Players often ignore the grips on their golf clubs, but those who switch from worn-out grips to new ones tend to score about four strokes better per round. Grip manufacturers offer a range of compounds and grip types to fit golfers' preferences. Some grips are made specifically for those who tend to play in wet weather or whose hands stay wet with perspiration.
The Pros' Choice
More than 80 percent of touring professional golfers use Golf Pride grips, the manufacturer reports, with the Tour Velvet BCT Cord its most popular model. Tour players use their clubs in all types of weather and --- between the practice range and competition --- hit far more shots than recreational golfers, so this high-performance grip should hold up well for the occasional player. (res1)
Corded Grips
Grip manufacturers found that weaving linen cord with rubber grips improves performance because the cord can absorb moisture in damp conditions. The cord makes for a rougher surface, which can wear on hands or golf gloves, so manufacturers began offering softer, cotton cord as an alternative.
Polymer Grips
Manufacturer Winn Grips developed a material it claims performs better than rubber. It recommends its V17 material for players who have problems with sweaty hands, and it says the grip is softer and more slip-resistant than traditional rubber grips.
Synthetic Rubber
Lamkin has its own synthetic rubber, 3GEN, which the manufacturer claims doesn't absorb moisture. You can restore the grip's tackiness by rubbing the grip down with a damp towel.
Hybrid Grips
Grip manufacturers also offer combinations of material. Golf Pride's New Decade Multicompound, for example, uses cord from the butt end to halfway down the grip to prevent the hand that controls the clubface from slipping, while the rest of the grip is made with softer rubber for better feel and control.
Grip Care
Different grip material requires specific care. Some pros, including Tiger Woods, brush corded grips lightly with sandpaper to improve the way the cord handles moisture and to soften the cord. Sandpaper should never touch polymer grips such as Winn's, and neither should the mild dish soap you normally use on rubber grips. No grip should be submerged when cleaning --- that will saturate it, and can ruin the tape underneath the grip.
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