Golf Glove: Which Hand To Use And Why (A Simple Guide)

Ever stood on the first tee, looked at your hands, and felt a moment of confusion? You’re not alone. The simple question of “which hand wears the golf glove?” is one of the most common for new and even some experienced players. It seems like a small detail, but it’s a fundamental part of the game that impacts everything from your grip to your comfort.

The standard rule is to wear a golf glove on your non-dominant hand. This is also called your “lead hand”—the hand positioned at the top of the club grip, which is responsible for control and guiding the club throughout the swing.

This guide will eliminate any confusion and explain the simple rule, the critical “why” behind it, and how to choose the perfect glove with confidence. Leveraging extensive analysis of established golfing practices, this guide unpacks the proven approaches and critical insights to help you effectively navigate which hand golf glove to use, ensuring you avoid common mistakes and play your best.

Key Facts

The Standard Rule: The universally accepted practice is to wear a golf glove on the non-dominant hand, which is the lead hand in the swing responsible for club control.

Primary Purpose: A glove’s main function is to improve grip and prevent the club from slipping, a benefit that becomes crucial in humid or rainy conditions.

Blister Prevention: The glove acts as a protective barrier, significantly reducing the friction that causes painful blisters and calluses during a round or practice session.

Short Game “Feel”: Data from player habits shows that a majority of golfers remove their glove for putting and chipping to maximize sensory feedback in their dominant, “feel” hand.

Critical Buying Tip: A common purchasing error is buying the wrong-handed glove. A glove labeled “Right Hand” is specifically designed for a left-handed golfer.

Contents show

The Simple Rule: Which Hand Wears the Golf Glove?

Ever wondered why you see golfers with just one glove? Here’s the simple answer. The standard practice, followed by nearly every golfer from beginners to tour professionals, is to wear a single golf glove.

The standard rule is to wear a golf glove on your non-dominant hand. This is also called your “lead hand”—the hand positioned at the top of the club grip. This hand has the most contact with the club and is primarily responsible for guiding it through the swing path. Therefore, securing the grip on this hand is paramount for control and consistency.

Right-Handed vs. Left-Handed Golfers: A Clear Breakdown

To eliminate any lingering confusion, the rule translates differently depending on your dominant hand. Your lead hand is for control, while your dominant hand (usually the bottom hand on the grip) provides the power.

Pro Tip: “Think of it this way: your gloved hand is your ‘control’ hand, guiding the club through the swing.”

Here is the clearest possible breakdown:

Golfer’s Handedness	Hand to Wear Glove On	Why This Hand?
Right-Handed	Left Hand	The left hand is the lead hand, guiding the club for control.
Left-Handed	Right Hand	The right hand is the lead hand, ensuring stability and direction.

The “Why” Behind Wearing a Single Golf Glove

Now that you know which hand, let’s explore why this one-glove rule is so universal. It’s not just about tradition; it’s rooted in performance, comfort, and the physics of the golf swing. There are three primary reasons golfers stick to a single glove.

Improved Grip: The glove’s primary function is to increase friction and secure your hold on the club.
Blister Prevention: It provides a protective layer that saves your hand from the wear and tear of repetitive swings.
Enhanced Feel: Leaving the dominant hand bare allows for maximum sensory feedback, which is vital for the short game.

1. To Improve Grip and Prevent Slippage

The single most important reason for wearing a golf glove is to achieve a secure, consistent grip. Your lead hand (the one with the glove) is the main connection to the club. Any slip or twist in that hand during the swing can send the ball flying wildly off-target.

Quick Fact: “A secure grip allows you to swing with confidence without ‘death-gripping’ the club, which can ruin a shot.”

A quality golf glove, typically made of leather or synthetic materials, provides extra tackiness and friction. This is especially critical in adverse weather conditions. On a hot, humid day when your hands are sweating, or during a light rain, a bare hand can easily slip. The glove ensures you maintain control.

A weak or slipping grip is one of the fastest ways to lose control of the clubface. This leads to inconsistent shots, a loss of distance, and a lack of confidence over the ball. A glove is the first line of defense against this common problem.

2. To Prevent Blisters and Calluses

If you’ve ever spent a long session at the driving range or played 36 holes in one day, you know the toll it can take on your hands. The constant friction between your skin and the rubber grip of the club inevitably leads to painful blisters and tough calluses.

The golf glove acts as a protective barrier. It’s a simple but effective solution to a common golfer pain point. By creating a cushion between your lead hand and the club, it absorbs most of the friction. This allows you to practice and play for longer periods without discomfort, letting you focus on your swing instead of your aching hands. For players who are just starting, a glove is essential for building up hand strength without injury.

3. To Enhance “Feel” in the Dominant Hand

Here’s where the strategy gets a bit more nuanced. If a glove is so good for grip, why not wear two? The answer comes down to “feel.” Golf is a game of two distinct parts: the power of the full swing and the delicate touch of the short game.

Your dominant hand, the one without a glove, is often called your “feel” hand. Keeping it bare provides maximum sensory feedback from the club. This is incredibly important for delicate shots around the green, like chipping and, most importantly, putting. The thin layer of a glove can slightly dull the sensation required to judge the pace and line of a putt.

