- Updated: January 4, 2023
Best Golf Sunglasses 2023
Sunglasses can be a crucial part of some players’ games, like your golf clubs, gloves, and other essential golfing equipment. The right sunglasses for the golf course can help players locate their golf ball easier on bright or overcast days, read putts via the color and contrast-enhancing lenses, and block sand or debris out of their eyes when the wind is in their face.
Our favorite pair of sunglasses for your 2023 golfing season has to be the Callaway Izzo Golf Sungear Sunglasses.
If you’ve spent time watching pro golf, you’ve likely noticed some professional golfers wear sunglasses while playing. David Duval, the former professional in the photo above, tweeted just a few months ago, “Anybody who doesn’t wear sunglasses on the course should try them. You will never look back.”
They don’t wear them solely to look cool while playing golf but also to improve their focus while playing, protect their eyes from harmful UV rays, and even hide emotions in crucial moments against competitors.
1 |  OUR TOP PICK | Callaway Izzo Golf Sungear Glasses |
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2 |  ALTERNATIVE | OAKLEY Portal X Sunglasses |
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3 |  ALTERNATIVE 2 | Smith Lowdown 2 Sunglasses |
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The Callaway Izzo Golf Sungear sunglasses are, in our opinion, the best “golf sunglasses” on the market today. These shades are super lightweight, extremely durable, and equipped with one of the best technologies built to help aid your golf game in their “Golf Course Specific” lenses.
There are plenty of sports-related sunglasses out there claiming to give you better depth perception, allow you to “see shadows on the putting surface,” or provide the ultimate protection against the Sun’s UV rays. Unfortunately for us consumers, many Sunglass companies make their living off having us waste our money!
To help you in your search, we’ve put together a list and breakdown of all of our favorite golf sunglasses that are actually worth your hard-earned cash. At the end of our analysis, we’ll discuss our favorite features of this year’s “Golf Sunglasses” to help aid your decision if you haven’t found the right pair for you yet.
THE 10 BEST GOLF SUNGLASSES OF 2023
- Callaway Izzo Golf Sungear Sunglasses (Top Choice Overall)
- OAKLEY Portal X Sunglasses (Most Durable)
- Smith Lowdown 2 Sunglasses (Quality Exceeds Price)
- Lucyd Lyte Nitrous Sport Sunglasses (Most Technology)
- OAKLEY Half Jacket 2.0 XL (Can Change Lenses Whenever You Want)
- Tifosi Swick Sunglasses (Most Budget-Friendly)
- Maui Jim Ho’okipa (Best Casual Design)
- Under Armour TUNED Golf Glimpse (Great Durability for Price)
- Nike Windshield Pro Course Tint Sunglasses (Most Color Options)
1. Callaway Izzo Golf Sungear Sunglasses (Top Choice Overall)
The Izzo Golf Sungear sunglasses from Callaway are our top pick for golfing glasses in the 2023 golf season.
Callaway says other sunglasses manufacturers may claim they have “Golf Specific Lenses,” but the “8-Base Lens Configuration” on the Izzo sunglasses were the first lenses in sunglasses specifically built for golf. Callaway figured out that through using their 8-Base Lens process users experience “twice as much light as competitors while still protecting your eyes 100% from UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.”
To most, the promise of receiving twice as much light through your sunglasses might sound ridiculous, but Callaway says they intentionally designed their lenses this way to allow golfers to have much better depth perception than competing sunglasses!
In addition to their lens technology, Callaway uses “hydrophilic Megol tips” placed at the temples and at the nose pad that get stickier when wet or sweaty to ensure users never worry about their glasses slipping / causing a distraction when addressing the ball. The nose pads are adjustable (unlike many competing models) for a customizable fit and feel.
Included with purchase is a lens cloth, an insulated carrying pouch, and a hard case with a hanging clip so you can care for your purchase for many seasons to come.
