Golfers are known for their unique equipment choices, from custom clubs to specialised shoes, but one of the more intriguing aspects of golf gear is the single glove. A question often arises among those new to the game: why do golfers typically wear only one glove? The answer is rooted in tradition and practical necessity, dating back over a century.
A Glove’s Humble Beginnings in Golf
To understand why only one glove is standard, we need to go back to the mid-1800s, when golf began to evolve. Early golf clubs featured rough leather or twine-wrapped grips, which made holding them for hours a tough challenge. As a result, golfers began wearing rudimentary gloves crafted from canvas or sheepskin to prevent the painful blisters and calluses caused by repetitive swinging. These makeshift gloves provided just enough protection to make gripping the club more comfortable, though they bore little resemblance to the sleek golf gloves seen today.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that gloves became a more formal part of golf attire. Modern leather gloves became popular, inspired partly by other sports, like cricket, where gloves provide extra grip and protection. Unlike today’s gloves, these early versions were heavier and lacked the lightweight flexibility of modern materials. However, they were a game-changer, especially for maintaining control during swings, as club technology advanced.
Why Only One Glove?
Today’s golfers typically wear a glove on their lead hand—the one positioned at the top of the club. This is the left hand for right-handed golfers, and for left-handed golfers, it’s the right. The lead hand takes the brunt of the grip, maintaining control as the golfer swings through their shot. Without a glove, the friction created between the hand and the club can lead to blisters, especially after extended play. Wearing a glove on this hand prevents these issues, allowing golfers to focus on their performance without worrying about discomfort.
A glove on the lead hand also offers improved grip, helping prevent the club from slipping mid-swing. This is especially important when sweat can affect a golfer’s hold in warm or humid weather. The glove’s leather material provides a consistent, non-slip grip that ensures better control, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
The Role of the Lower Hand
While the lead hand benefits from the added grip and protection a glove offers, the lower hand doesn’t face the same challenges. The lower hand largely rests atop the gloved hand and doesn’t have as much direct contact with the club’s surface. Wearing a glove on this hand could reduce sensitivity and control, essential for fine-tuning a swing. By leaving the lower hand ungloved, golfers maintain a natural feel, giving them greater precision and control over their shots.
Additionally, wearing a glove on only one hand keeps the overall grip pressure lighter. The glove reduces the tension in the lead hand, allowing the swing to flow freely and with better timing. Golfers often find that wearing two gloves can create excess grip pressure, limiting the fluidity of their swing. Many even suggest that a relaxed grip is essential to consistent performance, something more easily achieved with only one glove.
The Tradition and Style Factor
Aside from the practical benefits, tradition plays a significant role in the single-glove choice. Golf has a rich heritage, and many golfers appreciate the traditional look and feel that comes with only one glove. Although some players, especially in colder weather, may opt for two gloves to keep their hands warm, most stick with one glove due to the balance of comfort, performance, and style.
The Single Glove as a Golfing Essential
Every piece of equipment serves a purpose in golf, and the single glove is no exception. By protecting the lead hand, improving your grip, and reducing tension, a single glove provides the right support for a confident, controlled swing. And while it may seem like a small accessory, it has become a trusted tool in a golfer’s kit, balancing tradition with performance to help players deliver their best game. So, next time you see a golfer wearing only one glove, you’ll know it’s all about function, control, and a nod to golfing history.