The best golf sunglasses in 2024
Medically reviewed by Jakub Odcházel, DiS., Chief Optician, on 24 Feb 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 one crucial accessory that matters more than you might think.
Sunglasses are an irreplaceable tool in protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. They can also reduce bothersome glare and increase contrast between your ball and its surroundings.
To help you out, Lentiamo's eyewear experts have gathered our top seven golf sunglasses recommendations. Read about their pros and cons, learn about key features to consider and find answers to some frequently asked questions.
How we chose the best golf sunglasses...
- Research - We researched frame designs, lens materials and more to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each. We looked at popular brands and products to determine what works best for golfers.
- Customer reviews - We looked into our best-selling designs to see what brands and models users love, gravitate towards and actually wear.
- Optometrist approved - Lentiamo optometrists offered their expert opinions on the best lenses, materials and designs for sport sunglasses.
Best golf sunglasses
Here are our picks for the best sunglasses for your best golf game yet. Let's get started!
7. Arnette Fastball
Arnette Fastball sunglasses feature a sporty look and impressive features. These shades are perfect for long days in the sun. You'll love their lightweight construction and smooth plastic frames.
Pros
- Impact and scratch-resistant lenses
- 100% UV protection
- Durable case and cleaning cloth included
Cons
- Blue lenses don't provide high colour contrast against clear, blue skies
6. Smith Hookshot
Hookshot sunglasses from Smith will help you track the trajectory of your ball in a variety of lighting conditions. They feature a classic wraparound shape and a neutral black design.
Pros
- ChromaPop lenses enhance contrast and natural colours to make details stand out
- Anti-reflective and anti-smudge coatings
- Versatile style for on and off the course
Cons
- Limited adjustability
5. Evil Eye Vizor
Evil Eye Vizor are a fantastic pick for any golfer. These adjustable sunglasses are designed specifically for the rigours of athletics. Sweat, wind, dust, rain, and sunlight can't compete.
Pros
- Traction grips on temples for non-slip wearing comfort
- Soft, adjustable nose pad for custom fit
- LST contrast (Light Stabilizing Technology) optimises light intensity for neutral colour perception and high contrast
Cons
- Larger lens size may not be comfortable for some
4. Nike Windstorm
Nike sunglasses are reliable companions for many athletes. The stylish designs and quality constructions win wearers over year after year. Nike Windstorm feature a slim frame with an added pop of colour.
Pros
- Crack-resistant frames with subtle vented openings for breathability and less fogging during activities
- Red lenses for increased contrast between shades of green
- Great for playing in shady and sunny areas
Cons
- Red lenses aren't recommended for activities such as driving vehicles
3. Oakley Flak 2.0 XL
Popular amongst many golfers, Oakley Flak offer superb performance and feature state-of-the-art lens technologies. Because of the higher price tag and distinctively sporty style, they come in third on our list of favourites.
Pros
- HDO (High Definition Optics) lenses eliminate image magnification and distortion
- Oakley Prizm lenses enhance colours and contrast to see details
- 3-Point Fit system evenly distributes weight for higher comfort
Cons
- Mirror coating on lenses is not ideal for dark days or evenings
Did You Know? Oakley developed state-of-the-art Prizm technology specifically for maximum visual acuity. The technology enhances colour contrast and clarity in different light and weather conditions, resulting in improved vision and depth perception.
2. Quiksilver Carpark
These shades from Quiksilver feature high-quality lenses with 100% protection and great optics. The frames are durable yet stylish, perfect for time spent on and off the course. Our number two pick features yellow lenses for sharper imaging, increased contrast and colour enhancing properties.
Pros
- Lightweight, yellow CR-39 lenses boost clarity and colour contrast for better vision
- Versatile yet durable design for sport and recreation
- Gentle wraparound design for a comfortable and stylish fit
Cons
- Not adjustable
Pro Tip: Lentiamo optometrist Eliška recommends wearing golf sunglasses with yellow lenses. Yellow lenses filter out blue light and increase contrast on the course. Easily track your ball in the sky, down the fairway and into the cup with these lenses.
1. Oakley Holbrook
Our number one pick for the best golf sunglasses are Oakley Holbrook. We selected this model for its versatility, durability and high-quality optics. These sunglasses can be worn on and off the course. The brown lenses are a golfer fan favourite for visual acuity and accurate colour rendering in all conditions.
Pros
- Brown lenses with Prizm technology increase and enhance colour contrast
- HDO (High Definition Optics) lenses eliminate image magnification and distortion
- Versatile style for sports and leisure
Cons
- High price tag
What should a good pair of golf sunglasses offer?
Lightweight frame
Many sport sunglasses are constructed from modern polycarbonate or high-quality plastics. This material is lightweight and durable, making it ideal for comfortable all-day wear. Other popular materials for sunglasses frames include nylon, titanium and beryllium.
Heavy sunglasses can weigh on your nose, ears and face. This can lead to discomfort after a longer period of use.
UV Protection
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.
Wearing comfort
The wearing comfort of any pair of sunglasses often comes down to a person's preferences. Finding the right size frames is something to take into consideration as well. Glasses that stay in place without slipping or extra adjustments tend to be more comfortable.
While a lightweight frame and the right materials are part of wearing comfort, finding sunglasses for your face shape can also prevent discomfort and unwanted movement. If you sweat more or have sensitive skin, you might personally find some materials work better than others.
Rubber grips
Grips affect both the comfort and stability of any sunglasses. This particular feature ensures that your shades remain in place for longer. Rubber grips are typically located on the arms. Some specialised sport sunglasses have rubberised nose pads for added security and comfort.
Some wearers choose to forgo rubber grips and prefer the look and feel of other materials.
Mirror coating
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)
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.
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.
Read more
Interested in other sports? Check out sport sunglasses for hiking today.
