While sunglasses aren’t strictly required for a round of golf, they are practically essential.
While they won’t make you a better player, a good pair will make your life much easier on the course, helping to reduce glare, stop you from squinting and generally protect your eyes from the sun.
You can of course wear any old pair of sunglasses when playing golf, but investing in some designed specifically for the job will help. The best golf sunglasses have bigger frames and lenses, for better coverage, and can be polarised, which helps to prevent glare on harsh days.
If you’re not sure where to look, we’ve got everything you need to know right here. From what to look out for to the best golf sunglasses around, here’s all you need to know.
As mentioned, size can help you out on the golf course. The last thing you want is the sun’s harsh rays leaking in through the side of a small pair of shades. Instead look to larger frames and lenses which offer more coverage, keeping all the light out.
Depending on your face shape, a pair of big frames might not be the most flattering, but for golf sunglasses, function has to come above everything else.
Styles to look out for include wrap-around designs, with their sleek look that extends around the sides of the eyes and to the temples.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something you can wear away from the course, try a pair of aviators or pilot’s sunglasses, which are generally quite large but also look the part.
In order to be comfortable playing golf for an extended period of time, you need a pair of shades that are lightweight.
The last thing you need is the discomfort of a heavy pair that digs into the bridge of your nose or puts pressure on the tops of your ears.
Find a pair made from a lightweight resin or plastic, and you’ll be able to wear them comfortably all day long.
Better still is a pair with in-built straps or lanyards, which allow them to hang around your neck when playing a difficult shot.
With their sleek, wraparound design that extends to the temples and their lightweight polycarbonate frames that are both flexible and shock resistant, these might be the only golf sunglasses you need.
Finished in simple black-on-black, the anti-glare, UV protecting lenses are also polarised to help you see better on the course.
They also come with a one year warranty, a helpful hard shell case that can be clipped to a backpack, and a strap that means they can be put around your neck for added confidence on the course.
There are no two ways about it, you won’t find a cheaper pair of polarised sunglasses than these.
For just £11.99, they come with the kind of lenses usually reserved for shades that cost ten times as much. They also boast separate side windows so your eyes are protected from all angles, as well as a large, round shape for maximum coverage.
Ideal for playing golf in, they’re also designed to fit right over your prescription glasses, so you don’t need to worry about taking them off mid game, while the hard case will keep them protected in your bag when not needed.
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An affordable option if you’re after polarised sunglasses, this Boots pair comes with category 3 polarisation, for impressive glare prevention.
The smoked lenses also offer UVA and UVB protection, while the classic frame shape makes them incredibly versatile.
This is a more modern-looking pair from Ray Ban, which specialises in classic frames like its Clubmaster and Wayfarer models.
These come with a distinctive wrap-around look with sleek, elongated, polarised lenses that extend right around the eyes for impressive coverage and glare prevention.
Oakley is perhaps best-known for its signature wraparound shapes, but this more classic pair does the job just as well.
The tortoiseshell finish and simple keyhole shape makes them incredibly easy to wear, while the dark brown lenses are designed to boost contrast and clarity for improved vision.
Although actually designed for cycling, these Rapha shades are perfect for golf.
They’re made from a lightweight yet strong Grilamid material, while the arms and nose piece are made with Megol for impressive grip, ensuring they won’t fall off.
With their striking design and bold colour accents, this performance pair means business.
Finished with shatterproof polycarbonate lenses and an extremely lightweight frame, they offer comfort and protection all day long.
Made in New Zealand, this North Beach pair is simple but well-engineered.
Coming with dark polarised lenses that offer full UV protection, they’re perfect for a day on the golf course.
A classically designed pair of tortoiseshell glasses, these O’Neill shades will keep you looking cool, whether on the course or not.
The simple plastic frame is lightweight and durable, but the timeless design ensures there’ll slot seamlessly into your casualwear rotation.
This bold design by SunGod comes with vibrant mirrored lenses for an eccentric look.
The durable, lightweight frames are designed to take a beating, while the classic shape ensures they can be worn away from the course as well.
