How to Apply Golf Club Grips

Worn, slick grips are costing you shots, but replacing them is one of the most satisfying and straightforward DIY jobs in golf. Taking charge of your own equipment connects you to the game on a deeper level and gives you a new sense of confidence in the clubs you hold. This guide breaks down exactly how to apply golf club grips, providing a clear, step-by-step process from start to finish so you can get the job done right.

When Should You Re-grip Your Clubs?

As a coach, the first thing I check when a player is struggling with control is their grips. Your hands are your only connection to the club, and if that connection is weak, your entire swing can suffer. You might find yourself squeezing the club too tightly to keep it from slipping, which introduces tension into your arms and shoulders, killing your speed and feel.

So, how do you know it's time for a change? Here are the tell-tale signs:

• Slick and Shiny Spots: Pick up your most-used clubs, like your driver and pitching wedge. If you see areas that are glossy and smooth, especially where your thumbs and fingers rest, the rubber has hardened and lost its tackiness.
• Visible Wear: Look for any cracks, splits, or frayed areas. You might also see sandy or gritty spots where the material is starting to break down. Sometimes, the logo or alignment markers have completely rubbed off.
• Loss of Color: As grips age and are exposed to oils from your hands and the sun, they can fade. This is a good visual indicator that the material is past its prime.
• Hard or "Crispy" Feeling: A fresh grip should feel slightly soft and tacky. An old one will feel hard and plastic-like, offering very little cushioning or feedback.

As a general rule, avid golfers should consider re-gripping their clubs once a year or every 30-40 rounds. If you play less frequently, you might get more time out of a set, but be aware that grips can dry out and lose performance just from sitting in the garage. A fresh set of grips isn't a luxury, it's fundamental to playing your best.

Gather Your Supplies: The Re-gripping Toolkit

Working on your clubs is like any other project: having the right tools makes the job clean, easy, and even enjoyable. You can buy these a-la-carte or find complete re-gripping kits online or at major golf retailers. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to set up your workstation:

• New Grips: The most important part! Make sure you have one grip for each club you plan to re-grip. There are tons of options, from soft and tacky to firm and corded. Choose what feels best for your game.
• Double-Sided Grip Tape: This special tape is designed to go onto the shaft and activate with solvent, creating the adhesive layer that holds your grip in place. Get a roll or pre-cut strips.
• Grip Solvent: This is a non-toxic liquid used to lubricate the tape, allowing the grip to slide on easily. In a pinch, mineral spirits or paint thinner can work, but they are more hazardous. Stick with proper grip solvent for the best and safest results.
• Hook Blade or Utility Knife: A hook blade is the professional's choice because its shape makes it almost impossible to scratch the shaft while cutting off the old grip. A standard utility knife works too, but you need to be very careful.
• Bench Vise and Rubber Shaft Clamp: This is the secret to a professional job. Trying to do this without a vise can be incredibly frustrating. The vise holds the club securely, while the rubber clamp protects the delicate graphite or steel shaft from being crushed or scratched. This setup is non-negotiable for doing it right.
• Rag or Towel: You’ll need this for cleaning off old tape residue and wiping up any excess solvent.
• Catch Pan: Placed under the club, this will catch the dripping solvent, keeping your workspace clean and allowing you to reuse the solvent if you wish. An old paint tray or any shallow plastic container will do.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Your New Grips

With your tools laid out and your new grips ready, it's time to get started. Don't rush the process - take your time with each club. Once you do one or two, you'll develop a rhythm and it'll become second nature. We'll do this one step at a time.

Step 1: Secure the Club

Open the jaws of your vise just wide enough to fit the rubber shaft clamp. Place the clamp around the shaft about 5-6 inches below where the old grip ends. Now, place the club and clamp into the vise. The most important part of this step is to make sure the clubface is perfectly square. If you’re setting up for a right-handed player, the toe of the club should be pointing straight up at the ceiling. Eyeball it carefully. Your new grip's alignment depends on this. Once square, tighten the vise just enough to hold the club firmly in place. You don't need to overdo it, the rubber clamp does all the work of protecting the shaft.

Step 2: Remove the Old Grip

Take your hook blade. Engage the hook at the butt end of the old grip and pull it down towards the clubhead. Always cut away from your body for safety. The blade will slice through the old grip and the tape underneath in one smooth motion. It should peel open easily. Once cut, simply peel the old rubber off the shaft. If you're using a standard utility knife, go very slowly and use a shallow angle to avoid scratching the shaft, especially with graphite shafts.

Step 3: Clean the Shaft

With the old grip off, you'll see the messy layer of old tape underneath. Peel as much of it off by hand as you can. It will likely leave behind a sticky, stubborn residue. This is where your solvent and rag come in. Apply a little solvent to the rag and scrub the shaft vigorously until all traces of the old adhesive are gone. A clean, smooth surface is absolutely necessary for the new grip to go on smoothly and bond properly. Take your time here, any leftover lumps will be felt through the new grip.

Step 4: Apply the New Tape

Get a strip of your double-sided grip tape. You want it to be about a half-inch shorter than the length of your new grip. Peel off one side of the backing and apply it to the shaft, running it lengthwise from the very top (butt end) down toward the head. Let about a half-inch of tape hang over the butt end of the shaft. Smooth the tape down one side of the shaft, then peel off the other backing and wrap the tape cleanly around the rest of the shaft, avoiding any wrinkles or overlap. Finally, take the bit of tape hanging over the end, twist it, and tuck it into the hole at the end of the shaft. This creates a seal so solvent doesn't run down your club's interior.

Step 5: Prepare the New Grip and Tape

Place your catch pan a little bit in front of and under the taped end of the shaft. Hold the new grip with the open end facing up. Place your finger over the small vent hole at the top of the grip, then pour a generous amount of solvent into the open end. Cover the open end with your other thumb and shake the grip for a few seconds to coat the entire interior. Now, pour the solvent from inside the grip out over the entire length of the double-sided tape. This activates the adhesive on the tape and lubricates the inside of the grip at the same time.

Step 6: Slide on the New Grip

This step requires fluid, confident motion. Don't hesitate. Once the tape is wet, grab the grip with both hands and, starting from the butt end, push it onto the shaft in one continuous movement. You might have to wiggle it a bit, but don't stop pushing until the end of the grip is snug against the end of the shaft. The most common mistake here is not using enough solvent or hesitating halfway through, which can cause the grip to get stuck.

Step 7: Final Adjustments and Drying Time

Quickly, while the solvent is still wet, you have a brief window to make sure the grip is perfectly aligned. Look at the logo or alignment pattern on the top of the grip and ensure it's lined up with your square clubface. You can twist it slightly left or right to get it just right. Once you’re happy with the alignment, wipe off any excess solvent with your rag. Now, leave the club alone. It’s best to let it dry for at least a few hours, but waiting 24 hours before you hit any balls is the safest bet to ensure the bond is fully set.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to install your own golf grips is an empowering skill that not only saves you money but also gives you complete control over the feel of your clubs. By following these steps, you can refresh your entire set and step onto the first tee with the confidence that comes from having a perfect, solid connection to every club in your bag.

A fresh grip gives you a better physical connection to the club, but lasting confidence comes from knowing you're making the right strategic choice on every shot. For that, we built Caddie AI to serve as your personal on-demand golf expert. It provides instant analysis for tricky lies, smart course strategy for any hole, and answers to any golf question you might have. With a solid grip in your hands and expert advice in your pocket, you’re ready to play with conviction.