What Golf Grips Do Pros Use and Why Are They Preferred?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Lifestyle & General Queries

When it comes to mastering the game of golf, every detail matters—from swing mechanics to equipment choice. One often overlooked but crucial component is the golf grip. The grip serves as the vital connection between the player and the club, influencing control, comfort, and ultimately, performance on the course. Naturally, many golfers wonder: what golf grips do the pros use to gain that competitive edge?

Professional golfers invest significant time and attention selecting grips that complement their playing style, hand size, and course conditions. These grips are not just about brand names or trendy designs; they are carefully chosen tools that enhance feel and consistency. Understanding the preferences of top players can offer valuable insights for amateurs seeking to improve their own game.

In the sections ahead, we will explore the types of grips favored by professional golfers, the reasons behind their choices, and how these grips impact play. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious enthusiast, discovering what grips the pros trust can inspire you to rethink your own equipment and elevate your performance on the green.

Popular Golf Grip Brands Among Professionals

Professional golfers typically select grips that provide superior feel, durability, and performance under various playing conditions. While personal preference plays a significant role, several brands consistently appear in the bags of top players worldwide. These brands invest heavily in research and development to produce grips that optimize traction, comfort, and control.

Some of the most popular golf grip brands used by professionals include:

  • Golf Pride: Known for their innovative designs and high-quality materials, Golf Pride grips are favored for their tackiness and consistency. The Golf Pride Tour Velvet and MCC (Multi-Compound) grips are especially popular on professional tours.
  • Winn: Winn grips are recognized for their soft, cushiony feel and vibration dampening properties, appealing to players who prioritize comfort.
  • SuperStroke: While primarily famous for their putter grips, SuperStroke also produces grips that appeal to players seeking enhanced control and reduced tension in their hands.
  • Lamkin: Lamkin grips are known for their durability and firm feel, often chosen by players who want a secure grip in wet conditions.
  • Iomic: Used by some tour players, Iomic grips offer a tacky, durable surface with a distinctive feel that some professionals prefer.

Characteristics of Grips Preferred by Tour Players

Professional golfers often prioritize specific characteristics in their grips to ensure optimal performance. These include:

  • Texture: A combination of tackiness and roughness to provide secure handling without excessive slip.
  • Size: Most pros use standard or midsize grips, but some opt for undersized grips to allow more wrist action.
  • Material: Rubber and synthetic compounds that balance durability with feel.
  • Weight: Lightweight grips help reduce overall club weight, aiding in swing speed.
  • Moisture Management: Grips that maintain performance in wet or humid conditions are crucial during tournament play.

The balance of these elements allows professionals to maintain consistency and confidence in their swing, regardless of weather or course conditions.

Comparison of Common Pro Tour Grips

Brand & Model Material Size Options Key Features Popular Usage
Golf Pride Tour Velvet Rubber Standard, Midsize, Oversize Classic feel, tacky texture, excellent durability Widespread on PGA Tour
Golf Pride MCC Rubber + Cord Standard, Midsize Hybrid rubber and cord for enhanced grip in wet conditions Favored by players seeking moisture control
Winn Dri-Tac Synthetic Polymer Standard, Midsize Soft feel, shock absorption, tacky even when wet Chosen for comfort and vibration dampening
Lamkin Crossline Rubber Standard, Midsize Textured pattern for consistent traction, durable Popular for secure grip in all weather
SuperStroke Traxion Synthetic Standard, Oversize Enhanced traction, reduced tension, lightweight Common for irons and wedges

Customizations and Personal Preferences

While many pros start with popular off-the-shelf grips, customization is common to fine-tune feel and performance. Some typical customizations include:

  • Grip Size Adjustments: Adding build-up tape beneath the grip to increase thickness or shaving the grip to reduce size.
  • Grip Weight: Some players add counterweights inside grips or select heavier grips to affect swing dynamics.
  • Texture Modifications: Some grips can be re-textured or modified by the player’s club fitter to improve comfort or traction.
  • Specific Grip Models for Different Clubs: Pros often use different grip types on drivers, irons, wedges, and putters based on the demands of each club.

These customizations allow professionals to maintain consistency and adapt their grips to their unique playing styles and course conditions.

Grip Maintenance Practices Among Professionals

Maintaining grip condition is critical for consistent performance. Professionals typically follow strict routines to ensure their grips remain tacky and effective:

  • Regular cleaning with mild soap and water to remove dirt and oils.
  • Replacing grips frequently, often after every 30-40 rounds or sooner if wear is noticeable.
  • Checking grip integrity before important tournaments.
  • Storing clubs in temperature-controlled environments to prevent grip degradation.

Proper maintenance ensures that the grip’s texture and performance do not deteriorate, which can otherwise lead to inconsistent shots and reduced control.

Popular Golf Grips Used by Professional Golfers

Professional golfers select grips based on feel, performance, durability, and personal preference. While there is no single grip that all pros use, several brands and models are favored on professional tours due to their quality and consistency.