The only flaw we can find with the Izzo Golf Sungear Sunglasses from Callaway is the fact that they are specifically marketed towards “medium to large head sizes.”
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2. OAKLEY Portal X Sunglasses (Most Robust)
The Portal X model from Oakley is among our favorite golf sunglasses of the year because it’s perfect for on-course and off-course use. Arguably, even more critical, the sunglasses’ design makes them comfortable for all-day wear.
After testing the Oakley Portal X sunglasses, I found them to be very robust, comfortable, and stylish.
Like Nike, Oakley has released their own line of specialty lenses called “Prizm.” Oakley offers 10 different versions of their specialty “Prizm” lenses that fine-tunes the visual experience for users’ specific environments. Depending on your area of the world and your particular golf course conditions, Oakley offers a “Prizm Golf” and a “Prizm Dark Golf” lens option to improve players’ ability to see slopes, find their golf ball, and shield their eyes from the suns rays.
Oakley says the frames on their Portal X style are made from “O Matter” material. Oakley says this material provides durability and all-day comfort. Both the nose pads and the ear socks contain “Unobtanium,” which Oakley says increases grip when wet or sweaty to keep your eyewear securely in place.
When you sweat, swim, or just so happen to get your shades wet, you can be sure that the Oakley Portal X sunglasses will stay firmly in place. Never fear your sunglasses slipping while you take your swings on the golf course.
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3. Smith Lowdown 2 Sunglasses (Quality Exceeds Price)
While Smith may not be a brand you’ve heard of at the moment, that shouldn’t stop you from giving their very reasonably priced golf sunglasses a try this season.
Smith is a company that prides itself on creating personalized, UV-blocking, and, most importantly, comfortable sunglasses. This brand has a rich history of making some of the best quality eyewear products for everyone, from skiers to casual wearers.
When discussing their Lowdown 2 sunglasses, Smith said, “That’s the thing about a classic shape. The Lowdown 2 sunglasses could be from this season, next season, or 1962.” Don’t think this limits you to one frame color or lens color. Smith offers their “Lowdown 2” sunglasses in 16 different lens and frame color variations, making this one of the most customizable sunglass purchasing experiences today.
We believe the Smith Lowdown 2 sunglasses are ideal for the committed player looking for less eye strain and more detail on the golf course.
Smith offers “ChromaPop” lenses to enhance contrast and natural color to make details pop on the golf course, or a standard “Carbonic” lens that offers strong impact resistance and clear optics.
Smith includes a smudge and moisture-resistant coating for easy cleaning on every pair of golf sunglasses they sell. On top of everything, all Smith sunglasses offer 100% UV protection.
When we first picked up the Low Down 2 sunglasses, we noticed how lightweight they felt. They’re made from the Evolve bio-based Eco-Friendly plastic from recycled materials. The Magol nose pads on the bridge have a rubber-like feel that keeps the frames in position.
Although Smith describes their Lowdown 2’s as a “Medium Fit,” I can say that it sits comfortably on multiple-size heads (from large to small, haha).
Lastly, as a final touch to show Smith has thought of it all for their consumers, the Lowdown 2’s feature “auto-lock hinges” to hold the frames open for easy one-hand on and off, and a microfiber bag and cleaning cloth is included with the purchase to care for your sunglasses.
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4. Lucyd Lyte Nitrous Sport Sunglasses (Most Technology)
Despite the simple look, the Lucyd Lyte Nitrous Sport sunglasses really stand out in terms of performance.
Users get much more than just a pair of sunglasses when they choose to go with a Lucyd pair of shades.
Lucyd’s Nitrous Sport sunglasses mix designer styling, optional vision correction, and a whole host of smart features not typically found on a pair of sunglasses.
They offer 16 premium lens tint options that cater to your personal style and give you an edge over competitors. You can also trust the Lyte Nitrous Sport lenses to lower the eye strain from screen exposure.
