Your Golf Glove Deserves More Respect
We golfers don’t blink an eye at spending hundreds of dollars on a new driver, sixty dollars on a dozen golf balls, or twenty dollars for a sandwich and beverage from the on-course beverage cart. Yet the one piece of gear we use on every shot, excluding putts, often gets ignored until it looks like sun-dried roadkill.
I’m talking about your golf glove — that quiet hero between your hand and your club, the difference between a crisp strike versus a hook or slice.
So, let’s give it some overdue respect: why a good golf glove matters, what to look for when buying one, and how to make your golf glove last longer. And yes, I’ll share details about my favourite golf glove: The Hungry Golfer 100% Cabretta Leather Golf Glove.
Why Wearing a Golf Glove Matters
You don’t need a golf glove to play golf. You also don’t need sunscreen, patience, or humility, but they sure do help.
A good glove provides grip, control, and confidence. It allows you to hold the club securely without squeezing it too tightly. Having a loose grip on your golf club leads to smoother swings, better rhythm, and fewer balls going OB.
Without a glove, especially in summer humidity, your grip can become as slippery as a pickerel caught in the Bay of Quinte. A quality golf glove eliminates that worry, giving you a firm grip on your clubs from the first tee shot to your final approach on the eighteenth green.
Gloves Are Great — But Don’t Forget Your Grips
Even the best glove can’t save you if your grips are worn smooth. Old, shiny grips make you squeeze harder, adding tension and disrupting your swing. No glove can overcome that.
Fresh, tacky grips are essential; ideally, replace them once a season or about every 40–50 rounds. Think of them as your glove’s best friend. A good grip–glove combo gives you security without strangling the club.
And yes, some golfers prefer to play bare-handed. That’s fine, especially if your grips are in top shape and you like the natural feel. But for most of us — especially when it’s hot and humid, a quality glove plus good grips equals relaxed confidence and better contact.
What to Look for in a Golf Glove
Here’s what matters most:
Material: Go for 100% Cabretta Leather
Cabretta leather — made from hair sheep, not wool sheep - is the gold standard. It’s buttery soft, breathable, and provides an incredible feel. The Hungry Golfer golf glove is made from 100% premium cabretta leather and features an anti-roll thumb seam for extra durability. A slightly thicker palm layer gives a softer, cushioned feel while extending the glove’s lifespan.
If you like that buttery-soft grip and tour-quality feel without the “tour-player” price tag, grab one HERE.
Fit: Snug, Not Strangled
Your glove should fit like a second skin — smooth across the palm, no loose folds, and no extra fingertip space. The Velcro tab should close about three-quarters of the way across your hand.
If it’s too loose, you’ll lose feedback. If it’s too tight, you’ll lose circulation. Either way, you’ll lose strokes.
Take the time to try the right size, especially if you’re switching brands. Like golf polo shirts, not all gloves fit the same, even if the tag says “Medium.”
Feel: Grip Without the Grip Marks
The best gloves disappear in your hands — metaphorically, not literally. You shouldn’t have to squeeze hard to feel connected. Cabretta leather naturally provides that tacky, confident grip.
Stitching and Design
Check for clean seams, well-placed ventilation holes, and reinforced stress areas. The Hungry Golfer glove features precision stitching that reduces friction and wear, especially on the thumb and palm — the spots where most golfers see tears first.
That extra palm thickness also helps absorb vibration, which is handy if you occasionally catch one thin on a cool morning.
Breathability and Comfort
A quality glove has finger perforations to allow airflow. Your hand shouldn’t feel like it’s in a sauna by the seventh hole. The better the ventilation, the cooler your hand will feel, and the longer the glove will last.
How to Make Your Glove Last Longer
Golfers are notorious for glove abuse. We stuff them in our golf bags after a round, leave them on between shots, and then complain when they start to feel like cardboard.
Here are a few simple habits that’ll easily double or triple your glove’s lifespan:
Take It Off Between Shots
Your glove soaks up sweat. If you keep it on for the whole round, it stays damp and breaks down faster. Take it off between shots, let it breathe, and hang it on your bag or cart handle if it starts to feel damp.
Air Dry After Each Round
Smooth it out flat, keep it out of the sun, and let it air dry naturally. Don’t ball it up in your pocket or leave it in your trunk.
Rotate Gloves
Have two or three gloves in play. Alternate them depending on humidity and conditions. One for dry days, one for muggy ones, and one sacrificial “range glove” for practice sessions.
Keep It Clean
Wipe off dirt and sweat with a damp cloth. Avoid washing machines — cabretta leather and spin cycles are not friends.
Store It Properly
Keep your glove flat in a glove case or resealable bag. In a pinch, press it between two towels overnight. If you are using a Hungry Golfer golf glove, keep it in the stylish reusable storage envelope and the clear plastic bag your new glove was packaged in.
When to Retire a Glove
You’ll know. The leather will smooth out, the tack will vanish, or a fingertip will finally surrender. When that happens, don’t mourn, grab a new glove and enjoy that “new car” smell and feel.
Most quality cabretta leather golf gloves last around 15–20 rounds, providing you treat them well by airing them out after each round, rotating them regularly, and storing them properly between rounds.
Brand Comparisons:
I’ve worn everything from budget brands to the high-end Tour favourites, so here’s a quick breakdown of my experience with these brands:
FootJoy StaSof ($36.00) – Soft, grippy, and a classic. Premium price, premium feel, average durability.
Callaway Tour Authentic ($33.99) – Excellent feel, slightly thinner cabretta; great short-term performance glove.
Finger 10 (Via Amazon: $33.99 for 3 gloves) – Great for practice or humid days, but not full cabretta. Think of it as the Honda Civic of gloves: reliable, not exciting.
Kirkland Signature Golf Glove (via Amazon: $67.97 for 4 gloves = $16.99 each) – Excellent value, but quality can vary. Tend to stretch out over time. Not bad for the price-conscious golfer.
The Hungry Golfer 100% Cabretta Leather Glove ($19.95/glove or $15.95/glove for Hungry Golfer subscribers) – Excellent feel, anti-roll thumb seam, precision stitching, soft inner texture, and a secure closure tab for a custom fit. It strikes the perfect balance between premium quality and everyday practicality.
Respect the Glove
A golf glove might not have the flash of a new driver, but it quietly shapes every shot you hit. It’s the handshake between your swing and your club — and you know what they say about first impressions.
Next time you’re tempted to grab a bargain-bin glove at the checkout, remember this: a well-made cabretta glove doesn’t just feel better — it performs better, lasts longer, and makes your game smoother.
If you’re ready to give your hands a little luxury without emptying your wallet, treat yourself to a Hungry Golfer 100% Cabretta Leather Golf Glove. Your hands — and your handicap — will thank you.
Final Thoughts
Golf is a game of feel. You can’t buy confidence, but you can buy the next best thing — the right connection between your hand and the club.
The most common guidance for caring for a 100% cabretta leather golf glove is to hand wash it using a mild soap and cold water, being careful not to soak it completely. Gently rub soiled areas of the glove with a soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Finally, pat it dry with a towel to remove excess moisture and air-dry it flat at room temperature, away from direct heat or sunlight.