You’re called for tee time, and you’ve got all your necessary gear: golf shirt, golf pants, golf bag. But wait, did you forget the sunnies? The best sunglasses for golf aren’t a cheat code for an A game, but they certainly will help you put a few holes closer to par than you could’ve done while squinting under the sun’s relenting rays.
While we know a thing or two about sunglasses, shopping for a pair of specs to play golf in is a totally different beast. Luckily, we’re more than just a stylish bunch—we’re pretty avid golfers, too. For your next round of 18, make sure you pack up a pair of these sunglasses, so when you play your best game ever, you’ll know who to thank.
The Best Sunglasses for Golf, According to GQ
In This Guide
Best Sunglasses for Golf Overall: Tifosi Crit
What if we told you it only costs $50 to out-golf your buddies on the course? Surely you’d take the plunge. And luckily, we’re confident to say that these affordable frames from Tifosi are more than likely to improve your swing game, whether it’s your first or fiftieth time to tee up. Tifosi’s Crit sunglasses are lightweight, designed with lens ventilation to prevent potential fogging whether because of humidity or your own sweat. A crystal-clear picture of the course ahead of you will make it more likely for you to hit closer to the hole, while a comfortable fit—customizable from the arms to the nose pieces—means you won’t need to constantly fix your frames. The lenses are also scratch- and shatter-proof in case you’re a little less careful with your specs than you are with your clubs.
Best Sunglasses for Golf if You Have a Large Noggin: Goodr BFG
The bigger the head, the bigger the…golf brain. While that’s not scientifically accurate, we know some of you folks with a larger noggin might have struggle squeezing sunnies onto your head. Luckily, Goodr’s BFG sunglasses were designed to accommodate those melon heads, offering a grip-coated frame to avoid sweat-induced slippage and non-reflective lenses so you can keep your non-squinted eyes on the prize.
Best Sunglasses for Golf if You Have a Low Bridge: Oakley RadarLock Path
Oakley
RadarLock Path Sunglasses
Oakley’s famous for its performance-first eyewear, which not only help you perform at your peak but also look pretty sick while doing it. The brand is also popular because it famously offers frames in a low-bridge fit, which is great for those who are constantly having to adjust their frames because they slide down their nose. With these re-designed RadarLock Paths, now everyone can enjoy the enhanced color and contrast that the Prizm lenses offer. The frames make it easy to quickly swap out the brand’s various performance lenses, and you can opt for polarized or iridium options.
Best Lightweight Sunglasses for Golf: Cubbits x Soar Running Cirrus
Cubbits
x Soar Running Cirrus Sunglasses
While designed for running, this collaborative pair of sunglasses from Cubbits and Soar are an excellent option for golf. These are some of the lightest sunglasses we’ve tried, which not only makes them great for running, but all-day wear no matter the activity. These feature a custom Ripel Zeiss shield lens, which protect from wind and dust (aside from the typical UV rays), while providing picture-perfect clarity.
Best-Looking Sunglasses for Golf: Article One x Mission Workshop
Article One
x Mission Workshop Sunglasses
Famously worn by Ryan Gosling, Article One’s original pair of these sunglasses used to always sell out. Now that they’re regularly available, you can start dressing like one of our favorite Oscar-nominated actors. The ‘70s-style aviator frames provide excellent oversized coverage, while silicone grips on the arms and nose make sure they’re stable. We’ve worn these on long runs, and they didn’t move at all, so swinging a golf club and driving around in a cart is surely not going to make these budge.
Best Customizable Sunglasses for Golf: Maui Jim Banyans
Maui Jim
Banyans Sunglasses
Like a wrap-around version of the popular Clubmaster-style frame, the Maui Jim Banyans let shoppers customize their shades to the nth degree to match their golf style. They’re lightweight and durable, complemented by silicone nose pieces for comfort and fit. While we think they’re best for those with smaller faces, the Banyans are one of the most stylish models from the brand so if you can fit ‘em, rock ’em.
The Sunglasses for Golf with the Best Clarity: Nike Ace Driver I
Nike
Ace Driver I Sunglasses
From basketball to running to everyday lifestyle, Nike’s reach knows no limits. For golf, we’re partial to the brand’s Ace Driver I frames. They come in a classic aviator style, finished off with a lightweight titanium frame for comfortable all-day wear. They’ve been accented with silicone details to prevent slippage, and they offer maximum sun coverage for even the brightest summer days. Plus, the Nike Max Pro lenses are primed to reduce light reflection, and they help repel water and oil for unobstructed views of the wins (and course) ahead.
What to Look for in Sunglasses for Golf
Weight: Anyone who’s had to wear eyeglasses or sunglasses knows that a heavy pair of frames is no fun, especially if they have to be worn all day. From headaches to overall fatigue, too-heavy glasses are the bane of many people’s existence. We sought out golf sunglasses that were lightweight so you could wear them all day and not be annoyed about having them on your head for multiple rounds of golf.
Fit: In the same vein as weight, sunglasses for golf should also be fit well. Many might not see golf as a very intensive sport, but heavy hitting and standing in the hot sun for hours is sure to induce quite a bit of sweat and discomfort. Our favorite pairs of sunglasses for golf feature special silicone accents, which ensure that they fit well and stay secure to your head so you don’t have to constantly adjust your frames when you’re focusing on your swing.
Clarity: Above all else, you have to be able to see clearly through your sunglasses. From fluctuations in the greens to the distance to the whole, the big picture of the course is what can make the difference between a good swing and a bad swing.
How We Tested
As experts in the sunglass space, we know how to protect our peepers. We’re also pretty good athletes around these parts, so when it came to picking out the best sunglasses for golfing, we knew what to look for—and it wasn’t that different than looking for sunglasses for other sports like running. From comfort to fit to overall style, the best sunglasses for golf are all going to make you a better player—we (almost) guarantee it.
