Golf gloves need to fit … like a glove

The grip is your only point of contact with the golf club. A well fitting and comfortable golf glove will improve your grip on the club and greatly assist your game. Gloves come in a variety of styles and materials. Gloves are worn by golfers to gain extra grip on their inside hand. Right handed golfers wear a glove on their left hand. Left handed golfers wear a glove on their right hand. For added protection from the elements some golfers prefer to wear a glove on both hands.

The fine art of glove fitting
You should take as much time and care in finding the right fitting golf glove as you do finding the fitting golf shoe. Listed below are some quick tips to assist when selecting a golf glove.

• The golf glove today is made from either synthetic material, leather or a combination.

• Synthetic gloves tend to be more responsive to stretching and tend to wear faster than leather gloves, however synthetic gloves are more effective in adverse weather conditions and form to the shape of your hand more effectively.

• Leather gloves allow your hand to “breathe” more than synthetic and tend to last longer, however are not as effective in wet weather. Leather gloves are usually more expensive than synthetic gloves.

• Glove manufacturers are creating combination gloves which possess leather palms for longevity and feel, with synthetic backing for fit.

• Many glove manufacturers incorporate lycra materials for added responsiveness against excessive stretching.

*Regular vs. Cadet*
Golf gloves are offered in numerous sizes with some gloves offered in two distinctly different shapes: regular and cadet. The regular size fits players with palms and fingers that are proportional. Cadet size fits players with shorter fingers and wider palms.

How to Fit Your Golf Glove
When trying a glove on, first work the fingers into position. Gently depress the material around each finger until you've achieved a snug fit. (Only then is your thumb allowed entry.)

A golf glove should fit tightly, taut across the palm as well as the back of your hand. To adjust, never apply excessive pressure to the cuff (the part of the glove around your wrist.) Smooth the glove out with your opposite hand. The golf glove should fit like a "second skin".