The best golf sunglasses in 2024
Medically reviewed by Jakub Odcházel, DiS., Chief Optician, on 24 Mar 2023. Written by Lentiamo
Table of contents
Everyone knows the right equipment can make or break your golf game. Clubs, tees, balls, and gloves play an important role. Golf sunglasses are also a crucial accessory that matters more than you might think.
The best golf sunglasses are comfortable and protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. They right ones can also reduce bothersome glare and increase contrast between your ball and its surroundings.
What should you look for in your next pair? Lentiamo's eyewear experts explain features of the best golf sunglasses and answer some frequently asked questions about materials, lenses, and more below!
What should a good pair of golf sunglasses offer?
Lightweight frame
Brand pictured above: Cébé
Many sport sunglasses are constructed from modern polycarbonate or high-quality plastics. This lightweight and durable material makes it ideal for comfortable all-day wear. Other popular materials for sunglasses frames include:
- Nylon
- Titanium
- Beryllium
Heavy sunglasses can weigh on your nose, ears and face. This can lead to discomfort after a longer period of use.
UV Protection
Brand pictured above: Oakley
Protection from ultraviolet rays is essential for golfers. Sunglasses should offer high UV protection for sunny as well as cloudy days. Look for golfing sunglasses that protect from both UVA and UVB rays.
Did you know? More than protection from UV rays, sunglasses keep your eyes comfortable and your vision clear. They reduce eye strain and can protect from debris.
Wearing comfort
Brand pictured above: Under Armour
The wearing comfort of any pair of sunglasses often comes down to a person's preferences. How do you ensure your shades feel great?
- Make sure you find the right size frames that stay in place without slipping or constant adjustments.
- Finding sunglasses for your face shape can also prevent discomfort and unwanted movement.
- Pick materials that feel good to the touch, especially if you sweat more or have sensitive skin.
Rubber grips
Brand pictured above: Oakley
Grips, typically located on the arms, affect both the comfort and stability of any sunglasses. They ensure your shades remain in place for longer without bothersome slipping. Some specialised sport sunglasses have rubberised nose pads for added security and comfort.
Mirror coating
Brand pictured above: Cébé
Mirrored sunglasses feature a reflective coating that is applied to the outside of some lenses. It effectively reflects sunlight to reduce the intensity and amount of light that passes through to the eyes. While they can be an advantage in bright environments, mirror coatings do darken your surroundings significantly which can impact your vision in shaded areas.
There are advantages to mirrored vs. polarised sunglasses for golf like glare reduction and high durability. Because they effectively reflect light and reduce glare, mirrored or polarised lenses are particularly useful if you are golfing near water such as lakes or oceans.
Lens colours (tinted sunglasses)
Brand pictured above: Adidas Sport
Choosing the right sunglasses lens colours can affect visual acuity and perception during play. For the best performance, golf sunglasses should increase contrast and improve depth perception.
- Brown lenses – Brown lenses or copper colours are extremely popular amongst golfers. They have the ability to boost contrast while rendering colours true to life. On the course, brown lenses make it easy to spot your ball against the sky or fairway.
- Grey lenses – Black or grey lenses are versatile and offer true colour perception. They're useful on sunny days or overcast days and effectively reduce glare. In terms of other features, grey lenses don't increase contrast significantly.
- Red lenses – Rose or red lenses increase visual acuity and offer terrific colour contrast with yellows and greens. They allow you to see the contours of grass more easily so you can read the green better when putting.
- Yellow lenses – Gold or yellow lenses offer great contrast against blue skies. The light colour also works well to reduce light and glare on overcast days.
Need help finding the right pair?
Choose from a wide selection of quality golf sunglasses from popular brands such as Oakley, Cébé, and more.
Closing thoughts from Lentiamo
When it comes to the best golf sunglasses, clarity, comfort and UV protection are par for the course. The best sunglasses for golfers ultimately depends on personal preference.
You may find adjustable frames or polarised lenses are must-have features. Keep in mind that finding the perfect pair may include some trial and error. We hope this guide can point you in the right direction!
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear sunglasses to play golf?
Although it’s not widely popular to wear them in the professional golf world, sunglasses do offer benefits to golfers on the course. Protection from UV rays is the number one advantage of wearing sunglasses. The right pair can also reduce glare and reflections, making it easier and more comfortable to play from early morning until early evening.
How should I clean golf sunglasses?
Always follow a simple process when cleaning your glasses. After washing your hands, run your golf sunglasses under water to remove dust and debris. Use gentle liquid soap or specialty glasses sprays if needed. Dry with a clean microfibre cloth and see how they look!
Smudged or dirty golf sunglasses can negatively impact your game. While it might be tempting to use a golf towel to quickly wipe your lenses, don't attempt it! Removing scratches from glasses isn't possible. Properly cleaning your shades can keep your sunglasses in peak condition for longer.
What are the best sunglasses for golf?
Golf sunglasses should provide high UV protection and offer golfers visual clarity without distortion. They should be comfortable and be made from durable materials. Features such as hydrophobic coatings are great as they help keep your lenses cleaner for longer.
Should I buy polarised sunglasses for golfing
While polarised sunglasses can be helpful for golf, they're not always necessary. It's worth noting that polarised lenses may slightly alter vision and affect depth perception. Polarised lenses can, however, come in handy if you're playing on a course with water hazards or sand traps because of their ability to reduce glare.
Ultimately, the decision to wear polarised sunglasses while golfing is a matter of personal preference and comfort.
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