Golf is a sport where precision and control are paramount, and one often overlooked aspect that can significantly impact your performance is the golf grip. As an avid golfer with years of experience, I understand the importance of having the right grip on your clubs. Over the years, I’ve tested numerous clubs and experimented with various grips to find the perfect combination.
In this guide, I will introduce you to the six best golf grips available in 2023. Each grip offers unique features and benefits that cater to different golfers’ needs. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to fine-tune your game or a beginner searching for the ideal grip, this guide will help you make an informed choice.
The 6 Best Golf Grips Review
1. Golf Pride MCC Plus4 – The Editor’s Pick
Our journey into the world of golf grips begins with the Golf Pride MCC Plus4, a consistent top performer and the editor’s pick for 2023. These grips offer a plethora of benefits, making them a favorite among golfers:
- Cord texture for superior traction, ensuring a secure hold even in wet conditions.
- Reduced grip tension thanks to the “Plus4” extra thickness on the lower part, resulting in less fatigue and smoother swings.
- Graphics for easy alignment and installation.
- Impressive durability, making them a sound investment.
These grips have been a staple in the golfing world for over a decade, and their versatility shines through with options ranging from Standard to Jumbo sizes. Plus, customer reviews sing their praises, boasting an average rating of 4.9 and unanimous recommendations to fellow golfers. They are particularly well-suited for those who tend to grip too tightly and need extra texture for a slip-free swing.
2. Golf Pride MCC Plus4 Align – Consistent Hand Placement
For golfers seeking consistent hand placement and precise face alignment, the Golf Pride MCC Plus4 Align grips are an excellent choice. Key features include:
- Exceptional traction for a secure grip in all weather conditions.
- Promotion of a tension-free grip for powerful swings.
- An alignment feature that ensures precise hand placement and clubface control.
While some golfers may find the texture a tad rough, these grips serve as a reliable alternative to the standard MCC Plus4, catering specifically to those who prioritize consistent hand positioning for consistent shots.
3. Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align – The Classic Choice
The Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align grips offer a classic look and feel, with added advantages:
- Excellent texture and traction, even in sweaty hands and humid weather.
- An alignment strip that enhances hand placement and control.
- Reliable durability.
If you prefer the traditional tour velvet grip but crave enhanced performance features, these grips are worth considering. Available in Standard and Midsize sizes, they’re perfect for golfers who value the classic grip with added benefits.
4. Golf Pride MCC – The Hybrid Grip
The Golf Pride MCC grips are another hybrid option that has garnered immense popularity among golfers. Here’s what they offer:
- A half-cord grip for outstanding traction and feel.
- Ideal performance in sweaty hands and wet, humid conditions.
- Impressive durability.
Much like the Tour Velvet Align, these grips combine the classic look with superior performance features. Golfers seeking a blend of durability, moisture-wicking capabilities, and improved hand placement will find these grips to be a compelling choice.
5. Golf Pride Tour Wrap 2G – The Best Value
For golfers on the lookout for value without compromising on quality, the Golf Pride Tour Wrap 2G grips are a top-notch option. They provide:
- Excellent feel, texture, and traction.
- An alignment strip for precise hand placement.
- Reliable durability.
These grips offer a classic tour velvet style with added tackiness, making them an ideal choice for golfers seeking performance-enhancing features without breaking the bank.
6. Golf Pride CP2 Grips – The Comfortable Choice
For golfers dealing with joint pain or arthritis, the Golf Pride CP2 grips represent a game-changing solution. Here’s what makes them stand out:
- A soft feel with maximum shock absorption.
- Tackiness that ensures a secure grip.
- Impressive durability and reduced grip tension.
While these grips excel in providing comfort and shock absorption, they may not be the best fit for those with sweaty hands playing in hot climates. However, for golfers seeking softer, tackier grips with durability, they’re an excellent choice.
Choosing the Right Golf Grips
Selecting the perfect golf grips involves considering several factors, including:
- Playing Conditions: Think about the typical weather conditions you play in, whether it’s hot and dry, cold and humid, or hot and humid. Grip choice can significantly affect your performance under different weather conditions.
- Hand Moisture: Do your hands tend to sweat? This is a crucial consideration as some grips offer better traction in humid conditions.
- Feel Preference: Golfers have varying preferences when it comes to grip firmness and texture. Determine whether you prefer a firm or soft grip with a rough or smooth texture.
- Hand Size: The size of your hands, which can often be gauged by your glove size, plays a vital role in choosing the right grip size.
- Joint Health: If you have joint pain or arthritis, consider grips designed for maximum shock absorption to minimize discomfort during your rounds.
Grip Size Guide
Choosing the correct grip size can reduce tension, improve control, and enhance your comfort during your swing. Here’s a guide to finding your ideal grip size based on your glove size and hand measurements:
- Glove Size: Men’s Small / Women’s Small or Medium – Recommended Grip Size: Undersize
- Glove Size: Men’s Medium or ML / Women’s Large – Recommended Grip Size: Standard
- Glove Size: Men’s Large – Recommended Grip Size: Midsize
- Glove Size: Men’s XL or 2XL – Recommended Grip Size: Midsize or Jumbo
Benefits of Oversize Grips
Oversize grips can help reduce grip pressure and tension while minimizing excessive hand or wrist action. They can be an excellent choice if you struggle with hooking the ball or flipping your hands at impact. However, they may pose challenges if you’re trying to correct a slice.
Caring for Your Golf Grips
Proper grip maintenance is essential to ensure they perform at their best. Here are some tips for keeping your golf grips in optimal condition:
- Cleaning: For cord, half-cord, and rubber grips, use water, mild soap, and a soft brush to gently scrub your grips. Rinse off the soap and pat them dry. For grips made from other materials, such as Winn grips, rub them with a damp towel.
- During Rounds: Dry your hands thoroughly before gripping your club, and change your gloves regularly to prevent sweat and oils from building up and transferring to your grip.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best brand of golf grips? Golf Pride offers a wide variety of high-quality grips. Lamkin also produces excellent grips, although with a more limited range. Winn grips are known for their quality, but they offer fewer options.
- What golf grip do most professionals use? Golf Pride grips, particularly the Tour Velvet and MCC models, are popular choices among professional golfers.
- How often should you change your golf grips? Golf Pride recommends changing your grips at least once a year, with more frequent changes if you play regularly. Well-maintained grips can last longer.
Conclusion
Golf grips are a highly personal choice, and the grip that works best for you might not be the same for someone else. The key is finding a grip that feels right and enhances your game. As mentioned earlier, testing a grip on one or two clubs before making a full set commitment is a cost-effective approach. Once you discover your ideal grip, be sure to care for it properly.
Thank you for exploring our comprehensive review of the best golf grips in 2023. May your golfing journey be filled with confident swings, accurate shots, and a comfortable grip that suits your game.