Arthritic Golf Grips: Oversize, Soft and Jumbo Options for Sore Hands
Sore hands do not have to end your golf. A bigger, softer grip is one of the cheaper changes in the bag, and it takes some of the squeeze out of your hold.
Arthritic golf grips work by being larger (midsize, oversize or jumbo), softer and tackier than a standard grip, in rubber or polymer rather than cord. That combination lets you hold the club securely with less squeezing, which is easier on aching finger and thumb joints. A common starting point is the Winn Dri-Tac in oversize; JumboMax is the step up for severe arthritis or reduced grip strength, and a few wraps of tape on a grip you already own will show you the right size before you spend anything.
Jump to a section
| What it is | The grip | |
|---|---|---|
| Soft, tacky oversize | Winn Dri-Tac Oversize | Amazon → |
| True jumbo sizes | JumboMax (Wrap / UltraLite / STR8-Tech) | Amazon → |
| Soft, tacky, no cord | Lamkin Sonar+ | Amazon → |
| Soft outer layer, firmer core | SuperStroke S-Tech / Cross Comfort | Amazon → |
+ 1 more grip in the full list ↓
Quick MatchWhich arthritic golf grip fits you
Find the row closest to how your hands feel, then use the size as a starting point. A tape build-up on one club still beats guessing, and the golf grip size chart shows the diameters behind each label.
| If this sounds like you | Start with this size | Grip to look at |
|---|---|---|
| Mild stiffness, still want shot feedback | Midsize | SuperStroke or Golf Pride CP2 Wrap |
| Clear arthritis, comfort is the priority | Oversize | Winn Dri-Tac Oversize |
| Severe arthritis or real grip-strength loss | Jumbo | JumboMax |
| Play in damp or humid weather | Midsize | Lamkin Sonar+ |
| Between sizes / want to test bigger | Tape build-up | Wrap your current grips first |
ChecklistWhat to look for in a grip for arthritic hands
- Diameter. Oversize is about 1/8" over standard (about 0.900") and midsize about 1/16". Jumbo is bigger still. A larger grip means your fingers curl less, so you can hold the club with lighter pressure. There is no strict industry standard, so check the diameter, not just the label.
- A softer compound. Soft rubber and polyurethane soak up impact vibration, so less sting reaches your hands on a mis-hit. The trade is wear: soft grips commonly show thumb-area wear around 35-40 rounds, where firmer grips may last 60 or more.
- Tack. A tacky surface helps the club stay put without clamping down on it.
- Rubber or polymer, not cord. Cord weaves abrasive fabric into the grip, which feels rough on sensitive hands.
- Weight. Going oversize adds anywhere from about 2 to 30 grams depending on the maker (see the grip weight chart). JumboMax UltraLite is the one grip here sold to keep a jumbo size near standard weight.
- Reduced taper or tape build-up. A reduced-taper lower hand (Winn LT, Golf Pride CP2 Wrap) acts like a few wraps of tape. You can test the idea on one club with a tape build-up before buying anything.
A grip is a comfort choice, not a treatment. If your hands hurt, or the pain is new or getting worse, a doctor or a hand therapist is the right person to ask.
The five grips side by side. Gram weights are listed only for the Winn Dri-Tac, from Winn’s own product pages; for the others, see the grip weight chart or the maker.
| Grip | Size options | Material and build | Taper or weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winn Dri-Tac | Standard, midsize, oversize (plus Ladies and Junior models) | Soft, tacky rubber or polymer | 48 g standard, 49 g midsize, 50 g oversize; LT version has less taper |
| JumboMax | Small to XL (1/4 to 3/8 in over JumboMax standard), all bigger than a typical oversize | Shock-absorbing material around an internal stabilizer core | UltraLite version stays close to standard weight |
| Lamkin Sonar+ | Midsize | Soft all-rubber (Genesis material), fine micro-texture, no cord | Not stated |
| SuperStroke S-Tech / Cross Comfort | Midsize | Soft, tacky outer layer over a firmer inner core | Not stated |
| Golf Pride CP2 Wrap | Standard, midsize | Soft, high-tack surface | Reduced-taper lower hand |
Golf grips made for arthritic hands rest on one idea: the less tightly you have to squeeze the handle, the less load lands on the small, painful joints in your fingers and thumbs. A bigger, softer, grippier handle lets you hold on with a light, relaxed touch, and that one change can make a round more comfortable.
