How to Play Golf With Sweaty Hands

Golf is a game that requires mental focus, physical precision, and strong hand-eye coordination. However, sweaty hands can make getting a good grip on the club difficult and interfere with a smooth and accurate swing. If you suffer from perpetually sweaty or clammy hands, learning how to play well despite the moisture is key to playing your best golf. Fortunately, there are some valuable techniques and handy tips for how to play golf even when you have sweaty hands.

Tips to How to Deal with Sweaty Hands While Golfing

 When dealing with sweaty hands while golfing, it is important to first ensure proper hydration to regulate body temperature. Additionally, using a quality, moisture-wicking glove can help absorb excess sweat and provide a better grip on the club. Some golfers also find it helpful to apply talcum powder or a specialized hand antiperspirant to reduce moisture and improve grip. Remember these tips for playing golf with sweaty hands.

Use a Hand Towel

Keep a small, absorbent hand towel in your back pocket or attached to your golf bag. Having quick access to a dedicated hand towel you can easily wipe moisture away with in between shots is crucial for keeping your grip and your hands dry. Have the towel easily accessible so you can swiftly dry your hands before carefully picking up your club, allowing you to maintain control and avoid the club twisting in your hands mid-swing from slick palms.

Choose Grippy Golf Gloves

High quality golf gloves can dramatically improve your grip and therefore your overall control of the club. The glove material matters, so avoid cheap gloves made of smooth synthetics and instead opt for gloves made from materials that create lots of friction, like leather or suede. A grippy glove on your lower hand creates traction to keep the club from slipping. You may also benefit from wearing gloves on both hands, rather than just your top hand, doubling down on that stable grip. Look for gloves with perforated fabric or ample ventilation to allow sweat to evaporate while you play.

Apply Antiperspirant to Your Hands

Spray or roll-on antiperspirants, especially clinical strength options, can create a barrier on your hands that keeps moisture from accumulating and reduces sweating in the first place. Apply an antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride or zinc gluconate 5-15 minutes before you head to the course. The aluminum salts help constrict pores and minimize sweating, while the zinc creates a thin protective layer to absorb excess moisture before it impacts your game. Reapply as needed between rounds or after cleaning your hands if you find your usual sweatiness returns during play.

Improve Your Grip Technique

Sweat makes even the best golf grip technique falter. How you hold the club makes a difference when you have slipper palms, so be sure you grasp the club correctly to offset the impact of moisture. Relax your hands – death gripping the club only makes gripping harder and creates tension in your swing. Align your knuckles, angling your wrist hinge properly as well. Point index fingers down the shaft, keeping space between your hands for ventilation. Interlock pinky fingers for added stability. Periodically check in on your form to prevent sliding into bad habits as you unconsciously compensate for sweat.

Use Alcohol-Based Chalk

Chalk helps absorb moisture while improving friction between your hands, skin, and equipment – a must for sweat management on the green. Look for powdered chalk in block form combined with alcohol rather than traditional loose gym chalk. The alcohol evaporates as you apply it, cooling your hands. Meanwhile, the chalk’s drying properties help combat clamminess. The firmer block format also prevents getting messy dust everywhere. Simply rub it between your palms before picking up your club. Reapply as needed after wiping down damp hands. The chalk also helps reinforce proper grip – when it wears off during play, it’s time to revisit your technique.

Swap Out Grips as Needed

Over time, golf grips wear down from use, absorbing dirt, oils, and moisture that impact feel and traction. As grips become slick, control suffers – especially problematic for those already struggling with sweaty hands. Check your equipment and replace golf club grips at least once per year or sooner if grips feel at all slippery, smooth, rigid, or compressed. New, properly-sized grips specifically designed to be tacky and improve traction help mitigate excess palm sweat and deliver better performance. Installing thick, cushioned grips can also make holding clubs easier if you tend to squeeze tightly to offset sweating.

Try Medication Antiperspirant Wipes

If you are facing the challenge of sweating hands while playing golf, there can be a great solution to your problem. You can try medication antiperspirant wipes to control the excessive sweating and keep your hands dry while playing. These wipes are designed to provide all-day sweat protection and are easy to use. By applying them before playing golf, you can ensure that your hands remain dry and you have a better grip on the club. The medication antiperspirant wipes are a convenient and effective way to manage excessive sweating and can make a significant difference in your performance on the golf course. Quickly wipe away existing dampness while depositing solutions that dry down invisible, without sticky residue interfering with your game. If classic clinical antiperspirants irritate your skin, try glycopyrronium cloth wipes for alternative sweat reduction without irritation.

