The Skin Cancer Foundation states that five or more sunburns double your risk for melanoma. Playing golf can leave you on the course for four or more hours each time, which is a lot of exposure. Sunscreen is good but there is more you can do to protect yourself on the golf course. Here’s some of our favorite golf gear for sun protection.
Sun Mountain SMS+ Umbrella
The Sun Mountain SMS+ umbrella tied for first in the best UV protection category in our 2023 Golf Umbrella testing and finished fifth overall.
Our testers didn’t love the handle on the SMS+ umbrella. Outside of that, the umbrella performed quite well. The Sun Mountain SMS+ features reflective material that blocks harmful UV rays.
If you are having trouble finding the Sun Mountain umbrella or the price is a bit steep, try the Haas-Jordan Sunflector. Its UV protection is equally as good.
Shelta Seahawk Hat
The Shelta Seahawk is a great hat for sun protection. It’s not a traditional golf hat, as this is more of a bucket style, but the design will give you more neck and ear protection from the sun.
With Shelta Seahawk, you get UPF 50+ protection and a vapor barrier, which makes it a good choice for playing in hot conditions.
Golfers who walk the course or play during prime sunlight hours should give this one a try.
FreeFly Bamboo Flex Polo
The FreeFly Bamboo Flex polo is a great option for sun protection on and off the golf course. It has UPF 50+ sun protection and four-way stretch fabric.
It’s available in four colors and is currently on sale for $51, down from $78.
Aussie Chiller Hats
The Aussie Chiller hats get a lot of attention because they can be soaked in water for added cooling. This wider golf hat provides face, ear and neck protection.
Golfers like the lightweight Aussie Chiller hats. Remember that the fabric does not provide additional sun protection. It just covers a larger area than a baseball-style cap or hat.
Tifosi Veloce Sunglasses
The Tifosi Veloce sunglasses finished fifth in our 2023 Best Golf Sunglasses test. These budget-friendly sunglasses offer excellent clarity, UV protection and face coverage.
With the Tifosi, you get impressive color contrast so finding a golf ball that happens to miss the fairway may be a little easier. Golfers also mention the added benefit of not having to take their sunglasses off to read the greens.
Under Armour Iso-Chill Polo
If the name “Iso-Chill” polo doesn’t sound like a shirt you would want to wear on the golf course when it’s sunny, we aren’t sure what does. The Iso-Chill is a fast-drying, moisture-wicking golf shirt with UPF 50+ protection.
The Under Armour Iso-Chill helps disperse body heat, making it feel cool to the touch. It’s available in five colors and six sizes.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Protection
Even with this great golf gear to help protect you from the sun, you’ll still want some sunscreen to help fight off the burn. Golfers say the Sun Bum is an oil-free design that is easy to apply and offers strong protection.
If you don’t want to get sunscreen on your hands, look for the Sun Bum Face Stick.
Coolibar Men’s Drive Golf Long Sleeve Polo
If you prefer to cover your entire arm when playing golf, the Men’s Drive Golf Long Sleeve polo from Coolibar is a smart choice. It is a UPF 50+ shirt with moisture-wicking technology. It comes in six colors and Coolibar calls it a great medium-protection option.
Coolibar has the Women’s Prestwick Golf Polo which features many of the same technologies and sun protection.
Bag Boy Nitron Auto-Open Push Cart
The Bag Boy Nitron was our favorite golf push cart of 2023. The umbrella holder is a standard feature included with the cart. In addition, the Nitron is quick and easy to set up, has a lightweight frame and makes walking more enjoyable.
If you’ve been avoiding walking to stay out of the sun, Bag Boy makes it a little easier with this option. If you already have a pushcart, consider adding an umbrella holder attachment.
FootJoy Performance Sun Sleeves
The FootJoy Performance Sun Sleeves offer 50+ UPF protection while keeping your arm cool.
They are breathable and have a four-way stretch. Most importantly, the FootJoy Sun Sleeves offer a non-slip fit so you won’t have to worry about them slipping down your arm as you play. The sleeves are anatomically shaped and made specifically for golfers.
One last tip …
As you shop for the best golf gear for sun protection, you’ll see the terms UPF, UV and SPF used quite a bit. It can get confusing to know what’s best for protecting yourself. Here’s a quick breakdown:
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UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor):
- Measures the effectiveness of fabric in blocking UV rays. A UPF rating of 50+ is ideal, as it blocks 98 percent of UV radiation.
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SPF (Sun Protection Factor):
- Indicates how well sunscreen will protect your skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn. SPF 30 blocks about 97 percent of UVB rays. Higher SPF provides slightly better protection but proper application is the most important factor.
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UV (Ultraviolet Radiation):
- Refers to the sun’s rays, divided into UVA and UVB. UVA causes skin aging and UVB causes sunburn. Look for products labeled “broad-spectrum” to ensure protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
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