The 11 Best Golf Hats for Sun Protection [2023 Edition]

I learned my lesson about how dangerous the sun can be on the golf course several years ago.

I had a nice golf vacation planned where I’d booked several rounds for the week. The only problem was I forgot to wear sunscreen or even a cap during my first round and suffered a horrible sunburn that ruined the rest of my trip.

Don’t be like me and let the harsh sun rays ruin your next golf vacation. Always wear sunscreen and a golf hat! If you aren’t sure which golf hat to buy, we’ve researched and compiled the following list of the 11 best golf hats to help you.

For golfers that just need a quick recommendation, here a side-by-side comparison of our top 3 choices:

How We Came Up with This List

In our search for the best golf hats for sun protection, we weighed out several factors. First, each golf sun hat on our list had to provide UV protection against the sun’s rays. Regardless of style, if a cap didn’t provide enough coverage against the sun, we removed it from consideration.

Our next factor was comfort. Golfers are just like any other human beings. If an article of clothing is uncomfortable, we know the chances of them wearing it for their next round of golf are slim and none. Because of this, we made sure that each golf cap on our list was lightweight.

Lastly, we decided that the best golf caps have to provide good airflow and the ability to wick away sweat. There’s nothing worse than wearing a hat for 4 hours on the golf course that weighs your head down. Each hat on this list has both of those crucial capabilities.

 

Top 11 Golf Hats for Sun Protection

1. PGA Tour Men’s Standard UPF 50 Solar Hat (Best Overall)

Top pick

PGA TOUR Solar Golf Hat

Moisture-wicking band prevents the build up of sweat and 360 degree brim guards your eyes from the sun. Lightweight UPF 50 ripstop fabric. Engineered mesh for airflow.

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Pros

• Designed by the PGA Tour, which gives it instant credibility
• Has a moisture-wicking sweatband inside to keep you dry and comfortable
• Made out of 100% polyester, which is known for providing maximum breathability
• Comes with a cord for adjustable closure, which will come in handy on windy days
• One of the best wide brim golf hats on the market and provides 360 degrees of sun protection
• Engineered with a specialty fabric that’s lightweight and has a UPF rating of 50
• Has mesh vents to promote even more airflow on the golf course
• Comes in 7 different colors to choose from
• Can easily be cleaned in a standard washing machine

Cons

• It only comes in 1 size, which has caused some problems for some golfers
• Some have experienced shipping issues where the golf hat arrives bent

Want a golf sun hat that looks great, provides excellent protection against harmful UV rays, and is made by the PGA Tour? This is your best bet. The designers of this hat thought of everything that golfers need while sweating out a round in the unrelenting summer sun.

 

2. Coolibar UPF 50+ Men’s Leo Shapeable Wide Brim Hat (Best Wide Brim Golf Hat)

Coolibar Leo Shapeable Wide Brim Hat

UPF 50+ blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays. Lite fabric is ultra-soft with a cotton like feel, lightweight, breathable, quick dry performance. Adjustable chin cord holds hat in place and an elastic drawcord with toggle at back of crown for adjustable fit.

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Pros

• Blocks 98% of UV and UVB rays
• An ideal choice for your next round of golf or any outdoor activity that you enjoy
• Made of 100% polyester so it won’t weigh you down
• Comes in 3 sizes to ensure a perfect fit for every golfer
• Made with adjustable chin straps for a more snug fit on windy days
• Fabric is both lightweight and moisture-wicking
• Goes well with any golf outfit
• Has a moisture–wicking sweatband inside of it to keep your face dry

Cons

• Must be washed by hand
• Isn’t waterproof or even water resistant so keep that in mind if rain’s in the forecast
• Some golfers may think the brim is too wide

Of all of the wide-brim hats out there, this one is our favorite! Coolibar may not be a well-known golf brand like Callaway or Titleist but these folks know how to make high-quality hats that provide lots of sun protection. This snazzy-looking hat comes in 4 different color schemes and would make an outstanding gift for any golfer.

