Golf gloves that are too loose can cause the club to slip in your child's hands, while gloves that are too tight can create pressure and discomfort in the palm. This can affect their ability to control the club and make them feel less confident during practice. That's why choosing the right glove size is important to help your child grip the club securely and comfortably.
How to measure for kids golf glove, you only need to identify their lead hand, measure the hand length, middle finger length, and hand circumference, then compare the measurements with each brand's size chart. This guide will walk you through three simple steps to measure your child's hand, along with size charts from popular golf glove brands. You'll also learn how to check for a proper fit to help prevent blisters while your child practices golf.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Choose the glove hand based on your child's golf swing: Right-handed golfers (with the left hand at the top of the grip) wear a glove on their left hand. Left-handed golfers wear a glove on their right hand.
- Measuring methods vary by brand: Some brands, like U.S. Kids Golf, use the hand length from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger. Other brands, like FootJoy and Nike, use both middle finger length and hand circumference.
- Choose a snug, second-skin fit: Avoid buying a larger size for your child to grow into. Extra fabric in the palm can rub against the club grip, cause blisters, and make your child grip the club too tightly.
- Check the fit while your child holds a golf club: A properly fitted glove should lie flat against the palm, have little extra space at the fingertips, and leave a small amount of room at the Velcro closure for adjustment as the glove naturally stretches.
How to Measure Your Child's Hand for a Golf Glove
Learning how to measure for kids golf glove sizes is an important first step in finding a comfortable, secure fit for your young golfer. Rather than relying on age recommendations or guessing by appearance, parents can take a few simple hand measurements to choose a more suitable glove. With a flexible measuring tape and just a minute of your time, you can help your child enjoy a better grip and greater comfort during golf practice.
Identify Which Hand Needs the Glove
Before taking any measurements, determine which hand your child uses as their lead hand when holding a golf club. Golf gloves are typically worn on this hand because it plays an important role in controlling the grip.
For right-handed golfers, the left hand sits at the top of the club grip, so they usually wear a glove on their left hand. Left-handed golfers typically wear a glove on their right hand. Watch how your child naturally holds and swings the club rather than assuming their golfing hand preference matches the hand they use for writing.
Measure Full Hand Length
The first step in measuring a childs hand for golf gloves is determining the full hand length. This measurement provides a useful starting point for comparing junior glove sizes.
Ask your child to place their lead hand flat on a table with their fingers straight, relaxed, and close together. Position a flexible measuring tape at the wrist crease, where the palm meets the forearm. Measure from this point to the tip of the middle finger, keeping the tape straight.
Record the result in centimeters (cm). This measurement will help you compare your child's hand size with the manufacturer's sizing recommendations.
Measure Middle Finger Length
Middle finger length is another useful measurement because it helps determine whether the glove's fingers will fit correctly. Some manufacturers, including FootJoy and Nike, provide sizing guidance that considers finger length.
Have your child keep their hand relaxed and measure from the crease at the base of the middle finger to the fingertip.
Make sure the tape follows the finger without bending or stretching it. A correct measurement can help you avoid gloves with excess material at the fingertips, which may bunch up when your child grips the club.
Measure Hand Circumference
To measure hand circumference, wrap a soft measuring tape around the widest part of your child's palm, just below the four knuckles, without including the thumb.
Keep the tape comfortably against the skin without pulling it too tightly or leaving extra space. Ask your child to relax their hand while you record the measurement in centimeters.
Once you have the full hand length, middle finger length, and hand circumference, you can compare the results with the sizing guide provided by your preferred golf glove brand.
After finding a suitable glove, help your child develop proper grip habits with our beginner-friendly guide on how to play golf for kids
Kids Golf Glove Size Chart: Find the Right Junior Size
After learning how to measure for kids golf glove sizes, the next step is comparing your child's measurements with the manufacturer's recommendations. Since golf glove sizing can vary between brands, the same hand measurements may correspond to different sizes depending on the glove's design and materials.
A kids golf glove size chart offers a useful starting point, but parents should always check the specific brand's sizing information before making a purchase.
U.S. Kids Golf Glove Size Chart by Hand Length
Understanding junior golf glove sizing by hand length can make it easier to narrow down the available options. The reference chart below provides approximate measurements and age ranges commonly associated with different youth glove sizes.
| Glove Size | Approximate age | Hand Length (cm) | Inches | Fit Description |
| Youth XS | 2 - 4 year | ~14.0 cm | ~5.5" | Small fit that sits snugly around the palm |
| Youth S | 4-6 year | ~14.5 cm | ~5.7" | fits gently around the finger with |
| Youth M | 7 - 9 year | ~15.5 cm | ~6.1" | natural, snug fit that allows flexible movement when gripping the club |
| Youth L | 10 - 11 year | ~16.5 cm | ~6.5" | Secure fit around the wrist in the palm |
| Youth XL | 11 - 12 year | ~17.5 cm | ~6.9" | large fit, close to a small adult golf glove |
Note: The measurements in this chart are approximate values provided in the content outline. They have not been verified against the official U.S. Kids Golf glove size chart.
