Successfully getting the ball in play from the tee box can be a difficult task, so having the right grip on your driver is an essential first step for any golfer looking to find the fairway. A good grip will also help you keep the ball in line with where you want it to go and perhaps even send it a few extra yards.
There are lots of choices out there so to narrow down your focus, here is a list of some of the best golf grips for drivers we have tested that are out right now. As you'll see from the list below, the days of uniform all-black grips are long gone and now all sorts of colors and shapes and sizes are available. The list features some of the most popular grips, some of the tackiest grips and the grip that Bryson DeChambeau puts his faith in.
It's not only driver grips we can give you advice on, too. If you are in the market for a new grip for your putter, then we also recommend checking out our best putter grips guide. Or if you just need some different golf gear for your game, then take a look at our posts on the best golf accessories and best golf tops.
Best Golf Grips For Drivers
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+ The tacky feel is outstanding
+ Grip can be fitted both ways
- Unique feel not for all
We’ll start with the CPX offering, which features on our Editors Choice Awards. This grip may not work as well as others in wet conditions, but it adapts seamlessly to difficult conditions.
The new tech put into this grip is a change of pattern, which is the raised EXO diamond-quilted pattern. The CPX’s unique use of material provides great grip partnered with an EXO diamond-quilted pattern which is also used on the grips of BMX bikes. To go with this they have used the Control Core technology, which is located at the top of the grip which is where most grip pressure occurs.
Read our full Golf Pride CPX Grip Review
+ Great hand aids
+ Excellent tacky grip
- Not for traditionalists
The MCC Plus4 grip helps reduce hand tension and generate more power with a larger lower hand portion of the grip. The grip helps you get your hands in the correct position at impact, leading to consistent drives off the tee.
The Brushed Cotton Technology in the top half of the grip reacts nicely with the golf glove, with the rubber in the lower half adding more feel and forgiveness. There are a range of color coordinations on offer too, for extra personalisation. We think this grip looks really great so you should think about matching it with a great-looking shaft from our best driver shafts guide.
+ Great to eliminate hand movement
+ Excellent cushioning on your hands
- Some will prefer a narrower grip
Thick grips are becoming more popular, especially on drivers and fairway woods. They typically help players who tend to grip the club too hard and create too much tension on address. JumboMax have introduced Finger-Palm tech for this grip which helps you from thinking you need to squeeze the grip too tight. This grip was brought to light mainly by Bryson DeChambeau, but they have grips that can cater to anyone.
In 2019 Bryson stopped using the 75g in his JumboMax grip, and this turned into the prototype for the UltraLite we are covering. The thicker-style grip may not be to everyone’s taste, but they are worth a test run down at the driving range if you have the chance.
+ Classic looks
+ Brilliant traction on the club
- Doesn't come in many other colors
This Tour Velvet grip is 100% rubber and is the no.1 grip in the game, arguably because of the classic look to. It is made from a blend of rubbers with a non-slip surface that is computer-generated which therefore makes it a very comfortable grip for your hands. This grip also comes with the ALIGN tech which is a ridge running down the grip to help align your hands correctly, but you can also opt for the standard model pictured here.
The classic look is matched with a wonderful feeling between hand and club, with the grip performing consistently well in both wet and dry conditions. There's a reason it's the #1 Golf Pride grip. If you're interested in finding out more about Golf Pride's offerings, check out our guide.
+ Soft but tacky feel
+ Good for golfers with no glove
- Limited color options
If Golf Pride are the Dallas Cowboys of the golf grip industry, Lamkin are the LA Lakers. The company had a unique partnership with Arnold Palmer many decades ago and have continued their expertise in the field ever since.
The Sonar+ Tour Calibrate grip is jammed with tech, it has a ridge that runs down the grip to help with correct alignment, which will help with clubface awareness, feel, and hand placement. It also has Fingerprint Technology, which enhances traction and feel, and encourages a lighter grip pressure. Unlike the Golf Pride MCC grips, there are limited color options for personalization, but the Sonar+ Tour is a really solid grip to have on your driver.
Read our full Lamkin Sonar+ Tour Calibrate Grip Review
+ Unique look
+ Produces a really secure hold
- Only one size option
The look of the BRD X-1 grips is a bit bold, meaning they may not be to everyone's tastes. If you like the look, however, then they provide a superb option for someone looking a driver grip with increased tackyness and comfort.
