Having an excellent pair of shades may just be what you need to up your golf game.
Find the 7 best sunglasses for golf in our ultimate guide this 2021 below!
Best Sunglasses for Golf
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL: Best Overall
Key Features
- PRIZM lenses
- Uses high-quality materials
- Includes case
- 100% UV protection
- Prescription-ready lenses
- Impact and scratch-resistant plastic
The Oakley Flak Jacket XLJ Sunglasses is one of, if not the BEST, pair of shades to wear when playing golf!
To give you an idea, PRIZM lenses [R] are PREMIUM lenses you SHOULD get because of the following:
- Unrivaled high contrast
- Clear visibility
- Unbeatable views from tee box to pin.
And these golf sunglasses use that very same PRIZM lens technology to give you enhanced ball tracking.
If you expect to encounter extreme environments, you’ll be happy to know that their “O Matter” design gives you impact-resistant and scratch-resistant frames. Indeed, durability won’t be an issue.
You’ll stay comfortable even when you wear these high-quality sunglasses for hours because the Flak 2.0 XL is light and made of high-quality plastic.
They use the Oakley Three-Point Fit system to give you a snug fit while maintaining your improved vision.
There are even anti-slip rubber pads across the nose and ear socks to keep these in place regardless of any sweat or wind.
And for those who have a prescription, DON’T WORRY! The Oakley Flak 2.0 XL are prescription sunglasses that will give you clear vision no matter what.
Oh, and as a bonus, there are available replacement lenses online for these, too!
Are these the Perfect Sunglasses for You?
Wearing sunglasses has never been easier and more enjoyable. You see where every single penny goes in these, making them one of the best golf sunglasses you can get if you have the budget for it.
Pros
- Full UV protection
- Trusted brand
- Tons of frame and lens colors
- Clear vision
- Premium look and feel
- Great glare reduction
- Unbeatable PRIZM golf lens quality
Cons
- Pricey
- Not suited for larger faces
Under Armour Igniter: Best Value
Key Features
- Polarized lenses
- Adjustable three-piece nose pad
- Blocks out 100% UVA, UVB, and UVC
- Titanium-infused frame
The Under Armour Igniter may seem a little familiar when you first look at it since it’s based on the Oakley design.
The difference is this comes at a MORE affordable price tag while still giving you the reliability of a well-known brand like Under Armour.
First, they use Multiflection-coated mirrored lenses that are 10 times STRONGER than polycarbonate lenses so you can relax knowing that your sunglasses won’t be staying on the golf course.
Second, their high-quality Armor Sight lens technology will give you a 20% increase in visual quality and peripheral vision. Those days squint to read the green or look for your golf ball are OVER!
If that’s not enough, their lightweight frame is made from titanium and GRillamid using Armour Fusion technology to give you a robust pair of high-quality sunglasses.
You’ll also get extreme comfort with the adjustable nose pad and a snug fit on the temples using their UA Auto Grip technology to keep this pair of sunglasses securely in place.
Note that these are NOT polarized sunglasses, so they won’t protect you against glare. However, it does offer full UV protection. Also, their frame only comes in one size.
Are these the Perfect Sunglasses for You?
If you’re looking for a MORE AFFORDABLE version of Oakley sunglasses or just want a good quality pair for LESS MONEY, you’ll be happy with all the features of the Under Armour Igniter.
Just note that these may not be the best for you if you typically golf on extra sunny days.
Pros
- Comes with a soft case
- Highly durable design
- Comfortable to wear
- Excellent fit
- Clear peripheral vision
- Stronger than polycarbonate lenses
Cons
- No interchangeable lenses
- Plastic frame feels cheap
- Not the most stylish
- Non-polarized lenses won’t reduce glare
- One-size only frame
Rivbos Sunglasses: Best Budget Pick
Key Features
- Polarized lenses
- 100% UVA and UVB protection
- 9 lens/frame combinations
- Lifetime breakage warranty (lens and frame)
These sport sunglasses are excellent if you’re looking for a more versatile pair. You can use this pair of sunglasses while playing various sports, so it gives you great value.
Despite its extremely affordable price, the Rivbos golf sunglasses come with a ton of features.
Not only do you get the durability of polycarbonate lenses in a TR90 frame to withstand the rigors of any sport, but you also get an anti-scratch coating.
These lenses can handle any light intensity you may encounter outdoors because the Triacetate Cellulose (TAC) on the lenses prevents any shrinkage of the polarizing film on the lens.
