Why Do Some Golfers Putt Without A Glove?
You rarely see a Tour pro putt with a glove on - but why?
It’s not unusual to see club golfers putting with a glove on. Often, weekend golfers or beginners don’t bother to slip it into their back pocket because they don’t think it makes a difference whether it’s on or off. Some would rather not bother with the hassle of removing it when they’re on the greens, and there are those who appreciate the warmth that a glove can provide, especially when the fingertips go numb in the winter.
The vast majority of Tour players – and we’re probably talking 99.99% here – remove their glove whenever they use their putter. In fact, a lot of players will slip their Cabretta leather gloves off between shots in order to let the hand breathe and avoid it becoming too wet with sweat.
Even if the best golf gloves are more than capable of absorbing sweat and working effectively in warm conditions, for a lot of players, removing the golf glove is a comfort thing. For some, the act of putting the golf glove back on ahead of a shot will also signal ‘go time’ and the start of the pre shot routine.
On the putting surfaces, though, the glove, more often than not, gets slipped into a back pocket. The majority of Tour professionals and club golfers will take it off when putting because it allows for better feel. To putt with one on feels strange. After all, it’s there for grip when you’re swinging a club, which isn’t required when taking the putter back and through at far less speed than a driver.
Ask one of the best putters in the world, like a Cameron Smith, to putt with a glove on for one tournament, and it’s unlikely that the stats would be greatly affected. However, over the course of the season it might make a difference, especially from long range, when players rely a lot more on feeling the club in their hands to get the distance control spot on.
You might sometimes see the odd Tour player putting with a glove on. For some, the performance gains compared to putting with a glove off are minimal, perhaps even zero – so why bother to take it off just because most other players do?
Wear and tear is certainly a factor for club golfers. The best golf gloves might offer decent durability, but they don’t come cheap and if you play regularly, they will lose their shape and become less effective over time. After about 15 rounds, perhaps 20 max, you’re probably going to need to change it, so why put it on if you don’t need to?
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Like so many other things in golf, it really comes down to personal preference. If you don’t find that it makes a difference as to whether you putt with a glove on, and it doesn’t have a negative impact on feel, then who are we to say it’s not the right thing to do?
For others, wearing a glove when putting just feels wrong, and if the vast majority of pros say the same, that’s more than a good enough reason to take it off.
Michael has been with Golf Monthly since 2008. As a multimedia journalist, he has also worked for The Football Association, where he created content to support the men's European Championships, The FA Cup, London 2012, and FA Women's Super League. As content editor at Foremost Golf, Michael worked closely with golf's biggest equipment manufacturers, and has developed an in-depth knowledge of this side of the industry. He's now a regular contributor, covering instruction, equipment and feature content. Michael has interviewed many of the game's biggest stars, including six world number ones, and has attended and reported on many Major Championships and Ryder Cups. He's a member of Formby Golf Club.
-
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson Leaderboard And Live Updates - Ben Kohles And Taylor Pendrith Tied At The Top
The Canadian leads going into Sunday, as an interesting final day is in store at TPC Craig Ranch
By James Nursey Last updated
-
Major Winner Receives Fourth Invitation To PGA Tour Signature Events
Webb Simpson is set for another Signature Event appearance, despite the American currently sat 143rd in the FedEx Cup standings
By Matt Cradock Published
-
What Is The Difference Between Golfshot And Golfshot Pro?
Golfshot is one of the most popular GPS apps in the game, but what extra features does the upgrade to Golfshot Pro unlock? We explain all...
By Michael Weston Published
-
Why The Reaction To Jason Day’s Masters Clothing Is A Terrible Look For Golf
Is there any sincerity to claims that we want to grow the game and be inclusive?
By Joe Ferguson Published
-
What Is Avoda Golf? Check Out Bryson DeChambeau’s New Iron Brand
Introduced at the Masters, the American revealed that he had put prototype irons from Avoda Golf in the bag for the event
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Krank Golf: The Long Drive Brand Bryson DeChambeau Is Using At The Masters
The American sat at the top of the leaderboard following the first round of the Masters, with DeChambeau using a driver and fairway woods from an unfamiliar name
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Why Data Is The Key To Knocking Shots Off Your Scores This Season
Enhance your understanding of golf performance data and how you can use correctly it to lower your scores in 2024
By Golf Monthly Published
-
5 Reasons Why Women Golfers Should Carry More Wedges
They’re often referred to as the scoring clubs, yet many women only carry one or two of them. Carly Frost explains why adding more wedges to your bag will work wonders for your game
By Carly Frost Published
-
5 Signs You Need New Golf Shoes
Even the best golf shoes wear over time. Here's the five signs it's time you invested in a new pair
By Dan Parker Published
-
These Might Be The Coolest Nike Golf Shoes We've Ever Seen And Here's How To Get Them
Nike always produce special edition models near to big events and, at the 2024 Players Championship, the brand have delivered once again!
By Matt Cradock Published