If you've ever picked up someone else's golf club and immediately thought, "That feels really good," there's a good chance the grip size had something to do with it.
One of the questions we're asked regularly at Golf 360 is whether switching to thicker grips will improve someone's golf. The answer isn't a simple yes or no. Just like choosing the right golf clubs, the right grip size depends on the golfer.
For some players, thicker grips can improve comfort and confidence. For others, they can make the club feel awkward and harder to control.
What Are Thicker Golf Grips?
Golf grips generally come in four common sizes:
- Undersize
- Standard
- Midsize
- Jumbo
It's also possible to make small adjustments using additional layers of build-up tape underneath a standard grip, allowing your clubs to be customised without jumping to the next grip size.
If you're having your clubs regripped, it's a great opportunity to find the size that feels best in your hands.
Who Should Consider Thicker Grips?
There are several reasons golfers choose thicker grips.
Golfers With Arthritis Or Hand Pain
One of the biggest reasons we fit thicker grips is to help golfers who suffer from arthritis or sore hands.
A larger grip can reduce how tightly you need to hold the club, making golf more comfortable throughout the round.
While it won't cure hand pain, many golfers find it noticeably easier to play.
Golfers Who Feel Their Hands Are Too Active
Some golfers feel like they're "flipping" or overusing their hands through impact.
A thicker grip may help reduce that feeling and encourage a more relaxed grip pressure. It isn't a magic fix for swing faults, but it can help certain golfers feel more stable through the swing.
Golfers With Larger Hands
Hand size is still an important consideration.
Golfers with larger hands often find a standard grip feels too small, making it harder to grip the club comfortably.
Moving to a midsize or jumbo grip can simply feel more natural.
Golfers Who Simply Prefer Them
This is probably the biggest reason of all.
Sometimes there isn't a technical reason.
The club just feels better.
I had a customer recently who rang after borrowing a friend's clubs. He loved how the thicker grips felt and wanted to know whether he should change his own clubs.
That's actually a great way to discover what suits you.
If you've used someone else's clubs and the grip immediately feels more comfortable, it's definitely worth considering.
Golf is hard enough without equipment that doesn't feel right in your hands.
Does A Thicker Grip Help You Hit Straighter Shots?
Sometimes, but not always.
You'll often hear golfers say thicker grips stop you hooking the ball.
There's a little truth to that, but it's not guaranteed.
Changing grip size may influence how your hands work during the swing, but it's only one small piece of the puzzle.
If you're fighting a hook or slice, improving your swing or having a Golf Club Fitting is usually a far better long-term solution than relying on grip size alone.
My Experience
Personally, I have fairly small hands.
Whenever I try midsize or jumbo grips, they simply don't feel right. I feel like I lose some strength and control in my hands, so I always come back to standard grips.
That's why I don't believe there's a "best" grip size.
The best grip is simply the one that gives you confidence every time you pick the club up.
Should You Change Your Whole Set?
Probably not straight away.
If you're curious about thicker grips, I'd recommend trying just one club first.
Even better, borrow a friend's club if they already use midsize or jumbo grips and see how it feels over a few rounds.
It's a much cheaper way to decide before committing to regripping your entire set.
Can Golf Grips Be Customised?
Absolutely.
When we carry out Golf Club Repairs & Regripping, we regularly fit:
- Standard grips
- Midsize grips
- Jumbo grips
- Standard grips with extra build-up tape underneath
That allows us to fine-tune the feel without making huge changes.
Final Thoughts
Grip size is one of the most overlooked parts of a golf club.
It doesn't receive the same attention as drivers or irons, yet it's the only part of the club you actually hold.
If your grips don't feel comfortable, you're already starting the swing at a disadvantage.
Whether you're looking for more comfort, dealing with arthritis, or you've simply discovered that a thicker grip feels better, it's worth exploring your options.
Sometimes the smallest equipment changes make the biggest difference to your confidence.
If you're unsure which grip size is right for you, come and see us at Golf 360. We can talk through the options, let you compare different sizes and help you decide whether standard, midsize, jumbo or build-up tape is the best fit for your game.
You can also browse our range of Golf Grips, learn more about our Golf Club Repairs & Regripping service, or explore our full range of Golf Clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do thicker golf grips help with arthritis?
Yes, many golfers with arthritis or sore hands find thicker grips more comfortable because they reduce the amount of grip pressure needed during the swing.
Will thicker grips stop me hooking the golf ball?
Not necessarily. While some golfers feel thicker grips reduce excessive hand action, they won't fix swing faults on their own.
Should golfers with small hands use thicker grips?
Not always. Many golfers with smaller hands prefer standard grips because they feel easier to control. Comfort and confidence are more important than hand size alone.
Can I try thicker grips before changing my whole set?
Absolutely. Trying one club first, or borrowing a friend's club with midsize grips, is a great way to see if they suit your game before committing to a full regrip.
Can golf grips be made slightly thicker without changing to midsize?
Yes. Extra layers of build-up tape can be fitted underneath a standard grip to create a customised feel without moving to the next grip size.
Happy golfing,
Scott Pickett
PGA Professional
Founder – Golf 360
Mount Maunganui
