Your connection to the golf club starts and ends with the grip, yet it's often the most neglected piece of equipment in the bag. A worn-out grip can quietly sabotage your swing, forcing you to hold the club too tightly and sacrificing the very feel and control you need to play well. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from a simple cleaning that can bring a grip back to life to a complete, step-by-step tutorial on how to replace them yourself.
As a coach, I see it all the time. A player comes to me struggling with a slice or a hook, and the first thing I do is look at their hands. Often, they’re strangling the club. When I ask them why, the answer is usually subconscious: "I feel like it's going to slip." That feeling almost always comes from old, slick grips. A fresh, tacky grip allows you to hold the club with much less pressure. Imagine trying to hold onto a wet bar of soap versus a brand-new baseball bat - it’s the same principle.
When you reduce that tension in your hands and forearms, you unlock a smoother, more fluid swing. Your wrists can hinge properly, the club can release naturally through impact, and you gain a massive amount of feel, especially on delicate shots around the green. Neglecting your grips is like trying to drive a performance car with bald tires. You have all this potential, but your only connection to the road - or in this case, the club - is failing you.
So, how do you know if your grips just need a little TLC or a full replacement? It’s pretty straightforward. Grab a club and inspect the grip closely.
A good rule of thumb for the average golfer is to regrip your clubs once every year or every 40 rounds, whichever comes first. If you practice a ton, you might need to do it more often.
If your grips are still in decent shape but have lost their tackiness, a good scrub can often work wonders. It’s a simple process that only takes a few minutes.
If cleaning isn't enough, it's time to regrip. While it might sound intimidating, it's a very satisfying DIY project that saves you money and gives you a greater connection to your equipment. With the right tools and a little patience, you'll be done in no time.
You can buy regripping kits online or purchase these items individually from a golf supply store. Having everything laid out and ready makes the process smooth.
You can do this without a vise, but it's much harder to get the old tape off and the new grip on straight. It's a worthy investment if you plan to do this regularly.
Firmly place the shaft in the rubber vise clamp and tighten the vise just enough to hold the club securely without 'He-Man-ing' it. The club face should be pointing up and square. Using your hooked blade, point the hook away from your body and hook it a quarter-inch under the bottom edge of the grip. Pull the knife upwards, straight along the grip, until you reach the grip cap. The grip should easily peel open and come right off.
This is easily the least fun part of the process, but it's important for a clean installation. Peel and scrape off all the old tape. If it's stubborn, a little warmth from a hair dryer or heat gun can help loosen the adhesive. A little bit of solvent can also help break down the old glue. Take your time and get the shaft perfectly clean and smooth.
Measure a strip of double-sided tape that is about a half-inch shorter than your new grip. Peel off one side's backing and apply it lengthwise along the shaft, from the top down. Wrap the remaining tape around the shaft until it's fully covered. Peel the half-inch of tape hanging over the butt end of the shaft, twist it, and tuck it inside the shaft opening. This prevents solvent from getting down inside the shaft. Now, peel off the outer backing of the tape, leaving the sticky surface exposed.
Place a finger over the small hole at the end of the new grip. Pour a generous amount of solvent into the opening of the grip - don't be shy here. Cover the wider opening with your other thumb and shake the grip vigorously for a few seconds to coat the entire interior. Now, pour the excess solvent from inside the grip all over the double-sided tape you just applied to the shaft. This double-lubrication is the secret to an easy installation.
This is the moment of truth. Work quickly but calmly. With the logo or alignment marking facing up, start pushing the grip onto the butt end of the shaft. Use a firm, steady "pushing" motion. Do not pull or stretch the grip. It should slide on smoothly. If you feel it getting stuck, you can pull it back a bit and add more solvent before continuing. Push the grip all the way on until the end of the grip cap is flush with the butt end of the shaft.
Before the solvent starts to set (you have a minute or two), quickly align the grip. Most golfers like the main logo pointing directly at the sky when the clubface is perfectly square. Eyeball it from the playing position to make sure it looks straight to you. Give it a final visual check down the length of the grip to make sure it isn't twisted.
You did it! Now, the hardest part: waiting. Let the club sit for at least a few hours before you swing it, but waiting overnight is the safest bet to ensure the adhesive is fully cured. I recommend starting with a single club, like a wedge or a short iron, to get the feel for it before tackling the whole set.
Maintaining or replacing your golf grips is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do for your game. It gives you more control, reduces tension, and provides the "like new" confidence that helps you make a better, more committed swing on every shot.
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