Its TR90 frame is also resistant to any pressure, stress, or breakage while remaining super light, so they’re not uncomfortable to wear for hours.
The package comes with these items:
- Hard case with a buckle
- Strap
- Cleaning cloth
- Small pouch
It even comes with a polarized test card and 30-day money-back guarantee, so you KNOW they believe in their product.
Are these the Perfect Sunglasses for You?
If you’re looking for cheap but high-quality golf sunglasses, these are the ones for you. No matter what your personal preference for style, the Rivbos sunglasses are versatile enough to meet them.
Pros
- Affordable
- Adjustable for a variety of conditions
- Scratch-resistant coating
- Great value lens quality
Cons
- Not specifically made for golf
- Not stylish for daily wear
Callaway Sungear Kite Golf Sunglasses
Key Features
- Wraparound design
- Bright lenses
- Includes hard case and hanging clip
- Adjustable nose pads
- 100% UVA, UVB. and UVC protection
Callaway’s Sungear Kite is a pair of premium golf sunglasses that have BRIGHT and high-quality lenses.
This means that whether you’re playing on a sunny or overcast day, you’ll be prepared if you have these with you. And you’re sure you’ll get 100% protection from all those UV rays.
You’ll get clear and crisp vision without too much brightness with its polarized lenses.
They let in TWICE AS MUCH light when compared to other golf sunglasses. This translates to amazing depth perception and an improved ability to read greens.
Plus, they come with a wraparound design. There’s NO WAY these sunglasses will be falling or flying off, no matter how strong the wind or your swing may be.
The Hydrophilic Megol temple tips are the reason behind that secure fit.
The adjustable nose pads keep these shades comfortable and make them versatile enough to fit a variety of heat shapes and sizes.
Are these the Perfect Sunglasses for You?
If you’re looking for a durable, comfortable, and versatile pair of wraparound sunglasses, you have to consider the Callaway Sungear Kite Sunglasses.
Just note that these golf sunglasses come with blue lenses, so the contrast may be affected.
Other than that, they’re best for overcast days but are versatile enough to do well in any condition.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Excellent depth perception
- Comes with a cleaning cloth and carry pouch
- stylish
Cons
- Only one lens available
- Not for golfers with small heads
Oakley Half Jacket XL 2.0 Sunglasses
Key Features
- Interchangeable lens design
- 100% UV protection
- Composite prime and composite lens
Another strong contender from Oakley is their Half Jacket XL 2.9.
Its difference from the Flak Jacket is that these are smaller and only come in 2 colors. We still think their black is sleek and super cool, though!
This is still one of the best golf sunglasses available today and has become a classic. Similar to the Flak 2.0 XL, the Half Jacket also uses the PRIZM lenses that are unmatched in performance.
You get unparalleled clarity, contrast, and course vision that you can rely on for every game. You’re also assured of 100% UV protection in a non-polarized plastic lens.
This means you get all the benefits while getting the durability, clarity, and comfort Oakley has to offer. Really, between this and the Flak 2.0, all you’ll be choosing between is the size and shape.
Are these the Perfect Sunglasses for You?
If you want a no-brainer decision that takes all the guesswork out of your purchase while assuring you of THE BEST golf sunglasses available, turn to Oakley’s Half Jacket XL 2.0.
There’s a reason they’ve been in this industry for so long. You can see where their years of expertise and craftsmanship go with this pair.
Pros
- Sleek style
- Colors pop
- Comfortable for hours
- Easily replaceable lenses
Cons
- Pricey
Maui Jim Ho’okipa Sport
Key Features
- Impact and scratch-resistant
- Nylon frame
- Complete UV protection
- PolarizedPlus2 lens technology
- HCL Bronze lenses
- 3-year warranty
Manufactured in Hawaii, the Maui Jim Ho’0kipa is a pair of extremely popular sunglasses among golfers for their minimalist, rimless design and exceptional protection from UV rays.
Originally, these sunglasses were made to minimize the glare people experience under the bright Hawaiian sun while still maintaining the vibrant and beautiful colors of the landscape.
This pair of sunglasses will certainly up your golf game. The lightweight lenses use PolarizedPlus2 lenses and Clearshell hard coating, so you’re sure it will last a long time.
The lenses are virtually shatterproof and extremely resistant to scratches.
