Are you tired of dealing with sunburns while playing golf on hot summer days?
Wide-brim golf hats for sun protection are an essential item in any golfer's wardrobe—they not only serve as protection from the sun but also look stylish and can add extra personality to any outfit. No golf outfit is complete without the perfect hat!
Plus, there's nothing worse than taking multiple breaks during your game due to the sun getting too intense or burning you with each swing. So let us show you exactly what qualities make up the best golf sun hats available today so you can pursue birdies instead of burns.
While we mention hot sunny days, remember that protecting yourself from the sun's UV rays year-round is equally as important. UV rays can penetrate clouds and cause damage to the skin, even on overcast days.
It is also important to wear sunscreen or protective clothing, even in the winter, as UV rays can reflect off of snow and other surfaces and reach the skin. Additionally, UV rays can cause damage to the eyes, so it's a good idea to wear sunglasses along with your hat.
Why Use a Wide-Brimmed Golf Hat?
A wide-brimmed golf hat can provide several benefits for the wearer while playing golf.
First, the hat's wide brim can help shield the golfer's face from the sun, reducing glare and making it easier to see the ball and the course. Additionally, the wide brim can protect the golfer's ears, neck, and shoulders from the sun's rays, which can help reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
Another potential benefit of a wide-brimmed golf hat is that it can help to keep the golfer cool by providing shade and allowing air to circulate the head. This can help reduce sweat and discomfort while playing, improving the golfer's focus and performance.
Finally, using a hat also gives an added level of protection to the eyes, forehead, and head in case of a strong wind or unexpected rain or hailstorm. It can also be a fashionable accessory as sports attire.
Hot Weather Golf Hat Tips
A golf hat made from quality materials and lightweight, breathable fabric is ideal for hot weather. Also, look for hats made from moisture-wicking materials, such as breathable mesh linings, mesh panels, mesh vents, and moisture-wicking fabric will help to keep you cool and dry while you play. Lighter colors also help reflect sunlight.
Also, a wide brim or a brim with ventilation holes that allow air to flow through can help to keep you cool. Many performance golf hats are designed with a curved brim to follow your head movement, which can help to block the sun without obstructing your vision.
Many well-known hat brands such as Nike, Titleist, Puma, Callaway, and others have golf hat models that will fit your criteria.
How to Buy the Right Size Golf Hat
To buy the right size golf hat, measure your head with a flexible tape measure or a string that you can then measure with a ruler. Most hat manufacturers provide a size chart that you can use to determine your hat size based on your head measurement.
It's also a good idea to try on hats in person to ensure a comfortable fit, as different brands and styles may fit differently. Additionally, make sure the brim is wide enough to provide adequate coverage from the sun's rays.
Finally, look for a hat with an adjustable strap to customize the fit and ensure it stays securely on your head.
Are Golf Bucket Hats a Good Choice for a Golf Hat?
It depends on the look you want. Regular baseball caps (ball caps) are what you'll usually see on the golf course, and we also discuss those below.
However, standard bucket hats, usually used as fishing hats, are a popular choice for golf hats because they provide a wide brim to shield the face from the sun and have a deep crown to protect the head and neck.
Bucket hats also tend to be lightweight and breathable, making them comfortable on the golf course for long periods. It depends on personal preference, as golfers may find different styles more comfortable and functional.
For windy golf days, a bucket hat with a drawstring closure and adjustable cord can help keep your hat on your head.
How to Buy a Bucket Hat
To purchase a bucket hat for the golf course, follow these steps:
- Determine your preferred material, such as cotton or polyester, and any specific features, like UV protection or ventilation.
- Decide on a color and design that you like.
- Look for online and in-store golf-specific retailers that sell bucket hats. Some popular brands for golf apparel include Nike, Titleist, and Callaway.
- Read customer reviews and check for any promotions or discounts before purchasing.
- Take note of the store's return policy if the hat does not fit or meet your expectations.
- Mind the brim: When it comes to golf hats, the brim of a bucket provides protection from the sun and rain and helps keep sweat out of your eyes. It also helps to keep your face shaded, which can be beneficial when playing in hot weather.
A wide brim will provide more coverage than a narrow one. Additionally, look for a brim with ventilation holes to allow air to flow and keep you cool.
When shopping for a golf hat, it's important to consider the material and features best suit your needs. Look for hats with moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you cool and dry and adjustable straps or drawstring closures to customize the fit and keep your hat secure in windy conditions.
Additionally, make sure the brim is wide enough to provide adequate coverage from the sun's rays. Finally, try on different styles in person to ensure a comfortable fit.
Are Ball Caps a Good Choice for a Golf Hat?
Ball caps (also known as baseball hats) are popular among many players, including pros. They come in various colors and styles, offering protection from the sun while still allowing you to look stylish on the course. But are ball hats a good choice for golf?
