11 Best Polarized Sunglasses For Golf To Improve Your Game

Polarized sunglasses have so many unique characteristics that make them the perfect eyewear for golfers.

They are designed with a specialised, filtered lens that works to block sun glare from your vision – allowing you to focus on your next shot without any distractions.

Polarized lenses have some distinct advantages over non-polarized lenses on the golf course, as I’ve explained in another article that you can read here.

But the main advantages, in summary, are:

  • Less glare makes it easier to see your ball in flight
  • You’re less likely to lose your ball in the sun
  • Less squinting means you can concentrate easier, and for longer
  • Images appear sharper and clearer, which can help with green reading
  • UV Protection Certified lenses can protect your eyes from harmful ultra violet rays

So, now that you know the advantages of wearing polarized glasses while playing golf, it’s time to reveal which are the best options available to purchase.

Best polarized sunglasses for golf in 2021

Choosing the best polarized sunglasses for golf is much like purchasing a new driver, new golf balls or even golf clothing such as hoodies or joggers (all of which I’ve reviewed – just follow the links).

In the end, determining the right polarized sunglasses for you comes down to a few key factors:

  • Style (how they look overall)
  • Color (both the frame and the lenses)
  • Price (whether or not they fit your budget)

If you can find a pair that tick those three boxes, then you’ve found the perfect polarized sunglasses for you.

I’ve done plenty of research online and found the 11 best polarized sunglasses available in 2021 (all of which are UV Protection Certified) that will help you look cool and feel comfortable on the golf course.

Callaway Kite Sunglasses

Designed by one of the most reputable brands in golf, the Callaway Kite sunglasses are one of the top-of-the-range options to can buy today.

The standout feature of the Callaway Kite is they let in twice as much light for better depth perception, meaning you won’t need to take them off while putting and chipping (which you may need to do with other sunglasses should they affect your depth perception too much).

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The other things I like about the Kite are the Hydrophilic Megon Temple tips at the end of the arms, and also the adjustable Megon nose pads, which will help keep these sunglasses fixed firmly on your head, no matter how fast you’re swinging the club.

The lenses come in the color gray, while the mirror exterior is green.

You’ll also receive an included lens cloth, Callaway carry pouch and hard case with a hanging clip, with your purchase.

Callaway Raptor Sunglasses

The Callaway Raptor sunglasses are similar to the Kite, with the main difference being they are designed using a wider arm (where it attaches to the lenses).

Like the Kite, the Raptor model also lets in twice as much light for improved depth perception – yet still effectively blocks out glare – and has adjustable Megon nose pads.

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The Raptor does not, however, come with the Hydrophilic Megon Temple tips for a better, more secure fit over the ears.

These sunglasses are available in a black frame and also a white/blue frame, and come with a lens cloth, Callaway carry pouch and hard case, with a hanging clip when you buy them.

Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL Sunglasses

Ask anyone about Oakley, and they’ll tell you they’re one of the most trusted, iconic brands of sunglasses worldwide.

Growing up, I remember saving for months to buy my first pair of Oakleys and feeling like the coolest kid on the block when I finally got to wear them.

More than 15 years later, these sunglasses remain at the top of their game – and it’s no surprise the Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL model is one of the best you can buy for wearing on the golf course.

While these sunglasses don’t come fitted with polarized lenses, the cool part about their design is that they allow you to swap-in polarized lenses with ease – with heaps of different substitute polarized lenses available online for less than $15 USD.

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In addition to their durable yet lightweight design, the Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL also come with an Oakley Accessory Leash Kit plus Designer iWear Care Kit, and also a Designer iWear one-ounce spray bottle, mirror, screw driver/key chain, and a folded microfiber cloth.

Essentially, you’ll have everything you need to make these sunglasses last a lifetime and help you shoot lower scores on the golf course for years to come.

They also come with a two-year warranty for peace of mind.

Oakley Turbine Sunglasses

In terms of style, the Oakley Turbine sunglasses are hard to beat.

While some polarized golf sunglasses really have that ‘sports’ look, and belong only on the golf course, the laid-back, casual, all-purpose design of the Turbine makes them suitable for wearing anywhere – whether it’s playing golf, at the beach, shopping, or out with family and friends.

They really are polarized sunglasses that can blend into any environment.

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What I love about the Turbine are its thicker frames, which house the lenses – unlike the Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL, which has that ‘freestanding’ lens appearance.

The Turbine also comes in 10 of the most vibrant colors you can find, meaning you’ll have no trouble finding a design that suits your style preferences.

These sunglasses truly are the real deal.

Oakley Radar EV Path Sunglasses

Wow, talk about choices – the Oakley Radar EV Path polarized sunglasses come in a whopping 38 different colors, which is easily the most on this list.

If you wanted to, you could have a different pair for each day of the month!

These polarized sunglasses scream ‘retro’ with their full-width lenses, and will get heads turning on the golf course every time you pass by another group of players on the fairways.

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Oakley’s patented High Definition Optics (HDO) provides superior optical clarity and razor-sharp vision no matter which way you look, while the PRIZM lens technology is designed to help you see subtle changes in texture – perfect for reading those tricky breaks on the greens.