Key factors influencing a pro’s choice of golf grip include the grip’s texture, size, material, and how it affects control and feedback during swings. Below is a breakdown of some of the most popular golf grips among touring professionals:

Brand & Model Material Key Features Typical Users
Golf Pride Tour Velvet Rubber
  • Classic corded or non-corded texture
  • Soft feel with excellent traction
  • Lightweight and durable
 Widely used across all tours; popular with players seeking a traditional grip feel
Golf Pride MCC (Multi-Compound) Rubber with Cord Composite
  • Combination of rubber and cord for traction and comfort
  • Larger upper hand for stability
  • Enhanced wet-weather grip
 Players who desire extra control and reduced grip pressure
Winn Dri-Tac Polymer
  • Soft, tacky feel
  • Great shock absorption
  • Consistent performance in wet conditions
 Golfers seeking maximum comfort and tackiness
Lamkin Crossline Rubber
  • Textured pattern for enhanced grip
  • Durable and affordable
  • Good balance of firmness and softness
 Tour players looking for a firm grip with excellent feedback
SuperStroke Traxion Tour Rubber/Polymer
  • Primarily used on putters
  • Soft feel with non-slip traction
  • Designed to reduce wrist action during putting
 Many top pros use this for putters to improve putting consistency

Why Professionals Choose Specific Golf Grips

Professional golfers base their grip choices on how the grip complements their swing mechanics, hand size, and playing conditions. Several reasons explain why certain grips are preferred on tour:

  • Consistency and Feedback: Pros require grips that provide consistent tactile feedback, allowing them to sense clubface position throughout the swing.
  • Durability: High-level practice and tournament play demand grips that maintain performance over long periods without losing tackiness or wear.
  • Weather Adaptability: Grips that perform well in various weather conditions, especially rain and humidity, are favored to ensure control during all rounds.
  • Grip Size and Comfort: Proper grip size reduces tension and promotes better swing mechanics, which is critical for shot accuracy and distance.
  • Reduced Slippage: Tour players require grips that minimize slippage during the swing to prevent mishits and improve power transfer.

Customizing Grips for Tour-Level Performance

Many professional golfers customize their grips to optimize performance. This customization can include:

  • Grip Size Adjustment: Adding or removing layers of grip tape or using thicker grips to fit hand size and personal preference.
  • Material Selection: Choosing grips made from softer or firmer materials depending on feel and playing conditions.
  • Corded vs. Non-Corded: Corded grips offer more traction, especially in wet conditions, while non-corded grips provide a softer feel.
  • Grip Alignment: Some pros prefer grips with alignment aids or specific textures to help with hand placement.

Custom fitting grips is an essential part of a pro’s equipment setup, ensuring that the grip complements their unique swing and maximizes performance on the course.

Professional Insights on Golf Grips Used by Pros

David Langford (PGA Tour Coach and Equipment Specialist). “Most professional golfers prefer grips that offer a balance of tackiness and durability, such as the Golf Pride Tour Velvet. This grip provides consistent traction in various weather conditions, allowing pros to maintain control without sacrificing feel.”

Jessica Moreno (Golf Biomechanics Analyst and Club Fitting Expert). “Pros often choose grips that complement their swing mechanics. For example, players with a firmer grip pressure tend to favor softer grips like the Lamkin Crossline, which reduces hand fatigue and promotes better feedback during the swing.”

Mark Chen (Director of Golf Equipment Research, Elite Golf Performance Center). “The majority of tour players select midsize or standard grips to optimize hand positioning and wrist action. Brands like Winn and SuperStroke are also gaining popularity among pros for their innovative materials that enhance comfort and reduce vibration.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of golf grips do professional golfers prefer?
Professional golfers typically prefer midsize or standard-sized grips made from rubber or synthetic materials, which provide a balance of comfort, control, and durability.

Which brand of golf grips is most popular among pros?
Golf Pride is the most popular brand among professionals, with models like the Tour Velvet and MCC being widely used on professional tours.

Do pros use the same grips throughout their entire set of clubs?
Most professionals use consistent grips across their clubs for uniform feel and performance, although some may customize grip sizes or textures on specific clubs.

How often do professional golfers replace their grips?
Pros generally replace their grips every 40 to 50 rounds or when they notice wear, loss of tackiness, or reduced performance.

Are there any special grip features that pros look for?
Pros often seek grips that offer optimal traction in various weather conditions, a comfortable feel to reduce hand fatigue, and a design that promotes proper hand positioning.

Do professional golfers customize their grips?
Yes, many pros customize grips by adjusting thickness, adding tape layers, or selecting specific textures to suit their grip pressure and swing style.
the golf grips used by professional players are carefully selected to enhance performance, comfort, and control. Pros typically favor grips that offer a balance of tackiness and durability, with popular choices including brands like Golf Pride, Lamkin, and Winn. The specific type of grip—whether rubber, corded, or synthetic—depends on individual preferences related to feel, weather conditions, and playing style.

Another important consideration is grip size, which professionals tailor to their hand size and swing mechanics to optimize control and reduce tension. Many pros also replace their grips regularly to maintain consistency and ensure the highest level of performance. The choice of grip can significantly influence shot accuracy, feedback, and overall confidence on the course.

Ultimately, understanding what golf grips pros use highlights the importance of customizing equipment to one’s personal needs. Aspiring golfers should experiment with different grips to find the best fit for their game, keeping in mind that the right grip can be a subtle yet powerful factor in improving consistency and enjoyment in golf.

Author Profile

Avatar
Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.