It is also one of the cheaper upgrades in golf. A new driver costs hundreds, while a set of grips installed at home costs far less (see the cost breakdown). Below: why these grips are built the way they are, how to pick a size, and what each of the five models is.
Why It WorksWhy arthritic hands need a different grip
Three things make a grip kinder to sore joints, and they reinforce each other. Understanding them is what lets you shop by feel instead of by marketing.
- Size, the big one. A larger-diameter grip means your fingers don't have to curl as tightly to wrap around the handle. Because your hand is more open and relaxed, you can hold the club securely while squeezing far less. Less squeezing means less load on the joints that ache. This lighter grip pressure is the single most-cited reason oversize grips help arthritis, and it’s the same logic behind the built-up handles the Arthritis Foundation lists for kitchen utensils: easier to grasp, with less stress on finger joints.
- Softness and shock absorption. Soft, cushioned rubber and polyurethane compounds soak up impact vibration. When you catch a ball thin or brush the turf, less of that jarring "sting" travels up into your hands and wrists. For sore joints, that dampening can take the edge off every shot, especially the mis-hits.
- Tack. A genuinely sticky, tacky surface lets a weaker grip stay put without you re-clamping down. The grippier the handle, the less your hands have to work, which is the whole point.
"The goal isn't to hold tighter. It's to be able to hold looser, and still trust the club won't move."
There's one more rule that matters here, and it's where a lot of generic "senior grip" lists get it wrong: arthritic golfers should generally avoid corded grips. Cord grips weave fabric into the rubber to fight sweat and rain, but that woven texture is abrasive and firm, exactly the wrong feel for sensitive or painful hands. Cord is built for sweaty palms and wet weather, not for joint pain. For arthritis, go full soft rubber or soft polymer every time.
The right grip lets you hold looser, but you still have to choose to. The classic teaching cue: hold the club as if you were holding a tube of toothpaste with the cap off, firm enough that it won't slip out, gentle enough that nothing squeezes onto the floor. On a 1-to-10 scale, aim for a 4 or 5, not an 8.
Softer grips make that light hold far easier to sustain, because the tack does the holding for you. The two work together: the grip is the tool, the lighter pressure is the technique. Neither costs much, and together they take the most strain off your joints.
How to size golf grips for arthritic hands
Grip "size" is measured as the diameter about two inches down from the butt end. The tiers run roughly like this, though note there is no strict industry standard, so the same word means slightly different things from brand to brand. Always confirm by the diameter (or by feel), not just the label on the box.
| Tier | Roughly how big | Who it tends to suit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Baseline men's size (about 0.900") | Average hands, no joint issues |
| Midsize | About +1/16" over standard | A modest, comfortable step up |
| Oversize | About +1/8" over standard | Arthritis, large hands, grip-strength loss |
| Jumbo | Bigger still, beyond +1/8" | Severe arthritis, real grip-strength loss |
To estimate your size at home, measure from the crease of your wrist to the tip of your middle finger on your upper (lead) hand. Golf Pride’s size guide reads: under 5 inches is Junior, 5 to 6.5 inches is undersize, 6.6 to 7.5 inches is standard, 7.6 to 9 inches is midsize, and over 9 inches is jumbo. Its glove-size column lines up: men’s medium or medium-large is standard, men’s large or XL is midsize, and men’s XL, XXL or XXXL is jumbo. Charts differ a little from maker to maker, so treat the number as a starting point.
For arthritis or joint pain, Golf Pride suggests sizing up while still making sure you can confidently hold the club, and points to its softer CP grips (CPX or CP2). If you’re between sizes, round up, and check that the club still feels secure. To test a bigger size before you buy, build up your existing grips with extra wraps of tape (our grip build-up tape chart shows how many wraps add a grip size). Golf Pride suggests 2 to 4 wraps for an in-between feel, and the Arthritis Foundation, as reported by HealthDay, lists athletic tape or a custom grip as a way to thicken a grip and reduce stress on finger joints.
The ListFive golf grips for arthritic hands, and what each one is
These five are all rubber or polymer (no cord) and are sold on Amazon. You can install them at home if you're handy.
