Sun Protection Essentials for Golfers
Golf is one of the best ways to spend time outdoors, but hours on the course can also mean prolonged exposure to heat and harmful UV rays. Whether you’re planning on walking 18 holes or playing through an afternoon round with friends, it’s important to come prepared with the right gear like hats, sunscreen, and apparel with built-in UV protection.
At PGA TOUR Superstore, we offer several great sun protection options for players looking to perform in warm-weather conditions without sacrificing comfort or mobility.
Why Sun Protection Matters for Golfers
Golfers spend extended periods in direct sunlight, often during the hottest parts of the day. A typical round can last four to five hours, and reflective surfaces like sand, water, and paved cart paths can intensify UV exposure.
Over time, repeated sun exposure can contribute to:
- Frequent sunburns
- Skin damage and sun spots
- Premature aging and wrinkles
- Eye strain and visibility issues
- Increased risk of skin cancer
Because UV rays can penetrate through clouds, it’s always important to have go-to sun protection ready, even on cloudy days. Creating a reliable sun protection routine and having a few essential sun protection apparel pieces on-hand will help you stay comfortable, healthy, and allow you to spend more time focusing on your game rather than trying to avoid overexposure to the sun.
UV Golf Shirts and Sun Protection Apparel
Modern golf apparel is designed to do much more than look good. Many performance polos, quarter-zips, and long-sleeve layers now feature built-in UV protection to help shield golfers from prolonged sun exposure.
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures how effectively a fabric blocks UV radiation. UPF 50 apparel can block approximately 98% of harmful UV rays while still remaining lightweight and breathable.
Long-sleeve golf sun shirts are a popular option for golfers who want additional coverage without feeling overheated. If you’re looking for a short sleeve option, most modern golf shirts are designed using moisture-wicking fabrics to help you stay cool, plus you can combine them with sun and arm sleeves for added protection.

Our Top Sun and UV Protection Apparel Picks
- SANSOLEIL SolTek ICE Men's Short Sleeve Golf Polo Shirt: This polo's moisture-wicking properties help keep you cool, dry, and comfortable, while the built-in UPF 50+ protection shields you from the sun.
- PGA TOUR Apparel Men's Cooling Stripe Golf Polo Shirt: Crafted from a lightweight, stretchy blend, this polo provides moisture-wicking, sun protection, and stretch for unrestricted movement.
- PGA TOUR Apparel Performance Cooling Flat Front Men's 8" Golf Shorts: The innovative active waistband delivers flexible comfort, while moisture-wicking technology and built-in sun protection help keep you dry and shielded from harmful UV rays.
- NIVO SPORTS Simona Women's Short Sleeve Golf Polo Shirt: This polo shirt offers a UPF +50 rating, providing excellent protection against the sun's harmful rays, so you can enjoy your game all day long.
Add UV Protection to Any Outfit with Sun Sleeve and Arm Protection
- PGA TOUR Apparel Solar Block Sleeves: Performance sleeve designed to not only look cool, but to also help block the sun when playing with UPF 50.
- SPARMS Sun Protection Unisex Arm Sleeves: Sleeves designed to be lightweight, moisture wicking, and breathable with UPF50+.
- SPARMS Sun Protection Unisex Shoulder Wrap: This sun protection shawl is ideal for people who wish to be protected all the time, with UPF50+.
- NIKE UV 2.0 Men's Golf Sleeves: These sleeves help shield your skin with UV treatment while keeping you dry and comfortable.
Golf Sunscreen & Protective Skincare Essentials
Even the best apparel and accessories should be paired with sunscreen before and during every round.
The right sunscreen for golfers should include broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, SPF 30 or higher, and sweat-resistant formulas designed for active outdoor use. Mineral-based and sport-focused sunscreens from WearSPF or Supergoop are especially popular among golfers because they tend to hold up better in warm weather, are designed to feel lightweight, and won’t leave you feeling greasy afterwards.
If you’ll be playing in direct sunlight, it’s generally recommended to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before teeing off and reapply every two hours during the round. Don’t forget commonly missed areas like the ears, neck, hands, and lower legs!
Our Favorite Sunscreen Options for Summer
- SUPERGOOP Body Mist SPF 50 with Vitamin C: A weightless, non-aerosol sunscreen body spray that is water & sweat-resistant & leaves skin radiantly glowing.
- SUPERGOOP Everyday Lotion SPF 50: A fast-absorbing, non-greasy sunscreen body lotion that hydrates skin & is water- & sweat-resistant for 80 minutes.
- WEARSPF SPF 30 Mineral Performance Sunscreen Spray: This sunscreen stays put through sweat, sun, and stress while helping support skin with conditioning ingredients like shea butter, squalane, and vitamin E.
- WEARSPF SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Stick: Designed for easy, mess-free application, WEARSPF's portable stick glides on smoothly and stays put through sweat, sun, and stress.
Come Prepared for the Heat with the Right Golf Accessories
The right accessories can make a difference in how well you play during warm-weather rounds. Sunglasses and hats can reduce glare, umbrellas help give you a break from the sun, and the right towel and glove combination can help keep your hands dry so you can swing with confidence. Adding a few heat-friendly accessories to your golf bag is one of the best ways to help yourself stay comfortable and focused throughout the day.
