Precision and focus are paramount when you’re out on the golf course. Every shot counts; even
the slightest distraction can mean the difference between success and disappointment. While most
golfers meticulously select the right clubs and perfect their swings, one often overlooked
accessory can significantly impact performance: sunglasses.
That’s right; those stylish shades aren’t just for fashion. They offer a range of benefits that can
help elevate your game to new heights, and there are plenty of professionals who have perched a
pair on their noses to get ahead. But why are sunglasses as crucial to your golf bag as a good
putter? Let’s find out.
Protection from Harmful UV Rays
One of the most important reasons to wear sunglasses while golfing is to protect your eyes from
the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can be incredibly harmful. Spending hours on the golf
course exposes your eyes to prolonged sunlight, increasing the risk of eye damage and conditions
such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Quality sunglasses with UV protection can shield
your eyes from these harmful rays, ensuring optimal eye health and long-term vision
preservation.
For example, Oakley’s Radar Path sunglasses are perfect for golfing. They’ve been specifically
engineered to enhance contrast and visibility on the golf course while providing 100% UV
protection. David Duval, a former World Number One, has often been seen wearing Oakleys,
with wraparound sunglasses particularly popular due to their enhanced protection. With their
innovative lens technology, Oakleys’ Prizm lenses filter out harmful UV rays while optimizing
color and clarity, allowing you to see every detail of the course with precision and accuracy.
Reduced Glare for Enhanced Visibility
Glare from the sun can be a major hindrance on the golf course, causing eye strain and affecting
your ability to see the ball clearly. Sunglasses with polarized lenses, such as Oakley Prizm
products, are designed to reduce glare by filtering out horizontal light waves, improving visibility
and enhancing depth perception. This can be particularly beneficial when playing on courses with
water hazards or reflective surfaces, where glare can distort perception and impact shot accuracy.
As an amateur, you’ll find plenty of different models of men’s sunglasses that will help reduce
glare on the course. Maui Jim’s PolarizedPlus2 lenses are renowned for eliminating glare and
enhancing color perception, making them an ideal choice for golfers seeking optimal visual
clarity. Their Ohai and Maverick models are stylish as well, making them a solid choice.
However, manufacturers from Oakley to Ray-Ban and anything in between should have a solid
polarized lens offer.
Enhanced Contrast and Depth Perception
However, sunglasses are good for more than just glare—Phil Mickelson wears them for enhanced
clarity as well. The right pair of sunglasses can enhance contrast and depth perception, enabling
you to read the contours of the terrain better and judge distances accurately. This can be
especially advantageous when navigating undulating fairways, reading greens, or gauging the
trajectory of your shots. By sharpening visual acuity, sunglasses can help you make more
informed decisions and execute shots with greater precision and confidence.
Mickelson has been spotted in Uswing GF003 before, a pair of sunglasses he claims help pick out
certain colors, improving his game. The brand sprung to prominence in 2019 when Warren Fong
and Mickelson approached the same put. Wong was wearing the glasses, Mickelson was not, and
the latter misjudged the putt. The six-time Major winner has been a convert ever since
Protection from Wind, Dust, and Debris
Beyond UV protection and glare reduction, sunglasses also provide a barrier against
environmental elements such as wind, dust, and debris. Some courses are designed to attract the
wind to certain parts, and if you’re caught in a bunker, there’s likely to be some sand flying about
as well. Sunglasses act as a shield, preventing foreign objects from entering the eyes and ensuring
clear vision throughout your round.
Justin Rose is often seen in sunglasses, and while he doesn’t spend a lot of time in the bunker
when he does, they offer a degree of protection. He wears Adidas Whipstarts, with lenses
designed to be impact-resistant and scratch-resistant. This makes them well-suited for outdoor
activities like golf, where protection from wind-blown debris is essential.
Improved Vision
Did you know one of the greatest golfers of all time couldn’t see properly? With 15 Majors and
82 PGA Tour wins, Tiger Woods is one of the best ever to pick up a club, but he was once so
nearsighted that he said he would be considered legally blind without glasses or contacts; he isn’t
the only golfer in that boat either. That’s why he was often seen in sunglasses on the course, not
just for the reasons above, but so he could see properly. He’d pair them with prescription lenses
to effectively make a stylish pair of tinted eyeglasses; if you struggle with your eyesight, it is
worth investigating.
Almost all of the brands we’ve mentioned will offer you the chance to buy their sunglasses with
prescription lenses. You pay more – it can double the price of your Oakleys sunglasses, for
example, but it’s worth it. As an amateur, it might seem expensive, but you can also wear them in
your day-to-day life. No more squinting from the sun wearing normal glasses or being essentially
blinded at a summer