If you're wondering what grips Tiger Woods uses, you've landed in the right place, because the answer reveals so much about what makes a champion. The connection between a golfer's hands and the club is everything, and Tiger's choice is a masterclass in feel, consistency, and obsessive detail. This article will break down the exact Golf Pride grips Tiger uses on his woods and irons, the iconic grip on his putter, and the valuable lessons you can apply to your own game.
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The Cornerstone of Tiger's Game: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
For the majority of his clubs - his driver, fairway woods, irons, and wedges - Tiger Woods has remained unbelievably loyal to one specific grip for decades: the Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord. It’s not just a preference, it’s a non-negotiable part of his game. If you've ever held one, you know it's a grip that offers a distinct, firm feel unlike many of the softer, more cushioned options on the market today.
So, what makes this grip so special? Let's break it down from a player and coach's perspective.
Breaking Down the Tour Velvet Cord
The name itself tells you a lot. The "Tour Velvet" part refers to Golf Pride's famous rubber blend that provides a comfortable, velvety texture. It’s what gives the grip its fundamental tackiness and feel in pleasant conditions. But the truly important part of the name for Tiger is the "Cord".
The "Cord" is a brushed cotton cord fabric that is blended directly into the rubber of the upper half of the grip. You can actually see and feel the fibers. This integrated cord serves a singular, incredibly important purpose: moisture management. Tiger has famously dealt with sweaty hands throughout his career, especially under the immense pressure of Sunday at a major. The cotton cord wicks moisture away from the surface, allowing him to maintain a secure hold on the club no matter the humidity, rain, or nerves.
For a player whose entire livelihood depends on the club not twisting a single millimeter at impact, this all-weather control is priceless. It provides a raw, connected feeling. There's no cushy filter between his hands and the shaft, he can feel every vibration and bit of feedback from the clubhead. High-level players thrive on this feedback to know exactly where they struck the ball on the face and to shape their shots on command.
What This Means for Your Game
You don't need to be Tiger Woods to benefit from a cord grip. Ask yourself a few questions:
Do you often play in hot, humid weather or in the rain?
Do your hands get sweaty during a round?
Do you prefer a firmer grip with more direct feedback over a soft, muted feel?
If you answered yes to any of these, the Tour Velvet Cord could be a fantastic choice. It gives you the confidence to swing freely without worrying about the club slipping. Some golfers find cord grips a bit abrasive on their hands at first, especially if they don't wear a glove, but the unparalleled performance in all conditions is often worth the trade-off. It’s a grip for someone who wants maximum control and tactile feedback.
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Simply knowing the model of grip Tiger uses is only half the story. The way a professional's grips are installed is just as important. For years, Tiger's setup has been a source of fascination for golf gearheads, and it highlights his meticulous attention to detail.
The Art of the Tape Wrap
Grip size is one of the most underrated aspects of clubfitting. The size of the grip influences how much tension you have in your hands and how they work during the swing. A standard grip might be perfect for one player but too thin or too thick for another.
Tiger dials in his grip size using extra layers of grip tape. While the exact number has varied slightly over his career, his long-standing "recipe" has been to use double-sided tape with two extra wraps under the grip. This builds the grip up slightly to fit his hands perfectly. A common misconception is that this makes his grips "midsize." They are not, they're simply a "standard" size grip built up to a custom size that's just a fraction larger. It shows that standard off-the-rack sizing isn't always enough for a player obsessed with perfection.
The Coach's Takeaway: Why Grip Size Matters
This is a really good lesson for every golfer. Tweaking your grip size is one of the cheapest and most effective customizations you can make.
Grips are too small (thin): This can cause you to grip the club too tightly in your fingers, leading to overactive hands on the downswing. Excessive hand action often results in a quick hook or a pull.
Grips are too large (thick): This can restrict your ability to release the club properly. Your hands have a harder time turning over, which can lead to a block, a push, or a slice.
If you struggle with one of these shot shapes consistently, it’s worth an experiment. Next time you regrip one of your clubs, ask the shop to add one or two extra wraps of tape. Hit some balls and see how it affects your hand action. It could make a great difference.
Logo Down and No Distractions
Another classic Tiger modification is that his grips are installed "logo down". This means that when he holds the handle, the Golf Pride logo is on the part under the club instead of being at the top, visible above. The reason is simple: he does not desire any images or alignment marks that might cause distraction. His hands are placed according to the sensation, ensuring every handle positioning is repeatable without doubt.
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A Different Tool for a Different Job: Tiger's Putter Grip
As loyal as he is to Golf Pride for his full-swing clubs, his putter is a completely different animal. For the deadliest weapon in his bag - his Scotty Cameron Newport 2 putter - Tiger places his trust in a true classic: the Ping PP58 Putter Grip.
He has used this grip model or one nearly identical to it for virtually his entire professional career, including all 15 of his major championship victories. More than brand loyalty, this choice is completely about tradition, familiarity, and unmatched sensation.
Why the Classic Ping Grip?
The Ping PP58 is a far cry from the modern, oversized putter grips like those from SuperStroke that many professionals and amateurs on tour use these days. It’s a thinner, pistol-style grip made of soft, tacky rubber. A pistol style means there’s a pronounced part at the top where the thumbs lie. This grip style promotes tremendous touch, which perfectly aligns with a feel-based player like Tiger.
Maximum Feedback: A thinner grip lets a golfer feel the putter head with more precision. You can feel how the putter face is turning, helping with both distance and direction control.
Promotes a Natural Arc: A smaller grip allows the hands to move more naturally, which is essential for golfers with an arc-style putting stroke.
The Mental Advantage of Familiarity: Tiger has made millions of crucial putts with this grip, and that familiarity breeds confidence. Holding the same grip that won his Masters reinforces his mental game.
Just like his Golf Pride grips, Tiger makes a specific modification to the Ping grip: it’s blacked out. The iconic white "PING" has been removed. This minimizes distractions, letting him focus purely on his stroke and the ball.
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In short, Tiger Woods' grip selection is a masterclass in consistency and function. He trusts the all-weather Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord with custom tape wraps for his full swing shots and the timeless sensation of the Ping PP58 on his putter to produce unmatched touch. This reveals his commitment to his equipment.
Knowing you can trust your equipment is powerful for a golfer and can make a huge difference in how you play. Finding the right grips for your game can simplify your strategy. Caddie AI can assist with planning and strategy, enhancing your game without distraction.
Spencer has been playing golf since he was a kid and has spent a lifetime chasing improvement. With over a decade of experience building successful tech products, he combined his love for golf and startups to create Caddie AI - the world's best AI golf app. Giving everyone an expert level coach in your pocket, available 24/7. Caddie's mission is simple: make world-class golf advice accessible to everyone, anytime.
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