I think we're all in agreement that golf grips are a neglected part of our equipment setup. In fact, I can't actually remember the last time I changed the grips on my clubs. The set of irons that I've now used for over 18 months still have the original grips on. To be quite frank, unless I'm literally unable to hold onto my club during a swing, I presume they're fine. Part of my reluctance to replace them is because I've often doubted if they really offer any performance benefits, so long as they're not totally ruined. Can't I give my grips a good clean to keep them up to standard? Obviously, new golf grips will make a difference of some kind, but just how much?
Golf Pride, maker of some of the best golf grips, has just released the first in a series of results surrounding the benefits of new golf grips. During the test on grip performance, the study concluded that new golf grips offer an increased average carry length of 2.3 yards on full golf shots. Players participating in the study found that their average ball speed of 121.6 mph increased by 1.3mph, and the average carry length of 168.6 yards increased by 2.3 yards with the designated test club.