So, if you want to avoid the discomfort and inconvenience of sweaty hands interfering with your game, it may be worth trying out these wipes. Whether you are a professional golfer or enjoy the sport as a hobby, having dry hands can improve your performance and overall experience on the golf course.

Completely clean the equipment.

From your shoes to your gloves to your grips, properly caring for your gear also helps manage sweaty palm problems. Use a stiff nylon brush and mild soap to gently scrub grips, removing dirt, oils, sweat residue and other moisture-trapping buildup. Rinse thoroughly. Air dry your gloves fully extended over a towel rather than bunching the material. Sanitize the insides with UV light. The cleaner your equipment, the less slippery it will be. Rotate between a few good pairs of gloves to prolong their absorbency. Keep extra gloves handy in case you need to change during exceptionally hot and humid rounds when your hands perspire more.

Try Gypsum Powder Loose

Magnesium supplements taken orally can reduce sweating from the inside out. However, magnesium chloride powder applied topically also curbs palm perspiration. This mineral rich substance manages moisture through electrolyte action. The ultra fine powder format contains molecules small enough to penetrate pores to control sweat where it starts. Apply to clean dry skin as needed during your game. The powdery mineral salts soak up dampness excellently. Since you use a very small amount, it brushes away easily without residue or mess. It won’t impact your grip like liquid antiperspirants. The antimicrobial properties also combat body odor.

Accept the Relaxation

If possible, play fewer rounds during the hottest, most humid times of day. Schedule your tee time for early morning just after the course opens and the grass is still wet with dew or later afternoon as things start cooling down. Avoid 11am to 4pm when sunshine beats down direct. The cooler, less steamy points of the day mean your body perspires less overall, hands included. Stash a cooler with chilled sports drinks in your golf cart to wrap sweaty hands around. Press icy bottles against pulse points. Stay hydrated since dehydration exacerbates sweating. The moment you start feeling overheated, stop and drink something chilled.

Pick Strategic Partners

If you tend to sweat excessively, avoid playing with random groups and instead set tee times with understanding partners used to your damp palms. Get matched with more laidback players who won’t get annoyed if you need to pause frequently to wipe off and won’t feel rushed or put off by your sweat woes. Connect with friends who won’t judge you for regularly reapplying antiperspirant mid-game. Having supportive players in your foursome makes managing sweat less stressful. Partners focused on enjoying the game rather than fixating on your sweat make for a better experience.

FAQs

How do I stop my hands from sweating when playing golf?

You can help stop sweaty hands when golfing by using an antiperspirant hand lotion before teeing off, changing gloves when they become damp, and keeping a small towel handy to regularly wipe moisture away. Choosing gloves with absorbent, breathable fabrics and a quality grip also provides traction to offset sweat.

How do you deal with sweaty hands while playing?

To combat sweaty hands on the golf course, apply chalk powder on the palms to help dry moisture and reinforce your grip. Use a glove made with preferred materials like cabretta leather. Take breaks as needed to wash and thoroughly dry your hands. Swing easy shots on hot humid days when possible.

What grip is good for sweaty hands?

The best golf grips for sweaty hands are oversized round models made of durable, porous rubber with ventilation channels or grooves. Interlocking grips with notches for the fingers provide extra stability. Replacing worn grips regularly also ensures you get good traction.

How do you cover sweaty hands?

The easiest way to conceal sweaty hands is to wear a high quality golf glove. Gloves camouflage sweat stains while improving your overall grip. Carry extras so you can change out damp gloves discreetly as needed when moisture accumulates. Breathable linings help hide sweating.

Conclusion

Don’t let sweaty palms deter you from an engaging round of golf. With preparation and the right techniques, you can play your best game even if you tend to have overly damp hands. Test gear, products and methods during practice sessions to discover your optimal sweat management ritual. With consistent implementation of moisture wicking practices, you’ll stay cool and keep clubs firmly in hand. Then you can simply focus on your short game rather than your slippery grip as you pursue lower scores. Equipped with sweat-busting knowledge, you’ll feel ready to confidently golf like a pro regardless of palm moisture. Grab your towel and chalk – it’s time to play.