Golf hats are not considered essential for many golfers, but we're here to change that... Golf hats are not just mere fashion statements either. The best golf hats are designed to deal with the sun, the rain, the wind, the cold and just about every other weather variable—modern-day hats are comfortable, functional pieces of apparel that could potentially enhance your game.
But the golf hat category is vast and can be difficult to navigate. That's why we have taken a look at some of our favorite golf hats—from caps, to bucket hats, to beanies.
If you already have an idea of the type of hat you want, check out our specific hat guides on the best golf caps, best golf bucket hats and best golf beanies.
Best Golf Hats
Golf Caps
Sizes: Regular
Colors: 4
+ Great looking hat
+ Feels extremely well made
- 2nd SDR logo perhaps not needed
Sun Day Red is a brand I have been looking forward to testing when it comes to apparel and accessories because aesthetically the gear looks great, and I wanted to see if the performance matches the looks. Well in the case of this Classic Rope cap, it certainly does as this might be my new favorite cap. To start it comes in several stylish colors that look great, and the general design of the hat I like as well with the SDR logo at the front, the different colored brim and also the x-patterned rope.
The hat then feels extremely well made from a material and construction point of view. It has a polyester/elastane construction which feels lightweight and yet breathable as well. Finally the adjustability is simple to use thanks to the snapback closure for all head sizes.
Sizes: S/M - L/XL
Colors: 17
+ Ideal for those who prefer a curved bill
+ Huge selection of colors on offer
- Less breathable than a synthetic alternative
The classic Nike Club Cap does exactly what it says on the tin, it’s stylish, timeless and won’t let you down. Ideal for on and off course wear this cap comes with a pre-curved bill, and is easily adjusted thanks to the clasp at the back. This is the kind of cap that can be paired with almost any outfit, and thanks to the staggering 17 colour options available you will never run out of ideas. While this cap does offer classic cool styling, it’s less feature packed than more performance driven alternatives.
The breathability is ok, but if you want something to wear during really hot days, then a synthetic construction may be a better bet. With that being said, if it's good enough for Rory McIlroy then it's good enough for me. Additionally if you are a fan of Nike gear then take a look at our guides on the best Nike golf shirts, and best Nike golf shoes.
Sizes: S/M, L/XL
Colors: 8
+ On and off course use
+ Loads of colors
- Some may want a bit more aesthetically
If you want a simple, comfortable golf cap that does its job well and can be used on and off the golf course, then the Classic Ball Cap from Lululemon is well worth considering. Some golfers may want a bit more aesthetically, a central logo or print design, but for me the simplicity of the aesthetic lends itself to versatility. The array of colors means there is a model for everyone as well.
Performance wise the cotton fabric was comfortable, I found the cap to be breathable and it was easy to adjust with the back closure. Speaking of which the fit of the cap for me was excellent, and it seems other people who have reviewed the hat acknowledged the fit was one of its best features.
Sizes: OS
Colors: 4
+ Stylish aesthetic
+ Will fit any head size
- Many will only see it as a golf cap
The TravisMathew Final Boarding Snapback cap offers a blend of effortless style and adventure-ready comfort.
Constructed with a lightweight and breathable material, it features a classic six-panel design with a pre-curved brim.
The adjustable snapback closure ensures a secure and personalized fit for all-day wear. Its sleek, minimalist aesthetic, often featuring a subtle logo patch, makes it a versatile accessory suitable for travel, casual outings, and everyday activities.
The Final Boarding cap provides both sun protection and a touch of understated style.
Sizes: One size fits most
Colors: 4
+ Plenty of colors available
+ Elasticated fit provides long lasting comfort
- Some may want a slightly more exciting design
The Heath Cap is a versatile choice that can be worn both on and off course thanks to its relatively simple design, featuring the classic J.Lindeberg bridge logo front and centre. Some may desire something a bit more jazzy, but if safe and simple is what you are after then this cap will deliver exactly what you need. Having worn this cap a number of times, one thing that did stick out was the comfort and adjustability it offers.
Thanks to the simple to use closure at the back, the hat can be adjusted easily to a wide range of sizes, and the elasticated fit provides exceptional comfort. While this cap may not deliver the eye catching visuals that JL is known for, it offers fantastic comfort and versatility.
