Ever felt your golf grip was just a little too thin in your hands? That feeling isn't simply about comfort, it could be the hidden reason behind that nagging hook or a general lack of control. The good news is the solution can be a simple adjustment called a grip build. This article will walk you through exactly what a grip build is, why standard grip sizing might not be working for you, how to know if you need a change, and a step-by-step guide to doing it yourself.
A grip build is the process of increasing the diameter of your golf grip to better fit your hands. It’s done by adding layers of specialized build-up tape (or even standard masking tape) to the steel or graphite shaft before the new grip is installed. Each layer of tape adds a tiny fraction of an inch to the overall thickness, allowing for very small and precise adjustments.
Most golfers are familiar with the standard grip sizes you can buy off the rack: Standard, Midsize, and Jumbo (with some companies offering Undersize as well). Think of these as Small, Medium, and Large in clothing. But what if you’re not quite a Medium but a Small is too tight? That’s where building up a grip comes in. It addresses the in-between sizes and allows you to customize the feel of the club to your exact preference.
For example, a standard grip is typically .900 inches in diameter. Adding one layer of build-up tape underneath it increases that diameter by 1/64 of an inch, creating a custom "standard +1" size. A few more wraps can bring you close to a midsize grip, and so on. This level of customization used to be something only tour pros and dedicated club fitters worried about, but it’s an easy and effective way for any golfer to improve their connection to the club.
Here’s a common misconception: bigger grips are only for people with big hands. While hand size is the most common starting point for a fitting, the real benefit of a properly sized grip relates to your hand and wrist action during the swing. Players with small hands might find that a slightly thicker grip helps quiet down their overactive hands, while a player with long fingers might still do well with a standard grip. It’s a very personal adjustment that’s tied directly to how you swing the club and what kind of shot shape you’re trying to create or eliminate.
The grip is your only connection to the golf club. If that connection isn't right, you’ll unconsciously make compensations a hundred times during a round without even realizing it. Subtly changing the thickness can have a surprisingly large effect on your ball flight and consistency.
Your grip size directly influences how freely your hands and forearms can rotate through the impact zone, which is the engine that squares the clubface. Think of holding a thin stick versus a thick log, your hands and wrists behave much differently.
The goal is to find that happy medium where your hands feel secure but are also free enough to release the club naturally without any extra manipulation. A proper build allows your hands to do their job without you having to think about it.
When your grips fit correctly, it promotes a more consistent grip pressure. You don'll feel the need to strangle the club on one shot and hold it like a feather on the next. This consistent pressure leads to a more repeatable swing from the first tee to the 18th green. Just having that confident, secure feeling in your hands before you even start your takeaway can make a world of difference in your ability to commit to the shot and swing freely.
Figuring out if your grips are the right size is a great place to start your journey into equipment self-awareness. There are two primary methods: a simple static measurement and, more importantly, a look at your on-course performance and feel.
This is the classic golf shop test. It’s not perfect, but it's an excellent starting point. Here’s what you do (we’ll use instructions for a right-handed golfer):
The static fit is a great diagnostic, but your ball flight tells the real story. After all, the goal isn't just to look good at address, it's to hit better shots. Ask yourself these questions the next time you play or practice:
If you've determined a build-up might help, taking the project on yourself can be a rewarding experience. It gives you ultimate control over the feel of your clubs. Just remember the number one rule: start by experimenting with one club first before doing your whole set.
Most of these items can be found in a grip replacement kit online or at a large golf retailer.
These are general guidelines. Every brand of tape has a slightly different thickness, but this chart is a solid rule of thumb.
Once it's dry, take your newly built-up club to the range. See how it feels. Pay close attention to your ball flight. It might feel strange at first, but if you start seeing a more neutral ball flight and feel like you have better control with less tension, you know you're on the right track.
Building up your grips is more than just about making your clubs comfortable, it's a functional equipment tweak that can have a real impact on your swing mechanics and your shot patterns. By taking the time to match your grip size to your hand action, you’re removing a hidden variable that might be holding your game back.
Experimenting with equipment changes like a grip build is a great step toward shooting lower scores, but it just solves one part of the problem. If you build up a grip and your hook is still there, you might be wondering about the "why" - is it your swing path, clubface, or setup? This is where our app, Caddie AI, comes in. You can ask us what else might be causing your miss or get real-time strategy on the course to manage that pesky shot shape. We're here 24/7 to help you connect the dots between your gear, your swing, and your on-course decisions, taking the guesswork out of getting better.
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