Golf gloves can improve your grip on the club and enhance your overall stroke performance. That’s because they aren’t as slippery as your hand. Therefore, they give you better control, especially for long shots.
However, when they start to fall apart, they’re not as effective. This begs the question: how long do golf gloves last?
On average, golf gloves can last anywhere between 8 and 10 rounds. Still, this answer depends on many factors, like the quality of the gloves, the conditions you play in, the way you care for your golf gloves, and the club grip.
Keep reading to know more about golf gloves, how long they last, and how to take care of them.
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How Long Do Golf Gloves Last?
Golf gloves are an essential piece of any golf gear. They keep the golf club from slipping out of your hands, especially if you’re sweating, and believe me you will be.
On average, you’ll need to change your golf gloves about 4–5 times a year if you play on a weekly basis, which means approximately every 10 rounds.
When it comes to professional golfers, however, you’ll find out that they change their gloves more frequently. Professional players change their golf gloves about every 4–6 rounds, depending on the conditions they play in.
Aside from the number of rounds you play, the lifespan of golf gloves depends on many other factors, which include:
Factor #1: The Gloves’ Material and Quality
Golf gloves are usually made from three materials: Leather, Synthetic, or a mix of both. Consequently, the durability of golf gloves differs according to the material they’re made from.
- Leather Golf Gloves: They offer great quality because they’re soft, breathable, and water resistant. However, they tend to wear out quicker than other types. Additionally, there are many low-grade leather gloves on the market that aren’t all that great.
- Synthetic Golf Gloves:They’re considered more durable than leather gloves, yet much more affordable. Nevertheless, they don’t offer as much comfort as leather gloves do.
- Leather/Synthetic Golf Gloves:They offer you the best of both worlds. Those mixed gloves are durable, long-lasting, breathable, and water resistant. They’re also highly affordable.
Are Expensive Gloves More Durable?
Contrary to what you might think, expensive gloves don’t last long. For example, Cabretta leather is the most expensive golf glove material out here. It offers a great and luxurious feel, but it wears out faster than any other material.
Surprisingly, the cheap gloves have an average feel, but they seem to last longer.
Factor #2: How Often You Play
If you play golf too much, this will cause your golf gloves to wear out quicker than usual. However, that’s not a reason for someone to stop playing. Instead, using old gloves for practicing while keeping the good ones for big matches is a great idea.
Factor #3: Playing Conditions
The surrounding conditions while playing can negatively affect your golf gloves. Whether it’s hot, cold, or rainy, your golf gloves can be damaged quicker than usual.
Hot weather means sweaty hands, and sweat can affect the durability of your golf gloves. Rainy weather can also affect the lifespan of your golf gloves, as well as impact your performance.
Factor #4: Your Club Grip
The way you grip your golf club has an effect on the golf gloves you’re wearing. The more gripping power you use, the more damage the gloves will sustain. That’s because improper grip adds extra pressure as well as extra friction.
Additionally, make sure that your golf clubs are in good condition. The wearing-off club handle may rub against your gloves and damage them.
Factor #5: How You Take Care of the Gloves
Handling the gloves roughly can impact their lifespan. You should always treat them with care, especially when taking them off.
Allowing the gloves to air out after each stroke can also help extend the life of your golf gloves, especially in humid weather.
When Should You Replace Your Golf Gloves?
You should replace your golf gloves if they have a tear in them, especially in the palm area and fingertips.
You should also replace them if they no longer fit properly or are overstretched due to excessive use.
What’s more, you should replace your golf gloves whenever they no longer give you the proper club grip you’re used to.
How To Extend the Life of Your Golf Gloves
There are a few tips you should know that will help extend the life of your golf gloves. So, here are some dos and don’ts to follow:
- Take off your golf gloves gently and don’t yank on them, as this will stretch them out, making the fit looser.
- Take off your golf gloves while chipping, putting, and between the shots. This allows your sweaty hands to dry off, and the gloves to air out.
- Keep extra gloves in your golf bag and keep switching between them for extra humid days.
- Buy a set of rain glovesfor rainy days and don’t use your regular gloves because the rain may damage them
- Use your older gloves for practicing and spare your good ones, especially on those hot days.
- Keep your golf gloves clean for maximum grip and comfort. Make sure to check the washing instructions before cleaning them.
- Don’t grip your club too tightly to avoid excessive pressure on the material of your golf gloves. Instead, use a proper and correct grip.
- Store your golf gloves properly and straighten them out into their box. Don’t just shove them in any pocket, as doing so might increase the chances of tearing.
Conclusion
Golf gloves are there to improve your performance and grip. It may be a while until you find the gloves that fit your needs and give you the comfort you’re looking for.
Now that you know how long golf gloves last, and how to take proper care of them to extend their life, you’ll be able to better judge the material as well as weigh out the pros and cons of the golf gloves you’re purchasing.
