Golf is a sport that demands precision, focus, and unwavering attention, and sometimes that calls for a bit of extra equipment.

Phil Mickleson is possibly successful enough to be called a legend alongside Seve Ballesteros and Tiger Woods. He’s also been known to sport a pair of Uswing Green Reader sunglasses to give him a competitive edge. Why? In order to excel on the greens, golfers need to ensure their vision is at its best. Mickelson’s glasses do that, and they help with colour enhancement, making greens easier to read.

Choosing the right pair of golf sunglasses is not merely about style; it's about enhancing your performance and protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. If you’re convinced you may need sunglasses to help your game, here’s our guide to selecting the right pair.

Why Are Golf Sunglasses Important

It is important to understand why sunglasses are so important for a golfer. Mickelson gains an advantage in his, or at least he perceives he does, but what benefits are there for an amateur player?

Golfers are exposed to the sun for extended periods unless they’re playing St Andrew’s in November, of course, and that can have adverse effects on the eyes. It increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium through the sun's UV rays. Therefore, golf sunglasses must provide effective UV protection.

Also, polarised lenses are crucial as they aid in reducing glare from water hazards, sand traps, and other reflective surfaces. Ever been dazzled as you’ve taken a swing as the sun catches a lake or stream? Sunglasses could have had you covered. A good pair not only protect your eyes but also improve your visibility and performance.

Key Considerations When Selecting Golf Sunglasses

Choosing the right golf sunglasses involves a few crucial factors that should guide your decision.

Lens technology is the heart of any good pair of golf sunglasses. Look for lenses that offer 100% UV protection to safeguard your eyes from harmful sun rays. Larger pairs are good as the lenses tend to cover more of your face, protecting your eyes from peripheral exposure. Also, polarised lenses are a must to reduce glare from reflective surfaces. They are lenses laminated with tiny vertical stripes that only allow vertically angled light to enter the wearer's eyes; horizontal waves cannot bypass the filter, reducing the glare.

The colour of your sunglasses' lenses can greatly impact your visual acuity and perception on the golf course. Some polarised lenses are coloured in a way that can accentuate your clarity – Oakley’s Prism sports sunglasses are designed in such a way that their lenses enhance colour contrast, perfect for sports such as golf.

You should also consider the design of your glasses frame. The frame of your golf sunglasses is crucial for comfort and performance. Lightweight and durable materials are key, as you'll be wearing these sunglasses for extended periods. The fit should be snug to prevent slipping during your swing and to ensure that it's your putt you are concentrating on rather than keeping your glasses straight. Some frames even offer ventilation to prevent fogging, helping you focus on your game and not your sunglasses.

Which Models Stand Out From The Crowd?

With those tips in mind, here are a handful of models worth considering.

Oakley Flak 2.0 XL

When it comes to sports eyewear, Oakley sunglasses are an industry leader. For golf, the Flak 2.0 XL are a top choice for golfers, thanks to those Prizm lenses. As discussed, these lenses enhance contrast and provide excellent clarity, making it easier to track your ball and read the greens. The lightweight O-Matter frame ensures comfort throughout your round, making Oakley a one-time top choice for golfers such as Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter.

Maui Jim Ho'okipa

Maui Jim is making inroads into golf, sponsoring intercollegiate tournaments, and they’re now becoming known for their products. The company is renowned for its PolarizedPlus2 technology, which eliminates glare and enhances colours. The Ho'okipa model is a fantastic choice for golf, offering exceptional visual clarity and comfort with its Grilamid frame. The adjustable rubber nose pads contribute to a secure fit, and the name ho’okipa comes from the Hawaiian word for hospitality, suggesting these glasses are hospitable for your face.

Nike Golf X2 Pro

The Nike Golf X2 Pro are another solid pair, and when McIlroy switched from Oakley, it was Nike he moved to, whilst Tiger Woods has always worn Nike products. The Golf X2 Pro offer Nike Max Optics for distortion-free vision and features a ventilated nose bridge to prevent fogging, especially useful on hot and humid days. The lightweight nylon frame provides a secure fit for those big swings you need when smashing the ball 250 yards down the fairway.

Article credit - David Hobbs