For the usual single-glove setup, a right-handed golfer buys a glove worn on the left hand; a left-handed golfer buys one worn on the right. Then select the size and cut using that hand’s measurements and a try-on. The hand named on the glove and the side you play from are different pieces of information.
This is a US first-purchase guide, not a product review. It helps you check a glove you are considering; it does not establish that every beginner must buy one before a first visit.
Which hand does a golf glove go on?
PING’s US glove-hand instructions explicitly give the following mapping:
| How you play golf | Usual single glove to select |
|---|---|
| Right-handed | Worn on the left hand |
| Left-handed | Worn on the right hand |
Read the product selector carefully. Callaway’s Fusion listing, for example, uses “Worn on Left” to describe the hand receiving the glove. “Left” in that context does not mean “for a left-handed golf swing.” These examples explain ordering labels, rather than recommend either product.
Use the side you actually play from instead of assuming it matches your writing hand. If you have not established that yet, ask an instructor or shop assistant to help before ordering. If you are selecting a pair of gloves or following individual instruction, check that intended setup separately; the table describes the usual single-glove purchase.
Measure the hand that will wear it
FootJoy’s fitting guide and Nike’s golf-glove size guide both use middle-finger length and hand circumference to establish a starting size. A shirt size, shoe size or height does not answer those two measurements.
Nike’s written instructions measure circumference around the knuckles and middle-finger length from between the middle and index fingers to the fingertip. Follow the measuring instructions attached to the chart you are using, including its units, rather than combining measurements and size labels from different charts.
Use the chart for the product’s actual size range. Nike publishes separate men’s, women’s, kids’ and cadet tables; that is a reason to check the relevant chart rather than treat “medium” as a universal measurement. Record your measurements, the model and the candidate size, then try it on if possible.
Regular versus cadet: a shape difference
FootJoy describes regular gloves as having standard palm and finger proportions, and cadet gloves as having a wider palm and shorter fingers. Nike also provides a separate cadet chart. Cadet is a cut to investigate when proportions differ, rather than a substitute for checking a junior size chart.
| What happens at try-on | Next check |
|---|---|
| Palm feels suitable but material remains beyond the fingertips | Compare a cadet cut and the maker’s sizing advice |
| Fingers fit but the palm is loose | Compare sizes or another model’s shape |
| The closure is difficult to fasten or movement feels restricted | Recheck size and cut with the assistant |
| Fit changes substantially when holding a grip | Evaluate it in that position before buying |
These are editorial prompts for another fitting check, not a diagnosis or a guarantee that switching cuts solves the problem. Hand, size and cut availability must be confirmed for the exact listing; a brand selling cadet gloves does not establish every hand-and-size combination is available.
Try it on before buying a multipack
FootJoy’s written guidance calls for a close fit across the palm and fingers, without loose material at the fingertips, and enough closure adjustment. Snug should still allow you to use your hand comfortably; forcing the closure is a reason to reassess.
Our practical suggestion is to ask the shop whether you can hold a clean demonstration grip while wearing the candidate glove. Check the palm, fingertips, thumb and closure together. Avoid buying several identical gloves until the first one has been checked for your hand.
For an online order, save the model, hand worn, cut, size and quantity from the selected variant. Ask the seller about try-on and return conditions before removing packaging or using it. We have not verified a worn-glove return entitlement, a current price or a universal lifespan.
Keep material and weather claims specific
Read the exact product’s material and care description. If you are considering a rain or cold-weather option, confirm whether it is one glove or a pair and what use the maker describes. A name or the word “all-weather” is not our evidence of measured wet grip.
TeeClear has not compared these products for grip, durability or feel. Choose a starting purchase around fit, the planned visit and a price you can confirm. Put that actual purchase in the first-round budget; do not treat a premium material as an established performance upgrade.
Then return to what to bring to your first round for the complete packing task. If footwear is still undecided, the first golf-shoes guide starts with the course policy and fitting checks.
Sources and scope
Research checked 16 October 2026. Relevant written PING and Callaway product-hand information, FootJoy fit/cadet guidance and Nike measurement instructions were read and compared. FootJoy’s cited fitting page is a men’s guide; no numerical chart is reproduced as a universal sizing system. Videos were not watched. No glove was purchased, worn or tested, and no author fitting qualification, stock guarantee or performance ranking is claimed. The try-on table and buying sequence are TeeClear’s editorial suggestions.