Women’s Golf Gloves

The golf glove is probably one of the most overlooked pieces of equipment in a golfers bag. Too often, people walk into stores and base their glove selection on style and price. But a properly fitted glove, just as properly fitted golf clubs, could do wonders for both one’s enjoyment of the sport, and their score. Just as there has been a rather substantial increase in women’s golf clubs, so the same for golf gloves. Gone are the days of thick, brittle gloves.

The most obvious question is, “why do golfers wear a glove?” The reason why golfers wear a glove is to improve grip. There are rather serious implications with improved grip. When a golfer is able to maintain a solid grip on a golf club with ease, this relaxation inadvertently causes a faster swing speed by engaging the quick-twitch muscles. Chefs do this all the time when chopping celery. They relax their wrists so that they can chop at a faster tempo. If they were to grip the handle tightly, they would naturally flex their forearm and bicep, causing a slower, less rhythmic chopping action. The reason golfers wear one glove is because, at address, the hand closest to the body is the hand that actually grips the golf club (for right-handed swingers, the glove is worn on the left hand, and vice-versa for left-handed swingers). The other hand is primarily used as the trigger as to when to turn the club over during the swing.

When choosing a glove, one of the most important considerations one must make is choosing between the two different types of leather—synthetic and premium Cabretta leather. There are pros and cons to both types.

The advantage to synthetic Cabretta leather is its durability. One glove can easily last a weekend golfer for the entire season. But there is a dramatic cost for such durability—feel. The synthetic leather does not have the same give and suppleness as premium leather, and sometimes has a plastic-like feel to it. At impact, in the golf swing, the vibration from the club is seriously dampened, and often creates a very dull feel. On the other hand, premium Cabretta leather is highly sought after for its ability to mimic a natural vibration, while providing the much-desired tackiness. The premium leather is often thinner and more breathable, but is quite susceptible to wear and tear.

A good fit is as important as the material in which the glove is made. The glove ought to fit tightly on the hand, not loose like a winter glove. It is better to have a glove that is too tight than too loose, because a session or two at the driving range will both soften the leather and stretch it as well. Furthermore, there are two size sub-categories, regular and cadet. You may think a cadet glove is not intended for youth, but its not! Rather, it is a special fit for those that have larger palms and shorter fingers. If the regular size leaves any extra room at the fingertips, then it would be prudent to purchase the cadet version (a loose glove leaves room for blisters and unnecessary calluses).

So, go and use this knowledge to get the right glove for you! Enjoy your next round!