To glove or not to glove

Does a glove really make a difference to your golf game?

\We have all watched professional golfers give away a golf glove after their ball hits a spectator.  That is an expensive practice, especially if the glove is made from Brazilian cabretta leather. This type of glove is made from the skin of straight-haired sheep, which have hair instead of wool, and is very soft.

The vast majority of professional golfers wear a glove, with Fred Couples one of the few exceptions on the PGA tour. Golfers wear a glove to produce a secure grip on the club and do not wear a glove to prevent blisters. This is a misconception, because if you are getting blisters, your grip is wrong. Gloves are also useful when the club grip is wet with rain or when your hands sweat. A good glove can also take the sting out of a bad hit.

There are three types of gloves: leather, synthetic and hybrid. The average golfer uses a synthetic glove. They are cheaper and very durable but they sweat. A leather glove produces a nice feel of the club but is not very durable. The hybrid glove has leather fingers and palm, with the top of the glove made from synthetic material.

Regardless of the material, the glove should feel snug and firm. Work the hand into the glove to the fingertips. The Velcro should not pull all the way across the top of the hand. If your glove ends up with a hole in the palm, thumb or index finger, you may have a grip problem.