Are Thicker Golf Grips Better? What Golfers Should Know

Choosing the right golf grip can have a bigger impact on your swing than many golfers realize. Grip size affects how your hands interact with the club, how tightly you hold it, and how easily you can control the clubface.

So, are thicker grips better?

Not necessarily. A thicker grip can be beneficial for some golfers, while a standard or smaller grip may work better for others. The right choice depends on your hand size, grip pressure, swing tendencies, comfort, and the type of shots you want to hit.

What Does a Thicker Golf Grip Do?

A thicker grip increases the overall diameter of the handle.

Because the grip occupies more space in your hands, it can reduce how much your fingers wrap around the club. This can change how the hands and wrists move during the swing.

A thicker grip may also encourage some golfers to hold the club with less tension.

However, grip size is only one part of the equation. The correct size also depends on the golfer and the way the grip is installed.

Potential Benefits of Thicker Grips

1. They May Reduce Grip Pressure

Some golfers find that a larger grip makes it easier to hold the club comfortably without squeezing it excessively.

Excessive grip pressure can contribute to tension in the hands, forearms, and wrists. A grip that feels comfortable can make it easier to maintain a relaxed hold.

That doesn't mean a thicker grip automatically produces a better swing, but it may help certain golfers feel more comfortable.

2. They Can Reduce Excessive Hand Action

A thicker grip can make it more difficult for some golfers to aggressively rotate or manipulate the club with their hands.

Golfers who tend to use excessive hand action may find a larger grip more comfortable.

However, this isn't a universal solution. If a golfer already struggles to release the club or square the face, moving to a significantly larger grip could potentially make that issue more noticeable.

3. They Can Be More Comfortable for Larger Hands

Hand size is one of the most important considerations when selecting grip size.

Golfers with larger hands may find standard grips uncomfortable because their fingers wrap too far around the handle.

A larger grip can provide a more natural fit.

4. They May Help Golfers With Hand or Joint Discomfort

Some golfers prefer thicker grips because they feel more comfortable in the hands.

A larger grip can change how pressure is distributed across the hands and may be easier for some golfers to hold.

However, golfers experiencing persistent hand, wrist, or joint pain should not rely on grip changes as a substitute for appropriate professional evaluation.

Are Thicker Grips Better for Everyone?

No.

A thicker grip isn't automatically better simply because it feels larger or more substantial.

If the grip is too large for your hands, you may have difficulty properly controlling the club.

Some golfers may also find that an oversized grip makes it harder to release the club naturally.

The goal is not to choose the largest grip possible. The goal is to find a grip size that allows you to comfortably control the club without excessive tension.

How Grip Size Can Affect Ball Flight

Grip size can influence how a golfer interacts with the club, although it should not be treated as a guaranteed ball-flight correction.

Larger Grips

Larger grips can reduce the amount of hand and wrist movement for some golfers.

This may be useful for players who feel they are overly active with their hands.

Smaller Grips

Smaller grips can allow more hand and wrist movement.

Some golfers may prefer this feel, particularly if they rely on a more active release.

However, ball flight depends on many factors, including swing mechanics, club specifications, strike location, and clubface delivery.

What About Oversized Grips?

Oversized grips are designed to provide substantially more material around the club's handle.

They can be particularly appealing to golfers who:

• Have larger hands

• Prefer a softer or more substantial feel

• Want to reduce excessive grip pressure

• Have difficulty comfortably holding standard grips

• Prefer less hand action

But oversized doesn't automatically mean better.

A grip that is too large can make the club feel less responsive and may interfere with the golfer's ability to release the club naturally.

How Do You Know If Your Grips Are Too Small?

There isn't one measurement that determines the correct grip for every golfer, but your grip can provide useful clues.

Your grips may be worth evaluating if:

• Your fingers wrap deeply around the grip

• You feel excessive pressure in your hands

• You frequently feel like you're squeezing the club

• The grip feels noticeably narrow in your hands

• You're consistently experimenting with additional tape underneath the grip

Hand size measurements and professional grip fitting can provide a more objective starting point.

How Do You Know If Your Grips Are Too Thick?

A grip may be too large if:

• Your fingers barely wrap around the handle

• The club feels difficult to release

• Your hands feel restricted during the swing

• The grip feels uncomfortable rather than supportive

• You notice a significant change in clubface control after switching sizes

Again, these aren't definitive tests. A proper fitting can help determine whether grip size is actually contributing to the issue.

Does Grip Size Affect Every Club the Same Way?

Not necessarily.

Golfers may use different grip configurations throughout their set depending on their preferences and fitting needs.

For example, a player might have one grip setup for irons and another for specialty clubs.

Putter grips are also a separate consideration because putting grip design and size can significantly differ from standard full-swing grips.

What About Grip Tape?

Grip size isn't determined only by the grip itself.

The amount of tape underneath the grip can change its final diameter.

Additional layers of tape can make a grip feel larger, while a different installation approach can create a smaller overall profile.

This allows golfers and club fitters to fine-tune grip size without necessarily switching to an entirely different grip model.

Does Grip Material Matter?

Yes.

Two grips with the same nominal size can feel very different because of their materials and construction.

Factors include:

• Rubber composition

• Cord content

• Texture

• Firmness

• Taper

• Surface pattern

• Weather performance

Some golfers prefer soft grips, while others prefer a firmer connection to the club.

Grip size should therefore be considered alongside grip material and texture.

Should Beginners Use Thicker Grips?

Beginners don't necessarily need thicker grips.

A new golfer should generally focus on finding a grip that fits comfortably and allows consistent control.

Starting with a grip that is significantly oversized without a fitting reason may make it more difficult to develop a natural grip and release.

A basic grip fitting can be useful if you're unsure where to start.

Are Thicker Grips Better for Drivers?

Not automatically.

Drivers can sometimes benefit from a grip configuration that matches the golfer's hand size, swing characteristics, and preferred feel.

Because the driver is typically swung at high speed, comfort and control are particularly important.

Rather than choosing a thicker driver grip simply because it is popular, test different sizes and evaluate how each one affects your setup, swing, and contact.

What Size Golf Grip Should You Use?

Grip size can be influenced by:

• Hand length

• Hand measurements

• Finger length

• Grip pressure

• Swing mechanics

• Personal preference

• Existing club setup

• Desired feel

Common grip categories include:

• Undersize

• Standard

• Midsize

• Oversize

There is no universal "best" size.

Should You Get Fitted for Grip Size?

If you're unsure about your grip size, a professional club fitting can be helpful.

A fitter can evaluate your hand measurements, current grip, swing, and preferences and test different configurations.

You may also be able to compare different grip sizes on the range or launch monitor before changing the grips throughout your set.

Final Thoughts

Thicker golf grips aren't automatically better—they're better for certain golfers.

A larger grip may provide additional comfort, help some players reduce grip pressure, and limit excessive hand action. On the other hand, a grip that's too large can make it harder for some golfers to release the club and control the clubface.

The best grip size is the one that fits your hands and allows you to hold and swing the club comfortably and consistently.

If you're considering a grip change, test different sizes before replacing every grip in your bag. A professional grip fitting can also help you determine whether a thicker grip is actually addressing your needs or simply changing the feel of the club.