I have been asked many times in lessons and when playing about wearing a glove to putt. It is a simple question with a simple yet somewhat evasive answer: yes and no. Let's look at why we wear a glove and see if that also translates into keeping it on or off to putt.
I would say the primary reason to wear a glove is to have a firmer, no slip grip of the club. A secondary, yet important, reason is to cut back on getting blisters and calluses.
Note from the Surge: Blisters and calluses, why we get them and how not to get them. Blisters and calluses are caused by one thing, friction. The club is slipping or spinning in your hands. Do this enough and the blisters and calluses build up and pain sets in. And, we can't forget that you also wear holes into the heel pad and thumb of the glove. The answer to eliminating them is simple. Firm up and tighten your grip. Holding it like a baby bird is baloney. A good grip has to be firm and in control, just like you would have in swinging a baseball bat or hammer. So dump the light grip in favor of a more firm, tight and in control grip to save your hands and extend the life of your golf glove.
Back to the question of putting with the glove on or off. That is a personal preference. Since putting is a matter of extreme feel, many players take their glove off to putt because they believe they have increased sensitivity and touch. They take it off and tuck it in one of their back pockets, usually with half of it hanging out. Many who take their glove off to putt also take it off after every shot. I take my glove off to putt and after every shot (keep the tan the same on both hands) and put it in my back right pocket. I have had times when after playing I stopped on the way home to gas up or go to the grocery store and have had people ask how my round was or where did I play. I would ask how they knew I played, and the answer was always the same — you still have your glove in your back pocket.
On the other side of the coin are the players that keep their glove on to putt. They believe and want the same feel in their grip of the putter as they have with their other clubs. There have been many good to great putters who, when they put on their glove on the first tee, it never comes off until they putt out on the eighteenth hole. Jack Nicklaus is the best example that comes to mind.
So, to putt with glove on or glove off is a personal preference. I believe that there are far more golfers who putt with their glove off than those who keep it on. Whatever reason(s) you choose to make the decision, it's your choice. Whether it is touch and feel, wanting to keep both hands with the same sun tan, or just the coolness of hanging it out of your back pocket'¦the ultimate reason is because you Make More Putts.
For many golfers, whose hands sweat profusely, the no slip aspect is vital and critical in hot weather. I am sure you have seen or played with someone who has 2 to 5 gloves hanging from the roof posts on the cart airing out, or hanging on his bag strap if he is walking. These players have a terrible time keeping their hands and gloves dry in hot and humid weather so they can hold onto the club.
Here's to clear skies and firm greens,
The Surge!