What you must know about golf grips

Golf grips are an often overlooked piece of equipment. Most players are willing to spend a lot of time and money finding suitable club heads for their swing and the right shafts to fit those heads. However, when it comes time to pick a grip, very few people put any effort into the process. Since the grip is the only part of your swing that you touch, it is always wise to take a little extra time to make sure that you pick the right grip for your game.

There are an impressive number of golf grips on the market today. They range from basic, low-cost models to advanced grips with many features and a high price tag. You will not necessarily need to break the bank for a quality set of golf grips, but you may not want to buy the cheapest you can find either. A good grip that feels comfortable in hand for the golfer can make a massive difference in swinging the club correctly. Bad grips will only make the game more complicated - and golf is not a game that needs to get more complex.

Three essential points about golf club grips

Although the grip is not as complicated as the shaft or head, picking out the grip that will help you play better golf still requires some skill.

The following three points are important for any golfer to remember.

• Replace your grips before they wear out. Your grips should be slightly tacky in your hands. Too many golfers continue to use hard, smooth grips, making it more difficult for them to hit quality golf shots. And they shouldn't have a hard or cracked surface. As soon as you notice that your grip is slippery - even if you've cleaned it - get a new grip. Often, you want to replace all of your grips at the same time to keep consistency throughout your bag. Even if some of the lesser-used clubs (such as long irons) are not completely worn out, it is wise to replace the entire set at once and start over.
  
  

• Find a grip that is just the right size. Grips generally come in various sizes, including midsize, standard and extra small, and Jumbo size. You can have a professional club fitter work with you to determine what size grip works best, or check out the article on choosing the right size grip. Using a too-small grip can result in an overactive hand during your swing, while a too-large grip can make it challenging to release the club through your stroke. So when you choose a grip that is the right size for you from the moment you pick up the club, the club will feel comfortable in your hands.
  
  

• Keep your grips clean. Do you also put your grip aside after a round of golf and continue to use it next time? If you don't clean your grip in time, sweat and grease from your hands will transfer to the grip after a round of golf. They will quickly become slippery and difficult to grip during your swing.
  
  To prevent prematurely replacing your grips, make it a habit to wash them with a towel and some soapy water after each round. You don't want to use a lot of water - just dip the towel into a bucket of soapy water and wipe down each grip. Leave them in the bag to dry and they'll be ready for the next round.
  
  Maintain your grip to keep it tacky and maintain traction in the swing. When you play with a smooth grip, you need to hold on tight, and there is a chance that the grip will fly off during the swing - either way, it's not a good thing. So make sure your grip is clean and in good condition. This seemingly small step can go a long way in helping you play your best.