Last Saturday was marked by rain, scrubbing my plans for a day on the golf course. Instead, I turned my attention to some essential tasks, like cleaning clubs, changing out grips, and tidying up our family’s golf bags. While working through the gear, I noticed a few grips were noticeably slick and worn down—definitely past their prime. Playing with such worn grips might be affecting your game more than you realize. If you’ve been putting off a grip replacement, here’s how to know when it’s time for an update.
When Do Your Golf Grips Need Replacing?
Many amateur golfers won’t think about replacing their grips until they actually tear or a hole appears where the thumb usually presses into the rubber. In reality, those grips probably should have been changed several rounds earlier. Here’s what to pay attention to so you know it’s time for new grips.
Visual Wear and Tear
The most evident sign of needing replacement is visible damage. Cracks, splits, or shiny spots on the grips mean they’re too worn out. Time, coupled with exposure to sweat, sunscreen, heat, and dirt, breaks down the grip material, diminishing traction.
Slippery Feel
That slippery feel during a swing is another big giveaway. Your hand might slide at the top or upon impact, which might make you feel the urge to wear a glove and grip the club tighter. A slick or glossy look to the grip often suggests that the grip’s texture has been erased over time.
Reduced Tacky Texture
Even if it doesn’t feel outright slippery, sometimes the tackiness of your grip is gone, compelling you to grip the club more tightly. The reduction in tackiness can be more pronounced in some grips than others, so keep an eye out for when that change occurs—it’s a signal for an upgrade.
Lack of Responsiveness
Grips are essential in providing feedback. If a grip is overly worn, it can numb that feedback from the clubhead at impact. If hitting the ball feels vague or “dead,” the issue might not be with the club itself—it could just be time for a new grip.
Change in Color
According to Golf Pride, fading or uneven color is a telltale sign that it’s time for new grips. Grip material should be consistently colored and textured from one end to the other.
(Note: Factors like hot summers, high humidity levels, and frequent sunscreen use can accelerate grip wear. If you’re hitting the links several times a week under these conditions, you may need to replace your grips more frequently. And don’t overlook the putter!)
The Impact of Worn Grips
Worn grips primarily affect three aspects of your game: grip pressure, ball-striking consistency, and your confidence—or how readily you swing through the ball.
-
Grip Pressure: When grips are worn, you might hold the club tighter, leading to tension in your arms and shoulders. This can result in inconsistent shots, potential injuries, and a reduction in clubhead speed.
-
Consistency: A firm grip is necessary for delivering the clubface consistently at impact. A worn grip increases the chance of the clubhead twisting or turning.
- Confidence: Worrying about a slipping club can alter your concentration, potentially causing you to slow your swing due to aging golf grips.
Cost Comparison: DIY Versus Professional Regripping
Regripping your falls cheaper when you do it yourself than hiring a professional. Beyond cost savings, there are other benefits to doing it yourself too.
Professional Regripping Service
Going to a pro shop or golf retailer to regrip your clubs might cost $8 to $15 per club, including the grip and labor. Keep in mind the potential turnaround time, which could leave you without your clubs for a couple of days—or longer if it’s peak season.
DIY Approach
Handling the regripping yourself can save money long-term. With a few tools like a vise clamp, a utility knife or grip removal tool, grip solvent, and double-sided grip tape, you’ll just pay for new grips each time. Personally, I prefer regripping at home so I can replace grips as needed instead of all at once.
For instance, my pitching wedge or 7-iron tends to wear down faster, so I can just change that single grip when necessary.
Pro Tip: Invest in pre-cut tape strips. They’re handy and make applying new grips quicker and easier.
How Long Can You Expect Your Grips to Last?
Most golfers switch their grips once a year or after every 40 to 50 rounds. That’s a reasonable lifespan, though if you’re spending considerable time at the range, you’ll likely need to refresh them more often.
Hot climates and personal habits, such as using sunscreen, can also expedite grip wear. To maximize their longevity, clean your golf grips regularly with warm water and mild soap, using a soft brush or towel.
Before opting for replacements, I usually clean my grips to see if any tackiness returns. Sometimes they feel like new after cleaning, other times the grips are clearly done. Remember to never submerge your grips while washing; just wipe them with soapy water or use a soft scrub brush.
Final Thoughts
While replacing grips might feel like a chore, learning how to do it ensures your gear is always in top condition. Keeping an eye on wear and knowing when it’s time for new grips could save you a few strokes on the course.