Winn Dri-Tac Oversize
A soft, tacky, shock-absorbing grip, the kind of feel that lets you hold on with light pressure. Winn lists it in standard (48 g), midsize (49 g) and oversize (50 g), all on a 0.600 core, plus Ladies and Junior models and an "LT" (less taper) version that builds up the lower hand for an even lighter hold if you're between sizes. The tradeoff: the softness that makes it so kind to your hands also wears faster than firm rubber, and the newer Dri-Tac 2.0 was made to improve on that. Sold individually and in discounted multi-packs. If you are searching for the Winn Dri-Tac for arthritis, this is the grip people mean.
JumboMax (Wrap / UltraLite / STR8-Tech)
The largest grips on this list, aimed at advanced arthritis or reduced grip strength. These are true jumbo grips, sized Small through XL (JumboMax lists them at 1/4 in, 5/16 in, 11/32 in and 3/8 in over its standard grip for Small, Medium, Large and XL) and all of them bigger than a typical "oversize," built around an internal stabilizer core that keeps a big grip from twisting, plus shock-absorbing material. The UltraLite version keeps a jumbo grip close to standard weight, which matters if you don't want the extra bulk slowing your swing. Things to know: jumbo grips are a real adjustment, they can reduce wrist hinge and hand release (which can nudge a push for some players), and they cost more per grip than mainstream brands. JumboMax’s sizing page points long fingers, large hands or arthritis toward a Large or XL. Available on Amazon.
Lamkin Sonar+
A soft, very tacky all-rubber grip built on Lamkin's Genesis material, with a fine micro-texture surface that stays grippy in humidity and light rain, all without the cord. That's the key: it gives you wet-weather security without the abrasiveness that makes cord a poor match for arthritis. The "+" adds a subtle reminder ridge that some players love and others don't, and it comes in midsize for a moderate step up. The high tack is polarizing, and a few players find it almost too sticky.
SuperStroke S-Tech / Cross Comfort
SuperStroke pairs a soft, tacky outer layer with a firmer inner core, so you get cushion and enough feedback to know where you struck it. It's a middle ground for golfers who find ultra-soft grips too mushy. S-Tech is the premium soft-tack option (you'll see it on tour); Cross Comfort is the value comfort pick. Both come in midsize. At least one reviewer reported a Cross Comfort outer layer peeling early, so treat it as a budget comfort pick rather than the most durable on this list.
Golf Pride CP2 Wrap
Golf Pride's softest performance grip, from one of the biggest names in grips. It's a soft, high-tack surface with noticeable vibration dampening on mis-hits, and a reduced-taper lower hand that mimics building the grip up with extra tape. That's effectively a slight size-up that naturally lightens your grip pressure. It comes in standard and midsize, and reviewers rate its durability as good for a grip this soft (roughly a full season for many players). Widely stocked, including on Amazon. It is firmer than the Winn Dri-Tac.
The same five grips rated on softness (how cushioned the grip feels) and durability (how well that softness holds up over a season).
| Grip | Suits | Sizes | Softness | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winn Dri-Tac | Soft, tacky, cushioned feel | Std / Mid / Over (+ LT) | High | Low |
| JumboMax | Large hands / reduced grip strength | Small - XL (true jumbo) | High | Medium |
| Lamkin Sonar+ | Damp conditions, no cord | Midsize | High | Medium |
| SuperStroke S-Tech / Cross Comfort | Cushion with shot feedback | Midsize | Medium | Low |
| Golf Pride CP2 Wrap | Reduced taper, modest size-up | Standard / Midsize | Medium | High |
Tradeoffs to know before you buy
Two catches come with these grips.
Soft grips wear faster. The very cushion that makes these grips comfortable also makes them smooth out sooner than firm rubber or cord. Soft grips commonly start showing thumb-area wear somewhere around 35–40 rounds, where firmer grips might go 60-plus. That is a fair trade for hands that hurt, so plan for it. If you play three or four times a week, expect to re-grip yearly; a weekend golfer can often stretch a soft set to a couple of seasons.
Jumbo isn't automatically better. Going too large can quiet your wrist hinge and reduce hand release, which for some players turns into a push or a fade. That's why "the biggest grip wins" is wrong. Think of jumbo as a comfort-for-feel tradeoff that's well worth it for many arthritis sufferers, though worth testing first. The tape build-up trial mentioned earlier is the cheapest way to find your line before you commit.
MaintenanceWhen to re-grip, and what it costs
The general rule is to re-grip every 12–18 months, or every 30–40 rounds, whichever comes first, and sooner for soft grips. Don't just count, though. Replace grips when they look shiny or glossy, feel slick or hard, or show cracks and smooth worn patches (the spots under your thumbs go first). Heat and cold both speed up hardening, so leaving clubs baking in a car trunk shortens their life.