This is designed to give you a soft feel, absorb shock, create torsion resistance, and increase tackiness. What we noticed first in testing was it felt really sticky which gave us confidence in our swing. Overall we enjoyed this grip and so much so it made it to our Editor's Choice list - that means it's really, really good.
Read our full BRD X1 Grip Review
+ Premium polymer material
+ Soft to your hands
- Minimal color options
Winn was the first manufacturer to create a premium polymer golf grip, and they are also a specialist in fishing rods, tennis, and bicycle grips. The Dri-Tac are the definition of comfort, meaning if you play 36 in a day or whack hundreds of balls at the range, your hands wont be crying afterwards.
The Dri-Tac is the most popular grip Winn produce, and it is available in four different colors for those who want a personal touch in their golf bag. Adding this onto a forgiving driver could work wonders for the higher handicap players.
+ All weather grips
+ Great colorways
- Some may not like the taper on this grip
SuperStroke are more known for their thick putter grips, but they offer stellar options for your driver too. The S-Tech grip is one of their best offerings and works well in all weather conditions. The grips have a minimal taper which helps to distribute a more even hand pressure and square the face more naturally.
It has a soft and tacky grip, meaning it works perfectly in wet weather. If you are looking for a grip that is great in all weather and hot conditions then check out the best grips for sweaty hands guide.
+ Another excellent all-weather grip
+ Great traction to your hands
- Some golfers may not like the additional layers
With 80% of tour pros choosing Golf Pride and the most major wins across the tour than other grips, it is no surprise Golf Pride is so popular. The grip is the firmest grip in the Golf Pride range, with two layers of texturing offering that extra bit of control of your drives. It also performs fantastically in the rain.
The midsize version also has a deep 'Z' shaped pattern that makes its way around the grip, and the channels in the heavy cording wick away any moisture. With the likes of Will Zalatoris making the transition to the ZGrip, there's a reason so many tour players opt for this grip off the teebox.
+ Improves consistency
+ Looks great
- Not the best for beginner golfers
Tacky and smooth. That's the feeling you'll get from the Lamkin ST+2 grip. Through their Calibrate tech, a subtle ridge runs through the grip to ensure your hands are in the right position at address for consistency with the driver face.
The ridge is met with a softer feeling lower half of the grip for added comfort. Also, this grip stays tackier for longer which helps to stop you having to change grips all the time, but may not be the best option for those with higher handicaps.
+ Great for people with sweaty hands
+ Very durable
- Comes in only one color
One of the best offerings from Lamkin this grip scores highly in all categories, so it is no wonder it is their best-selling crossline pattern. This grip uses full cord coverage and firmer materials are used help to limit torsion at impact.
The Crossline provides excellent quality and is arguably the best value for money on the market. Those who don't want a plain black grip may look elsewhere however, with only one color option available, but it's incredibly durable and fits well for all the clubs in your bag - not just the driver.
How we test
When we build a review or buyers guide this is based on vigorous testing of the products in question. We also like to rely on the knowledge and golfing experiences of our product testers. We have golfers from all levels that are testing out products, this helps us to get a variety of feedback which is best for the consumer. We always look to use the products multiple times to make sure the pros and cons we have to offer are valid.
We don't just judge grips after a few swings on the driving range. We test them over a range of different rounds, across different lies and different conditions - heat, cold, wet or dry.
Our reviews are all honest and unbiased, whether good or bad we will give you our honest opinions on the products to help you choose what is best for you. We always pride ourselves on the fact that no manufacturer can buy a good review, we will always build our guides on honest opinions. Check out how Golf Monthly tests products guide to get an in-depth look at our testing.
If you're in the mood for more buying guides, check out the best golf grips or the best golf accessories guide.
What to consider when buying a golf grip
The importance of getting the correct grip on your driver cannot be understated.
The grip may be one of the most important things to consider, as it acts as the point of contact between you and your club, giving you the traction you need on the club shaft to rip through your golf swing and send the ball up in the air. If you don't feel comfortable holding the golf club in your hands, how can you be expected to execute the perfect swing you want?
For that reason, having the right grip on your driver can seriously help you play better shots and ultimately take shots off your round.
It can be overwhelming to choose the correct grip for you, which is why we've prodcued this guide for you! Below is a list which sets out below a list of things to consider when you're purchasing a new grip for your driver.
