TaylorMade · Golf Balls & Golf Equipment
TaylorMade Tour Preferred Flex Golf Glove
Golf glove with water-resistant treatment; PFAS status unclear from brand.
TaylorMade does not disclose PFAS use or absence in this glove. Leather and synthetic materials likely treated for water resistance, which commonly involves water-repellent coating coatings potentially containing PFAS, though not confirmed here.
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Material
Leather palm with synthetic backing, water-resistant treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Tour Preferred Flex combines a leather palm (typically cowhide or sheepskin) with a synthetic backing, likely polyester or nylon mesh. The water-resistant treatment applied to maintain grip in wet conditions is the chemical variable of concern, since water repellency in golf apparel often relies on PFAS-based water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings or, less commonly, wax or silicone alternatives. Leather itself is chemically stable and poses minimal leaching risk under normal use. The synthetic backing and thread may contain dyes and finishes applied during manufacturing.
The brand's record and disclosure
TaylorMade, owned by Callaway Golf, has not publicly committed to PFAS elimination or disclosed whether this glove uses PFAS-based water repellency. The brand's materials transparency is limited; no third-party certifications (Bluesign, GOTS, or similar) are typically advertised on golf gloves in this category. No recalls or major safety controversies have been documented for TaylorMade golf gloves. The silence on water-resistant treatment chemistry is the primary disclosure gap.
How it compares in its category
Golf gloves are not heavily regulated like food-contact items or children's wear, so hazard disclosure is voluntary. Most premium leather golf gloves from TaylorMade, Titleist, and Callaway use similar water-repellent coating treatments whose chemistry is proprietary and undisclosed. Entry-level or eco-focused alternatives (e.g., some non-treated leather or wool-blend gloves) eliminate the water-repellent coating uncertainty but sacrifice water resistance. The Tour Preferred Flex sits in the standard premium segment where PFAS use is common but unconfirmed.
If you buy it
Hand-wash with mild soap and air-dry to preserve the leather and water-resistant coating; avoid machine washing or heat drying. Replace when the palm surface becomes shiny, worn, or loses grip, typically after 20-30 rounds of play. Store in a dry place to prevent mold on the synthetic backing. If PFAS concern is high priority, contact TaylorMade customer service to request confirmation of the water-resistant treatment chemistry before purchase.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Water-resistant treatment composition (PFAS or alternative)
TaylorMade does not disclose whether water-repellent coating uses PFAS, fluorocarbon, wax, or silicone. Golf gloves are not required to label this. Risk is dermal exposure during use and potential environmental leaching during washing or disposal.
Synthetic backing dyes and finishes
Polyester or nylon mesh backing may contain azo dyes or heavy metal colorants. No documented safety issues for TaylorMade gloves; standards for apparel dye safety are general, not brand-specific.
Leather tanning and finishing residues
Leather is typically tanned with chromium or vegetable tannins and finished with oils, waxes, and dyes. Reputable brands use controlled tanning; no reports of hazardous residues in TaylorMade gloves. Hand contact is direct, but dermal absorption of tanning agents under normal wear is minimal.
Degradation of water-resistant coating over time
As water-repellent coating wears down with use and washing, treated gloves may shed microparticles of coating or require reapplication products. Long-term fate of shed coating material is unclear if PFAS-based.
Formaldehyde in synthetic finishes or adhesives
Golf gloves do not typically use formaldehyde resins, which are more common in rigid textiles or foam. No documented issue for this product category.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 62% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Golf Balls & Golf Equipment
Mizuno
Comp Glove
Leather/synthetic leather athletic glove
No known PFAS risk, but Mizuno discloses nothing about treatments.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Mizuno
Cabretta Leather Golf Glove
Cabretta leather, likely with standard leather tanning and finishing
Lower concern. Leather glove lacks water treatment trigger.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More golf balls & golf equipment grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.