On cost (and these are approximate ranges, because shop labor, region, and grip model all vary):
- DIY: roughly $3–$6 per club for the grip, tape, and solvent. A full set of 14 done yourself often lands somewhere around $45–$85, depending on which grips you choose.
- Pro / shop install: add roughly $3 to $10-plus per club in labor on top of the grip; a full-service shop can run into the high teens or low twenties per club.
Doing it yourself typically saves more than half and is beginner-friendly with a vise, a hook blade, double-sided tape and grip solvent (see how to regrip clubs at home). For many arthritic golfers, though, paying a shop to wrestle 14 grips is money well spent.
Trial RunThe tape build-up test, step by step
Before you spend on a full set of jumbo grips, you can fake a bigger grip on a club you already own and see how it actually feels on the course. It's reversible and costs almost nothing. Here's the gist:
- Pick one club you hit often, a 7-iron is ideal, so the test reflects a normal swing.
- Don't remove the grip. You're testing diameter, not installing anything permanent.
- Add wraps of masking or athletic tape around the lower-hand area of the grip, a few wraps at a time, to thicken it. Each layer nudges the size up.
- Hit some shots and chip around. Notice whether your hands relax and the squeeze eases, and watch for any push or loss of release that signals you've gone too far.
- Peel it back if it's too much, or add more if you want bigger. When you find the feel you like, that's roughly the size to order.
It is the cheapest way to avoid the costliest grip mistake: buying a full set in the wrong size.
Avoid TheseCommon mistakes arthritic golfers make with grips
- Buying by the label, not the diameter. Because there's no strict industry standard, one brand's "oversize" can equal another's "midsize." Confirm by feel or diameter, not the word on the box.
- Reaching for cord because it sounds "premium." Cord is built for sweaty palms and rain, and its abrasive texture is the wrong feel for sore hands. Soft rubber or polymer every time.
- Going straight to jumbo. Bigger isn't automatically better. Oversizing too far can quiet your wrist hinge and turn into a push or fade. Start at oversize and only step up if you need it.
- Skipping the build-up test. Guessing your size and committing to all 14 grips is how people end up with a set that doesn't fit. Test one club first.
- Ignoring worn grips. A slick, glossy, hardened grip forces you to squeeze harder, which is exactly the strain you're trying to avoid. Re-grip on condition, not just the calendar.
- Leaving clubs in a hot trunk. Heat and cold both speed up hardening and shorten grip life. Store clubs indoors when you can.
Grips are one lever, not a cure
New grips reduce strain. They don't fix arthritis, and it's worth being clear about that. The golfers who keep playing comfortably usually stack a few small changes together. Alongside the right grip, many find relief from graphite shafts (lighter and less harsh on the hands than steel), low-compression golf balls, a warm-up before teeing off (an Arthritis Society Canada physiotherapist suggests 10 minutes in this article), padded golf gloves (the same article says they put less force on hand and wrist joints), and playing nine holes or moving up to forward tees on rough days. Above all, let pain be your guide, and check with your doctor or a hand therapist about what's right for you. (When sore hands also make distances hard to read, our guide to the best rangefinders for shaky hands is a useful companion read. And if you're rebuilding a comfort-first setup from the ground up, a forgiving, lightweight driver like the one in our Cleveland Launcher XL2 review pairs naturally with arthritis-friendly grips.)
The last word
If hand pain has crept into your game, start small and start cheap: try a soft, oversize, tacky grip and a tape build-up test if you're curious about going bigger. It's a low-risk, low-cost change, and some players find it makes the first tee less of a dread. Try one club's worth before committing to all 14 if you want to be sure. Then go enjoy your round.
Our grip weight chart shows what going oversize costs in grams at each maker, which ranges from two to thirty. Weighing the two softest options? See Winn Dri-Tac vs Golf Pride CP2 Wrap.
FAQQuick answers
What are arthritic golf grips?
It is a search term rather than a separate product category. It means grips that are easier on sore finger and thumb joints: a larger diameter (midsize, oversize or jumbo), a soft rubber or polymer compound, and a tacky surface, with no abrasive cord. The five grips above all fit that description.
What size golf grip should I use with arthritis?
