Looking to see how long your golf gloves should last? We got you covered. You'll learn how many rounds a glove should last and how to increase the lifespan of your gloves.
Let's dive in...
The Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Golf Gloves
Golf gloves are essential accessories for almost every golfer, helping to improve their grip and control over the club. However, like any piece of golf equipment, golf gloves have a limited lifespan and will eventually wear out.
The longevity of golf gloves depends on several factors, including:
- Material
- Use/frequency
- Friction
- Weather
- Type of grips
- Golfer's grip
- Care
For example: Hot and humid weather along with corded grips will wear a glove out faster than dry weather and non-corded grips.
The biggest factor in wearing your glove out is friction.
Many golfers put their glove hand so the butt of the club is in their grip. This is a big NO. The twisting of the club will put a hole in your glove quickly. Additionally, having too loose of a grip may cause a re-grip during your swing. This will also shorten the life of your glove.
Let's explore how to get the most out of your glove. Read on...
How Long Should a Golf Glove Last?
Most golf manufacturers will tell you a leather golf glove should at least last 4-6 rounds with a small bucket before each round. Most gloves will last longer than this. However, the grip may become slick and not be as effective. So even though you can still use the glove, the performance will not be the same.
That's important to remember. A glove may last 15 rounds but the performance will not be the same.
If you get 6-10 rounds out of a leather glove you did well. Many golfers can and will use their glove longer than this, but just remember your performance could be impacted.
We actually had someone get 100 rounds of golf in one of our gloves. They were so impressed they sent us images. This is not typical nor recommended and will definitely impact performance. Check the image below...
The most expensive gloves may not last as long
Wait, what? I know sounds crazy, but the more expensive gloves generally use thin Cabretta leather and typically do not last as long. These gloves focus on comfort and feel hence the thinner leather. The thin leather will wear out quicker and will tear easier than synthetic or thicker leather. These gloves will typically have a lifespan of 4-6 rounds.
Synthetic gloves will generally last longer
Synthetic gloves, which are mostly plastic leather (fake leather), tend to last longer. However, you sacrifice comfort, grip and feel. They will be slicker and once you try a leather glove most golfers will spend a little more to get a more secure grip and better feel.
Sweet Spot: Lean Leather Gives Prime Performance
I think the sweet spot for most golfers is a lean leather glove, like The UpGove, which can provide great durability, grip and feel. This type of glove is still on the thin side but slightly thicker than extra thin golf gloves.
I recommend this type of glove for the majority of golfers. Unless you're getting paid to play golf this type of glove will give you the benefits of a thin glove and a longer lifespan.
If you have ever tried an UpGlove or Titleist Perma-Soft glove then you'll know exactly what I am talking about.
Thick Leather Golf Gloves
Thick leather gloves generally provide good durability but get very crusty and lose their feel and tackiness extremely quick. Putting them back on after a hot round or two can feel like molding a brick.
They can provide similar durability to a synthetic golf glove and can be a good range glove option.
Signs That It's Time to Replace Your Golf Glove
One of the most crucial aspects of golf glove lifespan is knowing when it's time to replace them. Over time, golf gloves will lose their grip and may develop holes, tears, or other signs of wear and tear. When the glove no longer provides a comfortable, secure fit or causes discomfort, it's time to consider replacing it. Lastly, if your grip feels a little slick and does not provide you with ultimate confidence... it's time to replace it. Golf is a game where the slightest imperfection can wreak havoc on your performance.
When To Replace Your Glove
- Tears or holes
- Slick grip
- Discomfort
- Excessive dirt
- Glove becomes crusty
Tips for Prolonging the Lifespan of Your Golf Gloves
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prolong the lifespan of your golf gloves. One of the most effective is rotating your gloves, which allows each glove to dry out completely and rest in between rounds. Proper cleaning and storage are also essential for maintaining the lifespan of your golf gloves.
You should lay your glove flat and put it in a sealed bag. Laying it flat will keep your glove shape and the sealed bag will help retain natural oils in the leather. This keeps your glove tacky, which means more gripping power.
- Rotate your golf gloves
- Lay flat after use
- Put in a sealed bag to retain natural oils
- Do not grip the butt of the club
- Do not re-grip during your swing
Proper Care and Maintenance for Your Golf Gloves
Additionally, you can clean your glove. I would not recommend washing them in a machine, but using a damp cloth to clean them is fine just make sure to air dry them. You can also store them in a dry cool place in a sealed bag as mentioned before. Use a small amount of leather conditioner to help preserve a leather glove.
How Weather Conditions Can Affect the Lifespan of Your Golf Gloves
Weather conditions can also have a significant impact on the lifespan of your golf gloves. Playing in hot, humid conditions can cause the gloves to stretch and lose their shape, while playing in cold weather can cause them to become stiff and less flexible. If you want to extend your glove's lifespand consider bringing your gloves inside in a dry and cool place.
Why Having a Spare Golf Glove Can Be a Game-Changer
Finally, it's always a good idea to have a spare golf glove on hand. Whether you're playing in wet conditions, lose a glove, or need a backup, having a spare glove can be a game-changer. This way, you can easily switch out gloves as needed and ensure that you always have a fresh, comfortable glove for your round of golf.
As mentioned earlier rotating your gloves can help extend the life of a glove when your glove gets too sweaty.
Conclusion
Let's review how long a glove lasts and what you can do to prolong the life of your golf glove.
- Most golf gloves will give you 6-10 rounds of good performance.
- Make sure your grip is not in the butt of the club.
- Don't grip too loose causing a regrip during your swing.
- Synthetic gloves may last longer, but lack feel and grip confidence.
- Expensive thin Cabretta gloves don't last as long but provide superior grip and feel.
- Lean Cabretta gloves like The UpGlove can provide grip, feel and durability.
- Replace your glove when the grip gets slick, gets crusty or has tears or holes.
- Alternate your gloves to prolong life and performance.
- Lay flat and store in a sealed bag (preferably in a dry and cool place).
- Clean your glove with a damp cloth (air dry) and use leather conditioner.
By following these tips, you can maximize the lifespan of your golf gloves, save money, and improve your overall golf game. Remember to pay attention to signs of wear and tear and take proper care of your gloves.