Having larger hands is only one reason why someone would choose a midsize vs. standard golf grip. There are other reasons why changing from your stock grip to something with a larger circumference with could lower your scores.
Most golfers would use a standard golf grip. But if you have big hands, getting midsize grips will help you control your swing and ball flight much better. Your grip should fit in your hand comfortably and allow full coverage without feeling too big.
Only dedicated golfers will appreciate this guide that outlines the differences between midsize and standard grips. So if you love golf as much as we do and want to lower your score and raise your golf IQ, find out why you should use a midsize vs. standard golf grip.
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Midsize vs Standard Golf Grips: Which Is Best for You?
You could also benefit from a midsize golf grip vs. standard if you tend to hook the ball. This can mean that your hands turn over too much, causing the face to close. A thicker grip can slow down your hands and allow a smoother transition through the impact zone.
Over the last decade, I’ve seen many students undervalue golf grips’ role when getting fit for clubs. Don’t overlook this piece of equipment and take the time to decide between midsize vs standard golf grips using this information.
Benefits Of Midsize Grips
There are a few benefits of a midsize grip that most people don’t think about. The obvious is that if you have larger hands, then this grip will suit you better. You’ll get more surface area on the grip and therefore have better control.
What Is A Midsize Grip?
A midsize grip is designed and built the same as a standard, only thicker. Usually, the difference is ⅛”. While this doesn’t sound like much, your hands are very intuitive and can pick up on small differences.
Midsize grips also benefit those with smaller hands. If you find grip pressure, you grip the club too hard. Then a midsize could provide relief. A strong grip throws off your tempo and causes unpredictable shots. A thicker grip prevents your hands from clenching as hard, which will relax your hands, arm, and shoulders to produce a smooth and fluid swing.
Lastly, if you’re a fast swinger, then despite your hand size, you may find relief with a midsize grip. It will slow your tempo down slightly to improve consistency and give you more control when you swing a bit too fast.
Pros
- Provides more surface area for golfers with big hands
- Slows rotation of hands to square up the clubface
- Promotes relaxed forearms and shoulders
- Fast swingers can gain more control
Cons
- May hinder hands from turning over at impact
- May cause swing speed to drop
Read More: Can An Oversized Grip Improve Your Game?
Benefits Of Standard Size Grips
Standard-size grips are excellent because they suit a wide variety of golfers. In most cases, this size grip will be perfect and allows you both a strong grip with maxim traction. Many people stick to the standard size because it works well with both the long and short games.
What Is A Standard Size Grip?
This is the most common grip and is used on any club you buy off the shelf or from a manufacturer. Unless you specify a different size, standard size of .9” circumference will be on your club and ready for use.
If your grip is too big for you, you may have trouble in the short game. A standard-size grip is equipped to provide the most feel possible, which is great when you’re pitching to the green from inside 100 yards.
Since most of your game will happen around this yardage, standard-size grips are perfect and won’t need to be replaced.
Standard vs. midsize golf grips also promotes faster hand speed through impact. If you find yourself slicing the ball, then choose a standard (or smaller) sized grip to encourage a faster turnover rate at impact. Getting the face square is a priority on every shot, so having the right size grip is the first step towards that.
Pros
- Provides maximum feel with mid-short irons
- Allows hands to react quicker
- Typically included on all woods, irons, and wedges
- Available in every color and design
Cons
- Hands can rotate too quickly
- May cause slipping
Two Popular Golf Grips: Standard vs Midsize
As you can see, the difference between midsize and standard golf grips is a little confusing since it’s not only based on hand size. However, once you’ve decided on a size, you can skip ahead to the buying part with one of these great options.
Golf Pride Tour Wrap 2G Golf Grip—Best Standard Size Grip
This style of grip has been around for decades. Originally inspired by the leather wraps that came before the turn of the century, this updated version provides superior grip and long-lasting durability.
It’s best to have all your clubs with the exact grip, which means you need a grip that is just as comfortable off the tee as it is from the 100-yard marker and out of the bunker. This wrap design satisfies all those areas and everything in between.
The tacky material also makes it great if moisture is in the air. A little rain or sweaty palms won’t affect this, and you’ll still be able to make full-speed swings without fear.
