Best Golf Grips For Drivers 2024
The best golf grips for drivers can make all the difference. Here's a list of our favorites
Best Golf Grips For Drivers
The first thing you want to have in order when you are about to unwind on the tee is a good grip on your clubs. Especially when it comes to hitting your driver, securing your hands to the club with the right grip will help you swing through the ball with great power and precision. A good grip will also help you keep the ball in line with where you want it to go and perhaps even send it a few extra yards.
For that reason, it is very important to ensure you have the right grip on your driver to ensure you can hit bombs off the tee. There are lots of choices out there so to narrow down your focus, here is a list of some of the best golf grips for drivers we have tested that are out right now. As you'll see from the list below, the days of uniform all-black grips are long gone and now all sorts of colors and shapes and sizes are available. The list features some of the most popular grips, some of the tackiest grips and the grip that Bryson DeChambeau puts his faith in. Additionally, if you are in the market for a new grip for your putter, then we also recommend checking out our best putter grips guide. Or if you just need some different golf gear for your game, then take a look at our posts on the best golf accessories and best golf tops.
Best Golf Grips For Drivers
Why you can trust Golf Monthly
+ The tacky feel is outstanding
+ Grip can be fitted both ways
- Unique feel not for all
First up on the list is the CPX from Golf Pride, you may think this grip would be a missile in the wet at first glance, but that is far from the case. We found the grip seemed to wick any moisture away and we felt more confident with this grip should it rain than maybe a corded grip.
The new tech put into this grip is a change of pattern, which is the raised EXO diamond-quilted pattern. This grip has a soft and sticky material and it has a 45-degree pattern this has been inspired by grips used on BMX bikes. To go with this they have used the Control Core technology, which is located at the top of the grip which is where most grip pressure occurs.
Read our full Golf Pride CPX Grip Review
+ Great hand aids
+ Excellent tacky grip
- Not for traditionalists
The Golf Pride MCC Plus4 grip comes with a larger lower hand portion of the grip which helps to reduce hand tension and generate more power, this is done by simulating the feel of four additional layers of tape under the grip.
Should you think back to when you last flipped your hands in a shot and then think about that same shot with a more solid lower hand, you can see why this grip was created. Additionally you get Brushed Cotton Technology in the top half of the grip, to help with better traction with the glove hand, with rubber in the lower half to add more feel and forgiveness. We think this grip looks really great so you should think about matching it with a great-looking shaft from our best driver shafts guide.
+ Great to eliminate hand movement
+ Excellent cushioning on your hands
- Some will prefer a narrower grip
If you find that you grip the club too hard and there is too much tension going through your hands at addre4es then this grip was created with you in mind. They have used something called Finger-Palm tech which helps to stop you from thinking you need to squeeze the grip. This grip was brought to light mainly by Bryson DeChambeau, but they have grips that can cater to anyone.
In 2019 Bryson stopped using the 75g in his JumboMax grip, and this turned into the protyope for the UltraLite we are covering. There is a big taper profile which is designed to help keep the face square for longer at impact, and with the larger profile you get a more even grip.
+ Classic looks
+ Brilliant traction on the club
- Doesn't come in many other colors
This Tour Velvet grip is 100% rubber and is the no.1 grip in the game, it also has a great classic look to it. It is made from a blend of rubbers with a non-slip surface that is computer-generated which therefore makes it a very comfortable grip for your hands. This grip also comes with the ALIGN tech which is a ridge running down the grip to help align your hands correctly, but you can also opt for the standard model pictured here.
The Tour Velvet offers great value for money, so when it comes to changing grips it is really easy to keep them up to date without breaking the bank.
+ Soft but tacky feel
+ Good for golfers with no glove
- Limited color options
A pioneer in the industry Lamkin enjoyed a close partnership with Arnold Palmer and continues to be a top innovator in golf grips today.
The Sonar+ Tour Calibrate grip is jammed with tech, it has a ridge that runs down the grip to help with correct alignment, which will help with clubface awareness, feel, and hand placement. It also has Fingerprint Technology, which enhances traction and feel, and encourages a lighter grip pressure. So paired with a great forgiving driver you would have a real weapon off the tee.
Read our full Lamkin Sonar+ Tour Calibrate Grip Review
+ Unique look
+ Produces a really secure hold
- Only one size option
These grips might not be for everyone but they are at least trying to come out with something different and break the mold. This grip has a two-layer construction, with a see-through outer layer attached to an inner polymer core.
This is designed to give you a soft feel, absorb shock, create torsion resistance, and increase tackiness. What we noticed first in testing was the overall tackiness of this grip, it felt really sticky which gave us confidence in our swing. Overall we enjoyed this grip and so much so it made it to our Editor's Choice list in 2023.
