I love summer golf. You can’t beat showing up for an ultra-twilight round knowing with 100 percent confidence that you’ll actually get 18 holes in before dark. Beyond the extended daylight hours, there are plenty of reasons to love warm weather rounds. The ball flies further, the grass is greener and, for many of us, this is the only time of year we can actually get out on the course with any consistency. Consistent play means more reps and more reps mean better scores. Ironically, the only downside to golfing in the dog days of summer is the heat.
My favorite summer golf gear is lightweight, easy to carry and keeps me cool. Taking on the heat can be a challenge but as someone who has been playing golf when the temperature can exceed 100F for almost 30 years, I have some ideas about what gear can make a midsummer round tolerable, even comfortable..
There are dozens of recommendations I could make but to keep you from scrolling for the next hour, I narrowed it down to the 11 pieces of gear I’ve been relying on the most this summer. Let us know in the comments what you use to stave off the heat.
Gear to End Summer on a High Note
There are a ton of great lightweight, techy polos out there but I’ve really been loving this one from Fiori. The material is incredibly soft and silky, feels good on my skin when it’s bone-dry or sweat through, has a comfortable collar that stays put and can be worn with the collar wide open or zipped up, depending on how I’m feeling.
Joel Dahmen isn’t the only golfer who can rock a big ol’ bucket hat. The sun is constantly in your eyes while playing summer golf but it’s also ravaging your neck and ears with UV rays so a bucket hat is an ideal antidote. To go along with ample sun protection, this hat from adidas utilizes the brand’s moisture-absorbing AEROREADY material, keeping you dry and cool when the sweat really starts to drip.
If you’re a sports fan, you need a golf hat from 47 Brand. My go-to is the trucker-style cap, but “dad cap” enthusiasts will find a ton of options for them, too. The BRRR material is lightweight and, in my experience, always dries in a flash, which is a huge benefit on the hottest of days. I prefer the white ones, since they don’t absorb as much heat but the material is so light I’d definitely recommend whichever of the styles piques your interest.
Tifosi is a great pick for anyone who wants an affordable pair of sunglasses but just because they’re easier on the wallet doesn’t mean they’re not capable of performing in the most intense conditions. The brand’s golf lenses are ideal for varying light conditions so you’ll be able to rock them at a noon tee time just as easily as you are at a 6 p.m. tee time. I also love how light they are which actually makes a huge difference when it’s hot.
A pair of lightweight shorts cannot be overlooked. The lululemon ABC line is one of my favorites when it comes to golf pants but it’s also got some pretty stellar summer shorts. Specifically, I like the WovenAir model which drapes nicely, won’t bunch up in the crotch or around the waist and keeps airflow at a maximum whether you’re golfing in the hot West Coast desert or the muggy Northeast.
When things get hot almost nothing provides more relief than a cold towel whether you’re draping it around your neck, wiping down your sweaty arms and hands or giving your face a quick cooldown. The Mission Cooling towel is more than just a regular old towel, though. It can stay cool for up to two hours (with no chemicals), offers UPF 50 sun protection and can cool to 30 degrees below body temperature in just a few minutes.
Hot days on the golf course will leave your feet and legs feeling extra tired and lethargic. Your shoes can go a long way in relieving that burden, though. For that, I love the Under Armour Phantom shoes. They’re light and comfortable but really shine in the heat thanks to their mesh upper and SpeedForm® 2.0 sockliner, giving your feet room to breathe during long days on the course.
Don’t forget to drink water (those two cans of Coors Light are not enough). A Hydro Flask water bottle is constantly in my bag, ready for a refill each time I pass by those precious orange water jugs every few holes. It adds a bit of weight to my bag but the insulated bottle is worth having, thanks to its ability to keep water cold throughout an entire round.
Umbrellas aren’t just for rain, they’re great for sun, too. If you like to walk the course, whether you’re carrying your bag or pushing a cart, an umbrella can save the day when the heat of summer is at its peak. The sun has the ability to completely drain you of energy so even a few minutes of shade between shots is better than nothing, letting you do your best for an entire round.
Shoes are important but sweat-wicking performance socks might be even more valuable on a hot summer afternoon. My go-tos in all seasons, but especially in the summer, are Swiftwick’s ASPIRE Zero. The tab at the heel keeps them from slipping down into my shoe, the short length lets my lower legs breathe and, most importantly, they prevent blisters and chafing.
On a hot day, you might find that your golf glove gets just as wet as it would on a rainy day. Sweat, condensation from your water bottle, constantly reaching for the wet towel—these things all make your glove soak through in moments. The HyperFLX glove stays drier than a run-of-the-mill golf glove, thanks to its mesh material. Don’t think you’re getting short-changed, though. The palm is still made from premium Cabretta leather.