Golf Pride MCC New Decade MultiCompound Golf Grip—Best Midsize Grip
As one of the fastest-selling grips to ever be invented, these multi-compound grips are perfect for midsize because they offer different patterns (like tapered vs non-tapered) on the top and bottom. The grip is set up to promote maximum tackiness on the upper hand, typically where all your power comes from.
The lower half of the grip is softer and more responsive to accommodate delicate shots to and around the green.
The term “multi-compound” concerns the different materials used to make the grip. On the upper half, a fabric material is woven into the rubber. This creates a lot of friction, so your power hand doesn’t slip.
If this grip ever starts to wear down, you can always give it a few scrubs with regular sandpaper to remove excess debris and oils and bring out the cord material more. The grip will feel almost new afterward.
Want to know what golf grips your favorite pros use? Read The Most Used Golf Grips on Tour
Golf Grip Size Chart
| Fingertip To Bottom Of Palm | Recommended Grip Size |
| Less than 5 inches | Junior |
| 5” – 6.5” | Undersize |
| 6.6” – 7.5” | Standard |
| 7.6” – 9” | Midsize |
| 9.1” – 10” | Jumbo |
Other Grip Sizes
Standard vs. midsize grips aren’t the only sizes available. Since hands come in all shapes and sizes, grip companies are prepared to make the best grip for any size hand.
Even with all these sizes, you can customize each one by adding extra layers of grip tape underneath the grip. It takes roughly four layers to make a standard grip into a midsize grip.
FAQs
Do Larger Golf Grips Make A Difference?
Yes, larger grips will make a difference and be more comfortable for players using them if they need to. They can help improve the direction of your ball flight to ensure more controlled shots with your irons and accurate drives off the tee.
How Much Bigger Is A Midsize Grip?
A midsize grip is ⅛” bigger than a standard-size grip. This measurement is taken at the butt-end because all companies have different tapering techniques that will cause the rest of the grip to vary in size. Some midsize grips are thicker on top but resemble a standard-size grip in the lower half. Measuring the butt end is the only way to tell how much bigger a midsize grip is.
Do Most Pro Golfers Use Standard Size Grips?
Yes, most pro golfers use standard-size grips; however, they may be adjusted with the help of additional grip tape. Adding as little as one extra layer of grip tape makes pro golfers feel a huge difference. And when you’re playing for millions of dollars, having the most optimal equipment is a must.
How Do You Know If You Need Midsize Grips?
You will know if your fingers are wrapped too far around the grip if you need midsize grips. If you find that your fingers impede your hand, then you may need midsize grips. Also, if your accuracy is lacking with all your clubs, then a midsize grip could help stabilize the clubface to straighten out your shots.
Do Midsize Grips Change Ball Flight?
Yes, midsize grips can change the ball flight in most cases. For those who tend to hook the ball, a midsize grip could change that ball’s flight and cause it to go straighter. A midsize grip prevents your hands from turning over too violently. Thicker grips will promote a smooth transition through impact.
What Grip Does Tiger Woods Use?
Tiger Woods uses a grip that is 1/32 larger than a standard grip. This is because he wants to have full control over his clubface. He also believes that having a slightly smaller grip for his hands helps to increase feel on all shots. He has more surface area of his hands on the grip and, therefore, can better understand all the shots he hits.
Final Thoughts
Midsize vs. standard grips is a topic that is not discussed enough. A comfortable and optimal grip is crucial to your ball flight and swing tempo.
By using simple measurements and observing your natural ball flight, you can determine if midsize grips are the best option for you. Before you buy new clubs or purchase another lesson package, ensure your grips are doing their job first.
Related Reading:
Clint is PGA-certified and was a Head Teaching Professional at one of Toronto's busiest golf academies. He was also featured on Canada's National Golf TV program, "Score Golf Canada," twice. He graduated with a degree in Golf Management from the College of the Desert in California and studied under Callaway's co-founder, Tony Manzoni.
He has a handicap index of 6.2 and spends the winters near Oaxaca, Mexico, where he plays twice a month at the Club de Golf Vista Hermosa. He's written over 100 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. You can connect with Clint at LinkedIn, FB, his website, or Clintcpga@gmail.com.
- Best score: 68
- Favorite club: Odyssey White Hot Two-Ball Center-Shafted Putter
- Favorite ball: Titleist Pro V1x
- Favorite food at the turn: Hot dog
