Buying guide for Best golf umbrellas
Getting soaked through from a persistent drizzle or sudden downpour can make your day miserable. Whether you're out on the links or walking to work, a golf umbrella will keep you and your gear dry. Despite the name, golf umbrellas aren't used exclusively for golf. It's simply a generic name for any umbrella with a large canopy. If you're sick of compact umbrellas providing insufficient coverage, then a golf umbrella is for you.
There is plenty to consider when choosing the best golf umbrella. Do you want sun protection as well as protection from rain? What canopy size do you require? And do need a model that's easy to open and close with the press of a button?
Key considerations
Canopy
Size: Most golf umbrellas have a canopy size of between 52 and 68 inches. Bear in mind that the canopy is measured across the arch of the umbrella rather than across the diameter, so it might be slightly smaller in diameter than you expect. A small golf umbrella is suitable for a couple of people for general use, but on the course it will probably only be useful for keeping you or your clubs dry, not both simultaneously. The largest umbrellas offer the most protection from rain, but these can be unwieldy.
Protection: Of course, you expect your umbrella to protect you from the rain — that's its job, after all — but some models also have UV protection built in. These umbrellas have an extra coating that blocks up to 99.5% of all UV rays. This can help you avoid sunburn on hot days and help you stay cooler by providing some portable shade.
Shaft
The golf umbrella shaft is the part you hold at one end that also holds up the canopy at the other. Many golf umbrella shafts are made of metal (usually aluminum or stainless steel), but these can be unsafe to use in a thunderstorm, since metal conducts lightning. A fiberglass shaft is not only strong, lightweight, and noncorrosive but also a safer option.
Auto-open button
Some golf umbrellas can be opened automatically at the press of a button. This is an excellent feature for people with dexterity issues that might make it difficult to open an umbrella with two hands. It's also beneficial for anyone who has their hands full with a golf cart, stroller, groceries, or anything else. Some umbrellas also have an auto-close function that folds the umbrella most of the way down when you press the same button again.
Features
Strength
If you've ever owned a cheap umbrella, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of it turning inside out in a strong wind. To avoid this issue, choose a sturdily made golf umbrella with vents that can stand up to the wind. The overlapping vents keep rain from coming through the umbrella while allowing the wind to blow through, so the umbrella won’t turn inside out. Reinforced ribs also help improve wind resistance.
Handle
Not all golf umbrella handles are equally pleasant to grip. If you're likely to use your umbrella for long stretches, choose an easy-grip or ergonomic handle to make it more comfortable to hold.
Color
You can find golf umbrellas in all colors, from plain black to neon yellow. Other than stripes, prints are less common but not unheard of. You can even find golf umbrellas emblazoned with the logo of your favorite sports team.
Case
Many golf umbrellas include a protective sheath for storing your umbrella between uses. Some umbrellas come with a case that has handles or straps for easier carrying.
Did you know?
Raindrops roll right off Teflon-coated golf umbrellas.
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Golf umbrella prices
You can find basic golf umbrellas for as little as $5 to $15, but barring a few rare exceptions, these usually aren't of the highest quality.
We recommend spending $20 to $30 on a solid mid-range option, which is likely to be more durable.
High-end golf umbrellas cost between $30 and $50, but you usually don't need to spend this much unless you require certain top-of-the-line features.
Tips
- Check the quality of the umbrella's ribs. Flimsy ribs make a flimsy umbrella that is much likelier to turn inside out in a strong wind, even if the umbrella has vents.
- Decide if you need a wrist loop. A wrist loop on the handle can help you hang on to your umbrella in a strong wind. You can also use the loop to hang your umbrella when it’s not in use.
- Think about how you’ll use a golf umbrella. If you live someplace that only gets a few days of rain a year, there's no point in buying the most expensive golf umbrella available. Likewise, you'd be smart to spend a little extra on a high-end model if you get plenty of wet, blustery weather in your area.
- Decide if you need an umbrella that can attach to your cart. If you do want to use a golf umbrella to protect your clubs in your golf cart, consider how you will attach it to the cart.
FAQ
Q. What are golf umbrella canopies made of?
A. Umbrella canopies are generally made of nylon. This might seem like an odd choice since nylon alone isn't completely waterproof, but nylon can easily be coated with polyurethane (PU) and similar products to add a waterproof layer. Nylon is preferable over less permeable fabrics because it's durable yet flexible and won't tear or split easily. It's also lightweight, dries quickly, and is resistant to mold and mildew.
Q. Do all golfers need a golf umbrella?
A. If you're a keen golfer or just getting into the game, you might be wondering if you need a golf umbrella. After all, it does have the word "golf" in the name. But golf umbrellas don't need to be used for golf — they can keep you dry anywhere — nor do all golfers need a golf umbrella. If you live somewhere that rarely sees rain or you only go out on the course in fine weather, you probably don't need a golf umbrella. On the other hand, all-weather golfers should definitely have a golf umbrella on hand.
Q. Can I fit my whole family under a golf umbrella?
A. That really depends on the size of your golf umbrella and the size of your family. Even small golf umbrellas can fit a couple of adults and at least one small child, while the largest models can fit a family of five underneath, though walking in sync might be a challenge.
