You see it everywhere: A golfer teeing up, glove on one hand, the other bare. It looks unbalanced, right? Why not wear two for symmetry? The answer boils down to performance, feel, and tradition.
1. The Core Reason: Balance is Key
Golfers wear a glove on their “lead hand” (the top hand on the grip) for two main reasons, while keeping the other hand bare:
- Better Grip: The glove stops the club from twisting or slipping, especially when your hands get sweaty.
- Better Feel: Your bare bottom hand (“trail hand”) gives you crucial touch for controlling short shots and putts.
Wearing two gloves would block too much of that important feel.
2. Why the Lead Hand Gets the Glove
- Friction Fighter: Your lead hand does most of the gripping work. The glove protects it from painful blisters.
- Stability: It helps keep the club steady during your powerful swing.
- Staying Connected: A good glove helps your lead hand maintain a solid connection to the club.
3. Why the Trail Hand Stays Bare
- Touch Matters: For delicate shots near the green (chipping, pitching, putting), you need maximum sensitivity. Skin on the grip gives you instant feedback.
- Wrist Action: Your trail hand needs freedom to hinge and unhinge your wrists smoothly during the swing. A glove can sometimes restrict this.
- Feedback: Feeling the clubhead through your bare hand helps you control the shot’s direction and distance.
4. When Might Golfers Wear Two Gloves?
While one glove is standard, there are exceptions:
| Situation | Why Two Gloves? | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Weather | Keeps both hands warm & functional | Early morning rounds, fall golf |
| Rain/Wet | Provides essential grip when soaking | Using special “rain gloves” |
| **Beginner Needs | Extra protection while learning grip | Some new players avoiding blisters |
| **Injury/Health | Protecting sensitive skin or wounds | Medical tape alternative |
Important: Even in these cases, many skilled players still prefer just one glove whenever possible to keep that vital feel in their trail hand.
5. Tradition Plays a Part Too
This one-glove habit started long ago and has stuck because it works. Seeing the pros do it (almost always with just one glove) reinforces the practice. Golf equipment companies also design and market single gloves as the standard.
The Takeaway: Control + Feel = Success
Golfers wear one glove on their lead hand because it gives the perfect mix:
- Grip security and protection where it’s needed most.
- Critical touch and feedback from the bare trail hand for control.
Stick with one glove for the best balance. Only consider a second glove for very specific reasons like extreme cold, heavy rain, or as a beginner needing extra protection. Focus on developing that essential feel in your bare hand – it’s a key part of playing better golf!