But the intelligent features of the Lucyd Nitrous Sports don’t end there.
Users can experience; Bluetooth Open Ear audio from flush speakers contained within the arms of the sunglasses, touch controls (2 buttons on the arms) to pause music, answer or decline calls, and much more, 6.5-8 hours of battery life on a single charge, a noise-canceling microphone for any call you may receive, and water resistance so you can wear your shades anywhere and anytime.
Besides those incredible features, Lucyd offers free first-class shipping and a 7-day “no questions asked” money-back guarantee.
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5. OAKLEY Half Jacket 2.0 XL (Can Change Lenses Whenever You Want)
The Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL sunglasses are the second pair of Oakley sunglasses on this list so far. That speaks volumes of how trusted the Oakley brand is when it comes to producing the best golf sunglasses.
The Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL sunglasses possess a one-of-a-kind interchangeable lens system. This feature allows you to interchange the lenses based on your outdoor activity. The High Definition Optics (HDO) lenses deliver the best UV protection, refraction, and clarity that Oakley offers to date. The semi-rimless frame reduces the sunglasses’ overall weight on your face and ensures that you play your best without the annoyance of wiping sweat from your cheeks every few minutes.
Like Oakley uses in their Portal X sunglasses, “Unobtanium” ear socks and nose pads get tackier and stickier when sweaty or wet to promote a firmer grip and better optical alignment for seamless movement throughout your day on the course.
Oakley has utilized their same proprietary material, “O-Matter,” for the frame construction. It’s strong enough to endure anything you may put these glasses through.
Oakley’s PRIZM lenses are a significant highlight of the Half Jacket 2.0 XL sunglasses. They control the transmission of light to enhance visibility and maximize contrast. The Half Jacket 2.0 XL sunglasses are only further down our list than the Portal X glasses from Oakley is because the Half Jackets are only offered in 6 color options, as opposed to the 12+ the Portal X offers.
If you’re looking to improve your golf course performance, the Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL sunglasses are a worthy recommendation.
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6. Tifosi Swick Sunglasses (Most Budget-Friendly)
“Call it sweet. Call it sick. It’s Swick.”
The Tifosi “Swick” Sunglasses are far and away the best budget golf sunglasses on our sporting sunglasses breakdown today. They’re also comfortable, durable, lightweight and offer 14 different frame and lens color options.
Tifosi is a company that prides itself on making affordable and durable shades that can keep up with a busy life constantly on the move. Tifosi uses a high-strength material called Grilamid TR-90 to produce their durable frames and claims this material contains a light texture that aids your glasses from slipping off during high moisture or movement activities.
As proof of their durability, Tifosi explains their lenses are made from a shatterproof polycarbonate that is also 100% UV protected. You can be shielded from the elements while also projecting your personal style with all of Tifosi’s color options.
The hydrophilic rubber on the arms and in the nose of these shades helps keep these glasses in place when the temperatures rise, and you start sweating. As you sweat, the rubber increases its grip and continually gets softer not to rub your nose raw (an experience heavy sweaters are all too familiar with).
Tifosi promotes a “unisex aesthetic” with all their shades, which we feel comes in handy whenever your partner wishes to use these premium sunglasses on the course. You can wear these sunglasses anywhere away from the golf course, and they’ll still look great in all situations.
As their last key feature, the Tifosi Swick sunglasses can be FULLY-customized from their website, where users design their own Swick shades to match their style, golf bag, or personal color preferences.
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7. Maui Jim Ho'okipa (Best Casual Design)
The Maui Jim Ho’okipa sunglasses are quite popular among a few high-level Tour players. This brand has been around for many years and has left a mark on what we envision as the best sunglasses on the market today. The Hawaiian word “ho’okipa” means hospitality, and is where Maui Jim says they got the inspiration behind these frames.