This all comes in a lightweight frame with a saddle-style nose bridge to keep you COMFORTABLE no matter how long you wear them on the golf course.
You won’t have to trade this comfort for durability because the flexible Grilamid TR 90 nylon frames are extremely flexible to retain their shape even when bent at extreme angles.
These golf sunglasses are also IMPACT-RESISTANT, so nothing on the golf course should faze you.
And as for your protection, its blue light protection ensures no UVA or UVB rays will get through these bad boys. The neutral grey lenses also provide a sharp contrast while also reducing glare.
Are these the Perfect Sunglasses for You?
Are you looking for the best sunglasses that highlight the colors of the golf course without any glare? Do you also need shades that maintain the utmost clarity of vision so you can easily follow the golf ball?
If your answer to both questions is YES, these are the sports sunglasses you’ve been looking for.
Pros
- Vibrant colors
- Durable
- Premium look and feel
- Affordable price
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Snug fit
- Gray lenses are extremely effective
Cons
- Expensive
- Nose pads tend to lift
- Polarized lens may not be for everyone
Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses
Key Features
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Lifetime breakage warranty (frame)
- Polarized lenses
- Blocks UVA and UVB rays
- 8 different frame and lens selections
Looking for a versatile pair of sporting sunglasses?
Duduma is another strong contender you should consider. You’ll get tons of lens options without having to make your wallet cry, plus they’re excellent for a wide range of outdoor activities and sports!
We highly recommend Duduma polarized sunglasses for amateurs or casual golfers who spend a lot of time outdoors on other activities.
They’re an INEXPENSIVE option that offers a simple design while meeting all your basic needs.
The lenses are made with UV400 TAC, similar to the Rivbos, to give you 100% UV protection. It also has a polycarbonate scratch-resistant plastic frame that is covered by its lifetime frame warranty.
Are these the Perfect Sunglasses for You?
If you just want a flexible pair of sunglasses that can meet your needs for various sports like golf, cycling, and even other outdoor activities like fishing, this is the pair for you.
However, we don’t recommend them for those who have a wider face,
Pros
- Versatile
- Affordable
- Different color combinations
Cons
- Might be too small for some
Do You REALLY Need Golf Sunglasses?
Yes. Golf sunglasses are anything BUT normal sunglasses.
These sunglasses are specifically built to improve your vision and depth perception [R] while also keeping you protected from the sun’s harmful rays. [R]
They have built-in technology that’s meant to address the challenges on the golf course.
Here’s a run-down of what makes golf sunglasses special:
- You get critical protection from the sun and its harmful UV rays.
- You’ll get sharpened depth perception because of the color differentiation it delivers, making golf sunglasses critical on and around the greens.
- You’ll still get to lower your view distortion on the lower half of the lens.
- You’ll see more than you would with regular sunglasses because golf lenses are larger and are meant to wrap around as much of your peripheral vision as possible.
- It’s EXCELLENT for anyone with light sensitivity.
- You can lower your chances of contracting cataracts and other eye diseases due to your prolonged sun exposure.
- You receive an unimpeded vision.
- You won’t need to squint to look for the ball anymore.
How to Choose the Best Golf Sunglasses for YOU
Polarized or Photochromic Lenses
Okay, so if you don’t know already, there are 2 types of lenses that you can choose from.
The golfing world is pretty “polarized” about this topic (see what we did there?), so it’s really up to your preference here.
We’ll give you a summary of what each lens has to offer so you can make up your mind.
Polarized Lens
Best for reducing glare and diminishing contrast between objects
Advantages
- Help you see clearer and farther
- Reduces eye strain
- Comes with UV protection
Disadvantages
- Do not adjust the color depending on your surrounding lighting conditions
- Might be ineffective on exceptionally bright days
- Some feel nauseous when wearing these lenses
Photochromic Lenses
Best for those who want varying tint levels based on the light exposure in their surroundings.
Advantages
- Work best for golfers whose eyes are sensitive to light
- Seamlessly adjust for you, so you always get a clear review and reduced glare
- Most also come with standard UV protection
Disadvantages
- LESS UV protection than polarized lenses
- May give you too much optical clarity
The Tint
Remember how we told you golf sunglasses have specific technology built-in? Well, part of this is in the tint [R] you’ll be choosing.
Certain tints will filter out particular light wavelengths to give you the BEST possible view of the course and help you read the green when you’re putting.