1. Size
A lot of people don't consider the size of their hands when choosing a new grip for their driver. You'll want to do some research on what the ideal corresponding grip size would be for your hands. As we explain in our guide on how to get the right grip size for your hands, the wrong grip size can stop your hands from working properly on the club. If you have big hands like Bryson DeChambeau, then chances are a you'd suit a bigger, thicker grip. If your hands are on the smaller side of things, a smaller, thinner grip could be the one for you.
Different grip manufacturers use different measurements when designing their club grips, with some, like Ping, basing their grip sizes around two key hand measurements. One is the distance between the most prominent wrist crease on your hand to the tip of your middle finger. The other is the length of that longest finger alone. Ultimately the best thing is to take both measurements and pick the club grip that corresponds to that size.
Different grip manufacturers also design their grips in different shapes too. Generally, golf grips come in three different kinds; round grips, ribbed grips or alignment grips. Most golfers will have played with a round grip before, as they are the most common grip you are likely to find on a golf club.
Ribbed grips, also known as reminder grips, help golfers keep their hands set at the same position each time they grasp the club. They feature an internal ridge or rib that runs along the spine of the shaft, which helps players feel the bottom of the club grip, so they know exactly where to place their hands for each shot. Alignment grips, also known as calibrated grips, are a more comprehensive version of the ribbed grip that provide golfers with a wider, more prominent rib on the grip to help players better locate where to set their hands on the club. Depending on your abilities as a golfer, the shape of the grip can play an essential part in how well you play your shots.
2. Tackiness
What is a grip if it isn't, you know, grippy? We use the word tacky to describe the grip levels on the products we test. Some people love extremely sticky grips, while others prefer a bit more comfort and less stickiness.
3. Feel
Similar to when picking the driver that is right for you, you’re going to want to factor in how that club feels on impact. The same goes for when you’re trialing different grips. You’ll want to pick the grip that gives you the best responsivity, control and overall feel as you hit through the ball. Again that is subjective from golfer to golfer. For example, some players like to feel more vibrations coming up the club, while others would prefer that sensation to be dampened. Depending on what works best for you, trying out different types of grip can help you discover the best one for your needs as a golfer. So head down to your local club shop to try out more.
4. Moisture management
While feel and tackiness are significant factors to consider when picking a driver grip, moisture management is something that many golfers forget about. Even if you don't get sweaty hands when playing golf, you're not always going to be playing golf in 30º of sunshine. The elements can change quickly on the course and for that reason, getting the grip that provides optimum moisture management will be vital in helping you hit sweeter, longer golf shots. Different players may have to consider different conditions when making a decision on their driver grip - the Scottish golfer will play in a lot more rain than someone in California. If you play in hot conditions, it is worth taking into account how the grip can react to sweaty hands at address.
5. Style
Look good, feel good, play good.
Style might interestingly be one of the most crucial things to consider when purchasing a new club grip. For example, standing over the ball while holding a club that looks the part, and makes you feel confident, can go a long way in helping you hit more consistent shots and reduce your scores. For that reason, pick a grip that not only feels good but looks good too.
If you’re currently in the process of re-gripping a variety of clubs, why not check out our guides on the best golf grips for drivers and the best putter grips.
FAQs
Are Driver grips the same as iron grips?
Generally, the grip on a driver can be the same as those on an iron. Some players may want a little more grip on their driver so may opt to place a tackier grip on their driver than their iron. But sometimes its best to keep all your club grips the same so you know where you're placing your hands on the club every time you pick them up.
What is the best kind of grip to put on my driver?
That depends on what suits you as a golfer. While some players might like a round grip, others may prefer a ribbed grip they can use to help them set their hands on the club in the same position each time they pick up the driver. For that reason, picking the right grip for your driver comes down to personal preference. Our best advice is to get down to your local pro shop and try each type of driver grip out.
What size grip should I put on my driver?
Depending on the size of your hands, different golfers will suit various grip sizes. First, you should start by measuring the size of your hand by measuring the distance between the most prominent crease on your hand and your middle finger. Once you have that measurement, you should pick the corresponding grip size.
1. Crease to fingertip: 0"-5" - Grip size: Small
2. Crease to fingertip: 5" to 6.5" - Grip size: Undersize
3. Crease to fingertip: 6.6" to 7.5" - Grip size: Small
4. Crease to fingertip: 7.6" to 9" - Grip size: Midsize
5. Crease to fingertip: 9.1" to 10" - Grip size: Large
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