 

3. Titleist Men’s Tour Performance Golf Hat (Best Baseball Cap Style)

Pros

• Made of 97% polyester and 3% spandex so it’ll stretch for a more secure fit
• Can be easily adjustable thanks to the snapping device on the back of the hat
• The bill is shapable but not too flimsy
• Excellent UV protection against the sun’s harmful rays
• Available in 7 unique colors and any of them would look great on the golf course
• Titleist is one of the best brands in the golf industry
• Nice looking logo displayed on both the front and the back of the hat

Cons

• Can only be washed by hand
• Some of the color choices are $8 more than the cheapest one available (green)

This is our best choice for golfers who prefer regular baseball caps instead of bucket hats or wide-brim hats. It gives folks a 50+ UPF rating for great protection against the sun. There’s a reason why so many PGA Tour pros like Justin Thomas wear Titleist golf hats.

 

4. Callaway Golf Bucket Hat (Best Bucket Hat)

Pros

• You’re getting an established brand at an incredibly low price
• Made with 97% polyester and 3% spandex for maximum comfort
• Has a built-in cooling sweatband to help keep sweat out of your eyes on even the hottest of summer days
• Has air vents all around the center of the hat for improved airflow and breathability
• Designed with a unique fabric that provides 50+ UV protection against the sun’s rays
• Fashionable enough for both on and off the golf course
• The brim is 2.5” and provides lots of coverage
• Can be folded up and stored in your golf bag

Cons

• Some golfers wish the brim was a little bit wider
• There have been some shipping delays with this product

Callaway is one of the most trusted brands in the golf industry. This bucket hat may officially be last year’s version, but we still feel it’s one of the top choices on the market for excellent sun protection. Unlike most bucket hats, this one comes in 2 different sizes: Small / Medium and Large / Extra Large.

 

5. EINSKEY Reversible Bucket Hat for Men/Women (Best Value)

Pros

• Made with stretch material so that you can fold up for packing convenience
• Designed with the perfect blend of cotton and polyester
• Excellent choice for both men and women golfers
• Is one of the most affordable bucket golf hats on the market
• Fits comfortably on your head, and the brim won’t obscure your vision like some other golf hats
• It’s reversible so you’ll get 2 different styles to choose from in 1 hat
• Great for golf and any outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or hunting

Cons

• Some folks with larger heads have had sizing issues with this hat
• May not provide enough sun coverage for some golfers

With inflation still at an all-time high, more golfers than ever are on a tight budget. So we wanted to provide cost-effective options for folks needing sun protection at a price that wouldn’t break the bank. This reversible bucket hat from Einskey is stylish, affordable, and provides plenty of shade against harmful rays.

 

6.

Nike Golf Dri-Fit Swoosh Front Cap

(Best for Staying Dry)

Pros

• Currently on sale for 9% off, so it’s a great time to buy

• Stylish enough for golf or any other casual event setting

• The 100% polyester material won’t weigh your head down

• Looks great on both men and women golfers

• Worn by PGA Tour greats like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Tony Finau

• Made with Dri-Fit technology, so you won’t have to worry about it smelling like sweat

• Has ventilation holes throughout the entire hat top to promote more airflow

• The hook and loop velcro closure strap on the back is easy to adjust

• Has the famous Swoosh logo on both the front and the back

• Available in 8 color choices

Cons

• Some don’t prefer the velcro strap

Want a golf hat that’s specifically designed to keep you drier on the golf course? Nike made this with a specific Dri-Fit technology fabric that will keep your head dry even on the hottest of days. That fact alone makes it the ideal choice for those long summer rounds of golf.

 

7. Titleist Golf Tour Aussie Hat Legacy Collection (Most Unique)

Titleist Tour Aussie Golf Hat

Stretch material with adjustable closure for comfort and fit. Removable chin strap with inside pocket for storage. UV treated for sun protection of 40+ UPF.

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Pros

• Made by one of the most respected brands in the golf world
• Made out of a particular type of stretch material to ensure a perfect fit for all golfers
• Comes with a chin strap that can be removed if needed
• Provides 40+ UPF sun protection
• Available in 7 different color schemes
• The Aussie style does a great job of preventing sunburns to the face and head
• Has neat looking Titleist and Footjoy logos on it

Cons

• The price is a bit expensive, even for a trusted brand like Titleist
• Some folks have had shipping issues where the hat shows up bent on arrival

Some golfers may be pleasantly surprised that Titleist offers more than just top-of-the-line golf balls. Though the company is most known for making high-quality golf balls like the Pro V1, they also carry certain types of golf clothing. The Titleist Aussie hat has a fresh look and gives golfers lots of sun protection.

