FOOTJOY RAINGRIP GLOVE

Gripping the club in wet conditions is a very significant issue for all golfers, and a traditional leather glove is not made for serious rain. For this reason FootJoy’s RainGrip glove has been a staple in my golf bag for years.

Despite being one of the rare nonglove wearers most of the time, wet days require some help and the RainGrip is at the top of the tree for mine in this area.

Although it may not offer the feel of a thinner leather, the ‘autosuede’ material on the palm gives a real connection to the grip in damp conditions. In fact, during testing recently, adding water to the material seems to actually enhance the traction of the glove.

The material being a little thicker also offers a little protection from the elements and lessens the slightly jarring feeling of a mis-hit in the cold and seems to lock the grip more in place.

Given all this it is easy to see why rain gloves have gained more popularity in recent years, even on Tour, where an endless supply of leather gloves means the expense us mere mortals face when using one in the wet and effectively ending its use isnt a factor. Phil Mickelson opts for two rain gloves in the wet, and Aaron Rai wears two at all times, even in dry conditions, purely for the traction.

The RainGrip is far more than marketing spin, the glove performs better in the wet and removes one of the biggest challenges of playing golf in the rain. For that reason a rain glove is an essential in the bag in my opinion, and FootJoy’s option continues to be a true standout in the category.