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Sep 06, 2023

Best sunglasses for golf to keep your vision clear

There’s nothing better than hitting the golf course on a sunny day. After a few hours of squinting, you may be second-guessing your decision to spend most of your day outdoors. If you can relate, it

There’s nothing better than hitting the golf course on a sunny day. After a few hours of squinting, you may be second-guessing your decision to spend most of your day outdoors. If you can relate, it may be time to invest in a pair of golf sunglasses. Whether you want a simple pair built to withstand one golf outing a year or want to rock what the pros are wearing, there are plenty of golf sunglasses to choose from.

Staff favorite: Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Prizm Daily Golf SunglassesBest budget: ROCKNIGHT Driving HD Polarized UV400 Protection Ultralight Al-Mg SunglassesBest polarized: Bea·CooL Polarized Sports Sunglasses Best fitovers: Foster Grant Elm Solar ShieldBest designer: Prada Linea RossaBest wraparound: Maui Jim Local Kine Polarized Wrap SunglassesBest aviators: REKS AVIATOR SunglassesBest prescription: Rudy Project RydonBest grip: ROKA TL-1 SunglassesBest transition: Oakley Holbrook EyeglassesBest for clarity: Scheyden CIA Titanium Golf Specific Sunglasses

We researched manufacturer specifications, including innovative technology, frame material, and more, to create a shortlist of the top golf sunglasses categories. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best golf sunglasses for each category.

All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy a linked product, GOLF.COM may earn a fee. Pricing may vary.

Benefits— Prizm golf lens technology— Unisex fit— Tested for impact

Drawbacks— Expensive— Only 1 size— Customization costs extra

If you want to look like a golf pro, the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Prizm Daily Golf Sunglasses are the pair for you. They’re great for bright weather conditions, making it easy for you to spot your golf ball as it sails across the blue sky or skids across the putting green. The Flak 2.0 XL sunglasses have also been impact-tested to ensure protection in a variety of golfing conditions and will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

You can count on this pair for top comfort and more grip, thanks to the Unobtainium ear socks and nose pads. And you can even make your pair of Flak 2.0 XL sunglasses your very own — choose from various frame colors or etch the frames with your initials. This pair of golf sunglasses is pricey, but they make for a great purchase for lifetime golfers.

UV Protection: Yes | Colors: Matte black included, additional colors available at extra cost | Frame material: Lightweight O Matter frame material with ellipse metal icon accents

Benefits— Great value— Adjustable nose pads— Lightweight

Drawbacks— Prescription lenses not available— Not photochromic— Poor glare reduction

Who says you need to break the bank to purchase a pair of golf sunglasses? Not us. You can score this pair of ROCKNIGHT sunglasses in a variety of colored lenses for just under $30. Choose from a healthy assortment of mirrored or non-mirrored polarized lenses that’ll make golfing a breeze.

Plus, this pair of sunglasses is extra light, weighing the same as only two ballpoint pens, thanks to the metal frames. And despite being lightweight, they’ll stay put because of the adjustable nose pads and dependable frames.

In addition to the ROCKNIGHT shades, your purchase will come with a hard shell case, a cleaning cloth, a screwdriver, and backup nose pieces. While this pair of golf sunglasses isn’t available with prescription lenses, finding a pair of unisex golf sunglasses for better value will be difficult.

UV Protection: Yes | Colors: Black, silver, red, pink, purple, blue-green, blue | Frame material: Al-Mg metal rectangular frame

Benefits— Affordable— 9 filter layers— HD polarization

Drawbacks— Flimsy frames— A little uncomfortable— Lenses may scratch easily

Polarized lenses make golfing a breeze, as they sharpen your field of vision to make it easier to keep your eye on your ball. The Bea CooL Polarized Sports Sunglasses Model 7189 is equipped with nine different filter layers with UV protection, polarization, and an anti-scratch coating. The tac lenses are shatterproof and help reduce glare and provide an HD picture.

Choose from five different designs starting at only $22.99 and receive a hard shell case, a cleaning cloth, a pouch, and a screwdriver. While some glasses may be more durable than this plastic Bea CooL pair, you’ll still score a great set of polarized lenses.

UV Protection: Yes | Colors: Black, pink, blue, silver | Frame material: Plastic

Benefits— 3 lens colors— Affordable— 100% UVA-UVB protection

Drawbacks— Bulky— Hard to size

There’s no need to spend an extra couple hundred dollars on a pair of prescription golf sunglasses. Simply pop a pair of Foster Grant Elm Solar Shield sunglasses over your prescription eyewear to score total coverage during a sunny day at the country club. The Elm Solar Shield wraps around your everyday eyeglasses to protect and sharpen your direct line of sight and peripheral vision.

