How to care for your golf grips

While golfers often focus on swing technique and equipment upgrades, one simple area is frequently overlooked: grip care. Your grips are the only point of contact between you and the club, and keeping them in good condition is essential for control, consistency and confidence.

In this PGA Play guide, we explore how to properly care for your golf grips, why it matters, and the simple steps every golfer can take to extend the life and performance of their equipment. All advice in this article is based on guidance from Golf Pride.

Why is grip care so important?

Over time, golf grips naturally wear down. Dirt, sweat, moisture and exposure to the elements can all reduce traction, making it harder to maintain a secure hold on the club.

When grips lose their tackiness, golfers often compensate by gripping tighter, which can lead to tension in the hands and arms, reduced swing speed and less consistent shots.

Looking after your grips helps to:

• Maintain traction and control
• Promote a more relaxed grip pressure
• Improve consistency and feel
• Extend the lifespan of your equipment 

How should you clean your golf grips?

Regular cleaning is one of the most effective ways to maintain grip performance.

Golf Pride recommends washing your grips using warm water, mild soap and a soft brush or cloth. Gently scrub the surface to remove dirt and oils, then rinse thoroughly.

Once clean, dry the grips with a towel and allow them to air dry completely before use. This helps restore tackiness and ensures optimal performance on the course.

Keep your hands clean

It’s not just the grips that need attention - your hands play a big role too.

Dirt, sunscreen, sweat and natural oils can transfer from your hands to your grips, accelerating wear and reducing traction. Keeping your hands clean during a round can help maintain grip performance for longer.

Using a towel or washing your hands when possible can make a noticeable difference.

Dry your grips during play

Moisture is one of the biggest factors affecting grip performance.
In wet or humid conditions, grips can become slippery, making it harder to maintain control. Golf Pride advises regularly drying your grips with a towel during your round, particularly after rain or when playing in damp conditions.

This simple habit can help you maintain a consistent feel shot after shot.

Protect grips from UV exposure

Extended exposure to sunlight can cause grips to fade, harden and lose their original feel.

When your clubs are not in use, try to keep them out of direct sunlight where possible. Storing your bag in a shaded or covered area can help preserve the material and extend the life of your grips.

Store your equipment correctly

How you store your clubs matters.

Avoid leaving your golf bag in extreme temperatures, such as in a car boot on a hot or cold day. Heat can dry out grips, while cold conditions can make them feel firm and less responsive.

Ideally, store your clubs in a cool, dry place to maintain grip quality.
Check your grips regularly

Even with proper care, grips won’t last forever.

Golf Pride recommends regularly checking your grips for signs of wear, such as:

• Smooth or shiny patches
• Cracks or splits
• Loss of tackiness 

If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to replace them to maintain performance.

To have your grips professionally replaced, find your local PGA Professional, who are all trained in correct grip replacement.