Finding the right sunglasses to wear while playing golf can be challenging. You need a pair that will stay put, allow you to see clearly while you’re on the green, and hold up in different environmental conditions (such as fog, heat, or cold). You may have already tried a few shades that were uncomfortable, fit poorly, or didn’t provide good visibility for all of your golf game.
What should you be looking for? Let’s take a quick look at some of the most important considerations when buying sunglasses for golf.
Materials
Many golfers prefer nylon frames, which offer both flexibility and durability. They also hold up well to moisture and sweat.
On the other hand, memory metal is a good choice for some golf enthusiasts. These frames can be bent or even twisted without breaking and will go back to their original shape.
Others like titanium frames. They’re not quite as flexible as memory metal, but they are lightweight, durable, and resistant to sweat or moisture.
Finally, several top-rated sunglasses for golf use lightweight polycarbonate to provide a comfortable fit.
Visibility
When golfing, you need to be able to see clearly, without thick rims blocking your peripheral vision, especially when you’re watching the ball fly over the green or taking a swing at it. Most of the top-rated sunglasses are wraparounds for this reason. Discover why wrap-around sunglasses are making a comeback.
Anti-Fogging Features
Fogging glasses can be a big problem in golf. When you’re exercising, you breathe in and out heavily, and this alone can fog up glasses. Add a round of golf in foggy or humid conditions, and you can have even more trouble seeing.
As a result, golfers often look for glasses with built-in ventilation chambers that allow airflow. Others may prefer anti-fog coatings on the lenses.
You can also use an anti-fog spray. Wondering where to get this spray? You can find it at many eyewear retailers, including EZContacts.They have anti-fog spray kits, along with microfiber cloths for cleaning lenses.
Polarization
To polarize or not to polarize; that’s the question many golfers ask when considering sunglasses. Polarization helps reflect glare away from the eyes and can be helpful in some situations but detrimental in others.
Many golfers never wear polarized lenses because they can reduce depth perception, making it harder to see the details on the putting green. As a result, you might miss a shot because you misjudged the distance or a change in elevation.
On the other hand, some golfers find polarized lenses helpful when playing around water hazards, where glare can be intense. They may also come in handy if you play on very bright days.
The final verdict: It’s up to you if you want to wear polarized sunglasses, but they’re usually not recommended for golf. If you do choose polarized lenses, many serious golfers recommend removing or lifting them when reading putts.
What Are the Top-Rated Sunglasses for Golf?
Now that you know what features to look for, let’s check out some of the most popular options in sunglasses for golf.
Oakley FLAK 2.0 XL/XXL/A/S
There’s a reason these are so popular on the PGA Tour. The Oakley FLAK is designed to fit comfortably while staying put, so you never have to worry about your sunglasses slipping when you take a swing. However, it’s important to get the right fit for your head.
The FLAK comes in several versions with different sizes. This includes one fit made for low bridges. Curious what that means? Learn more about low bridge glasses.
- Oakley FLAK 2.0 XL: 59-12-133
- Oakley 002971 FLAK 2.0 (A) Asian Fit: 61-12-133
- Oakley 009488 FLAK 2.0 XXL: 63-10-131
- Oakley 009511 FLAK 2.0 S: 59-16-123
Oakley FLAK users also enjoy a crisp, clear view unencumbered by bulky rims, thanks to the large, semi-rim, wraparound lenses. The Oakley FLAK is available with or without polarized lenses.
Revo DESCEND PRO
As with the Oakley FLAK, the Revo DESCEND PRO is designed for optimal visibility on the green. The DESCEND PRO accomplishes this goal with large, rimless, wraparound lenses, paired with a “weightless” frame for comfort.
Unlike the Oakley FLAK, DESCEND PRO has photochromic lenses, which adjust depending on the lighting situation. Some golfers like this feature because the DESCEND PRO works well in both high-glare and lower-light situations, so there’s no need to change glasses if the sky darkens or you move away from a water hazard.
Maui Jim BANYANS
The Maui Jim BANYANS frames feature wide, semi-rim lenses for optimal visibility. They also come with the option of Maui HT (High Transmission) lenses, favored by golfers who sometimes need a contrast boost to better see the ball on the green.
Other golfers rave about the comfort and durability of the BANYANS frames. They do come in two size options: 70-13-140 and 70-17-130. If you prefer a slightly shorter lens, the Maui Jim BANYANS Asian Fit version is 69-13-140.
Oakley OO9499 SPHAERA SLASH 0OO9499
The Oakley Sphaera Slash has a futuristic, visor-like design with lenses that extend into the bridge and wrap around, creating a wide, unbroken sightline. Its Prizm Field lenses are also popular with golfers for absorbing an ideal amount of light, about 85 percent. This allows for optimal contrast between the white golf ball and green.
These sunglasses offer good visibility when approaching to putt. You can choose from polarized or non-polarized lenses in a variety of colors.
