How Often Should You Change Your Grips?

I may be biased as a club builder, but to me, golf grips are without a shadow of a doubt the most overlooked component of a golf club. A worn-out grip can subtly, yet significantly, undermine your performance, consistency, and even enjoyment on the course. So, how often should you actually change them?

While there are no absolute rules on this topic - it will differ for everyone - the general consensus among PGA Professionals is to regrip your clubs around every 12 to 18 months, or approximately every 30 to 40 rounds of golf. For avid players who hit the range frequently or play multiple times a week, this timeframe might shorten to every 6 to 9 months.

While this may seem like a lot, there are some fairly compelling reasons as to why you should be doing it more regularly. However, it is always worth keeping an eye out for some tell-tale signs that this process needs expediting, which I have outlined below.

Why Should I Change My Grips?

Many recreational golfers wait until a grip is visibly torn or has a gaping hole before considering a replacement, which, unfortunately, is far too late, and these players will have been putting themselves at a significant disadvantage by putting it off. Here are a few key indicators that your grips are overdue for a refresh...

Wear and Tear
This is the most common factor. Grips naturally lose their tackiness over time, feeling slick, hard, or glossy even after cleaning. Look for visible wear and tear, such as smooth, shiny areas where your hands apply pressure, or faded logos. The material can also harden, becoming stiff instead of pliable, especially with sun exposure and temperature extremes. If you experience slippage of the club during your swing or find yourself applying increased grip pressure to compensate, your grips are likely no longer providing sufficient friction. Worn grips can also lead to harsher feels in your shots, as the material loses its ability to dampen vibrations.

Optimizing Grip Size
Believe it or not, your ideal grip size can evolve with swing changes and feels, or you might discover you're playing with the wrong size. Consult your local PGA Professional to determine whether your grip size is suitable.

Enhanced Clubface Awareness
Upgrading to certain grip types can significantly improve your understanding of the clubface. Grips with a ribbed "reminder", like the Golf Pride Align grips and Align Max grips, feature a subtle ridge or spine designed to promote consistent hand placement and provide better feedback on your clubface orientation throughout the swing.

Improved Moisture Management
If you frequently play in humid conditions or experience sweaty hands, switching to a new grip designed with better moisture-wicking properties or corded materials can provide superior traction and prevent slipping, ensuring a more secure hold regardless of the weather.

Seeking a Change in Feel or Material
The vast array of modern grip materials and textures means you can tailor your grips to your personal preference. You might desire a softer, more cushioned feel for comfort, or a firmer, more responsive grip for better feedback; simply trying a different style can significantly impact your connection to the club.

The Benefits of Fresh Grips

Investing in the best golf grips is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your golf game. The benefits are immediate and tangible, and they can often make a set of clubs feel brand new. Here are some of the other benefits:

Enhanced Control and Consistency
A tacky grip allows you to hold the club securely with lighter pressure, which in turn facilitates a more relaxed swing and better clubface control through impact.

Increased Confidence
Knowing your hands aren’t going to slip on a worn grip allows you to swing freely and aggressively, without subconscious hesitation, which can only be a good thing for your performance and should bring about a boost in confidence.

Improved Feel and Feedback
New grips provide a much sharper connection to the clubhead and shaft, allowing you to better experience impact, providing optimal feedback, and helping you to better understand your strike quality.

Reduced Tension and Fatigue
Lighter grip pressure reduces unnecessary strain on your hands and forearms, leading to less fatigue over a round and can actually contribute to preventing injuries like golfer's elbow.

Potential for More Distance
A relaxed grip allows for better wrist function and release, potentially increasing clubhead speed and, as a result, distance.

In conclusion, regularly inspecting and replacing your golf grips should not be a luxury; it should form a fundamental aspect of golf club maintenance that directly impacts your performance. Taking action sooner rather than later can save you shots and even prevent injury.

Golf Pride is one of the leading manufacturers of grips globally employed by the world's best players. Explore its comprehensive range on the Golf Pride website and find your nearest stockist.