Sizes: One size fits most
Colors: Several collections
+ Very popular model
+ Lots of designs and colors to choose from
- Perhaps best suited for younger players
One of the most popular golf caps in the amateur game, Rickie Fowler could play a role there, this 'P' Snapback cap has a moisture wicking sweatband and is made from dryCell Technology fabric to help you stay cool under pressure.
The important thing here though is to find a color you like because there are so many collections and unique designs to choose from, which is fitting of Puma's excellent style and branding.
If you want the classic look though, you can still get a simpler model as well.
Sizes: S/M, M/L, L/XL, XL/XXL
Colors: 2 (Blue, Black)
+ Keeps you cool in the heat
+ Comfortable fit
- Badge will divide opinion
A golf cap needs to offer protection and not distract you and this model does this and then some. Despite the badge perhaps dividing opinion we actually liked the design and the mesh sections mean there is plenty of ventilation on hot days. We certainly appreciated the Siro sweatband during our testing, which helps disperse body heat making it feel cool to the touch. The shape is quite tall at the top although the slight stretch in the rim created a snug but comfortable fit.
Sizes: One size fits most
Colors: 2 (Navy, White)
+ Smart trim adds to design
+ Great performance in a mix of conditions
- Lack of color options
To begin with, the Johnnie-O Retro Logo Rope Performance Hat has a very smart look, including a subtle and minimalist logo that really pops out. Along with the logo, which features prominently at the front of the hat, there's also an eye-catching trim that adds a pop to the overall aesthetic. Performing well in both humid and cold conditions, the only slight downside is the lack of color options, but it's not the end of the world as the white and navy options should still suit a variety of tastes.
Sizes: Small, Classic, XL
Colors: 10
+ Color choice
+ Feature-packed
- Does feel a touch tall
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a hat is the aesthetic aspect, and Melin’s Odyssey Stacked Hydro effort is a great-looking accessory. And because the main section has a square front but is round at the back, it is eye-catching all while being practical.
The comfort was much appreciated, too, not always a given for people with larger heads. Additionally it is water-repellant, floatable, breathable, and comes in loads of good colors. Plus, the little pocket under the brim was so cool and a really nice feature that sets it apart from its competitors.
Beanie/Bobble Hats
Sizes: One Size
Colors: 4
+ Warm and cozy with COLD.RDY insulation
+ Stylish design with iconic 3-Stripes and pompom
- One size may not fit all
Featuring COLD.RDY insulation, the adidas Pom 3 Stripe Golf Beanie locks in heat and blocks out the chill, while the soft fleece lining adds an extra layer of coziness. Complete with the iconic three stripes and a pompom on top, it’s both functional and stylish in both golf and casual contexts. Plus, it's made from 100% recycled polyester and available in several simple, monochrome colorways such as the grey version pictured.
Sizes: One size fits all
Colors: 3 (heather/black, heather/navy, heather/white)
+ Excellent warmth
+ Fashionable design
- Less appropriate for autumn golf
It's not all about caps though. The Titleist Boardwalk Pom Pom is a simple, smart beanie that is designed for those chilly days on the course. There is a microfleece liner that creates a snug fit and a cosy feel that you will notice as soon as you put this beanie on. I loved the simple styling Titleist has gone for. All three color options look modern and can easily be worn with various other layers for a smart overall look.
Sizes: One Size
Colors: 5+
+ Thick and warm
+ Versatile and can be used away from the course
- Quite a long beanie
For many players, finding a hat they can wear on and off the course is a priority. This beanie from Nike is versatile and can do exactly that.
Made from a soft thick fabric, it provides a dense layer of insulation around your head that will keep you nice and toasty during the colder months of the year. This hat is also very comfortable to wear as it stretches and molds itself around your head depending on how you want to wear it. It comes in five colors and features a stylish Nike label on its lip.
