Get a grip! Why amateur golfers need to change their grips more often

Equipment
A golf grip

One of golf’s certainties is that most of us won’t change our grips often enough.

Many of us might have bought a new driver or a set of irons years ago and will never have changed the grips once.

They will have got covered in dirt, sun cream and sweat and the same grips will be on the same clubs.

The first comment that any grip manufacturer will explain is that your grips are the only piece of equipment that we touch on every single shot, be it your woods, irons, wedges or putter, and they should be in perfect condition.

They should add a layer of confidence and help you to look forward to a shot or to fancy taking on a recovery and not to stand there wondering if the club is going to fly out of your hands.

Many of us also grip the club far too strongly – listen to Colin Montgomerie or short-game wizard Dan Grieve for how light they advise you to grip the club – this will only be encouraged by having slippy or cracked grips.

Signs of wear and tear

– Look for cracks, splits or smooth, shiny areas on the grip. Here it has lost its traction and you will have less grip on the club.
– Fading colours or worn-down logos are also tell-tale signs that it’s time for a change.
– If the grip feels slick or slippy then it is also time to upgrade your grips. Similarly grips become rough, uneven or hardened over time.

A guide to changing grips

– Play once a week = replace your grips once a year
– Play three times a week = replace grips every six months
– If you hit a lot of practice balls then you should also factor that in.

Golf Pride are the leading grip manufacturers and they say that if you play more than 40 rounds a year or visit the range a few times a week you will need to replace your grips more often.

BUY GOLF PRIDE GOLF GRIPS HERE

Rubber grips typically last longer than softer materials, like corded or wrap-style grips, which wear out quicker.

You might be able to extend the lives of your existing grips by cleaning your grips, again something that most of us never bother to do. For a rubber grip clean with warm water, mild soap, a soft brush and dry thoroughly.

If you use corded grips use a bristle brush to clean the texture more deeply.

READ MORE: How a chipper can eliminate the dreaded yips and get your handicap down

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