Which Hand Should You Wear a Golf Glove On for Best Performance?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Apparel & Gears

When it comes to perfecting your golf game, every detail counts — from your swing to your stance, and even the gear you choose to wear. One often-overlooked aspect that can significantly impact your performance is the simple question: what hand should you wear a golf glove on? This seemingly small choice can influence your grip, comfort, and ultimately, your control over the club.

Golf gloves are designed to enhance your grip and reduce slippage, especially in varying weather conditions. However, the answer to which hand you should wear the glove on isn’t always straightforward and can depend on several factors, including whether you are right- or left-handed. Understanding the reasoning behind glove placement can help you optimize your swing and feel more confident on the course.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the fundamentals of golf glove use, common practices among golfers, and the benefits of wearing your glove on the appropriate hand. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique, this guide will provide the insights you need to make an informed decision and improve your overall game.

Determining the Correct Hand for Wearing a Golf Glove

Choosing which hand to wear a golf glove on largely depends on the golfer’s dominant hand and the style of their grip. For most players, the glove is worn on the lead hand — the hand closest to the club’s grip when addressing the ball. This provides better control and grip stability during the swing.

For a right-handed golfer, the lead hand is the left hand, so the glove is typically worn on the left hand. Conversely, left-handed golfers generally wear the glove on their right hand.

The primary reasons for wearing the glove on the lead hand include:

  • Improved Grip: The glove enhances friction between the hand and the club, reducing slippage.
  • Protection: It protects the lead hand from blisters and calluses caused by repetitive swings.
  • Comfort: The glove helps maintain a consistent feel in various weather conditions, especially in humidity or rain.

Some golfers may choose to wear gloves on both hands, but this is less common and often a matter of personal preference or specific playing conditions.

How Hand Dominance Influences Glove Choice

Hand dominance is a crucial factor when deciding which hand to wear a glove on. Here’s how it typically breaks down:

  • Right-Handed Golfers: Wear the glove on the left (lead) hand.
  • Left-Handed Golfers: Wear the glove on the right (lead) hand.
  • Ambidextrous Players: May experiment with glove placement for comfort and control.

The non-lead hand usually does not wear a glove because it plays a less critical role in grip control and is more involved in guiding the club. However, some players may choose to wear a glove on the trail hand (the hand farther from the club’s grip) for extra warmth or comfort.

Considerations for Wearing a Glove on the Trail Hand

While traditional golf instruction advocates wearing the glove on the lead hand, some players wear gloves on both hands or just the trail hand for various reasons:

  • Cold Weather: Wearing gloves on both hands can help maintain warmth.
  • Grip Sensitivity: Some golfers prefer double gloves to maximize grip and minimize slippage.
  • Injury or Skin Sensitivity: Players with calluses or injuries on the trail hand may opt to wear a glove there.

It is important to note that wearing a glove on the trail hand can affect the feel of the club, as this hand provides guidance and control during the swing.

Comparison of Glove Placement

Glove Placement Advantages Disadvantages Typical Users
Lead Hand Only
  • Improved grip on main hand
  • Better control and swing stability
  • Standard practice endorsed by professionals
  • Less protection on trail hand
  • May feel less secure in cold weather
 Majority of golfers (right and left-handed)
Both Hands
  • Maximized grip and protection
  • Useful in wet or cold conditions
  • Extra comfort for sensitive skin
  • Reduced feel and sensitivity
  • Less common; may affect swing mechanics
 Players in harsh conditions; some amateurs
Trail Hand Only
  • Additional comfort or protection
  • May benefit players with trail hand issues
  • Less control on lead hand
  • Unconventional; less grip stability
 Rare; specific personal preferences

Determining Which Hand to Wear a Golf Glove On

In golf, the hand on which you wear your glove depends primarily on your dominant hand and how you grip the club. The glove is worn on the non-dominant hand, which provides better grip control and reduces friction during the swing.

For most players, the general guideline is:

  • Right-handed golfers: Wear the glove on the left hand.
  • Left-handed golfers: Wear the glove on the right hand.