Sizes: One Size
Colors: 5+
+ Super-soft ribbed knit for comfort
+ Fun faux-fur pom detail
- Branding might be overbearing for some
In testing, we found the Under Armour Halftime Pom Beanie to be incredibly comfortable with its super-soft ribbed knit, which offered a good stretch for all shapes and sizes of head. The faux-fur pom adds a playful touch to its classic design, making it a stylish yet functional accessory for winter. That said, the UA brand logo across the beanie might be a bit visually excessive for some, but different strokes for different folks. It is available in several colors and we actually think it is versatile enough for off the course.
Sizes: One size fits all
Colors: 2 (White/Black, Red/Black)
+ Doubles as a beanie hat
+ Soft and warm
- Only two colors
This hat has got you covered in the cold. We found it to be very warm, comfortable and surprisingly wind resistant. Not a fan of the Pom? No problem.
Along with the looks, the bobble, or pom, can be removed to make it look like a beanie hat, which works surprisingly well in practice. Featuring the renowned Puma on its front, Puma is known for producing some of the best golf hats and, with the Removable Pom Beanie, it blends practicality with style, so you'll not only be feeling warm out on the course, but looking good too!
Sizes: One Size
Colors: 5+
+ Breathable and warm
+ Ideal for cold weather golf
- Limited color options
The Mizuno Breath Thermo Pom Beanie is designed to keep you warm on the course with its advanced Breath Thermo technology, which captures and reflects body heat for added comfort in colder months. In testing, we found the beanie to be snug, warm and yet it didn't feel too bulky on the head. The sizing was about right, not too small and not too large that the hat looks too big either. This is thanks to the one-size-fits-all design so it will suit a wide variety of golfers. The embroidered Mizuno Run Bird logo also adds a stylish touch to your golf attire.
Bucket Hats
Sizes: One Size Fits Most
Colors: 1 (Black)
+ Wide brim
+ Water-resistant and lightweight construction
- May be too large for some golfers and their swings
The iconic Titleist logo stitched onto the front of this hat will make you look the part wherever you go on the golf course. Its design is simple but effective—thanks to the high-performing waterproof construction of this hat's material.
Its seams are fully sealed to not let a single drop of water through and has a great protective rim that will push rain off and away from your body. That all combined means that this is a really well-designed hat that can keep both the rain and sun off you while you're on the course.
Sizes: XS-2XL
Colors: 5 (Black, Green, White, Navy, Bliss Lilac)
+ Great for sunny days and wet days
+ Small and minimalist design
- No inner sweat band
Made from Primegreen, a series of high-performance recycled materials, this bucket hat is part of the Rain.Rdy range from adidas, which seeks to keep you performing when the weather is bad.
Available in several colors the hat has been designed with an all-around brim which provides both shade and sun protection to your face while keeping your head cool. Why not also complete the look and grab a pair of adidas golf trainers and a premium adidas golf shirt to go with them?
Sizes: S, M, L
Colors: 2 (Black, navy)
+ Long back brim to protect neck
+ Comfortable
- Front brim not that long
Made from 4-way stretch fabric, the Abacus Links Rain Bucket Hat offers excellent breathability with tapered seams for added protection.
We really liked the longer back brim as it protected the neck nicely and covered the back of the rain jacket well to make sure no water got down there, but the front brim could be slightly longer to protect the face a touch more. It was still comfortable and comes in several sizes, along with two colors.
Sizes: S/M, L/XL
Colors: 1 (Castlerock)
+ Trendy design
+ Reversible
- Not the most weather proof hat on this list
Despite being know for their bold designs, Original Penguin has kept things simple with this versatile reversible bucket hat. Whichever side you choose to wear, it offers great style, and getting two looks for the price of one is definitely a bonus. The hat also provides excellent sun protection, especially for vulnerable areas like the neck and ears. Plus, the iconic Pete the Penguin is embroidered on the front, adding a signature touch. Although it should be acknowledged that if you want a bucket hat for waterproof protection, then the other models in this section are better suited to this thanks to their larger profiles and waterproof materials. But for style, this model is hard to beat.
Sizes: One Size Fits Most
Colors: 2 (Grey, Black)
+ Stretch design fits nicely around most head sizes
+ Water-resistant
- Only comes in two colors
Bucket hats don't come much better than this excellent offering from TaylorMade which, notably, can be worn in both the rain and sunshine. Yes, this hat is water-resistant and while it isn't completely waterproof, it'll keep your head pretty dry when the elements get tough. Meanwhile, on a sunny day, this is perhaps one of the best hats to wear to protect you from the glare of the sun. What's more, its visor is the perfect length to keep your eyes sheltered from the sun's glare and also shade the back of your neck. It also comes with a dark underbill that helps reduce glare even further.
