2019 PREMIUM GLOVE BUYERS GUIDE
DID YOU KNOW: According to FootJoy, more than 50% of golfers are wearing the wrong sized glove.
Shocking right? I doubt you would buy your son or daughter a size 10 shoe if they actually wore a size 7. So, why do golfers struggle to find properly sized gloves? The reality is that finding the right glove can be more difficult than it seems.
So, what glove is right for you? That’s where we come in. We are here to help you, the consumer, make the best decision possible when buying your next golf glove.
Whether you’re looking to buy a new glove today, looking for some buying advice, or just want a closer look at what’s on the market right now, this guide will help you find the right premium glove to fit your needs.
How We Test
We're here to help you find the perfect premium glove to fit your needs.
To do that, we employ a rigorous and fully independent testing process that leaves no leather unexplored, no velcro unsupported, and no stone unturned.
The Test Process
Gloves are tested head to head with rigorous protocols. Consideration is given to the fit, comfort, and ultimately the performance of the glove.
Our Metrics
The metrics we consider when rating gloves include Comfort, Fit, Feel, and Grip.
FEATURES THAT MATTER TO YOU
Comfort
Some prefer thinner leather which helps them feel where the club is at all times during the swing. Others are happy to trade a bit of feel for the durability that a thicker leather often brings. We test each glove to ensure there aren’t any poorly placed seams or excess material that can cause discomfort and decrease durability.
Fit
A proper fitting golf glove should fit tight across the palm and fingers, but not too restricting when clenching your fist. There should a 1/4″ gap left when you pull the velcro for tightness. Also, be aware that, when it comes to sizing, some brands are not as consistent as others. One large glove may not be quite as large as the next. Not only should you look for a glove that fits properly, but serious golfers should gravitate towards brands that can consistently reproduce the exact same sized glove time and time again.
Grip
If you don’t wear a glove, this guide isn’t for you, but the reality is that the overwhelming majority of tour professionals wear a glove. Why? Gloves are tackier than skin, particularly in the humid months, and help maintain a consistent connection to the club. A glove that preserves that connection will help you to feel confident in every swing, knowing that you’re not going to lose control of the club.
EXPERT TIP - Glove fitting?
Your glove is the only thing between you and the golf club. It should fit properly. A new glove should start with 1/4" of Velcro exposed. It's going to stretch. In addition to sacrificing performance, a glove that's too big will also be less durable. Ultimately that means poor sizing isn't just costing you performance; it's costing you money.
2019 Premium Glove Features chart
| Name | Sizes | Cadet | Material | Colors | Hand | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Asher Golf Classic Check Price | S-XXL | N | Cabretta Leather | 1 | R/L |
 | Callaway Tour Authentic Check Price | S-XXL | Y | Opti Feel Leather | 1 | R/L |
 | CrossFit Tour Check Price | S-XXL | N | Cabretta Leather | 1 | R/L |
 | FootJoy Pure Touch Check Price | S-XXL | Y | Cabretta Leather | 1 | R/L |
 | FootJoy StaSof Check Price | S-XXL | Y | Advanced Performance Leather | 1 | R/L |
 | Inesis 500 Grip Check Price | S-L | N | Sheep Leather | 4 | R/L |
 | Kirkland Signature Check Price | S-XL | N | Leather | 1 | L |
 | MG DynaGrip Check Price | S-XXL | Y | Cabretta Leather | 1 | R/L |
 | MG DynaGrip Elite Check Price | S-XXL | Y | Cabretta Leather | 1 | R/L |
 | Mizuno Pro Check Price | S-XXL | Y | Cabretta Leather | 1 | L |
 | Nice Shot Black Sheep Check Price | S-XL | Y | Cabretta Leather | 1 | R/L |
 | Nice Shot The Bird Check Price | S-XL | Y | Cabretta Leather | 1 | R/L |
 | Palm Golf Barrels and Birdies Check Price | S-XXL | N | AAA Cabretta Leather | 11 | R/L |
 | Palm Golf Canvas Check Price | S-XXL | N | AAA Cabretta Leather | 1 | R/L |
 | PING Tour Check Price | S-XXL | Y | Premium Cabretta Leather | 1 | R/L |
 | Srixon Premium Check Price | S-XL | Y | Cabretta Leather | 1 | R/L |
 | Sub 70 Pro Check Price | S-XXL | Y | Cabretta Leather | 1 | L |
 | TaylorMade Tour Preferred Check Price | S-XXL | Y | AAA Cabretta Leather | 4 | R/L |
 | Titlesit Players Check Price | S-XXL | Y | Cabretta Leather | 1 | R/L |
 | Vice Pure Check Price | S-XL | N | Pure Lamb Leather | 1 | R/L |
 | Wilson FG Tour Check Price | S-XL | Y | Cabretta Leather | 1 | R/L |
 | Yips Supreme Check Price | S-XL | N | AAA Cabretta Leather | 3 | R/L |
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT - Best Lifestyle Glove 2019
This is the first year in the test for Palm Golf and its Birdies and Barrels glove.
