Are you the next Tiger Woods or Arnold Palmer? Okay, maybe not, but do you love golf? Is it the sport you live and breathe? Or, are you an amateur who’s trying to finally beat his father-in-law on the golf course (wouldn’t that be nice)?
Sadly, I can’t help you improve your swing. But I can help you find a pair of golf sunglasses that could improve your game and make you look like a serious competitor.
Why Golf Sunglasses Are a Smart Investment
When you’re on the golf course, clarity, protection, and vision enhancement are everything.
You can’t have the sun in your eyes because the squinting will ruin your shot. Even if you’re a pro who can look straight into the sun (I don’t recommend it), UV rays aren’t good for your eye health.
Secondly, specific pairs of sunglasses can enhance your vision, prevent glare, and provide clarity. All that to say, you’ll be able to hit your target more precisely and see the course better.
There are plenty of styles that you can also wear for other sports or activities, making them a good all-around investment.
What’s the Key to a Great Pair of Golf Sunglasses?
A top-notch pair of golf sunglasses should stay firmly on your face. No slipping down your nose or falling off when you swing.
They should give you good coverage; some do this from all angles, too. When you’re on the course, the sun can hit you from all angles, so protection is key.
Good golf sunglasses should feel lightweight. You don’t want a heavy, blingy designer pair. The sunglasses should feel almost unnoticeable on your face. Yet they should also be durable, as you don’t want a pair that’s easily scratched, which can distract from your view.
Generally, you don’t need polarized sunglasses for the golf course. Why?
Because they can distort depth perception, making it hard to read the green. Polarized sunglasses are better for activities like cycling and fishing, where glare can be distracting. On the golf course, the goal is clear vision with good depth.
Now, let’s go through some of my top picks to take with you on the putting green!
The Sunglasses That Protect From All Sides
If you’re not a fan of the oversized mask-shaped wrap-around sunglasses, you could opt for a pair with side shields. They act like blinkers that stop light from entering from the side.
The Oakley Clifden is one such pair that offers wrap-around coverage but is smaller and can easily transition to other activities.
EZContacts customer Gabe attests that they work well with grass:
“These work great. I use them when I cut grass, and they work well as goggles.”
The Versatile Timeless Pair
Are you looking for a sporty pair that you can easily wear on and off the golf course? Does your clothing style tend to be more casual?
If you answered yes to those questions, these Ray-Bans might be just what you’re looking for. The thin black frames and rectangular shape look good on a lot of faces, and they strike that balance between sporty and casual.
Eric sounds like a do-it-all kind of man, and these Ray-Bans pass his test:
“I love them. They are wide enough for my big head, look classy enough for any casual/social use, but fit well enough to stay put while golfing and coaching football. They are perfect.“
The Best Budget Golf Sunglasses
A good pair of golf sunglasses doesn’t have to set you back a fortune. Especially if you’re new to the game, it’s understandable that you might not want to fork out for the top-of-the-range shades.
There are plenty of stylish, affordable sunglasses out there for you to try. The key is finding a pair with the right fit and durable construction. After all, you want them to last more than a few attempts on the course.
These Under Armour sunglasses could do the trick. They feature lightweight polycarbonate frames and a wrap-around shape that shields your eyes. They are more streamlined than some oversized mask sunglasses, making them compatible with wearing with your golf hat.
EZContacts customer Shep enjoys the look and fit:
“Sunglasses are sharp looking and serve their purpose. They fit excellent and provide the protection.”
The Casual Yet High-Performing Pair
If you’re looking for the ultimate high-performing pair of sunglasses to wear while driving, meeting friends, and, of course, playing golf, choose a subtle design. I’m talking about simple, to-the-point rectangular or square-shaped shades with a minimalist frame.
Understated sunglasses are the easiest to transition between activities, making them a good choice if you only want to invest in one solid, versatile pair.
The Oakley Holbrook could be the answer you’re looking for. They’re classic, easy to pull off, and comfortable. The shape is simple, but the construction and lenses make them perfect golf and adventure sunglasses.
Just ask EZContacts customer William:
“Awesome for sunny day on the course. They have red lenses but your eyes will adapt and the colors of the course just pop!“
TL;DR
There are now so many golf sunglasses to pick from. You don’t need to feel stuck between a pair of neon sporty frames or mask-shaped polarized shades.
- Generally, the key is to find a pair that’s durable, lightweight, and doesn’t slip down your face. They should fit well and provide good UV protection.
- It’s generally best not to use polarized lenses on the golf course, as they can distort depth.
- Choose a pair with a snug fit and a wrap-around shape like the round Oakley Clifden. They are good for shielding your eyes in the corners.
- If you want a versatile, stylish pair of golf sunglasses that won’t fall off, then opt for these Ray-Bans. They look good and are easy to transition into your daily life.
- For a sporty, shield-shaped pair, these Under Armour sunglasses could do the job. They’re also a good choice if you’re not looking to splurge.
- For a high-performing yet casual style, these Oakley Holbrooks are a good choice. They will also provide clarity on the course.
