When you are first starting to play golf, even the smallest logistical details can feel incredibly confusing. One of the most common things beginners get wrong on their first day is the golf glove.

It seems simple enough, but if you walk into a sporting goods store without knowing exactly what you are looking for, you will likely buy the wrong glove for the wrong hand.

To save you the frustration (and the weird looks at the driving range), here are the direct answers to every question a beginner has about the golf glove.

Q: Do I wear a golf glove on my left hand or my right hand?

A: You only wear ONE glove, and you wear it on your non-dominant hand (your lead hand).

• If you are Right-Handed: You wear the glove on your LEFT hand. (This means when you buy a glove at the store, you are actually buying a “Left Hand” glove).
• If you are Left-Handed: You wear the glove on your RIGHT hand.

Why? Because your non-dominant hand is the one placed highest on the golf club grip. It absorbs the most friction during the swing, so it needs the leather glove to prevent blisters and maintain a secure grip.

Q: Do I wear two gloves at the same time?

A: No, you should almost never wear two gloves.

In traditional golf, wearing two gloves is considered a major faux pas. You need your dominant, bare hand touching the rubber grip of the club to feel the clubhead and maintain “touch” and control during your swing.

The only exception: If it is raining heavily or freezing cold, you might see players wear a pair of specialized, thick “Rain Gloves” or “Winter Gloves” on both hands for warmth and extreme grip. But for a normal sunny day, stick to one glove!

Q: Am I supposed to take my glove off when I am putting?

A: Yes, it is highly recommended to take your glove off when you putt.

Putting requires an immense amount of “feel” and delicate touch to judge distance. Taking your glove off allows the bare skin of both hands to connect directly with the putter grip, giving you maximum sensory feedback.

As a bonus, taking your glove off while you putt gives your sweaty hand a chance to breathe, which helps the leather glove last much longer before crusting up!

Q: How tight is a golf glove supposed to fit?

A: Your golf glove should fit incredibly tight, like a second skin.

Most beginners buy a glove that is way too big because they want it to feel like a comfortable winter mitten. This is a huge mistake. If there is loose material bunching up in your palm or empty space at the tips of your fingers, the club will twist and slip in your hand during the swing.

When you strap the velcro across the back of your hand, the leather should stretch tight across your palm with absolutely zero wrinkles or excess fabric.

Summary

The golf glove is the single most important connection between your body and the club. Make sure you buy one for your non-dominant hand, buy it tight enough to act like a second skin, and remember to rip it off when you get to the putting green!