Read our full BRD X1 Grip Review
+ Premium polymer material
+ Soft to your hands
- Minimal color options
Winn was the first manufacturer to create a premium polymer golf grip, and they are also a specialist in fishing rods, tennis, and bicycle grips. As such these grips are stickier than the traditional rubber grips, they are also very comfortable to use so if you played 36 holes in a day or a big range session these will put less strain on your hands.
This grip comes in four colors and is one of the most popular grips Winn produces. They are slip-resistant even in bad weather and they are supposed to be the perfect grip to keep your hands dry in any weather.
+ All weather grips
+ Great colorways
- Some may not like the taper on this grip
Best known for their putter grips, SuperStroke also offer up a variety of great full swing grips too. The S-Tech grip is one of their best offerings and works well in all weather conditions. The grips have a minimal taper which helps to distribute a more even hand pressure and square the face more naturally.
It has a soft and tacky grip which is why it works very well in bad weather and it also looks great. If you are looking for a grip that is great in all weather and hot conditions then check out the best grips for sweaty hands guide.
+ Another excellent all-weather grip
+ Great traction to your hands
- Some golfers may not like the additional layers
With 80% of tour pros choosing Golf Pride and the most major wins across the tour than other grips, it is no surprise Golf Pride is so popular. One of the brands best is the ZGrip, which comes in standard sizing and midsize and is arguably the best-corded grip available from them.
It is created with two layers of texturing for increased feedback and control, the midsize also has a deep 'Z' shaped pattern that makes its way around the grip, and the channels in the heavy cording wick away any moisture. This grip is great for additional stability and grip in all weather conditions.
+ Improves consistency
+ Looks great
- Not the best for beginner golfers
This grip is Lamkin's most premium grip and targets those who like a tackier and smoother feel. Using their Calibrate tech there is a subtle ridge to help with hand placement and get your top hand in the right place. This helps you to hit more solid shots, this is paired with a Smooth Tack material that is used in the lower part of the grip to help encourage a better feel. Also, this grip stays tackier for longer which helps to stop you having to change grips all the time, and works great for any swing speeds.
+ Great for people with sweaty hands
+ Very durable
- Comes in only one color
One of the best offerings from Lamkin this grip scores highly in all categories, so it is no wonder it is their best-selling crossline pattern. This grip uses full cord coverage and firmer materials are used help to limit torsion at impact.
This rubber is a synthetic rubber that will last for years, we also think these grips look great! These grips are widely available and also great value for money as they do not cost a lot and last a while too.
+ Great range of color options
+ Soft on the hands
- Vibrant colors may not be to everyone's taste
This grip is one of Pure Grips best yet. It is super grippy, this is due to the rough dual texture that simulates the feel of a corded grip. It combines a tacky rubber with a contrasting texture which gives users a very solid hold on the club.
You can get this grip in a variety of neon colors, so it appeals to the golfer who likes to make a statement with their bold color choices.
How we test
When we build a review or buyers guide this is based on vigorous testing of the products in question. We also like to rely on the knowledge and golfing experiences of our product testers. We have golfers from all levels that are testing out products, this helps us to get a variety of feedback which is best for the consumer. We always look to use the products multiple times to make sure the pros and cons we have to offer are valid.
We make sure we take our grips out in all conditions when testing this allows us to see how they truly perform. This means we can advise on things like tackiness which is really important in grips especially in the hotter sweatier climates or on a rainy day.
Our reviews are all honest and unbiased, whether good or bad we will give you our honest opinions on the products to help you choose what is best for you. We always pride ourselves on the fact that no manufacturer can buy a good review, we will always build our guides on honest opinions. Check out how Golf Monthly tests products guide to get an in-depth look at our testing.
What to consider when buying a golf grip
Your grip is one of the most important things to get right when picking out any new golf club or if you're looking to upgrade the grip on your current clubs. Specifically for your driver, the grip may be one of the most important things to consider, as it acts as the point of contact between you and your club, giving you the traction you need on the club shaft to rip through your golf swing and send the ball up in the air. With the wrong grip or one with minimal tackiness, you'll struggle to swing through the ball and keep your shot on line.
For that reason, having the right grip on your driver can seriously help you play better shots and ultimately take shots off your round.
As there are many different types of grip available, golfers can be overwhelmed by the amount of choice they have when picking the right grip for them. Don't fret, though, as we have set out below a list of things to consider when you're purchasing a new grip for your driver.
1. Size
The first thing to think about is how big your hands are. You'll want to do some research on what the ideal corresponding grip size would be for your hands. As we explain in our guide on how to get the right grip size for your hands, the wrong grip size can stop your hands from working properly on the club. Different grip manufacturers use different measurements when designing their club grips, with some, like Ping, basing their grip sizes around two key hand measurements. One is the distance between the most prominent wrist crease on your hand to the tip of your middle finger. The other is the length of that longest finger alone. Ultimately the best thing is to take both measurements and pick the club grip that corresponds to that size.