U.S. Kids Golf, FootJoy, Nike
Each brand designs and sizes kids' golf gloves differently. U.S. Kids Golf offers gloves for younger children, while FootJoy Junior focuses on a snug fit around the fingers and palm to help children maintain a good feel for the club. Some Nike Junior gloves also use synthetic materials and breathable mesh to keep hands comfortable during play. That's why parents should compare their child's hand measurements with each brand's size chart instead of choosing based on clothing size or assuming all brands use the same sizing.
What to Do If Your Child's Measurements Fall Between Two Sizes
If your child's hand measurements fall between two sizes, you can try the smaller size first to check the fit. Some materials, such as Cabretta leather or synthetic fabrics, may stretch slightly over time, making the glove looser than when it was new. However, only choose the smaller size if your child can still straighten and bend their fingers comfortably without feeling any tightness or discomfort. A properly fitting glove will help your child grip the club securely and feel more confident during practice.
Besides choosing the right golf glove, parents can also read our guide on how to teach kids golf to learn how to introduce their children to basic golf techniques at home.
How Should a Junior Golf Glove Fit?
After receiving a new golf glove, parents should check the fit before taking their child to the driving range. A properly fitting glove should fit snugly around the hand while still allowing enough flexibility for your child to grip and swing the club comfortably. Below are some simple ways to check whether the glove fits your child properly.
A Snug, Second-Skin Fit Around the Palm and Fingers
A properly fitting golf glove should feel like a second skin on your child's hand, without being too tight or too loose. When your child opens their hand, the fabric across the palm should lie flat, with no wrinkles or extra material. The glove's fingertips should also reach the ends of your child's fingers to prevent the fabric from shifting when gripping the club. If there is too much space at the fingertips, the glove may twist or wrinkle when your child grips the club tightly.
How to Check the Velcro Closure Fit
The Velcro closure is a useful way for parents to quickly check how well the glove fits across the back of the hand. According to FootJoy's glove fitting guide, a new glove should leave about 20–25% of the Velcro closure uncovered. This extra space allows your child to tighten the closure as the glove material stretches slightly after several practice sessions. If the Velcro closure is completely covered during the first fitting, parents should check the size again because the glove may be slightly too large.
Signs That a Golf Glove Is Too Tight or Too Loose
A golf glove that is too tight can make it difficult for your child to bend their fingers, cause the seams between the fingers to feel stretched, or leave red marks on the skin. The Velcro closure may also be difficult to fasten, with less than half of the fastening area attached. On the other hand, a glove that is too loose often has wrinkles across the palm and large gaps at the fingertips. If you notice any of these signs, try a different size to keep your child comfortable during practice.
Check the Fit While Your Child Holds a Golf Club
The easiest way to check the fit is to have your child put on the glove and hold their usual golf club in the address position. Watch for any wrinkles, shifting fabric, or signs that your child needs to squeeze the grip too tightly to hold the club. A properly fitting glove will help your child hold the club securely, keep their wrists relaxed, and make a more natural golf swing.
Besides choosing the right glove size, parents can also read our tips for taking kids golfing to learn what essentials to prepare before taking their child to the golf course.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Kids' Golf Glove Sizes
Choosing the wrong golf glove size can make your child uncomfortable during practice and cost parents extra time on returns or exchanges. Below are some common mistakes to avoid so your child can enjoy a comfortable, properly fitting glove during golf practice.
Choosing a Golf Glove Size Based Only on Your Child's Age
Many parents choose golf glove sizes based on the age listed on the packaging without checking their child's actual hand measurements. However, two children who are both 8 years old can have very different hand lengths and finger sizes. That's why age should only be used as a general guide when choosing a glove. Parents should focus on measuring their child's hand in centimeters (cm) and comparing the results with the brand's size chart for a more accurate fit.
Buying a Larger Golf Glove for Your Child to Grow Into
Unlike clothing, golf gloves need to fit snugly around the hand, so parents should avoid buying a larger size just to make the glove last longer. Extra fabric can wrinkle and rub against the skin, increasing the risk of blisters when your child swings the club. A glove that is too loose can also make your child grip the club more tightly to prevent slipping. This can cause hand fatigue and affect their swing technique. Instead of buying one size larger, choose a glove that fits your child's current hand measurements.
Understanding the Difference Between Junior and Cadet Golf Gloves
When shopping for golf gloves, parents may come across the terms Junior and Cadet, but they do not mean the same thing. Junior (Youth) gloves are designed to fit children's hands, while Cadet gloves are made for people with wider palms and relatively shorter fingers. Cadet fits are more common in adult golf gloves or gloves for older teens, rather than being a separate size for younger children. For kids ages 4–12, parents should choose Junior gloves first and only consider a Cadet fit if their child's hand measurements are a good match.
Conclusion
Understanding how to measure for kids golf glove is essential for finding the right fit and keeping your child comfortable on the course. By identifying the correct lead hand, measuring three key areas, and checking the brand’s size chart, parents can choose a glove that fits snugly without feeling too tight. A properly fitted golf glove helps young golfers maintain a secure grip, swing comfortably, and build confidence with every shot.
To find more suitable golf clothing and accessories for your child, explore the golf collection at Swaddlean.