Wearer’s unencumbered view behind these Maui Jim sunglasses is heightened by the rimless design. Their lightweight nature makes them a terrific golf alternative and one of Maui Jim’s best-selling models. The “Grilamid frame” (same as Tifosi) is particularly durable and helps these sunglasses to retain their stylish shape and ensure all-day comfort. The hinges are anti-corrosive to allow the sunglasses to accommodate a variety of head shapes and sizes.
These sunglasses were one of our favorites in terms of frame durability and minimalist design. Plus, you can wear them anywhere outside the golf course without immediately putting out the vibe of “I just came from the track.” Maui Jim utilizes their brand-specific “MauiPure Polycarbonate lenses” that come in a variety of colors in their Ho’okipa frames so users can customize their wearing experience how they please.
For golfers specifically, Maui Jim’s “Neutral Grey” or “Maui Rose” tinted lenses offer the highest available light reduction for the richest colors and sharpest contrast. That means the Maui Jim Ho’okipa Sunglasses easily contrast the contours on the greens and helps players find the ball easier throughout their round.
As a last differentiator to competitors, Maui Jim includes a carrying case, a cleaning towel, free shipping and returns, and a 2-Year Warranty on all their products.
If you wish to upgrade your golf game and are also passionate about your on-course performance and style, we highly recommend the Maui Jim Ho’okipa great golf sunglasses.
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8. Under Armour TUNED Golf Glimpse Sunglasses (Great Durability for Price)
Rounding out our list, we of course had to include a pick from Under Armour. After putting them in play, we can’t imagine a round of golf without the stylish and highly durable Under Armour Golf Glimpse sunglasses.
The lenses are “Golf” or “Recovery Tuned,” depending on if you like wearing your shade on or after the course. These two lenses were designed to help amplify your vision and protect your eyes from the windiest, dustiest, or brightest “Blue Light” conditions.
The most astonishing part about the Under Armour Golf Glimpse sunglasses is their “ArmourSight” lenses. These are polarized lenses that truly make your eyesight more clear than without wearing them. In addition, Under Armour includes a “UA Storm” advanced hydrophobic coating on their lenses to make these sunglasses easier to clean and repels water, dirt, oil, and grime.
Where dark-colored lenses can dull your vision, and amber-colored lenses can cast a strange hue on everything, the brightly colored lenses designed specifically for golf offer increased sharpness and brightness without adding strain to your eyes to assist you in reading the course better. A tester at our website is quoted saying, “It felt like going from standard definition to HD. (After trying UnderArmours Golf-specific lenses) Lines, differences, greens, everything just became more defined, brighter and more crisp.”
There’s clearly more to these sunglasses than meets the eye. The Golf Glimpse sunglasses from Under Armour protect your eyes against 100% of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. Their highly durable “ArmourFusion®” frames are built with high-grade injected polyamide for maximum strength and durability. Users should have zero fear these new golf sunglasses will break from normal or even rough use.
For a highly durable frame and some lens technology that was designed specifically to aid your golf game, consider the Under Armour Tuned Golf Glimpse sunglasses. If you’d like to check out our full review of the Under Armour Golf and Recovery sunglasses, click here.
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9. Nike Windshield Pro Course Tint Sunglasses (Most Color Options)
The Nike Windshield Pro Course Tint sunglasses are our final choice for golf-related sunglasses for the 2023 season. Nike claims their “Course Tint” lenses were specifically designed for golf, citing, “Nike Course Tint blocks sunlight, highlights forms and enhances contours in an outdoor setting. Ideal for golf.”
The Nike Windshield Elite sunglasses feature their improved “Nike Course Tint lenses” that are built to help players see more contour and break on sloping greens while playing.
The “Windshield” name actually comes from the fact that these sunglasses feature a wrap-around, one-piece shield lens (much like a windshield on a car) that was intentionally designed to provide a clearer view when users are on the move. Nike intentionally left a small gap at the eyebrow level and around the nose pad to allow users better air circulation and ventilation. The upgraded “Windshield Frame” is structured to prevent fogging via the floating nose pad.
