Which Hand Should You Wear Your Golf Glove On?
If you’re new to golf—or simply double-checking your setup—one of the most common questions is surprisingly fundamental: Which hand does the golf glove actually go on?
The short answer comes down to whether you are right-handed or left-handed:
Right-handed golfers wear a glove on their Left hand (the lead hand).
Left-handed golfers wear a glove on their Right hand (the lead hand).
Here is a quick look at why we wear a glove on our lead hand, when golfers wear two gloves, and how to make sure you get the right fit.
Why Do You Wear a Glove on Your Lead Hand?
In a standard golf swing, your lead hand (the hand closest to the target) sits at the top of the grip and does the heavy lifting when controlling the clubhead throughout the swing.
Maximum Friction & Control: The top hand maintains the strongest structural hold on the club handle. Wearing a glove on this hand creates maximum friction between your skin and the rubber grip, preventing the club from twisting at impact.
Preventing Blisters: Because your lead hand takes the brunt of the grip pressure and torque, a high-quality leather glove acts as a protective layer, preventing friction blisters across the palm and fingers.
Relaxed Grip Pressure: When your lead hand has a secure grip thanks to a tour-grade glove, you don't need to squeeze the club tightly. Lighter grip pressure keeps your forearms and shoulders relaxed, leading to smoother tempo and increased clubhead speed.
Why Your Trail Hand Stays Bare
Your trail hand (the right hand for a righty, left hand for a lefty) sits below your lead hand on the grip.
Most golfers leave this hand ungloved because it acts as the "feeling" hand—responsible for subtle touch, control, and feedback, particularly around the greens during short game shots and putts.
When Should You Wear Two Golf Gloves?
While wearing one glove on the lead hand is the standard for dry weather, there are two main scenarios where wearing gloves on both hands makes perfect sense:
In Wet & Rainy Conditions: When playing on the West Coast of Ireland in a sudden downpour, rain gloves or high-performance all-weather gloves worn on both hands keep your grip completely locked in, even when the handles are soaking wet.
Cold Winter Rounds: In low temperatures, wearing winter golf gloves on both hands retains body heat, keeping your fingers flexible and preventing that painful sting on off-center hits.
Putting: Glove On or Off?
Should you take your glove off when you reach the green?
Glove Off: Many golfers prefer taking their glove off to putt to maximize feel and feedback through their fingers.
Glove On: Others keep it on simply for convenience and consistency.
There is no strict rule—it comes down to personal preference. Try both on the practice green to see what feels most natural to you.
Summary: Quick Buying Checklist
When ordering your glove online:
Right-Handed Golfer? Select a Left Hand (LH) glove.
Left-Handed Golfer? Select a Right Hand (RH) glove.
At Moher Golf, our Element 18 glove is engineered for maximum grip, feel, and durability in all weather conditions—giving your lead hand the ultimate connection to the club on every shot.