This is why you’ll often see pros take their glove off around the green. They’re trying to maximize their touch for those delicate shots that can save a par or capture a birdie.

Exceptions to the Rule: When Golfers Bend the Standard

While the one-glove-on-the-lead-hand approach is the overwhelming standard, golf is also a game of personal preference. You will occasionally see players who bend the rules to suit their specific needs or playing conditions.

Wearing Two Gloves: Though rare, some golfers choose to wear gloves on both hands. This is most common in very rainy or cold conditions to ensure maximum grip and warmth. Some players with arthritis also find that two gloves provide extra cushioning and support. Professional golfer Tommy Gainey is famous for playing with two gloves, earning him the nickname “Two Gloves.”
Wearing No Glove: At the other end of the spectrum, some golfers prefer the natural connection of skin on grip and wear no glove at all. These players often have naturally dry hands or simply prioritize the maximum possible feedback from the club on every shot. It is entirely a matter of personal comfort and what gives a player the most confidence.

How to Choose the Right Glove for the Right Hand

Once you’ve confirmed which hand needs the glove, the next step is choosing the right one. The fit and material are just as important as wearing it on the correct hand. A poorly fitting glove can be worse than no glove at all.

Pro Tip: “When trying on a glove, it should fit snugly like a ‘second skin’ with no extra material at the fingertips or in the palm.”

Here’s a simple buying guide to follow:

Confirm Your Hand: Re-read the section above. If you are a right-handed player, you are buying a glove for your left hand. If you are a left-handed player, you are buying one for your right hand.
Get the Fit Right: This is the most crucial factor. The glove should be snug across the palm and fingers. There should not be any loose material at the end of your fingertips. The Velcro tab should only close about 75% of the way across the back of your hand, leaving some room for the leather to stretch over time.
Choose a Material: Gloves primarily come in two types. Cabretta leather gloves offer the best feel, softness, and breathability but are less durable. Synthetic gloves are more durable, hold their shape better in wet conditions, and are generally more affordable, though they may offer slightly less feel.
Consider the Conditions: If you frequently play in the rain or extreme cold, it’s worth investing in specialty gloves. Rain gloves are sold in pairs and have a material that gets tackier when wet. Winter gloves are also sold in pairs and are thicker to provide insulation.

A Note on Buying: “Right Hand” vs. “Glove for Right-Handed Player”

This is the single most common mistake beginners make when buying a golf glove, and it’s essential to get it right to avoid wasting money.

CRITICAL: If you are a right-handed player, you need to buy a “Left Hand” glove. A glove labeled “Right Hand” is for a left-handed player.

Always check the packaging carefully. It will specify which hand the glove is meant to be worn on, not which type of player it is for.

To play your best, having the right equipment is key. A well-chosen set of golf gloves can make a significant difference in your grip and confidence. Explore the bestselling options below to find the perfect fit and material for your game.

FAQs About Which Hand to Wear a Golf Glove On

Here are quick answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about which hand golf glove to use.

What hand does a right-handed glove go on?

A glove labeled “Right Hand” is designed to be worn on the right hand. This means it is for a left-handed golfer, as lefties wear the glove on their right lead hand. A right-handed golfer needs a “Left Hand” glove.

Why do golfers wear gloves on their non-dominant hands?

Golfers glove their non-dominant (lead) hand for two main reasons. This hand is primarily responsible for:
* Gripping and controlling the club during the swing.
* The bare dominant hand provides power and retains maximum “feel” for delicate shots.

Can you wear a golf glove on both hands?

Yes, though uncommon, some golfers wear gloves on both hands. This is usually done for extra grip in wet weather, to provide more cushioning for players with arthritis, or simply due to personal preference for a uniform feel.

How should a golf glove fit?

A golf glove should fit very snugly, like a second skin. There should not be any bunches of excess material in the palm or at the tips of the fingers. A tight fit ensures the glove won’t slip against your hand during the swing.

Do you keep your golf glove on for putting?

This is entirely up to personal preference. Many golfers remove their glove for putting and chipping to get a better ‘feel’ for the delicate shot. Others prefer to keep it on for the entire round for consistency and convenience. There is no right or wrong answer.

Final Summary: The Right Glove for the Right Hand

Choosing which hand to wear a golf glove on is one of the first fundamentals every player learns. By following the simple rule—glove on the non-dominant, lead hand—you set yourself up for better control, comfort, and confidence on the course. Understanding the “why” behind this practice empowers you to make the best decisions for your own game.

Let’s recap the most critical takeaways:
* Right-Handed Golfers: Wear a glove on your Left Hand.
* Left-Handed Golfers: Wear a glove on your Right Hand.
* The Main Reasons: A glove improves grip, prevents blisters, and allows your other hand to retain maximum feel for the short game.
* Buying Tip: When purchasing, a right-handed player must buy a glove marked “Left Hand.”

Now you know the simple rule and the ‘why’ behind it. Step onto the course with confidence, knowing you’ve got this fundamental right

Last update on 2025-08-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Golf Glove: Which Hand to Use and Why (A Simple Guide)