You can choose from three different lens/frame combinations: matte black with yellow lenses, matte black with smoke lenses, and matte black with brown lenses. Each pair features a set of nylon frames as well as 100% UVA-UVB protection and scratch-resistant lenses. If you’re new to wearing a pair of fitovers, the Elm Solar Shield may seem a bit bulky at first but give them a chance — you may love the convenience!

UV Protection: Yes | Colors: Matte black | Frame material: Nylon

Benefits— Contemporary aesthetic— 100% UVA/UVB protection— Wraparound periphery protection

Drawbacks— Expensive— Limited sizing options— Vents may compromise protection

Make the putting green your personal runway with a pair of the Prada Linea Rossa sunglasses, designed for style but also high performance. The ventilated lenses and perforated temple design give these shades an incredibly contemporary look with protection. Enjoy 100% UVA and UVB protection as well as periphery protection, thanks to the wraparound design of the sunglasses.

These Prada sunglasses come in a small range of color and lens combinations, and size availability is a little all over the map, but Prada offers free returns, so you can always pick out a different one if the first pair doesn’t work. This line of glasses is perfect for active fashionistas who want to turn heads as they walk to the back nine.

UV Protection: Yes | Colors: Slate | Frame material: Nylon

Benefits— Waterproof— Skin Cancer Foundation seal of recommendation— Eliminates glare

Drawbacks— Expensive— Nose pieces not covered under warranty— Not unisex

Maui Jim’s Local Kine Polarized Wrap Sunglasses are built to last through long days in the sunshine, thanks to thick temple material for greater coverage. The coverage is so good that these sunglasses boast a Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation. You’ll definitely be protected against harmful UV rays. Plus, since these shades are polarized, you won’t get distracted by the sun’s glare during practice swings.

The lenses, which come in prescription or non-prescription, are made with SuperThin glass to provide the crispest optics available across all colors. While on the pricier side, each pair comes with a two-year warranty, a tri-fold case, and a cleaning cloth.

UV Protection: Yes | Colors: Black variations | Frame material: Triple-injected nylon

Benefits— Unbreakable material— Maximum coverage— Photochromic golf lenses

Drawbacks— Only 1 size— Prescription version listed separately— No nose pieces

Not only are the REKS Aviator sunglasses incredibly stylish and perfect for golf, but they’re also affordable. These glasses boast a thick, classic frame, complete with the iconic top rim, tear-shaped lenses, and nose bridge made of virtually unbreakable polymer. We don’t recommend testing this out, but we think these aviators could survive a wild golf swing.

REKS’ polycarbonate lenses are ultra-lightweight and have 10 times the shatter resistance than glass or plastic lenses. Plus, they provide 100% UV400 protection from the sun. You can also opt for REKS’s Trivex golf lenses, further sharpening your golf course vision. To score these aviators in prescription, you’ll have to do a little searching on REKS’ website but rest assured, they exist!

UV Protection: Yes | Colors: Blue, purple, black-red, smoke | Frame material: Polymer, polycarbonate, Trivex

Benefits— 3 prescription options— Adjustable temple pieces— Interchangeable lenses

Drawbacks— Expensive— Only 1 size— Lens quality can be inconsistent

The Rudy Project Rydon sports sunglasses have the adjustable nose and ear pieces that’ll keep your glasses secure throughout all 18 holes. Even if your prescription has been historically more difficult to accommodate, Rudy Project has your back, thanks to a full-rim design that provides both coverage and durability for thicker lenses.

The Rydon sunglasses come with ImpactX photochromic lenses, which improve visual acuity and depth perception — perfect for when you reach the putting green. With interchangeable lenses, you can hold onto this pair for a long time, even if your prescription changes. Lens quality may vary slightly based on color, but rest assured, the Rydon sports sunglasses have your prescription needs handled.

UV Protection: Yes | Colors: Ash, black, white, charcoal, graphite, and more | Frame material: ImpactX, polymer

Benefits— Ultra lightweight— 2 sizes available— Geko fit technology

Drawbacks— Limited warranty coverage— Temple pieces run long

The ROKA TL-1 lightweight sunglasses have never met a face they didn’t like because of its trademarked Geko fit technology designed to keep your ROKAs in place from when you tee off to when you return your golf cart back to its parking spot.

The glasses come fitted with customizable titanium core wires that allow you to adjust the temple pieces for a perfect fit. The removable Geko nose pad also ups the ante on the pair’s security and can be swapped out for any ROKA accessory that may improve your performance.

The TL-1 sunglasses are sweat-resistant, fingerprint-resistant, and chemical resistant, so don’t skimp on the sunscreen. That level of durability is thanks to ROKA optics’ unmatched lens-coating process. Each coating is tested for performance and designed to wick away moisture and prevent your lenses from fogging.