Reduce Glare with Sunglasses and Golf Hats
- KNOCKAROUND Odyssey Flight Paths Sunglasses: These sunglasses feature a lightweight matte navy wraparound frame and Knockterra+â„¢ color-enhancing, non-polarized mirrored lenses designed to track ball flight and read greens with ultimate clarity.
- KNOCKAROUND Clear Moonshine Fast Lanes Sunglasses: These sunglasses feature a glossy clear frame and blue moonshine mirrored lenses equipped with UV400 protection and impact resistance to maximize contrast and style on the fairways.
- KNOCKAROUND Brooklines Golf Sunglasses: With polarized dark smoke lenses, these sunglasses deliver impact resistance and complete UV400 protection.
- TITLEIST Tour Performance Golf Hat: Stay cool and protected on the course with this classic performance golf hat, featuring a moisture-wicking sweatband, breathable stretch material, and premium antimicrobial technology to combat odor during hot rounds.
- FOOTJOY HydroSeries Bucket Hat: Keep playing through wet weather with this waterproof bucket golf hat, engineered with lightweight, seam-sealed protection and a wide brim to keep you dry and comfortable on the fairways.
- TRAVISMATHEW Women's Summer Air Hat: Experience ultimate breathability on sunny days with this lightweight women's golf hat, featuring perforated mesh cooling panels, a moisture-wicking sweatband, and an adjustable closure for a secure, comfortable fit.
Give Yourself Some Shade with Golf Umbrellas
- TITLEIST Tour Double Canopy Umbrella: This premium 68-in. golf umbrella features a tour inspired double canopy design, UV protective coating, and reinforced ribs for ultimate wind and rain protection.
- MIZUNO 68" Tour Golf Umbrella: This extra-large tour golf umbrella is engineered with a dual-canopy venting system and a flexible fiberglass frame to withstand high winds.
- GOLF GIFTS & GALLERY: The Drizzle Stick Flex Umbrella features a windproof 54-inch extended shaft and a flexible bending head that allows for quick, easy club access while keeping your gear completely dry
- PING Tour Umbrella: This high-performance golf umbrella utilizes a heavy-duty canopy, a wind-resistant frame, and an ergonomic handle designed to fit securely in your hand or cart holder.
Gloves, Towels, and more
- TITLEIST Players Golf Glove: Experience a premium, consistent grip with Titleist's Players Golf Glove, crafted from soft, moisture-resistant Cabretta leather and featuring strategically placed perforations for maximum breathability on the course.
- FOOTJOY WeatherSof Men's Golf Gloves (2-Pack): Maximize durability and all-weather performance with this best-selling two-pack of golf gloves, engineered with premium synthetic leather and FiberSof material to ensure a secure, comfortable grip through every swing.
- GHOST GOLF Magnetic Golf Towel: Keep your clubs and balls spotless with this ultra-absorbent microfiber golf towel which features a convenient, heavy-duty built-in magnet that easily secures to your golf cart or iron heads for quick, effortless access.
- ZYDAR Z1 Laser Rangefinder: A high-performance golf rangefinder, featuring advanced slope-compensation technology, crisp magnification, and a fast vibration alert upon target lock.
- CMC DESIGN Snoopy Barrel Driver Headcover: Featuring a cushioning plush interior and top-quality faux leather, this headcover protects your clubs while displaying the timeless feel of Peanuts.
- GROOVE IT Wet Club Scrub Brush: Keep your grooves pristine for maximum spin and control with this innovative water-dispensing golf club cleaning brush.
Tips for Playing Golf in the Sun
Beyond wearing apparel with built-in sun protection and bringing accessories that help manage the heat, small adjustments to your routine can make playing golf in the summer much more enjoyable.
- Book early morning or late afternoon tee times - It’s usually hottest outside between 3:00PM and 5:00PM, so booking early morning or late afternoon tee times can help you avoid the worst of the heat.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours - Even high-performance sunscreens are designed to be reapplied during extended outdoor activity. Since a standard round of golf can last more than four hours, you should plan to reapply sunscreen at least once or twice.
- Wear light-colored, breathable apparel - Lightweight golf apparel made with moisture-wicking fabrics and built-in UV protection can help regulate body temperature, plus lighter colors absorb less heat, making them a natural choice for summer rounds.
- Stay hydrated before and during play - Hydration starts before you arrive at the course. Drinking water consistently throughout the day and carrying insulated water bottles or electrolyte drinks during your round can help reduce fatigue and keep you feeling fresh.
By combining the right sun protection apparel, accessories, and smart warm-weather habits, golfers can stay comfortable and protected, even during the hottest days of the season.

Stay Cool on the Course with Sun Protection Apparel, Sunscreen, and Accessories from PGA TOUR Superstore
Playing your best starts with being prepared for the conditions.
From sun protection golf hats and UV golf shirts to sunglasses, sunscreen, and everything in-between, the right gear can help you stay protected and comfortable through every round.
At PGA TOUR Superstore, golfers can shop trusted performance apparel, accessories, and warm-weather essentials from the game’s top brands like Maui Jim, Johnnie-O, and more.