Golf Shirts
Golf shirts are integral parts of any golfer's attire and are mandatory at many courses. Yet finding which one is best for you is not always an easy task. Below we will cover the benefits, types, and brands you should consider when looking for a golf shirt yourself.
Benefits of Golf Shirts
Golf shirts are worn while playing the sport and are common attire for most golfers. Although they vary, a typical golf shirt can be identified easily by having a collar and buttons, typically made in the polo style. It's essential to find a shirt that fits, and it should serve to help a golfer feel more comfortable on the course regardless of weather conditions.
Golf shirts are required to be worn by golfers on many courses due to their dress codes. Golf shirts have features to help golfers deal with playing outdoors by including breathability in the shirt’s fabrics and being made with water-wicking materials. The style and type of golf shirt used by a golfer may vary depending on the season, weather, and personal preference. One example of this is Tiger Woods; he was always known for wearing his iconic red golf shirts during the final rounds of his matches.
Things To Consider
When looking for a golf shirt, you'll want to consider the following:
- What kind of golf shirt are you looking for?
- How much are you looking to spend on a golf shirt?
- What size golf shirt do you need?
- What are your golf club/courses rules regarding attire?
What are you looking for in a golf shirt?
- Comfort
- Affordability
- Breathability
- Adult size
- Youth size
Types
Here are a few of the most common types of golf shirts you will find on a course, as well as some pros and cons for each individual style.
Short Sleeve
Short sleeve golf shirts allow for the most flexibility in weather conditions and are most common to find in a store. Short sleeve golf shirts are an excellent place to get started when building a golf shirt collection due to their affordability.
Pros:
- Increased arm mobility
- Typically lightweight
- Ideal for hot and humid conditions
Cons:
- Not great for cold or wet conditions
- Minimal wind/UV protection
Pullover
The pullover serves as another option for golfers. Pullovers allow more flexibility in weather conditions and can be taken on or off during a match. Pullovers are ideal for cool early mornings or even for in the clubhouse between matches. They come in a variety of thicknesses, and some are even waterproof.
Pros:
- Warmth
- Protection against UV, rain, and wind
- Can be added or taken off as needed
Cons:
- Decreased arm and back mobility
- Increased cost
- Not ideal for hot weather
Mock Neck
The mock neck golf shirt allows a hybrid between comfort and style. These shirts lack a collar and buttons that common golf shirts have but are still allowed on some courses. This style comes in long and short-sleeved versions, allowing flexibility based on preference. Tiger Woods commonly wears this style.
Pros:
- More relaxed fit
- No buttons or shirt collar to deal with
- Closest to a t-shirt than you can wear on a golf course
Cons:
- Less formal
- Could be tight around the neck depending on the fit
- Not allowed at all courses
Brands
After choosing what kind of golf shirt is best for you, the next step is considering which brand to go with. Adidas, Nike, and Under Armour are some of the most reliable brands that produce golf shirts.
Adidas
Adidas has offered a wide range of clothing tailored specifically for golfers for years. They have a large selection of short sleeve shirts and pullovers, consisting of quality fabrics that emphasize their recycled material. Adidas is reasonably priced for its high quality and offers a large selection of sizes and designs.
Nike
Nike has been a staple of the golf apparel game since 1984. Their trademark Dri-FIT material that their golf shirts utilize is the same high quality that you’d expect from Nike. They offer short sleeve, pullover, and mock neck options for golf shirts for both men and women. While slightly more expensive, the quality, size options, colorways, and choices for style make up for it.
Under Armour
While Under Armour may be relatively new to making golf apparel, their lack of experience does not equate to a shortage in quality. They offer a massive selection of colors and sizes for reasonable costs. The shirt fabrics focus on breathability, and many styles offer Under Armour's anti-odor technology as a feature.
FAQ
How much do golf shirts cost?
Golf shirts tend to vary in prices, with a wide range depending on what you are looking for in your golf shirts and what brand you go with. A typical golf shirt without many features can be around $30, while a higher-end shirt made from nicer materials can easily be $60 or more. Many companies offer sales on golf apparel during the off-season that may be beneficial in saving money without compromising on quality.
How do you clean golf shirts?
The cleaning process for golf shirts varies depending on the material and brand. It's best to check each shirt's tag individually to ensure you wash them the correct way. A good rule is to use cold when washing your shirt to avoid damage to the fabrics. One of the common ways to clean sweat stains is to use an equal amount of lemon juice and warm water applied to the stain directly.
What materials are golf shirts made of?
Golf shirts utilize various materials depending on the brand, preference, and quality. The most common material used is 50/50 cotton and polyester blend or pure 100% polyester. These materials focus on moisture-wicking capabilities to ensure golfers stay dry and comfortable on the course. Certain companies such as Nike have unique technology specific to their respective brands, such as their Dri-FIT material or Adidas’ Primegreen line of shirts which utilizes recycled materials in its fabric.