 

8. Henschel Hats Aussie Breezer Cotton Mesh Hat (Most Breathable)

Pros

• Made of 45% cotton mesh and 55% polyester for maximum breathability
• The 3” brim provides tons of sun protection
• Available in 5 classy color choices that most folks will love
• UPF 50+ rating
• The chin cord will give golfers a more snug fit when the wind kicks up
• Henschel has been making hats since 1947, which further adds to their credibility
• Great for golfing or other outdoor stuff like hiking, camping, or beach walks

Cons

• Must be dry cleaned only
• Can’t be packed in a suitcase because it’ll warp the shape
• Some folks have had issues with some of the colors fading over time

If you play lots of golf in hot climates, this could be the perfect choice for you. We love that this hat is made up of mostly mesh, which means it’s more breathable than any other golf hat. Henschel Hats offers the Aussie Breezer in 7 different sizes, so folks shouldn’t have any fitting issues.

 

9. TaylorMade High Crown Visor (Best Visor)

Pros

• Has the classic TaylorMade logo on the front, which is one of the most trusted names in golf
• Perfect for ladies or men with long hair
• Made out of 100% polyester, which is known for being comfortable, lightweight, and durable
• Comes with a highly absorbent headband on the inside
• The dark bill will help reduce the glare of the sun
• Provides extra coverage and an adjustable back
• Very reasonable price, especially for one of the recognizable brands in golf
• The adjustable straps on the back can help you find just the right fit

Cons

• Not a good choice for bald golfers because of the lack of coverage
• Only available in 2 colors (black and white)

Golfers who prefer visors instead of standard golf hats will love this high-crown visor from TaylorMade. Visors can help keep the sun out of your eyes, but they also can keep you much cooler since they don’t cover your entire head. Male and female golfers alike will appreciate how comfortable this visor is.

 

10. Dukars Unisex Wide Brim Sun Hat

Duakrs Unisex Wide Brim Sun Hat,

UPF 50+ Large brim blocks out 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. Foldable and packable making this the ideal hat for any golf trips.

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Pros

• The brim width of 3.2” is wide enough for a good amount of coverage but won’t obstruct the golf swing
• Has a UPF rating of 50+
• Comes with a built-in sweatband to keep sweat from running into your eyes
• Dukars offer this hat in 11 different colors
• Hat is waterproof, so it’s a good choice if rain’s in the forecast
• Designed to block 98% of UVA and UVB rays from the sun
• Can be folded up for packing convenience
• The mesh panels help promote even more airflow
• The adjustable chin strap will help keep your hat in place on windy days on the golf course
• It can be washed in a standard washing machine

Cons

• The sweatband is made of cotton, which is comfortable but won’t dry quickly
• Some think the brim is a bit too large

Golfers who like wide-brim hats should jump on this hot deal while they can. These hats are on sale for 45% off for a limited time! Dukars designed this hat for maximum comfort and plenty of sun protection, which makes it an ideal choice for avid golfers.

 

11. adidas Men’s Victory 4 Bucket Hat

Pros

• Excellent protection against the sun’s rays
• The Boonie bucket silhouette shape is stylish enough for lots of occasions
• The 100% polyester material is always lightweight and extra comfortable
• The hat comes with perforated holes in the top for better ventilation and airflow
• Built with a sweat-wicking band on the inside to keep your face dry
• Perfect for golfers who aren’t a fan of wide brims but still need sun protection
• The drawstring cord can be easily adjusted for a better fit
• An excellent price point for a name brand like Adidas

Cons

• The hat may repel some water, but it’s far from waterproof
• Some folks have said this bucket hat fits too tight

adidas is one of the most popular brands in the sports apparel industry so it should come as no surprise that they offer one of the best golf bucket hats on the market. Golfers will love the 7 different style patterns and the drawstring chin strap. This hat also gives good UVA protection, with a UPF rating of 50.

 

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.