Why do golf grips have holes in them?

It’s something we see every time we play golf – the small holes on the end of our grips.

And if you’re like us, you’ll have probably asked yourself why they are there.

The answer to the question lies with the installation of the grips.

Shafts are a hollow construct, meaning they contain air.

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Because the grips are flush to the shaft, there is no room for air to escape when they are being installed.

If there was no hole, the air would have to be compressed to allow the grips to be fitted, and that would make it an extremely difficult task. Think of what happens when you put your thumb over the end of a bicycle pump – the effect is the same.

A small hole on the end of the grip allows trapped air to escape, making fitting grips much easier.

It also allows a route for moisture to escape, which would otherwise cause the shafts to rust.

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The hole makes no difference to performance, and covering it after grips have been fitted has no impact either.

In fact, technology is now being developed which could even benefit golfers, such as smart sensors which fit on the end of the grips.