There are also golf sunglasses that give you multiple interchangeable lenses with just 1 pair of sunglasses. This lets you select the right tint for the situation you’re in.
Generic Lenses
Generic colored lenses come in green and gray, but this won’t help you improve your depth perception or contrast.
Grey and green lenses are mostly meant for looking into the distance and shutting out excessive brightness.
- Green lenses: give you a BETTER color balance
- Lighter or medium gray lenses: BEST for cloudier days.
Specialized Tints
- Yellow lenses: excellent for contrast and depth perception but NOT great for reading the greens.
- Red lenses: provides a lot of color distortion, which in turn gets you BETTER contrast and highlights for reds and yellows on the green (This is excellent for putting).
Then, there are also the amber, copper, cinnamon, and brown lenses. These are THE MOST VERSATILE.
They will give you excellent distance vision, contrast, and depth perception.
Plus, they work just as well on fairways and putting surfaces WITHOUT distorting the real and natural color of your surroundings. It’s really the whole package.
We DON’T recommend getting a blue lens because they will reduce contrast on green backgrounds and make it harder to see the golf ball.
Design
No one in their right mind would get golf sunglasses that don’t make them look good. Take your face shape [R] and preferences into account when choosing the right golf sunglasses for you.
The great news is that golf shades come in so many designs, shapes, and sizes, that you won’t be starved for choice.
Even if you have a prescription, many manufacturers offer lens customization to get you the right lens in the design you want.
Frame
We recommend going for high-quality plastic frames. Not only are they lighter and more affordable, but they’re also resistant to heat distortions.
Plus, they’re MORE comfortable to wear for long periods and can take more of a beating than their metal counterparts.
Pay attention to their design because it will dictate their fit, comfort, and snugness. For example, a wraparound frame or a ribbed temple grip will keep them secure for longer.
Also, note that for anyone with acidic skin [R], we DO NOT recommend getting metal frames because this will injure your face and erode the metal coating of the frame.
Material
Most manufacturers use polycarbonate for their lenses. This material is lightweight, weighing 3x less than normal glass lenses.
Plus, they’re MORE durable and scratch-resistant. So check that you’re getting the right material.
Durability
Remember that you move around a lot in these and wear/remove them countless times. Your golf sunglasses need to be durable enough to handle all of this.
If you want to save money in the long run, we recommend splurging on sunglasses that have a hydrophobic coating (water resistance) along with scratch and impact resistance.
You never know when those will come in handy, like when your sunglasses accidentally fall (YIKES!).
Comfort
If you’re wearing your sunglasses for hours under the heat of the sun and with sweat dripping down your face, you’ll want to grab a comfortable pair.
Check that your shades fit perfectly on your nose and around your ears, so they won’t slip or start hurting.
Try replicating your swings when you fit the golf sunglasses.
It should remain secure and snug even when you’re swinging the club WITHOUT pressing too hard against any part of your head/face.
Accessories
If you’ve ever owned a pair of shades, you know they’re very prone to scratches.
So, to make sure your money’s worth it, check that your sunglasses come with a semi-hard case for storing in your golf bag.
Also, have a soft microfiber cloth with you (in the case) at all times, so you can easily clean your sunglasses without causing any scratches or damage to the lens.
A Recap of the Best Sunglasses Picks
Rivbos Sunglasses: Best Budget Pick
These sunglasses from Rivbos are a WIN-WIN if you want to save some bucks and have a great performance on the golf course.
It delivers top-tier UV protection, a super durable TR90 frame, and excellent customer service through its lifetime warranty. Not too shabby for a budget pick!
Under Armour Igniter: Best Value
What if you want to up the ante a bit? The Under Armour Igniter does just that because it provides much-needed value for money.
The fact that its Multiflection-coated mirrored lenses are 10 times stronger than your ordinary lenses is more than enough to give this pair of sunglasses a worthy RUNNER-UP finish!
Oakley Flak 2.0: Best Overall
Flak Jacket 2.0 the gold standard of the best golf sunglasses available on the market. PLAIN and SIMPLE!
PRIZM lens technology to track the ball’s trajectory and the Oakley Three-Point Fit system to keep you comfy? Yeah, these Oakley sunglasses deserve to bring home the GOLD!
Conclusion
Whatever you’re looking for, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect pair of golf sunglasses for you here.
Indeed, you won’t regret any of these choices because they’ll have you ready to conquer the golf world!
Happy golfing!
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