The answer is yes and no. Ball hats can be great for keeping the sun out of your eyes and protecting you from the elements, but they don't offer as much coverage as a bucket hat or other wide-brimmed golf hats. Additionally, ball hats can be uncomfortable in hot weather and are not as breathable as other styles.
If you prefer the look of a ball cap, choose one with a wide brim for more sun protection and ventilation holes to keep your head cool. Additionally, look for adjustable straps or drawstring closures to customize the fit and secure your hat.
How to Buy a Ball Hat
When buying a ball hat, use the same recommendations as for a bucket hat. And, of course, look for a comfortable and secure hat on your head. You also want to ensure that the ball hat's brim is wide enough to provide adequate sun protection. Finally, you should choose a style and color that suits your taste.
What About Other Styles of Hats for Golfers?
No worries! We've covered you (pun intended) in our reviews below, including fedoras and safari hats.
Regardless of Which Hat You Choose, Take Ultraviolet Protection Seriously
This article discusses the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, a necessary point to consider when selecting a golf hat. Additionally, we include more information here to help protect you:
UV rays are a type of radiation emitted by the sun that can have harmful effects on our skin and eyes. They are classified into three categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
UVA and UVB are the most prevalent types of UV rays that reach the Earth's surface, and they are both responsible for skin damage and cancer. However, the ozone layer mostly absorbs UVC, so it doesn't pose a significant threat to humans.
Health conditions are an essential consideration. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause sunburn, a sign of skin damage. Sunburns can lead to premature aging, wrinkles, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common type in the United States, with more than 3.3 million cases diagnosed yearly. To protect yourself from UV rays, it's important to take UV protection seriously. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
- Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to exposed skin before going outside. Reapply every two hours or more if you're sweating.
- Care for your whole body: In addition to a responsibly made, wide-brimmed golf hat, wear protective clothing: long-sleeved shirts and pants can provide additional protection for your skin.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation:
"Unbleached cotton contains natural lignins that act as UV absorbers. Shiny polyesters and lightweight satiny silks can be highly protective because they reflect radiation.
High-tech fabrics treated with chemical UV absorbers or dyes prevent some penetration from UV rays. Fit: Loose-fitting apparel is preferable."
- Seek shade: Stay out of the sun during peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Okay, we know this is a challenge if you're a golfer, so it is even more important to protect yourself as much as possible.
- Wear sunglasses: UV-blocking sunglasses can protect your eyes from damage and reduce the risk of cataracts.
- Be extra careful around water, sand, and snow: These surfaces reflect UV rays, so you may be exposed to more radiation than you realize. While a sandtrap may not be much of a threat (and let's hope you never have to worry about it, and if you do, you won't be there long), you want to stay well-protected everywhere you go. Sun exposure adds up over time.
Our Wide-Brimmed Golf Hat Picks
We're sharing our top suggestions for the best wide-brimmed golf hats on the market. The styles are diverse, and we hope you enjoy browsing our selections.
We consider factors such as durability, breathability, and sun protection to bring you the best options for your next round of golf.
Callaway Ladies High Tail Hat
The Callaway Ladies High Tail Hat s a stylish and functional wide-brim hat for any golfer. Some of its key features include:
Adjustable back: The hat features an adjustable strap in the back, which allows for a customizable and comfortable fit.
High tail design: The high tail design of the hat provides extra coverage and sun protection for the back of the neck.
Breathable material: The hat is made from a breathable, lightweight material that wicks away sweat and moisture to help keep the wearer cool and comfortable on the course.
Stylish design: The hat features a sleek, modern design with the Callaway logo prominently displayed, making it a great accessory for any golfer.
Overall, the Callaway Golf 2021 Ladies High Tail Adjustable Hat is a great choice for any woman golfer looking for a comfortable, functional, and stylish hat. Its unique design and lightweight, breathable material keep you cool while providing sun protection, and its adjustability makes it comfortable to wear all day.
Aussie Chiller Bushie Perforated Golf Hat
The Aussie Chiller Bushie Perforated Golf Hat is the perfect choice for golfers who want to stay cool and protected from the sun while playing. This wide-brim hat features a perforated crown that allows air to circulate your head, keeping you cool and comfortable.
The hat's brim is extra wide, providing maximum protection from the sun's rays. The adjustable chin strap ensures a secure fit, and the hat is made from a lightweight, breathable fabric that wicks away moisture.
The Aussie Chiller Bushie Perforated Golf Hat is made in Australia. It is a cool statement hat and is a great choice for any golfer looking for maximum sun protection and comfort on the course.