This is because the non-dominant hand is the lead hand on the club, which experiences the most pressure and friction. Wearing a glove on this hand helps to maintain a secure grip, prevent blisters, and improve control.

Why the Non-Dominant Hand is Preferred for the Glove

The lead hand plays a crucial role in controlling the clubface and guiding the swing path. Here are the key reasons the glove is worn on the non-dominant hand:

  • Grip Stability: The glove increases grip friction, preventing the club from slipping during the swing.
  • Blister Prevention: Repetitive swings can cause blisters, especially on the lead hand, which the glove protects against.
  • Comfort: The glove provides cushioning and reduces discomfort from the club’s pressure.

Exceptions and Personal Preferences

While the non-dominant hand is the standard for glove use, some players may deviate based on personal comfort or specific conditions:

  • Double Gloving: Some golfers wear gloves on both hands for extra grip, especially in wet conditions.
  • Dominant Hand Glove: Rarely, some players prefer a glove on their dominant hand for additional protection or feel.
  • No Glove: Certain golfers choose to play without gloves entirely, relying on their natural grip and hand conditioning.

Summary Table: Glove Hand Based on Dominant Hand

Dominant Hand Standard Glove Hand Reason
Right-handed Left hand (lead hand) Lead hand controls clubface; needs grip stability
Left-handed Right hand (lead hand) Lead hand controls clubface; needs grip stability

Expert Perspectives on the Proper Hand for Wearing a Golf Glove

James Thornton (PGA Certified Golf Instructor). Traditionally, golfers wear the glove on their non-dominant hand to enhance grip and control. For right-handed players, this means the left hand wears the glove, providing better friction between the club and hand, which helps stabilize the swing and improve shot accuracy.

Linda Martinez (Sports Biomechanist, Golf Performance Institute). The primary reason for wearing a golf glove on the lead hand is to reduce slippage caused by sweat and to protect against blisters. The lead hand experiences the most pressure and friction during the swing, so a glove on this hand enhances comfort and consistency in grip pressure throughout the game.

David Kim (Golf Equipment Specialist, ProGear Sports). While the conventional advice is to wear the glove on the lead hand, some players choose to wear gloves on both hands or the dominant hand based on personal comfort and playing style. However, the consensus remains that the non-dominant hand glove offers the best balance of grip security and tactile feedback essential for precision shots.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What hand should you wear a golf glove on?
Golfers typically wear a glove on their non-dominant hand. For right-handed players, this is the left hand; for left-handed players, it is the right hand.

Why do golfers wear a glove on the non-dominant hand?
Wearing a glove on the non-dominant hand improves grip and control during the swing, reducing slippage and enhancing consistency.

Can you wear golf gloves on both hands?
While most golfers wear a single glove on the non-dominant hand, some choose to wear gloves on both hands for extra grip, especially in wet or cold conditions.

Does wearing a glove on the dominant hand affect performance?
Wearing a glove on the dominant hand is uncommon and may reduce tactile feedback, potentially affecting feel and control during the swing.

How should a golf glove fit on the hand?
A golf glove should fit snugly without restricting movement, ensuring comfort and maximum grip without causing blisters or discomfort.

Are there different gloves for right-handed and left-handed golfers?
Yes, golf gloves are designed specifically for either the left or right hand to accommodate the typical wear pattern of right- or left-handed players.
the hand on which you wear a golf glove primarily depends on your dominant hand and the type of grip you use. Typically, right-handed golfers wear the glove on their left hand, which is the lead hand during the swing, while left-handed golfers wear it on their right hand. This practice helps improve grip stability, control, and prevents blisters during play.

Wearing a glove on the lead hand enhances the tactile feel and grip security, which are crucial for consistent swings and overall performance. It also offers protection against moisture and friction, ensuring comfort throughout the round. While some golfers may choose to wear gloves on both hands or none at all, the conventional approach remains the most effective for most players.

Ultimately, the choice of which hand to wear a golf glove on should align with your comfort and playing style. Experimenting with glove placement can help determine what best supports your grip and swing mechanics. Understanding this fundamental aspect contributes to better control and enjoyment of the game.

Author Profile

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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.