In addition to excellent performance, the Birdies and Barrel glove offers unique style options with nearly a dozen print patterns to choose from (Pimento Cheese anyone?). If you want a glove that performs well with the added bonus of matching your outfit, Palm is a brand you should consider. No one else is currently providing this type of customization and personalization in the golf glove space.
More Tips
- Sizing can vary significantly between manufacturers. Even if you know your correct size, if you’re thinking about changing to a new model, we recommend trying it on before buying.
- The quality of Velcro closures is not consistent across all brands. Look for gloves that secure tightly and stay tight. The performance of lower quality Velcro will degrade over time. A glove that doesn’t stay secured is a useless glove.
- While style preferences will vary among golfers, finding the proper fit is an absolute necessity. A properly glove offers maximum performance, comfort, and durability.
- Golfers with wide palms and comparatively short fingers should consider cadet-sized gloves. Unfortunately, not all models are offered in cadet sizes.
2019 Premium Glove Results
| Name | Fit | Comfort | Feel | Grip | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PING Tour Check Price | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 96 |
| Titleist Players Check Price | 1st | 1st | 3rd | 3rd | 95 |
| Vice Pure Check Price | 6th | 4th | 1st | 1st | 94 |
| FootJoy Pure Touch Check Price | 9th | 1st | 4th | 3rd | 92.5 |
| Srixon Premium Check Price | 4th | 9th | 4th | 5th | 91.5 |
| Palm Golf Barrels and Birdies Check Price | 4th | 7th | 7th | 10th | 90.5 |
| FootJoy StaSof Check Price | 3rd | 9th | 7th | 10th | 90.5 |
| MG DynaGrip Elite Check Price | 14th | 4th | 4th | 8th | 89.5 |
| Kirkland Signature Check Price | 11th | 7th | 9th | 5th | 89.5 |
| Nice Shot Black Sheep Check Price | 9th | 12th | 9th | 5th | 89 |
| Callaway Tour Authentic Check Price | 6th | 14th | 9th | 17th | 87 |
| Nice Shot The Bird Check Price | 12th | 12th | 9th | 10th | 87 |
| CrossFit Tour Check Price | 6th | 14th | 13th | 15th | 86.5 |
| Wilson FG Tour Check Price | 12th | 9th | 13th | 10th | 86.5 |
| TaylorMade Tour Preferred Check Price | 12th | 9th | 9th | 10th | 86 |
| MG DynaGrip Check Price | 14th | 4th | 13th | 17th | 86 |
| Sub 70 Pro Check Price | 16th | 14th | 18th | 17th | 82 |
| Palm Golf The Canvas Check Price | 17th | 17th | 16th | 15th | 81.5 |
| Inesis 500 Grip Check Price | 17th | 17th | 16th | 21st | 80 |
| Yips Supreme Check Price | 18th | 19th | 19th | 10th | 78.5 |
| Asher Classic Check Price | 20th | 19th | 20th | 8th | 77.5 |
| Mizuno Pro Check Price | 20th | 19th | 21st | 17th | 75 |
FAQ
Q: How much do I need to spend on a glove?
A: We found great options in 2019 for both golfers looking for an incredible value and those looking for ultimate performance. If you want the ultimate in performance and consistency, expect to spend between $25-$30 per glove. The best performing gloves in 2019 in our testing were the Ping Tour, Titleist Players, Vice Pure, and the Footjoy Pure Touch. If you can tolerate some size inconsistencies from glove to glove, we recommend the Kirkland Signature and the MG DynaGrip Elite. Prices for these gloves range from $5-7, and both performed well in the test.
Q: How do I know when a glove fits correctly?
A: It’s cliche perhaps, but a glove really should fit like a second skin. There should be no extra material on the palm, fingers, or the top of the hand. A glove is going to stretch. A new glove should fit snuggly with 1/4″ of Velcro still showing when secured. Take a look at this fitting guide for help.
Q: Do I need to wear a glove?
A: To wear or not wear a glove is, to a degree, personal preference. Certainly, there are some who pride themselves on playing bare-handed. While that approach can save a significant amount of money over a lifetime, it should be noted that the best players in the world all wear gloves. A proper fit glove will help to ensure a consistent connection with the club regardless of heat, humidity, sweat, etc..
Trapsized
5 years ago
I always swore by the Titleist Players glove. I tried the MG after last year’s MGS glove reviews and the MG fit and feel were nearly identical to the Titleist.