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Midsize vs Standard Golf Grips

Can the Wrong Size Golf Grips create Swing Flaws?

Does your grip size actually matter in golf?

If you’re like most golfers, you will do almost anything to shave a few strokes off your game. Whether it’s buying another new driver, upgrading your irons or buying a $400 putter. Trust me, I completely understand myself.

The game is challenging enough. Playing with old clubs, worn down grips or equipment that isn’t meant for your swing only makes it harder. But did you know that your grips might play as big of a role as anything?

While it might seem like a small accessory to your fancy golf club, your grip actually plays a big role in your game. In this post, I’ll share with your exactly why finding the right grip size matters and how you can use it to shoot lower scores.

Golf Grip Size 101

Golf.com did a study among 1,440 golfers in an effort to learn more about grip sizes and the impact they had on performance. Here’s how they conducted the study:

  • Golfers in the study were below a 7 handicap and were asked to hit their 5-irons vs. 5-irons with different sized Golf Pride grips. Some were undersized, standard, midsized, and jumbo grips.
  • Using a Trackman launch monitor they hit shots with their clubs and several with each different grip. Their equipment acted as a control in the experiment.

The results were astounding. Of the 1,440 players analyzed, 9 out of 10 players (yes, 90%) had the wrong size grip. According to the study, the wrong grips can cost you 5 shots per round!

Let’s say they even cost your 1-3 shots, that’s a big difference on your score each time you play!

How to Determine your Grip Size

Here’s how you can determine your grip size. Take the measurement from the crease of your wrist to the tip of your middle finger.

  • Undersize/Junior – Less than 7 inches
  • Standard – 7 inches to 8 3/4 inches
  • Midsize – 8 1/4 inches to 9 1/4 inches
  • Oversize/Jumbo – Longer than 9 1/4 inches

This is a standard way to measure your grips. But you can also compare the size of your glove to match your grip. Here’s how to do it:

  • Men’s small = Undersized grip
  • Men’s medium or medium-large = Standard grip size. (Majority of golfers).
  • Men’s large = Standard grip (with a few extra rolls of tape) or Midsize grip
  • Men’s extra large = Midsize or jumbo grip

I recommend doing a combination of both methods to find the perfect grip size for your game.

Golf Grip Size

How to Determine Grip Size Online

If you’re still not sure on the right grip size, one of these interactive tools from two of the most trusted names in the game should help.

Lamkin Golf Grip Selector

Lamkin Golf Grip selector makes it easy to find the right grip. Grab a ruler or tape measure to get started. It will ask you questions about the type of weather you play in most, comfort level, and then provide you the recommended grips.

Golf Pride Grip Fit

The Golf Pride Grip fit selector can also help. Similar to the Lamkin grip, you will provide measurements and answer a few questions. It will then deliver the best size and the exact grips for your game.

Use a combination of the methods above to find the perfect grip for your game.

How Your Swing Can Determine Your Grips

Don’t forget that your swing can also play a major role in the type of grip you should buy. If you’re more of an outside to inside player (like most amateur golfers) a smaller grip could help. This will tend to promote more of a hook shot and could offset your slice.

Oppositely, if you play a big draw or hook, a larger grip could help you straighten out your ball flight. If you’re getting instructions from a teacher, make sure to ask them their take on how what type of grips would help benefit your game.

Picking Your Grip Style

Now that you’ve found the right size grip for your game, it’s time to find the right style for your game. There are two main types; rubber grips (i.e. WInn grips) or cord grips (i.e. Golf Pride, Lamkin, etc).

Rubber grips are usually lighter than most cord grips which don’t affect the feel of the head of the club. On the other hand, cord grips are heavier than rubber grips and can impact the overall feel of the club. For the most part, cord grips come standard with most woods, irons, and wedges.

For a full rundown on grip selection, head over to our article reviewing the best golf grips on the market.

Best Grips for Senior Golfers

Oversized but soft grips are a great idea for senior golfers. Usually, a Winn grip or something similar is an awesome fit. This type of grip makes it easy if your grip strength isn’t very strong and the softness makes it very comfortable.

For senior golfers, I recommend against corded grips as they are very rough compared to rubber grips. Check out some of the oversized Winn rubber grips on Amazon here.

Best Grips For Arthritis (or Playing with Pain)

Similar to senior golf grips, players who have arthritis should also opt for larger and softer grips. The larger the grip, the easier it is to hold with consistency and not have to squeeze too hard. This should help you avoid pain and be able to play the full 18 without worrying about your grips getting in the way.

Innovation Grips now make specific grips for players who suffer from arthritic conditions. Check them out here to learn more.

Putter Grip Styles

There are so many different putting grip styles on the market today. There’s the standard pistol grip, mid-sized, oversized, fatso grips, and even a belly grip for normal length putters.

Choosing a putting grip is more about feel and less about the size of your hands. Ideally, you want to choose a putter grip that allows you to feel the putter head throughout the stroke. When putting, the softer the grip you can have, the better you will putt.

Shop around to find a grip that is comfortable, durable, and fits your putting style. I’ve put together an article just on the fat putter grips if you want to dig deeper into putter grips.

FAQ’s About Grip Size

What is a standard golf grip size?

The standard golf grip size is .580 for almost all grips from major distributors like Golf Pride, Lamkin, Winn, etc.

Does golf grip size matter?

Yes! Whether the grip is too small or too thick, it can impact your swing, tempo, and overall performance. Don’t spend thousands of dollars on new clubs but forget to make sure grips are right for your game.

What happens if your golf grip is too small?

If the grip is too small for your hands, the club can twist throughout your swing. This could also make you more tense as you have to grip the club together to make sure it doesn’t twist during your swing.

If the grip is too large, it can be too difficult to grip consistently and the club can’t open slightly at impact.

Does grip size affect ball flight?

Yes, your grip size can affect how high or low you hit the golf ball. Playing a grip that is too small can force you to squeeze the grip and not use your wrists enough. Oppositely, if you’re using too big of a grip, it can make it harder to square the clubface at impact.

Does a thicker golf grip help?

If you have bigger hands or health problems, a thicker grip can definitely help your game. Make sure to use the methods above to determine the proper grip size for your game.

Conclusion on Grip Size in Golf

Overall, most male golfers will play a standard or oversized golf grip. Make sure you do the measurements and grip size tests above to find the right ones for you.

Don’t let your grips cost you any shots during the round! This is one of those simple fixes that can help you hit it straighter and make it easier to score lower. Plus, changing your grips doesn’t cost much and can help greatly to improve your game.

If you’re someone who has a lot of pain from arthritis, don’t forget there are options out there to help alleviate pain. Once you find a grip you love, don’t forget to get new ones every six months or sooner. The more you play, the sooner you should regrip your clubs so they don’t wear down and play a size smaller than normal.

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