How to Change Golf Grips

If you have ever taken a golf swing and had your club twist in your hand — or worse, slip out of your grip entirely — you understand just how important having a solid grip can be. But here’s the irony: the grips of the majority of amateur golfers have been neglected for far too long. Learning how to change golf grips is a simple yet essential skill that can significantly improve your control and confidence on the course.

As a pro golfer who has changed the grips on hundreds of clubs over the decades of the years—and my own sometimes multiple times a year before each tournament season—I can say that regripping is one of the most effective ways to upgrade your performance without having to buy a ton of new gear.

More than just technical instructions, this guide is a practical, experience-based reference for golfers looking for control, comfort and confidence at each tee box.

When to Change Golf Grips — and Why It Matters

Start with the fundamentals: your hands are the sole contact point between you and the club. Good control and feel come only with good grips, but if yours are slippery, hard, or cracked, you’ll lose both. What are you risking with old grips?

• Grip pressure fluctuations causing inconsistent shots
• Reduced range due to loss of energy transfer
• Calluses or aching palm from compensating for the pressure
• It’s easy to get injured, especially in wet or humid conditions

At this point, experts recommend replacing grips every 40 rounds or once per year, whichever comes first — or sooner if you live in a particularly hot, humid climate.

Also Read: How to Record a Golf Swing

The Following is Required to Change Golf Grips

Now, before I get into the step-by-step guide, you need to make sure you have these tools with you.

🔧 Tools & Materials:

• The best golf grips (pick standard, midsize or oversize)
• Grip tape (double-sided)
• Glass cleaner (or substitute: mineral spirits)
• Hook blade or utility knife
• Definitely use a Vise with a rubber shaft clamp (to keep the vise steady)
• Clean towel
• Measuring tape (optional)

Tip: do NOT use water / wd40 in place of grip solvent. They will not even give the correct grip and do not prevent all the sliding.

Step-by-step guide to changing golf grips

Step 1: Place The Club In A Vise

Put the rubber clamp around the shaft (never the graphite itself) and screw it in the vice. Give it easy alignment options later due to having the clubface square

Step 2: Remove the Old Grip

Take a hook blade (or a sharp razor knife, take care with graphite shafts or breakage will occur) and cut the old grip open lengthwise, and peel it off. Take off any residual tape.

Step 3: Apply New Grip Tape

Item 1: Cut a strip of double sided tape, approximately 10–11 inches long. Run it down the shaft and completely wrap it, covering the butt end. The top excess will tuck in through the shaft opening.

Step 4: Add Grip Solvent

Use your fingers to plug up one end of the new grip and pour in some solvent. Plug the open end, shake to coat the inside, and pour the solvent over the taped shaft. This prevents accidental pausing here during installation.

Step 5: Slide on the New Grip

While the solvent is still wet, quickly slide the grip onto the shaft. Ensure that the alignment is straight (Use grip alignment marks if present) The solvent allows you 10–15 seconds to orientate yourself.

Step 6: Let It Set

Remove any excess solvent and let the grip cure for 4-6 hours (preferably overnight) before using it with your swing.

Also Read: How to Properly Grip a Golf Club

Choosing the Right Golf Grips

All grips are not made the same. The best grip for you will depend on the size of your hand, and the weather you are playing in, and the feel of the grip.

Types of Golf Grips:

• Rubber Excel: All-weather, durable use.
• Cord grips: Best for moisture and tackiness — Pro Choice
• Grip: Soft, tacky feel to provide comfort for those looking for a little more comfort
• Putter Grips: Made for feel and stroke alignment—multiple shapes/sizes.

If you play with sweaty hands, or in higher humidity regions (like the southern U.S. or Southeast Asia), I find corded or hybrid grips to be revolutionary.

How frequently should you change golf grips?

• Every 4–6 months for frequent golfers (2 + a week)
• Weekenders: Once a year
• For hot & humid climates: After every 30–40 rounds
• Competitive season players: Before each season

Professional “You can ask any pro in the world and they will tell you about the grip that changed their game.”

Or, for a more significant, though little, change, I switched from a regular rubber grip to a Golf Pride MCC Plus4 midsize grip—and my control with a delicate swing was immediately better under pressure. More power, but less taper, and thus more mimicked a relaxed hold. This is evidence that a correct grip is not only a comfort matter—it is a performance factor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not using ‘solvent – If the tape is dry, the grip won’t slide over.
• Misplace the grip – Make sure to position it where you want it before letting it cure.
• Use of old tape – Old adhesive can cause lumps or an uneven thickness.
• Metal blades for cutting graphite shafts — Always use hook blades or definitely plastic-friendly tools.

Changing your own golf grips is a great thing for every golfer to learn how to do. It’s very easy to do, very rewarding, and there are visible gains to your game. Its part of a respect that comes with the course — like sharpening your irons or swapping out frayed spikes.

If, however, you are serious about taking your golf game up a notch, do not overlook the potential of touching up a new grip. Your touch point with every shot — and a small tweak that pays big dividends.