Start one step above your measured size. Golf Pride suggests sizing up for arthritis or joint pain as long as you can still hold the club confidently. Midsize suits mild stiffness, oversize suits clear arthritis, and jumbo is for severe arthritis or real grip-strength loss. Test the size with tape on one club before buying a set.
Which golf grips are easiest on arthritic hands?
Soft, tacky, larger-diameter grips: the Winn Dri-Tac in oversize for cushion, JumboMax for the biggest diameters, and Lamkin Sonar+ or Golf Pride CP2 Wrap if you want a modest size-up. Skip cord, whose woven texture is rough on sensitive hands.
Do oversized grips really reduce arthritis hand pain, or is it hype?
The mechanism is real, and it’s the same joint-protection principle hand clinics teach for everyday tools: a larger handle takes less force to hold, which unloads the painful finger and thumb joints. The Arthritis Foundation and hand-surgery centers recommend built-up handles for exactly this reason, and a bigger, softer golf grip applies the same idea: you hold the club securely while squeezing less, and the shock-absorbing surface eases the impact sting. It’s a comfort aid, not a treatment, and how much it helps varies golfer to golfer, but it’s one of the lowest-risk, most affordable changes to try.
What's the difference between oversize, midsize, and jumbo grips, and which do I need?
Roughly: midsize is a small step up from standard, oversize is a bigger step, and jumbo is bigger still. Because there's no strict industry standard, the same label varies by brand, so confirm by diameter or feel. For arthritis or joint pain, Golf Pride suggests sizing up while still making sure you can confidently hold the club. Start with oversize; go jumbo if your arthritis is severe or your grip strength is significantly reduced.
Should I get cord or rubber grips if I have arthritis?
Rubber (or soft polymer), not cord. Corded grips weave in abrasive fabric to fight sweat and rain, and that firmer, rougher texture can irritate sensitive or arthritic hands. Cord is the right call for sweaty palms and wet conditions, but for joint pain, choose a full soft rubber grip every time.
Will bigger grips mess up my swing or cause a push?
They can, if you go too large. Oversizing too far reduces wrist hinge and hand release, which for some players shows up as a push or a fade. That's why jumbo isn't automatically "better." Treat extra size as a comfort-for-feel tradeoff (often well worth it for arthritis), and test it first by building up a grip with extra tape wraps before you commit to a full set.
How often should I re-grip, and how do I know they're worn out?
The general rule is every 12–18 months or 30–40 rounds, whichever comes first, and sooner for soft comfort grips, which wear faster by design. Don't just count: replace them when they look shiny or glossy, feel slick or hard, or show cracks and smooth worn patches, especially under your thumbs. Heat and cold both speed up hardening, so don't leave clubs cooking in a hot trunk.
How much does it cost to re-grip a full set: DIY vs. a shop?
Approximate ranges, since prices vary by region, shop, and grip: doing it yourself runs about $3–$6 per club for the grip and supplies, so a full set of 14 often lands around $45–$85. A shop adds roughly $3–$10-plus per club in labor on top of the grip. DIY usually saves more than half and is beginner-friendly, but paying a shop is perfectly reasonable, especially if wrestling 14 grips is hard on your hands.
How do I measure my hand to estimate grip size at home?
Measure from your wrist crease to the tip of your middle finger. Golf Pride's size guide reads: under 5 inches is Junior, 5 to 6.5 inches undersize, 6.6 to 7.5 inches standard, 7.6 to 9 inches midsize, and over 9 inches jumbo. Your glove size is a second check on the same chart. For arthritis or joint pain, Golf Pride suggests sizing up while still making sure you can confidently hold the club.
Can I just put grips on my irons and leave my putter and driver?
Yes, and trying one club's worth before committing to all 14 is a smart, low-risk move. A 7-iron is a good test club because it reflects a normal swing. If the lighter grip pressure helps there, roll the change out to the rest of the set. Many golfers find the most relief once the irons and wedges, the clubs you hit most, are all softened up.
Do I need different size grips for different clubs?
Most players keep one consistent size across the set so the feel doesn't change from club to club. The two common exceptions are the putter, which often uses its own larger grip for a different reason (quieting the hands on the stroke), and personal preference if a particular club feels off. For arthritis, the simplest path is matching your chosen comfort size across the irons, woods, and wedges, then handling the putter on its own. A fat, soft oversize putter grip happens to be one of the most arthritis-friendly upgrades in the bag, so it's an easy yes if your hands ache over short putts.