Different grip manufacturers also design their grips in different shapes too. Generally, golf grips come in three different kinds; round grips, ribbed grips or alignment grips. Most golfers will have played with a round grip before, as they are the most common grip you are likely to find on a golf club. If you're planning on putting your golf grips on yourself, round grips are perhaps the easiest to apply as they require little alignment because their circular shape means they have the same diameter all the way around.
Ribbed grips, also known as reminder grips, help golfers keep their hands set at the same position each time they grasp the club. They feature an internal ridge or rib that runs along the spine of the shaft, which helps players feel the bottom of the club grip, so they know exactly where to place their hands for each shot. Alignment grips, also known as calibrated grips, are a more comprehensive version of the ribbed grip that provide golfers with a wider, more prominent rib on the grip to help players better locate where to set their hands on the club. Depending on your abilities as a golfer, the shape of the grip can play an essential part in how well you play your shots.
2. Tackiness
Having a tacky grip on your clubs is another crucial factor that all players should consider when purchasing a new driver. The better the grip, the more you can relax your hands when holding the club. That can allow golfers to use their shoulders and arms to create a better more controlled and fluid stroke. Golfers are taught to have a relaxed grip on the club, so the tackier the grip, the better as that can improve how you swing through the ball.
3. Feel
Similar to when picking the driver that is right for you, you’re going to want to factor in how that club feels on impact. The same goes for when you’re trialing different grips. You’ll want to pick the grip that gives you the best responsivity, control and overall feel as you hit through the ball. Again that is subjective from golfer to golfer. For example, some players like to feel more vibrations coming up the club, while others would prefer that sensation to be dampened. Depending on what works best for you, trying out different types of grip can help you discover the best one for your needs as a golfer. So head down to your local club shop to try out more.
4. Moisture management
While feel and tackiness are significant factors to consider when picking a driver grip, moisture management is something that many golfers forget about. Even if you don't get sweaty hands when playing golf, you're not always going to be playing golf in 30º of sunshine. The elements can change quickly on the course and for that reason, getting the grip that provides optimum moisture management will be vital in helping you hit sweeter, longer golf shots. Plus, if you suffer from sweaty hands, it is vital to get a tacky club grip, as even though your hands will be slippy, there is a greater chance of you swinging through the ball with a controlled stroke if your club grip is tacky enough to keep your hands in place.
5. Style
Style might interestingly be one of the most crucial things to consider when purchasing a new club grip. As golf is primarily a mental game, looking good on the course means feeling good. And if you’re feeling good, then you are inevitably going to be higher in confidence. For example, standing over the ball while holding a club that looks the part, and makes you feel confident, can go a long way in helping you hit more consistent shots and reduce your scores. For that reason, pick a grip that not only feels good but looks good too.
If you’re currently in the process of re-gripping a variety of clubs, why not check out our guides on the best golf grips for drivers, best golf grips for irons, and the best golf grips for putters.
FAQs
Are Driver grips the same as iron grips?
Generally, the grip on a driver can be the same as those on an iron. Some players may want a little more grip on their driver so may opt to place a tackier grip on their driver than their iron. But sometimes its best to keep all your club grips the same so you know where you're placing your hands on the club every time you pick them up.
What is the best kind of grip to put on my driver?
That depends on what suits you as a golfer. While some players might like a round grip, others may prefer a ribbed grip they can use to help them set their hands on the club in the same position each time they pick up the driver. For that reason, picking the right grip for your driver comes down to personal preference. Our best advice is to get down to your local pro shop and try each type of driver grip out.
What size grip should I put on my driver?
Depending on the size of your hands, different golfers will suit various grip sizes. First, you should start by measuring the size of your hand by measuring the distance between the most prominent crease on your hand and your middle finger. Once you have that measurement, you should pick the corresponding grip size.
1. Crease to fingertip: 0"-5" - Grip size: Small
2. Crease to fingertip: 5" to 6.5" - Grip size: Undersize
3. Crease to fingertip: 6.6" to 7.5" - Grip size: Small
4. Crease to fingertip: 7.6" to 9" - Grip size: Midsize
5. Crease to fingertip: 9.1" to 10" - Grip size: Large
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A golfer for most of his life, Sam is a Senior Staff Writer for Golf Monthly.
Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes.
He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for.
Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website, whilst he is also responsible for all content related to golf apparel.
He also oversees all Tour player content as well so if you need to know what clubs Tiger or Rory has in play, Sam is the person to ask.
Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a handicap of five.
Sam's What's In The Bag:
Driver: Titleist TS3 (9 degrees)
Fairway Wood: Callaway Paradym (15 degrees), Nike Covert Tour 2.0 (19 degrees)
Irons (4-PW): Titleist AP2
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 54˚, 58˚
Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5
Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond
Shoes: G/FORE Gallivanter/Nike Air Zoom Infinity NEXT%/Cuater The Ringer
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