The Nike Windshield Elite Course Tint sunglasses come in a semi-rimless style, but users shouldn’t fear their sunglasses’ strength and integrity from a non-full body frame. Nike builds their frames using their “8-Time Sports Wrap” technology to ensure users are confident their sunglasses will last for many seasons to come. In addition, the Nike Windshield Elites are available in 7 different frame colors! Also included are cushioned rubber grips near the temples and on the nose pieces, which help these sunglasses stay comfortable and glued to your face without causing pain from long wear times.
These sunglasses are also usable in running, playing baseball (many MLB players wear these Nikes), and essentially every other sport. Included with the purchase are a nice microfiber bag and cleaning kit, so you can care for your purchase as long as you have them!
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING GOLF SUNGLASSES
The following are some crucial factors to watch out for when shopping for a fresh pair of golf sunglasses:
Color of Lens
Several lens colors/tints will be beneficial to you on the golf course. Brands such as Callaway, Nike, Lucyd, and Oakley have developed their own lens technology designed to amplify the golf course’s colors and help players focus more on the ball against the sky and the grass.
Colors to Try:
- Brown/amber: Sunglasses with a brown or amber tint work best when playing in cloudy weather or areas with low light. They improve your distance vision and enhance the contrast of the grass.
- Rose Copper: This shade eliminates red and yellow tones from the green color. This color can help golfers to read breaks and see contours more clearly.
Lens Type
Sunglasses like the Nike Windshields with a full wrap lens tends to offer the highest coverage and block the most bright light from every direction. This ensures that your eyes stay protected amid your 4+ hour rounds of 18 holes.
The height of the lenses matters a lot too. A taller lens often provides more coverage yet can be a little bulkier on your face.
If you opt to play with full-rim golf sunglasses, ensure it has a good-sized lens. This ensures that the lower frame does not obstruct your line of vision toward the ball. Full-rim, scratch-resistant lenses typically have a flatter frame.
Grip
Ensure you go for sunglasses that are flexible, durable, and have a solid and comfortable grip. Your pair of sunglasses should fit snug with the golfer’s face while still maintaining a comfortable feel.
If you tend to sweat a lot, you should consider the Under Armour or Tifosi selections on our list today. They include rubber grips that increase their hold when wet or sweaty to avoid slippage.
Fit and Comfort
Will you be wearing your sunglasses the majority of bright days? If so, it’s best to settle on a pair that will sit comfortably on your nose and stay in place while you walk or are about to take your swing.
The material of the sunglasses has to be grippy and soft, especially on the areas around the ears and the nose. Seeing as I’ve done it myself 100’s of times, it’s impossible to feel comfortable when your glasses are slipping and rubbing your ears and nose raw. This can cause enough discomfort to lose focus on your golf game, which is what we want to avoid at every turn! That’s why it’s worth trying out various models before making your final purchase.
Enhanced Focus
You may be using the best golf club, golf ball, or even gloves, but if your focus is not good enough, the rest are simply worthless.
Look for sunglasses that not only serve as a sleek fashion accessory but also keep your eyes safe from the sun’s glare and harmful UV rays. Most players tend to concentrate more on the appearance of the sunglasses rather than their functionality.
Reduced Glare and UV Protection
Your ideal pair of golf sunglasses should shield your eyes from harmful UV (Ultra-Violet) rays and enable you to see clearly when taking swings on the brightest days. Ophthalmologists advise that you wear sunglasses on the majority of sunny days to protect your vision for the future.
Aside from UV protection, ensure you settle for golf sunglasses with a feature that reduces the sun’s glare. These kinds of sunglasses will help your eyes to adapt to dark or bright surroundings faster.
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Independent Golf Reviews has tested and reviewed 1000+ golf products over the past 10 years. We use our experience and expertise to give golfers an unbiased insight on the market.
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