Sizes: One Size Fits Most
Colors: 2 (Black, Navy)
+ Handy chin strap
+ Fully seam sealed
- Only comes in two colors
Galvin Green's Aqua bucket hat is fully seam sealed like most other bucket hats but it's made unique by the extra wide brim at the back, the storm strap and the elasticated sweatband.
What's the benefit? That all combines to give players maximum protection and comfort when they need it most in terrible weather. However, it's the wider brim at the back that is perhaps the best addition, as it keeps the rain from running down the back of your neck. It works so well for a variety of head sizes, that we also included the Aqua in our guide on the best women's golf hats too.
How we test golf hats
When it comes to testing golf hats our comprehensive methodology revolves around, as you would expect, playing a lot of golf. We feel putting golf products to the test on the golf course, on the range and in practice is the best way to find out how usable and well-designed some hats are.
On that note, we feel it is particularly important to use all golf hats in different conditions, whether that be rain, wind, hot or cold, to give a clear idea on the protection on offer. We also looked to use the hats off the course as well to see how versatile they were. Importantly, every member of the Golf Monthly team is a regular golfer so we put hats to the test over a number of rounds. The final point we should mention is no manufacturer can buy a good review. This is because our testing team tells it how it is and we seek to be as insightful and honest as possible.
How to choose a golf hat
There are many things to consider when purchasing your next golf hat. From comfort to type, we've put together a list of considerations you should keep in mind when purchasing your next golf hat.
Type
First things first, what type of hat are you after? Do you want a regular golf cap? Or maybe you need a beanie when it is cold, or a bucket hat so you can prepare yourself for bad weather. Knowing what you want to use the hat for will help you narrow down your search straight away.
Comfort
One factor that is applicable across all golf hats, and golf apparel is comfort. If something is uncomfortable on your head you are going to take it off, or it is going to distract you from your round. As such, we would always recommend trying models before you buy so that you have some idea on what is comfortable for you.
Protection
All golf hats are there to protect us from something. If it's caps then it is sun protection, beanies the cold, and bucket hats the rain. Therefore you need to know what gaps you have in your current golf gear and plug them with whichever hats you don't have.
Color
This section kind of excludes bucket hats as they tend to be in black or grey, but beanies, caps and other golf hats these days come in lots of different colors and styles. As such, have a think about what you want your hat to look like out on the course and we would also recommend having a think about whether you want to use the hat off the golf course too, so you can pick a more versatile color or design, rather than one specifically for the golf course.
Budget
Finally, we would be remiss if we didn't mention budget. Whatever design or type of hat you are after, there are models at different price points so it is a case of working out how much you are willing to spend on a golf hat, and then picking accordingly.
For more information on some of the best weatherproof apparel to go with your new hat, take a look at our guides on the best golf windbreaker, best golf sunglasses, and best golf umbrellas.
FAQs
Why do all professional golfers wear hats?
Pro golfers are rarely seen not wearing a hat mostly because of sponsorship deals. They are paid a lot of money to be seen wearing hats that have logos and brand names on them and are rarely allowed to be seen without them in order to abide by their brand deals. They also wear hats because they predominantly play in hot, sunny conditions and need to keep the sun out of their eyes.
Can you play golf in a bucket hat?
Yes, you can play golf in a bucket hat. Although some might think they are too large to play in, bucket hats can be extremely useful in wet weather. While their large surface area means they can blow off, bucket hats are great for golfers looking to stay dry but not have to carry around an umbrella all day.
What hats do golfers wear?
Golfers tend to wear caps, beanies or bucket hats whilst out on the golf course. All three designs do something a little different and protect us from the sun, cold and rain respectively. Tour players tend to wear caps mainly, but when they play events in the cold, beanies are used on occasion.
For more golf buying advice, be sure to have a read of our guides on the best golf hoodies, best golf vests, or best golf rain pants.
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