Having grown up in cold, wet weather in Scotland and spent eight years golfing in hot, sweaty climate of Florida, I know the importance of a good glove. You could say I know it like the back of my hand.
Finding the right level of fit, comfort, flexibility, look, feel and grip can be challenging and often overlooked. One glove I have used over and over again for the last few years is the FootJoy WeatherSof glove.
Originally launched in 1990, the WeatherSof glove has been massive success for FootJoy. They claim that 2 out of every 10 golfers now chooses to wear WeatherSof. I am one of those 20%.
The glove uses a combination of cabretta leather and synthetic materials. Together they produce a glove that is soft, flexibility and above all, durable. You can see the leather sections in grey in the photo below.
I find the WeatherSof glove slightly more flexible than higher-end, full-leather gloves. The synthetic design has an elastic quality when you put it on that sits more comfortably around my fingers than a more rigid all-leather design.
That flexibility is enhanced with two stripes of FootJoy's PowerNet mesh material, positioned on the knuckles. These stripes stretch better than either the leather or the synthetic material, allowing the glove to fit nicely when you grasp your hand and grip your club.
All that being said, the best thing about the WeatherSof and the reason I choose it time and time again is the durability. It doesn't wear or tear like all-leather gloves tend to over time and performs better on hot, sweaty days as well.
Where all-leather gloves need to be aired out after they get wet and often take a while to recover, the WeatherSof can absorb a little rain and sweat better. I have found that a WeatherSof glove may last up to twice as many rounds as a high-end leather glove.
Much like with golf balls, the higher-priced products may offer better feel and performance initially, but suffer in terms of durability. I don't want to be buying a new glove each month throughout the summer and that is why I like wearing the WeatherSof.
Here's a look at my latest WeatherSof glove after five 18-hole rounds. Minor discoloration, but absolutely no signs of wear or tear or damp marks.
For all that comfort and durability, you'd be mistaken for thinking the WeatherSof would cost more than most other gloves on the market. However, that is not the case. RRP for the glove is £8.50 and I recently picked up two for £12 at my local golf shop.
If you're not fussed about the feel and look of an all-leather glove, don't waste your time looking for another glove. Buy a couple of FootJoy WeatherSof gloves and you'll be sorted for your next 40-50 rounds.