Often choosing a golf glove can be a daunting prospect with an overload of brands, materials and styles of gloves. Here we simplify the different types of golf gloves and provide an overall verdict.
1. Leather Golf Gloves
There's a reason why 99% of golf pros wear leather golf gloves - they are the premium choice. There is nothing quite like the feel and smell of a brand new leather golf glove. Normally made from cabretta leather (a light soft leather from skins of hairy sheep) these gloves offer supreme feel and grip. When looked after properly, leather golf gloves offer the best breathability, comfort and grip. However, unlike for golf pros, leather golf gloves generally come at a premium price.
Pros
- Increased breathability
- Increased feel
- Softest material
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited durability
2. Synthetic Golf Gloves
Synthetic golf gloves are considered a cheaper alternative to a leather glove. Synthetic gloves are often made from a combination of materials such as polyurethane (PU) leather. PU leather is an artificial leather material made from thermoplastic polymers. Whilst these synthetic properties improve durability they are considered not as breathable as leather. Some synthetic golf gloves also contain lycra or mesh materials to increase flexibility.
Pros
- Increased durability
- Cheaper
- Flexible
Cons
- Decreased breathability
- Decreased grip
3. Rain Golf Gloves
Rain or winter golf gloves are synthetic gloves that are designed to withstand cold and wet climates. These gloves are made from synthetic materials to provide warmth and control excess moisture. The palm of rain gloves often are made from materials to maximise grip in wet conditions.
Pros
- Increased warmth
- Water repellent
Cons
- Decreased breathability
The Verdict?
Each type of golf glove offers benefits and therefore personal preference is an important factor.
Often it is best to have a mixture of leather, synthetic and rain gloves in your golf bag. Leather gloves can be used for competition rounds, synthetic gloves for practising and rain gloves for those cold and wet days.
At Ace, we have tried to reduce barriers for entry by offering all of our handmade gloves at super affordable prices. We focus on providing a wide range of premium golf gloves for golfers of all abilities.