As we move into the winter and the rain starts to come down and the temperatures begin to drop, it’s easy for to think of hibernating until the clocks spring forward and the daffodils start to blossom again. But most golfers are made of much stronger stuff and follow the ‘there’s no such thing as just bad weather, just inappropriate clothing’ mantra when it comes to keeping up with the favourite game.
And thanks to the best golfing waterproofs on the market, including Under Armour, you can get a round in even if the forecast turns gloomy. From waterproof jackets and trousers to rainproof hats, waterproofs for golfers come in many different guises. But they all have one thing in common: they keep you protected from the rain and wind when you’re out on the course.
They are designed to repel the worst of the weather, all while offering the right level of breathability and flexibility needed to not interfere with your swing or make you overheat on the course. The courses and conditions in which you play will vary throughout your time as a golfer, so pick clothing that can be layered up as required by the changing weather conditions on the day.
There are different degrees of weatherproofing available, from all-out waterproof materials that can keep you dry in the harshest of showers, to highly technical fabrics designed to lessen the impact of the wind.
Waterproof: does exactly as it says on the in, keeping the rain out (and your base layers dry) no matter the length of your game of golf.
Rainproof: not as hefty as waterproof, but still offers far more protection than your regular golf jacket.
Windproof: unless specified, this type of weatherproofing won’t protect you from the rain but it will spare you from biting winds.
While it’s generally true that the more you pay the better the gear is, we have found some brilliantly effective men’s golf waterproofs and outerwear that won’t break the bank. Among these are tried and tested top golfing brands like adidas, Callaway, Mizuno, Ping, Galvin Green, Sunderland, Pro Quip, Under Armour and Cross.
When buying the best golf waterproofs for you, it’s wise to try them on and do a few practise swings when wearing them, if you can, to see how each garment might enhance or impact your performance.
Here’s a quick overview of the some of the best water and windproof jackets you can buy this season
ADIDAS COLD.DRY
adidas COLD.RDY Jacket (£54.95)
For an unrestricted feel the COLD.RDY jacket is perfect to ensure you achieve your full range of movement. The insulating COLD.RDY keeps you warm and comfortable, while a full zip and stand-up collar offers additional wind resistance and warmth. Featuring front zip pockets, this stylish jacket is perfect for layering up on the course this winter.
UNDER ARMOUR STORM (£109)
A stylish offering available in several colours it is one of the best performing waterproofs out there because of UA’s excellent Storm technology, which repels water nicely, the Hydropel zippers and the windproof construction.
FOOTJOY DRYJOYS TOUR LTS (£169)
This popular waterproof from FootJoy combines the brand’s own waterproof fabric with three-layer bonded fabric tech. In short, this is a lightweight, breathable jacket that doesn’t interfere with your mobility during play. The core fibres in the material trap your natural body heat to keep you warm in the wet, while the raised collar keeps out any drafts. Available in a vibrant blue or red, it’s definitely one to bring colour to a dull day.
CALLAWAY STORMGUARD (£129)
Featuring a seam sealed and 3-layer membrane construction, the StormGuard jacket is noticeably breathable and comfortable. More than that, the Swing Tech technology introduced here ensures less resistance throughout the swing too, which is an excellent feature.
SUNDERLAND VANCOUVER (£99)
Waterproof, windproof and breathable, the Vancouver jacket ticks all the boxes when it comes to winter weather protection, and it looks the business too.
PING S2 ZONED (£129)
The S2 Zoned Jacket is insulated on the top half with high-tech Primaloft Gold Insulation and is designed to keep your core warm. Packed with stretch, the jacket is warm while being thin and incredibly easy to swing the club in.
PING DOWNTON
PING SENSORDRY 2.5 (£169)
Ping’s SensorDry 2.5 jacket has been engineered to maximise waterproofing and minimise weight. Fully seam-sealed with welded zippers to protect you from the weather all day long. Adjustable hem and cuffs with lightweight stretch properties ensure a comfortable and snug fit promoting superior comfort so you can focus on your swing.
PING DOWNTON (£99)
The Downton jacket comes with SensorDry Technology that can help you deal with the most severe weather conditions Mother Nature creates. Not only that the stretchy fabric is lightweight and feels soft, comfortable and doesn’t hamper the swing either. It’s simple yet modern design, with several colour choices, makes it an all-round top performer at an affordable price.
GALVIN GREEN APOLLO
As far as all-round top performing waterproofs go, the Apollo from Galvin Green is right up there. It’s lightweight, looks great, feels soft and comfortable, stretchy and the fit can be tailored nicely with the drawstring at the waist and Velcro cuffs. The waterproofing and protection is also top-notch.