Golf in the sun is the best! The evening after golfing in the sun when you didn’t wear one of the best golf hats for sun protection is definitely isn’t fun.
The best golf hats for sun protection are not just there to be ascetically pleasing – they have a hugely important practical purpose. Given the amount of time you spend on the course on a hot day, it is vital you protect yourself properly. This is not just about preventing burnt ears, but also mitigating the risk of serious illnesses such as skin cancer. This is especially important if you are reading this and over the age of 40.
Now, a sun hat is not a silver bullet. You also need to be wearing sun cream, proper clothing and hydrating yourself well whilst playing your round of golf. I would not recommend wearing a visor when playing if you are thinning on top as this will not provide you with adequate protection from the sun.
There are a number of different styles which you can choose. You could go for the popular baseball cap style, the bucket hat, cowboy style hat or the Havana hat. Each style has different pros and cons which you need to consider when picking looking at the best golf hats for sun protection.
Best golf hats for sun protection: quick buy
Best baseball style golf hot for sun protection – Under Armour Men’s Blitzing 3.0 Cap – Quick buy on Amazon.
Best brim sun hat for golf – Callaway Golf 2020 Sun Hat – Quick buy on Amazon.
Best golf hats for sun protection: in detail
Pros
Cons
- Built-in HeatGear sweatband wicks away sweat to keep you cool & dry.
- Stretch construction provides a comfortable fit.
- Front panel backed with foam padding for added comfort.
- One of the best golf hats for sun protection.
- Baseball style cap does not provide full head and ear protection from the sun.
I am a big fan of the baseball cap style golf hat when playing golf. It is unobtrusive, stylish and functional. The moisture wicking technology makes this golf hat ideal for golfers who sweat a lot on the forehead and brow.
A baseball style hat will not offer full head protection, especially for the ears. If you are playing in the height of summer, or are particular sensitive to the UV rays then you should look to invest in a bucket hat as this will provide increased coverage to protect you from the suns rays.
Pros
Cons
- Dry-FIT technology ensures max moisture control and quick-drying performance
- This hat offers maximum breathability for those hot summer days.
- Contrast underbill to Reduce Sun Glare.
- Baseball style cap does not provide full head and ear protection from the sun.
This is a great baseball cap with a clever design. The moisture wicking technology will reduce sweat build up whilst the mesh back and sides will increase ventilation on those warm summer days.
A baseball style hat will not offer full head protection. If you are thinning on top, or are bald I would not recommend this hat due to the mesh lining on the top of the head.
Pros
Cons
- 50+ UPF rating offers excellent UV protection, whilst the soft, absorbent comfort band keeps the sweat out of your eyes
- The lightweight 100% polyester fabric combined with stretch mesh insets delivers superior breathability and moisture management.
- Adjustable strap with clip closure provides a comfortable fit.
- Baseball style cap does not provide full head and ear protection from the sun.
- Not a recognized golf brand.
This baseball cap is one of the best golf hats for sun protection. With a UPF rating of 50+ this hat will protect you in all hot weather conditions.
Just like the other hats in this category, the moisture wicking technology will keep your brow dry by removing moisture and preventing the build up of sweat.
This golf hat is not suitable if you need added protection on the ear and neck areas (look for a bucket hat instead). Also, this hat is not the most stylish option in this list and given it is not manufactured by a dedicated golf brand (it is a running hat) it may not be to some people’s taste.
Pros
Cons
- UPF Protection 50+ UV Coating and Poly Fabric delivers the highest degree of sun protection of any Callaway hat.
- Performance, Moisture Wicking Sweatband.
- Breathable Mesh.
- One of the best golf hats for sun protection.
- Doesn't have a chin strap
This is one of the best golf hats for sun protection. It has everything you need to keep yourself safe and cool when enjoying a round of golf in the sun.
The UPF protection of 50+ is excellent and the moisture wicking sweatband is ideal for removing sweat from your forehead. Furthermore, this is a stylish, on-brand, bucket hat which will protect your ears and neck along with your head.
There are very few negatives with this sun hat. Perhaps the only one is that it doesn’t have a chin strap to help keep it in place.
Pros
Cons
- UPF Protection 50+ UV Coating.
- Mesh breeze-inducing vent to keep you cool and protected during long hours outside and in the sun.
- Can br adjusted for your needs.
- Doesn't have a chin strap
- Not a recognized golf brand.
With UPF protection of 50+ ane a mesh breeze inducing vent this bucket hat will keep you well protected when out on the course. This hat is specially designed for keeping you protected during long periods out in the sun.
This hat does not have a chin strap and it isn’t a recognized golf brand so if this is not to your taste I would recommend a different sun hat in this list.
Pros
Cons
- Large brim block out 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.
- The hat is foldable and packable making this the ideal for storing in your golf bag.
- Mesh panels and two-side air vent, letting your head stay ventilated and cool.
- Not a recognized golf brand.
With UPF protection of 50+ this large sun hat blocks out 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. What makes this hat unique in our list is that it can be folded making it ideal for storing in a golf bag.
This hat isn’t designed by a recognized golf brand so if this is not to your taste I would recommend a different sun hat in this list.
Pros
Cons
- Can be folded so is ideal for storing in your golf bag
- A wicking TransAction headband keeps sweat and water away from your brow and out of your eyes
- The flaps can be placed up so you xan get added ventilation.
- Not a recognized golf brand.
With UPF protection of 50+ this large sun hat is one of the best golf hats for sun protection. What makes this hat unique in our list is that it can be folded making it ideal for storing in a golf bag.
This hat isn’t designed by a recognized golf brand so if this is not to your taste I would recommend a different sun hat in this list.
Pros
Cons
- Traditional bucket fit for a relaxed feel & extended brim for increased coverage
- ArmourVent Technology delivers true breathability in a light, stretchy, durable & fast-drying fabric
- Chin strap.
- 30 UVP rating is lower than some of the other hats in this list.
This is a lovely bucket hat with great features to keep you cool on a warm summers day on the golf course. The chin strap will support the positioning of the hat whilst the fabric is fast drying and moisture wicking.
Pros
Cons
- New stretch material with adjustable closure for comfort and fit.
- Chin strap.
- Cost
Conclusion: best golf hats for sun protection
The best golf hats for sun protection should be made from strong, durable materials, have moisture wicking fabric and have ventilation to keep your head nice and cool.
On top of this, you may decide to choose a hat with a chin strap for added security and you may opt for a foldable hat so it can be stored easily in your golf bag.
Of my list of best golf hats for sun protection my favourites (depending on your preferred style) is the Under Armour Men’s Blitzing 3.0 Cap and the Callaway Golf 2020 Sun Hat.
Both of these hats have loads of premium features which will keep you safe and cool on hot days whilst being breathtakingly good value.
Whichever you choose, remember that the best golf hats for sun protection are essential for protecting you on those hot days. This isn’t just about fashion but also about preventing serious injury and illnesses.