Last weekend, a rainy Saturday kept us off the golf course so I used the time to clean clubs, swap out grips and organize the golf bags for me, my husband and our two kids. As I worked through the clubs, I came across a few grips that were slick, worn down, way past their prime. Playing with grips in that condition can impact your game in ways you might not even realize. If you’ve been putting off replacing yours, here’s how to know when it’s time to make the switch.
When do your golf grips need replacing?
Many amateur golfers wait until the grip rips or a hole appears where your thumb pushes into the rubber. These grips typically needed replacement many rounds ago. Here’s what to look for to know it’s time to change your grips.
Visual wear and tear
The most obvious sign is visible damage. If you see cracks, splits or shiny patches, the grips are likely too worn. Over time, normal use and exposure to sweat, sunscreen, heat and dirt will break down the rubber or synthetic material, causing it to lose traction.
Slippery feel
You’ll notice the slippery feel when you swing. Your hand probably slides a little at the top or at impact. You may even start wearing a glove and gripping a little tighter before you feel confident swinging the club.
A slick or glossy grip is usually an indicator that the surface texture has worn away.
Reduced tacky texture
Even if the grip doesn’t feel slippery, you may notice a loss of tackiness. When this tackiness is gone, you’ll likely start gripping tighter. The reduced tacky texture is easier to feel on some grips than others but being aware of it can help you know when it’s time for a change.
Lack of responsiveness
Golf grips give us feedback. Overly worn grips can numb the feedback from the clubhead during impact. If you notice a vague or “dead” feeling when you strike the ball, it may not be time for a club upgrade. You could just need a new grip.
Change in color
Golf Pride says material that looks faded or uneven is a great way to tell it’s time to replace. Grip material should be consistent in color and texture from top to bottom.
(Note: Hot summers, high humidity, and regular use of sunscreen can accelerate grip deterioration. If you’re practicing multiple times a week in these conditions, plan on more frequent replacements. Don’t forget the putter!)
The impact of worn grips
The three main things worn grips influence are grip pressure, ball-striking consistency and confidence (speed) through impact.
- Grip pressure: Worn grips force you to hold the club tighter, often causing tension in your arms and shoulders. This tension can lead to inconsistent shots, potential injuries and restricted clubhead speed.
- Consistency: To deliver the clubface consistently at impact, you need a strong hold on your golf grip. A worn grip can lead to twists and turns of the clubhead.
- Confidence: If you’re worried about your club slipping, your focus may change and you may even slow your swing to accommodate your deteriorating golf grips.
Cost comparison: DIY versus professional regripping
It’s cheaper to regrip golf clubs yourself than to have a professional do it. However, the benefits of regripping yourself extend beyond the costs.
Professional regripping service
If you take your clubs to a pro shop or golf retailer, the cost per club (including grip and labor) can range anywhere from $8 to $15 or more, depending on the type of grip. You’ll also have to factor in any turnaround time, which might mean being without your clubs for a day or two (or longer in peak season).
DIY approach
Doing it yourself can save money in the long run. If you invest in a few basic tools, such as a vise clamp, a utility knife or grip removal tool, grip solvent and double-sided grip tape, you’ll only pay for new grips each time. I like regripping at home because I don’t need to do my whole set at once.
In my case, the pitching wedge or 7-iron wears down quickly and I can just make one grip change at a time when needed.
Pro tip: I find the pre-cut tape strips a worthwhile investment. They simplify the process and make it even quicker to apply a new grip.
How long can you expect your grips to last?
Most golfers replace their grips once a year or every 40 to 50 rounds. This is usually a good estimate as to how long grips will last. If you spend a lot of time on the range, you’ll need to replace them more often.
In addition, hot climates and oils or sunscreen on your hands can all speed up wear. To help golf grips last longer, clean them regularly with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush or towel to extend their life as much as possible.
Before I replace grips, I wash them first to see if they regain their tackiness. Sometimes, after they are washed, they feel like new; other times, you can tell the grip is just done. Never submerge grips completely when washing them. Just wipe them with mild soap and water or use a soft scrub brush.
Final thoughts
Replacing your grips can seem like a chore but it’s easy to learn and part of ensuring you have the best possible equipment on the course. Keep an eye on wear and know when to make the switch. It may save you a few strokes.
Duffer1
11 months ago
Just a thought to all of you: On my driver I went to a “zero taper” grip. Reduced my tendency to hook by 80%.
As for replacing, Its one of the cheapest ways to improve your game. A very underappreciated improvement. “2nd tier” companies are very affordable and work fine for me.