How to Adjust an Under Armour Golf Belt

Getting your Under Armour golf belt to fit perfectly is a simple change that makes a surprising difference on the course. A proper fit isn't just about comfort, it's about allowing your body to rotate freely and powerfully without distraction. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, so you can adjust your belt with confidence and get that custom-tailored feel.

Why a Properly Fitted Golf Belt Matters

As a golf coach, I see players focus intently on their swing, their clubs, and their grip, but often overlook the fundamental gear that supports them for 18 holes. Your belt is one of those fundamentals. Think of it less as a fashion accessory and more as a piece of performance equipment. When it’s not right, it can subtly sabotage your game.

A belt that’s too tight is a major problem for your swing. Your golf swing is a rotational action powered by your hips and torso. If your belt is cinched down like a tourniquet, it physically restricts how far your hips can turn on the backswing. A limited hip turn means you lose a significant source of power, forcing your arms to take over and leading to inconsistency, a loss of distance, and over-the-top swing faults. It can be incredibly uncomfortable, digging into your side and making it hard to maintain your posture through the shot.

On the other hand, a belt that’s too loose is a constant distraction. You find yourself hiking up your pants before every shot, breaking your pre-shot routine and taking your mind off the target. It allows your shirt to come untucked, which looks sloppy and feels even worse. That little bit of slack can make you feel disconnected and unstable, the exact opposite of the athletic, grounded feel we’re after in our setup.

The perfect fit is a game-changer. A well-adjusted belt provides support and stability to your core without restricting your movement. It moves with you, allows for a full hip turn, and keeps your apparel in place. You should be able to set it and forget it for the entire round. That freedom from physical restriction and mental distraction is what allows you to focus 100% on the only thing that matters: hitting your shot.

Understanding Under Armour's "Cut-to-Fit" System

Most Under Armour golf belts, particularly their popular webbed and reversible models, use a "cut-to-fit" system. This is a brilliant design because it eliminates the guesswork of standard sizing and allows every golfer to create a truly custom fit. Instead of being stuck with pre-set holes that are always either a little too snug or a little too loose, you get a long, unfinished strap of material and a separate buckle.

The magic happens at the buckle. It features a clamp mechanism on the back - usually a set of metal "teeth" under a flip-up tab - that bites into the strap material, holding it securely. The process involves measuring the strap to your exact size, making a clean cut, and then clamping the buckle back onto the newly cut end. It's a simple, permanent adjustment that ensures the belt is made just for you.

Assembling Your Toolkit

You don't need a professional workshop to get this done. The process is straightforward, and you likely have all the necessary tools at home right now. Having these ready will make the job quick and smooth.

• Heavy-Duty Scissors or a Utility Knife: For leather or thicker braided belts, a sharp utility knife against a cutting board is best. For standard webbed belts, a strong, sharp pair of scissors will work perfectly. The sharper the blade, the cleaner the cut.
• Measuring Tape: While not strictly necessary (as you can measure against your body), it’s helpful for checking your work.
• Small Flathead Screwdriver (Optional): Most UA buckle clamps can be opened with a fingernail, but if the clamp is tight, the corner of a flathead screwdriver can make it easy to pop open without breaking a nail.
• Lighter (for Webbed Belts Only): A standard lighter is extremely useful for finishing the edge of a webbed belt to prevent it from fraying over time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Your Belt

Alright, let's get down to it. Take a deep breath and remember the cardinal rule of trimming anything: measure twice, cut once. It’s always better to cut your belt a little too long on the first pass. You can always trim off another half-inch, but you can’t glue it back on.

Step 1: Detach the Buckle from the Strap

First, you need to free the strap from the buckle. Lay the buckle face down on a table. On the back, you’ll see the clamp mechanism. This is usually a small metal tab with teeth on the underside. Simply lift this tab up and away from the buckle. It will hinge open, releasing the strap. Pull the strap out completely. You should now have the buckle in one hand and the long, untrimmed strap in the other.

Step 2: Measure for the Perfect Length

This is the most important step. Don't simply measure your waist and cut the belt to that length. The correct method accounts for your pants and leaves the perfect amount of "tail" or excess strap.

1. Put on the pants or shorts you most commonly wear for golf.
2. Take the untrimmed strap and thread it through your belt loops, starting from the opposite side you normally would (if you’re right-handed, start on your left).
3. Pull the strap around your waist until the end you just threaded through is positioned where you'd normally want your belt tail to end. A good rule of thumb is for the tail to end somewhere around the middle of your fly or just past your first belt loop on the far side.
4. Now, take the buckle end of the strap and pull it snug. You’re essentially wearing the belt backward.
5. Observe where the bar of the buckle meets the strap. This is your cut mark. You can pinch it with your fingers, or make a small, discreet mark with a pen on the back of the strap.

Coach's Tip: If you're nervous, add an extra inch to your measurement. Put the buckle on at this longer length and try it on. If it's still too long, you can easily go back and trim off that final inch. Being cautious here saves a lot of potential frustration.

Step 3: Make a Clean and Straight Cut

Now that you have your mark, it's time to cut. Lay the strap flat on a hard surface or cutting mat.

• For Webbed Belts: Use your sharpest pair of scissors and make one confident, straight cut across the strap right on your mark. A clean cut is vital for a good connection with the buckle's teeth.
• For Leather Belts: A utility knife or box cutter is the superior tool here. Press down firmly with a straight edge or ruler as a guide and make the cut. This will prevent jagged edges.

Step 4: (Webbed Belts Only) Sear the Edge to Prevent Fraying

This is a pro tip that will make your belt last much longer. Synthetic webbing will fray over time. To prevent this, take your lighter and just briefly pass the flame along the cut edge. You don't want to light it on fire! You just want the heat to barely melt the fibers together, creating a clean, sealed edge. Just a quick pass or two is all you need. Do this in a well-ventilated area away from any flammable materials.

Step 5: Re-attach the Buckle and Lock It In

You’re on the home stretch. Take the newly cut (and seared, if applicable) end of your strap and slide it back into the channel on the buckle where it was before. Make sure you push it all the way in until it hits the end of the channel.

Then, simply press the clamping tab back down firmly until it snaps shut. You should hear or feel a solid "click" as the teeth bite into the material. Give the strap a good, firm pull. It shouldn't budge at all. If it does, re-open the clamp and make sure the material is fully and squarely inserted before closing it again.

That's it! Try on your newly customized belt. It should fit perfectly, providing comfort and support that will last for years.

Final Thoughts

Trimming your Under Armour golf belt is a simple task that dials in your on-course comfort and removes a potential distraction, allowing you to focus on your rotation and swing. By measuring carefully from your body, making a clean cut, and securing the buckle, you create a piece of gear that’s genuinely tailored to you.

Getting the small details right - like a belt that fits perfectly - is all about removing variables so you can play with more confidence. While sorting out your gear eliminates physical clutter, we also built Caddie AI to clear away the mental clutter. When you’re stuck between clubs or facing a tricky lie, just ask for a recommendation or snap a picture of your ball, and you'll get instant, smart advice. It takes the guesswork out of your strategy, empowering you to commit to every single shot with clarity and A-level confidence.