With comfortable ear socks and nose pads for an ultra-comfortable and secure feel, the Oakley Radar EV Path sunglasses are perfect for the serious golfer who loves to stand out.

Oakley Apparition Sunglasses

If you’re not a fan of wrap-around polarized sunglasses like the Oakley Radar EV Path model, then the Oakley Apparition is the answer to your problem.

These sunglasses ooze ‘cool’ and could easily be worn by surfers or golfers alike – they probably wouldn’t even look out of place in cult film ‘The Blues Brothers’, either.

The Apparition model doesn’t come in many colors – black is the standard – but the simple, no-frills look is what makes these sunglasses appealing.

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It’s like comparing a sleek, black Mercedes to a showy, bright-yellow Lamborghini – both are classy cars, but one is more subtle, whereas the other is designed to standout.

For this reason, the Apparition can be worn anywhere – not just on the golf course – which will certainly be appealing to many players looking for all-purpose sunglasses.

Oakley Mainlink Sunglasses

The Oakley Mainlink sunglasses are best described as cross between the Oakley Turbine and Oakley Apparition.

Their design incorporates more of the wrap-around look seen in the Turbine model, but more with the simple, thin-framed appearance of the Apparition.

The benefits the Mainlink has over the latter, however, is it comes in 14 different colors, giving you a wide variety to choose from.

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One of its standout features is the Three-Point Fit system, which holds the lenses in precise optical alignment and has the sunglasses contacting the face only at the bridge of the nose and behind the temples.

This minimal touch creates supreme comfort for the user and allows you to wear them for long durations without any fuss – which is perfect for golfers, given an 18-hole round, on average, lasts four hours.

Oakley Gascan Sunglasses

Out of all the Oakley polarized sunglasses available in 2020, the old-school, classic Gascan design is still hugely popular – even years and years after its release.

These sunglasses were all the rage 10 years ago, and many people still love wearing them.

The reason being is largely because the Gascan model is ageless – it’s super durable with its thick, rectangular frames, while the wrap-around design ensures your eyes are fully protected from sunlight.

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There’s no way you’ll be blinded by the sun at any point on the golf course if you’re wearing these bad boys.

With 30 different color themes available – from ice blue, to ruby, to classic black – the Oakley Gascan is a pair of sunglasses for every golfer.

Oakley Split Shot Sunglasses

As the last of the Oakley models on this list, the Split Shot has some subtle design elements that distinguish them from the other polarized sunglasses on this list.

They are far more rounded in appearance, which is great if you’re someone who hates eyewear that looks too rectangular or jagged, such as the Oakley Gascan.

The Split Shot’s smooth, wrap-around design will have them fitting nice and snug to your face – possibly more so than the Oakley Apparition model, for example.

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They incorporate an O-Matter stress-resistant frame, which is both lightweight and durable while providing strength and flexibility – both important elements if you’re planning on storing these sunglasses in your golf bag when you’re not using them.

The Split Shot model also utilises the Three-Point Fit technology, making them super comfortable to wear, while the drawstring attached to the arms gives you peace of mind knowing they won’t smash on the ground should they be dislodged during your swing.

With 14 colors to choose from, you’ll easily be able to find a style that you like.

Under Armour Igniter Sunglasses

While Under Armour ambassador Jordan Spieth is rarely – possibly never – seen wearing sunglasses while playing on the PGA Tour, that doesn’t mean this well-known golf brand doesn’t specialize in eyewear.

Because it certainly does.

The Under Armour Igniter polarized sunglasses are in keeping with the company’s theme of no frills, no fuss golf products.

The Igniter has a simple design very similar to the Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL where the lower half of the lens isn’t encased by the frames.

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But what sets these sunglasses apart from their competitors is the ArmourSight lenses, which are engineered for superior optical clarity and impact resistance – both traits that are essential when playing golf (after all, you need your eyes to be protected from protruding tree branches and the like when searching for lost balls).

The Ultralight ArmourFusion frames are designed and constructed for maximum strength and durability, however these sunglasses don’t forgo on comfort – meaning you can wear them throughout your entire round with ease.

Dragon Men’s The Verse Rectangular Sunglasses

If you want to look like Phil Mickelson without forking out the huge dollars to wear his exact trademark sunglasses, then these beauties from Dragon are the next best thing.

While they look more like polarized sunglasses a surfer would wear (champion surfer Mick Fanning is actually a Dragon ambassador), they are also perfect for wearing on the golf course.

The Dragon Verse model is designed to repel dust, dirt and oil – so you don’t have to worry about sand from bunkers or dripping sunscreen damaging them – and are created from a low-density thermoplastic encased in hardcoating, making them hard to scratch.

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They offer remarkable depth perception, meaning you will likely not have to remove them while putting or chipping, along with intensely vivid colors and razor-sharp clarity that makes those fairways sing.

But all that aside, what I really love about these sunglasses is they simply look super cool – available in four funky designs – and could easily be worn both on and off the course with no problems at all.

Drew Wallace
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