It’s bright to near blinding on the golf course in the spring and summer, even in the Pacific Northwest where I lived and played golf for 16 years. The sun is out, which is great, but it can also harm you. Yes, do apply sunscreen to protect your face and skin. But the focus of this article is your eyes and your vision.
Why wear golf sunglasses?

Michelle Wie wearing oversized reflective lens sunglasses during a practice round at the Evian Championship in 2016. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
There are two main reasons. First, and most important, is to protect your eyes from harmful rays. And second, is to enhance your vision while playing a challenging game in a variety of course and weather conditions.
Individual preferences can guide the use of sunglasses on the golf course.
“I don’t like to wear them while hitting the ball, as there can be some height distortion at times,” said a Golf Discount staff member who recently returned from a Maui vacation that included golf. “But I always wear them on sunny and bright days for eye protection.”
She added, “Water hazards and bunkers can be blinding if you are playing in sunny conditions. Some lenses make it easier to read greens, too. The greens I played on Maui changed color if you were hitting into the grain or down grain. Sunglasses that help accentuate these color differences offer an advantage.”

Henrik Stenson wearing full coverage single lens sunglasses during a practice round ahead of the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, UAE. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
There are many considerations for golf sunglasses, including style, frame material, weight, eye coverage, comfort and lenses (they come in nearly every color imaginable). As a starting point, take a look at some of Golf Discount’s favorite models.
Our Golf Sunglasses Top Picks for 2018
Oakley Target Line Prizm Sunglasses
These sporty sunglasses are designed for performance and have a comfortable fit, especially under a hat.
Product highlights:
O-Matter™ frame material that’s lightweight, durable and comfortable
No-slip Unobtainium® Nosepads
Frame fits medium to large faces
Available with Oakley prescription lenses
Plutonite® Lenses for 100% UV protection that filters all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm
Comes with large hard case
Callaway Goshawk Mirrored Sunglasses
These ultralight titanium sunglasses include Callaway’s PX2 lens technology.
Product highlights:
100% protection from UVA, UVB and UVC rays
Polarized lenses that block glare
8 base lens configuration that shields UV rays
Frame fits medium to large faces
Goshawk lets in more light for improved depth perception
Comes with lens cloth, carry pouch and hard case with hanging clip
Tifosi Seek FC Sunglasses
These lightweight high-tech sunglasses are made for all sports and outdoor activities. “Glasses are light and comfortable. They ease the strain on eyes in the bright sunlight.” —Golf Discount customer
Product highlights:
Adjustable rubber ear and nose pieces for comfortable fit
Grilamid TR-90 frame construction for durability and resistance to chemical and UV damage
Shatterproof polycarbonate lenses that help minimize distortion and improve peripheral vision
100% UVA and UVB protection
Hydrophobic coating that repels fluids
Frame fits small to large faces
Good fit for both men and women
Lightweight (24 grams)
Comes with a hard, zippered case and cleaning bag
Lifetime manufacturer warranty
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Prizm Polarized Sunglasses
Worn by Australian golfer, Adam Scott, this model includes generous lens coverage and high-definition optics for better vision in a variety of conditions.
Product highlights:
8 base lens that improves peripheral vision and provides enhanced coverage
Unobtainium® (soft hydrophilic synthetic) for a better grip when perspiring
High Definition Optics® that meet or exceed ANSI testing standards for optical clarity, visual fidelity and impact resistance
Prizm™ Polarized that make dull colors warm and rich for sharper contrast and a more pleasant visual experience
Callaway Merlin Mirrored Sunglasses
These stylish mirrored sunglasses include Callaway’s PX2 lens technology.
Product highlights:
100% protection from UVA, UVB and UVC rays
Polarized lenses that block glare
8 base lens configuration that shields UV rays
Frame fits medium to large faces
Merlin lets in more light for improved depth perception
Comes with lens cloth, carry pouch and hard case with hanging clip
In a sense, the only way you can go wrong is to not carry a pair or two of golf sunglasses. Most models will protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays and can also help you see the golf course and its features better.
Shop golf sunglasses from top brands and benefit from Golf Discount’s low-price guarantee.

Adam Scott Squints into the sun with his polarized Oakley Flak 2.0 golf sunglasses.
Neil Sagebiel
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