring fingers should lightly touch the pad at the base of the thumb. If they dig into the palm, the grip may be too small; if there is a gap, it may be too large.
- Get measured. A club fitter or golf shop can measure your hand and finger length in a minute.
You can fine-tune any grip by adding extra layers of tape underneath. Each additional layer makes the grip slightly thicker, mainly in the lower hand.
Choosing grip material and style
| Type | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber | Soft, comfortable, cushioned | Most golfers; dry conditions |
| Cord | Firm, rough texture, excellent traction | Wet or humid weather, sweaty hands, faster swingers |
| Hybrid (cord upper, rubber lower) | Traction for the lead hand, comfort for the trail hand | Golfers who want the best of both |
| Wrap-style | Soft, tacky, like a leather wrap | Golfers who like a cushioned, traditional feel |
| Synthetic and polymer | Very tacky, soft | Comfort and feel, often popular on putters |
Other options:
- Ribbed or "reminder" grips have a raised line down the underside to help you place your hands consistently. Under the Rules of Golf, grips must generally be circular in cross-section, but a straight, continuous rib along the full length is allowed.
- Weight. Heavier grips make the club head feel lighter (lower swing weight), and lighter grips do the opposite. If you change to a very different weight, the feel of your clubs will change.
- Colour and logos are personal preference, but align them consistently so your hands sit the same way on every club.
Putter grips
Putter grips follow different rules: they may have a flat front and a non-circular shape. Many golfers prefer a pistol-shaped grip; others like a large, straight grip that quietens the hands and wrists. See how to choose a putter.
What you need to regrip clubs
- New grips, one per club (plus a spare in case of mistakes).
- Double-sided grip tape, in strips or a roll.
- Grip solvent, or a suitable solvent recommended for regripping. Some golfers use an air compressor and special tape instead.
- A hook blade (a utility knife with a hooked blade) to cut off old grips safely.
- A vice with a rubber shaft clamp, which protects the shaft. Never clamp the shaft directly in metal jaws.
- A tray or bucket to catch excess solvent, and an old towel.
- A tape measure and marker, if you are fitting longer or shorter grips.
How to regrip a golf club, step by step
1. Secure the club
Put the rubber shaft clamp around the shaft just below the grip, and tighten it gently in the vice. The club face should point straight up or straight down, so you can align the new grip.
2. Remove the old grip
Using a hook blade, cut the old grip lengthways, always cutting away from your body. Peel the grip off.
3. Remove the old tape
Peel or scrape off the old tape. A little solvent helps lift stubborn tape, and some golfers use a heat gun on a low setting on steel shafts. Clean the shaft until it is smooth and dry.
4. Apply new tape
Apply a strip of double-sided tape along the shaft, the length of the grip, leaving about a centimetre (half an inch) overhanging the end of the shaft. Wrap it around the shaft, smoothing out any wrinkles, then remove the backing. Twist the overhang and push it into the open end of the shaft. This seals the end and stops solvent getting in.
If you want a thicker grip, add extra layers of tape now.
5. Add solvent
Put your finger over the small hole in the end of the new grip, pour a generous amount of solvent inside, cover the open end with your other hand and shake it to coat the inside. Pour the solvent out over the tape on the shaft, so the tape is fully wet.
6. Slide the grip on
Working quickly, while everything is still slippery, push the open end of the grip onto the butt of the shaft and slide it on in one smooth movement until the end of the shaft meets the end cap. Pinching the open end slightly helps it start.
7. Align the grip
You have a few seconds before the solvent starts to evaporate. Twist the grip so the logo or alignment marks sit square with the club face, and check that the grip is not twisted along its length.
8. Let it dry
Wipe off any excess solvent and stand the club up to dry. Most grips can be handled after a few hours, but leave them overnight before playing, especially if you have added extra tape layers.
Common mistakes
- Cutting towards yourself. Always cut away from your body.
- Clamping the shaft in bare vice jaws. This can dent steel and crack graphite.
- Not using enough solvent. The grip gets stuck halfway. Be generous.
- Twisted grips. Check alignment carefully before the solvent dries.
- Playing too soon. A grip that has not set can slip in your hands.
- Mixing grip sizes by accident. Keep all your full-swing clubs consistent unless you deliberately want something different.
DIY or professional?
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Do it yourself | Cheapest after the initial tools; done when you want | Takes practice; risk of damaging graphite shafts |
| Golf shop or club fitter | Quick, neat, professional finish, advice on size | Labour charge per club |
If you are new to regripping, practise on an old club first, or ask a shop to do your first set while you watch. Many golfers find that after a few clubs they can regrip a full set in under an hour.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I regrip my clubs?
Roughly once a year, or every 40 rounds, for regular golfers. Golfers who practise a lot or play in hot, humid climates may need to change them more often.
Can I reuse old grips?
Usually not if you cut them off. With an air compressor and air-activated tape, it is possible to remove and refit grips without damaging them, which is useful when you are testing different shafts.
Does grip size really make a difference?
Yes. The wrong size can affect your grip pressure, wrist action and the direction your shots start. If you are unsure, get fitted. It is quick and inexpensive. Read our guide to custom golf club fitting.
Should all my clubs have the same grips?
Most golfers use the same model and size on all full-swing clubs for consistency, with a different grip on the putter. Some prefer a slightly firmer or different grip on wedges, which they often hold lower down.
What is the cheapest way to make old clubs feel new?
New grips. Along with a thorough clean, regripping is the most cost-effective way to refresh a set. It is a smart move if you are buying golf clubs on a budget.
The bottom line
Worn grips cost you control, comfort and distance. Check your grips regularly, choose a size that lets you hold the club lightly, pick a material that suits your hands and climate, and replace them about once a season. With a few simple tools and a little care, you can do it yourself in an evening, and your clubs will feel brand new.