Wallaroo Hat Company Men's Avery Fedora
The Wallaroo Hat Company Men's Avery Fedora is a lightweight, breathable and durable fabric that makes it perfect for all-season use. The Avery Fedora also features a wide brim that provides sun protection and a UPF rating of 50+.
The hat is also water resistant which means it can withstand light rain. Wallaroo Hat Company offers a variety of fashionable styles and colors for men and women. Please view all of them here.
Adidas Men's Golf Sun Hat
The Adidas Men's Golf Sun Hat is the perfect choice for an affordable, stylish, and functional hat for golfers. This wide-brim hat features a lightweight construction with an adjustable back closure, allowing you to customize your fit.
The UPF 50+ sun protection ensures that your head stays protected from the sun's harmful rays while you're out on the course. The moisture-wicking, built-in sweatband helps keep you cool and dry, while the stylish Adidas logo adds a touch of style.
Mission Enduracool Cooling Bucket Hat Adult
The Mission Enduracool Cooling Bucket Hat features a lightweight and breathable fabric that keeps you cool and comfortable on the course. The UPF 50+ protection helps shield your skin from harmful UV rays, while the adjustable drawcord ensures a secure fit.
We like that the hat features a simple 3-step activation process—wet, wring, wave—it instantly cools to 30 degrees below the average human body temperature and does it in less than thirty seconds. Reactivation is just as easy by repeating the same steps. Its cooling effects can last up to two hours and lets you use it comfortably and continuously during your rounds of golf.
Sunday Afternoons Charter Hat
The Sunday Afternoons Charter Hat is the perfect choice for golfers looking for a wide-brim hat that offers protection from the sun. This stylish and functional hat features a 4-inch brim, UPF 50+ sun protection, and an adjustable chin strap for a secure fit.
In addition, the lightweight fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you cool and comfortable on the course. We like how the Charter Hat also features eyeglass holder slots and a hidden pocket to store small items like tees or scorecards.
Stetson Gambler Seagrass Outdoorsman Hat
The Stetson Gambler Seagrass Outdoorsman Hat features a classic gambler shape with a 4-inch brim that provides excellent sun protection while out on the course. In addition, the seagrass material is lightweight and breathable, making it comfortable to wear even in hot weather.
The 4-inch brim provides excellent coverage, shielding your face from harmful UV rays and giving exceptional neck protection. The seagrass material is lightweight and breathable, allowing air to circulate your head and keep you cool in hot weather.
The adjustable chin strap ensures a secure fit, and the stylish Stetson logo adds a touch of style.
Coolibar Men's UPF 50+ Fairway Golf Hat
With a UPF 50+, The Coolibar Men's UPF 50+ Fairway Golf Hat is the perfect choice for golfers who want to stay protected from the sun. This hat is a hand-woven fedora featuring leather trim and an inner moisture-wicking sweatband with mesh grommets for air flow.
The lightweight, performance-driven fabric is breathable and comfortable to keep your head cool on the course. The adjustable drawstring closure ensures a secure fit. However, this hat is not for rainy days as it is not water-repellent.
Nike Golf Dri-FIT UV Sun Bucket Hat
The lightweight Nike Dri-FIT Bucket Hat is designed to shield your eyes from the sun with its wide brim size. For enhanced breathability and moisture-wicking, areas of air flow pair up with sweat-resisting fabric so you can remain cool and comfortable when the game intensifies.
Equipped with Dri-FIT technology, it keeps you dry and relaxed. The brim is extensive, allowing around a hundred and eighty-degree coverage, and ventilations on side A plus laser perforations on side B boost breathability. The adjustable drawcord is removable for switching up your style.
Under Armour Men's ArmourVent Bucket Hat
The Under Armour Men's ArmourVent Bucket Hat provides excellent coverage, shielding your face and neck from the sun. The stylish Under Armour logo adds a touch of style to this functional hat that features a lightweight, breathable construction with ArmourVent mesh panels that allow air to circulate freely.
The adjustable drawcord closure ensures a secure fit, while the UPF 30+ protection helps keep you safe from harmful rays.
Titleist Men's Tour Aussie Golf Hat
The Titleist Men's Tour Aussie Golf Hat's wide-brim golf hat features a classic Aussie style with a modern twist. The lightweight construction ensures you stay cool and comfortable on the course, while the adjustable back closure allows for a custom fit.
The moisture-wicking sweatband helps to keep sweat out of your eyes, and the UPF 50+ gives exceptional sun protection. The Titleist logo adds a touch of style to this functional hat.
Wide Brim Golf Hats To Keep The Sun Off
A golf course is great for enjoying the outdoors, fresh air, and good company. But it's important to protect yourself from the sun while you're out there. That's why we always recommend wearing a wide-brim hat.
In the meantime: Eat. Sleep. Golf (with a great hat). Repeat.
