The connection you have with your golf club starts with the grip, yet one of the most overlooked specifications - the grip’s core size - can completely change how every club in your bag feels and performs. This small number printed on the inside lip of a grip is more than just a manufacturing detail, it's a vital piece of the equipment puzzle that directly influences a club's final thickness and, by extension, your control over the clubface. This guide will walk you through exactly what core size is, why it matters, and how you can use this knowledge to get a better, more consistent feel from your golf clubs.
In simple terms, a golf grip’s core size is the measurement of its inside diameter. Think of it as the size of the hole that runs through the middle of the grip, which is designed to be installed onto the butt end of a golf shaft. This number is almost always printed on the inner edge of the grip’s opening.
You’ll typically see two a couple of numbers:
Occasionally, you might also find .560” or .620” sizes, but .580 and .600 are by far the most common in the golf industry. The number simply corresponds to the outside diameter of the shaft butt it was designed to fit onto.
For decades, .600” has been the industry standard for the butt diameter of most men’s steel shafts, while many graphite shafts and some lightweight steel shafts were made with a smaller .580” butt diameter. Today, most shafts, both steel and graphite, feature a .600” butt diameter, but it's not universal.
This is where things get interesting and where a bit of knowledge can make a huge difference. The core size of a grip directly influences its wall thickness. Because most golf grips are manufactured to have a consistent outer diameter (e.g., standard, midsize, jumbo), a grip with a smaller inner diameter (.580") must have thicker rubber walls than a grip with a larger inner diameter (.600") to achieve that same outer size.
Here’s a simple analogy: Imagine two donuts. They are both the same size on the outside, but one has a very small hole in the middle, while the other has a much larger hole. The donut with the small hole must have more "donut" (a thicker wall) to make up for the smaller opening.
This difference in wall thickness is what allows you to fine-tune the final size of your grip.
Understanding this relationship helps you customize your grip feel. Let's look at the most common scenario: installing a grip on a shaft with a .600" butt diameter.
Conversely, the same logic applies if you have a .580” shaft:
This subtle difference might not sound like much, but in a game of inches, a fraction of an inch in your hands can have a major impact on your ability to control the clubface and swing with confidence.
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Choosing the right core size isn’t a guessing game, it’s a process of matching your equipment to your preferences. Here’s how you can approach it like a pro.
Before you can choose a grip, you need to know what you’re putting it on. Your shaft's butt diameter is the starting point. Here are a few ways to find it:
Remember, most modern standard clubs will have a .600" butt diameter, but it's always best to be sure, especially if you have custom, older, or lightweight graphite shafts.
Now, think about feel. Do your current grips feel too thin, too thick, or just right? An improperly sized grip can cause a number of issues. Grips that are too thin may cause your hands to become overly active, leading to hooks. Grips that are too thick can restrict your hand and wrist action, often causing pushes or fades.
Based on your feel and shot patterns, you can decide if you want:
Remember that layers of grip tape can also be used to build up a grip. One layer of build-up tape adds approximately 1/64” to the final size. So, you can combine core size and tape layers to get to your perfect fit.
With your shaft diameter and desired feel in mind, you can now select the right core size. Here’s a quick reference:
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When selecting grips, you'll see another designation: "round" or "ribbed." This refers to the internal shape of the grip, not the core size itself, but it's an important detail.
This is important because ribbed grips must be installed perfectly straight. If the rib is even slightly off-kilter, it can influence you to set up with an open or closed clubface. When stretching a .580 ribbed grip onto a .600 shaft, the installer must be extra careful not to twist the grip and misalign the rib.
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Understanding golf grip core size moves you from being a passive consumer to an informed player who takes control of their equipment. This tiny number is your tool for fine-tuning the connection to your club, allowing you to dial in a feel that promotes confidence, control, and consistency from tee to green. Don't overlook it the next time you regrip your clubs.
Figuring out how small equipment details might be affecting your game is part of the journey to becoming a better golfer. If you ever find yourself wondering about questions like this, or you feel stuck on the course and need a second opinion, we designed Caddie AI to be your personal golf expert. You can ask anything from equipment inquiries to on-course strategy in seconds, getting clear advice that helps remove uncertainty so you can commit to every swing.
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