UV Protection: Yes | Colors: Matte black, grey, custom | Frame material: Titanium

Benefits— All-day comfort— 2 types of prescription lenses— Wide prescription range

Drawbacks— Expensive— No nose pieces— Plastic frames

If you’re a regular eyeglasses wearer, you understand the angst that comes with trying to keep track of two pairs of glasses. Luckily, pro-golfer favorite Oakley’s Holbrook Eyeglasses may be just the solution, providing two different versions of transition lenses wrapped up in a classic-looking frame.

Choose between the Oakley Transitions Signature Gen 8 lenses, which quickly darken when exposed to sunlight and fade back to clear when indoors, or the Transitions Xtractive lenses, clear-to-dark lenses for light-sensitive wearers — or perhaps golfers who are frequently exposed to bright light. Stay modest with a black satin frame, or modernize your look with a transparent blue frame, among others.

UV Protection: Yes | Colors: Satin black, polished clear, polished black clear, satin grey, satin light steel, satin brown, transparent blue | Frame material: Plastic

Benefits— Crystal-clear vision— Worn by PGA Tour pros— UVA/UVB sun protection

Drawbacks— Expensive

These golf-tailored sunglasses by Scheyden will provide you with crystal-clear vision. And crystal-clear vision translates to never missing a shot — no matter what the weather.

These sunglasses were handmade in Japan and feature a lightweight yet durable titanium frame. The lens’ tint is specifically designed to brighten and perfect your vision on the golf course. And with 100% UVA/UVB sun protection, you’ll be good to go for hours. If you’re willing to splurge, these pair of titanium sunglasses have received rave reviews.

UV Protection: Yes | Colors: Bronze, light bronze | Frame material: Titanium

The sunglasses market is not a barren one. However, looking for golf glasses may be new territory for you. But don’t despair — there are a number of high-quality pairs made for every level of golfer, whether you need prescription lenses or not. Our top pick for golf sunglasses is the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Prizm Daily Golf Sunglasses, complete with Prizm lenses designed for golfing and thoroughly tested for impact.

The right pair of golf sunglasses are out there for you; it all depends on your priorities and golf habits. Are you a golfer who heads to the links once a week or just twice a year? Are you someone who wears glasses or contacts every day? These are just a few examples of priorities you may want to weigh before ordering your perfect pair. You’ll also want to consider comfort and durability as well as the number of bells and whistles you want.

Golf is an investment. From purchasing and maintaining a set of clubs to going in on a country club membership, it’s good to have a price point in mind for nice-to-have accessories like golf sunglasses. Golf sunglasses are available at multiple price points, depending on your budget and the features you’re looking for. You can expect to spend anywhere from $20 to over $300. Keep in mind that sunglasses made especially for golfing will cost more than your typical pair of sunglasses.

Not every pair of sunglasses is able to be fitted for prescription lenses. If you require an eye prescription, you have a couple of options when it comes to golf sunglasses. You can order a pair of sunglasses that match your eye prescription or a solar shield from a brand like Foster Grant, which fits over prescription eyeglasses.

Golf sunglasses have more bells and whistles than you might think. In addition to standard features like UV protection, many glasses have special photochromic lenses that sharpen your view while on the green. Another cool feature to look for is interchangeable lenses, available in both prescription and non-prescription. If you want to use your golf sunglasses for more than just golfing, switching out your lenses can save you lots of money.

It’s important to have a comfortable pair of golf sunglasses when planning to spend a long day on the links. Many pairs are specifically designed to make you forget you’re wearing them. If comfort is important to you, look for sunglasses that prioritize a personalized grip and are made of a lightweight material that won’t irritate the bridge of your nose or your ears, even after hours on the golf course.

If you’re a dedicated golfer, whether for sport or pleasure, you want a pair of golf sunglasses that’ll withstand the test of time and stand up against a wild chip shot or two. See if the glasses you have your eyes on have undergone impact testing or are made from an unbreakable, flexible material. Durability is crucial for athletes who want to get multiple years out of their golf sunglasses.

The best type of sunglasses is those specially made for golf or at least branded as sports sunglasses. Sports sunglasses are made to stay put all day, whether golfing or cycling. Additionally, these glasses typically have special lenses that’ll not only block bright sunlight but also make it easier to spot your golf ball after you tee off.

Pro golfers wear a variety of brands, but U.S. golfers, such as Rickie Fowler, Harris English, Nelly Korda, and Danielle Kang, have all been photographed wearing Oakley sunglasses.

Polarized lenses are better for golfers looking for sunglasses that reduce glare and provide a sharper image on the green. If you’re golfing on a cloudy day, you may not experience as much glare as you would from bright sunlight, but you’d still benefit from the crisp color correction that polarized lenses provide.

Maddie Topliff is a full-time copywriter and content specialist based in Des Moines, Iowa. Her sports writing has been featured by multiple high-profile brands, including People, Entertainment Weekly, and more. Maddie is also a mini golf super fan and occasionally manages to get a hole-in-one.