If you’re looking for that new club feeling without buying new clubs, there’s a simple answer: Replace your grips. An entire set will cost you less than $150 on average, and maybe only half of that — depending on the grips. Whichever model you choose, buy it for your entire set so that you have a familiar feel, size and texture with every swing you take. And replace them all at once. Fresh grips will instantly give your palms more tackiness. That’s important because you will use less hand pressure to hold onto the club during the swing, leading to less tension and fatigue down your hands, arms and shoulders, and a more fluid swing that yields consistent shots. Ideally, consider replacing your grips at least once a year — or more often if you notice them getting worn or slick.
Golf Pride’s Tour Velvet with ALIGN Technology ($9.49/mid-size/$8.99/standard) sports a dedicated raised red ridge that extends down the grip back for consistent hand placement and enhanced clubface awareness. A micro-diamond texture nests in your palm to further ease your hold. This model is eight percent softer than the previous version of this popular grip.
JumboMax’s Tour Series ($11.99) has a deep-texture, all-weather design for feel and tackiness that better players need. Offered in junior, medium and XL sizes, they have a large diameter that promotes light, even grip pressure. The company reports that PGA TOUR pros Bryson DeChambeau and Kelly Kraft play this model, which is available in three sizes: the new JumboMax Junior (X-small), medium and X-large.
Lamkin’s SONAR ($8.99) is durable, all-weather and offers a comfortable, responsive and tacky feel with a high-performance material bearing a network of unique micro textures. Its straighter, reduced-taper profile encourages light-pressure grip and hand unity, for more shot consistency and control. This model’s torsion control means golfers will get plenty of consistency and shot control. It’s available in standard and midsize versions.
A brand that made its mark with putter grips, SuperStroke’s Soft Wrap TC ($4.99) is made with a proprietary “ControlTac” compound that’s extra tacky and soft-feeling. Plus it dampens impact vibration. The taper-controlled grip — thus the “TC” in the name — is shaped to create a larger lower hand profile, reducing taper to minimize grip pressure to help you generate more clubhead speed and promote a square clubface at impact.
Winn’s Dri-Tac X Putter sports a new extreme and bold style. It has the same feel and performance features as the Dri-Tac — think comfort, soft feel and slip-resistance in any kind of weather. This rendition comes in three sizes: The standard size Medallist ($8.49) has soft edges; the midsize Pistol ($9.49) is a proven shape that promotes pure putting strokes; and the oversize Jumbo Lite ($14.99) helps stabilize wrists while weighing the same as a standard grip and not changing a putter’s head weight.