The Best Golf Rain Gear of 2024 Keeps You on the Course No Matter What


Rain is one of the few weather phenomena that can swiftly derail a perfect day on the golf course. A rain shower will throw off your groove, narrow your field of vision, disrupt your swing, and turn an otherwise straightforward shot into a veritable nightmare. (Not to mention its ability to kill the vibe immediately.) While you can’t control the way rain affects the landscape—saturated fairways will always be squishy, and damp greens will be as slow as molasses—you can pick up some gear that will alleviate the unbearable discomfort of soggy feet, wet pants, and a soaked-through top. Rain is no excuse not to hit the links. Like the Norwegians say, “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!”

By picking up just a few quality pieces of rain gear, bad weather is stopped in its tracks. Seriously, your entire relationship with rainy days will change in a heartbeat one you stock up on weather-ready golf apparel. A rain jacket you can easily throw on at the first sign of precipitation is the foundation, but once you add in some rain pants and an umbrella, you’ll be dry as a bone and ready to play another 18 holes in the mud and muck. And if you want to get really serious, throw down on some waterproof golf boots or Gore-Tex golf shoes and you’ll be cookin’ with gas when the rain threatens to put the round in jeopardy.

Much like other modern rainwear, Gore-Tex is a common denominator in golf rain gear, but by no means is it the only technology that works. You can easily save yourself a bit of cash by opting for a brand that does its own version of waterproofing at a high level. Also, don’t be scared of a brand you haven’t heard of: Even longtime golfers will find themselves perusing brands that are new to them, such as Galvin Green or Kjus. If you do want to pick something a little more versatile than what a golf brand has to offer, check out Adidas Adicross, Nike ACG, or an upstart streetwear-inspired golf brand for solid picks that transition well from the links to the mountain to the city sidewalk.


The Best Golf Rain Gear, According to GQ


Best Golf Rain Jackets

The rain jacket is, as you might imagine, the most important garment for golfing in wet weather. The prolific rise of gorpcore has put people on to countless rain jacket options, but golfers have been perfecting this layer for hundreds of years (golf was invented in Scotland, after all). We don’t have to wear waxed cotton on the course anymore, but don’t be shocked when we don’t inundate you with picks from Arc’teryx and Patagonia. Those are great picks, of course, but some golf brands are doing amazing things in the waterproof world, tailoring their rain gear to the exact specifications and needs of the modern golfer. Most golf jackets eschew the outdoorsy storm hood in favor of a small, packable hood—or, in many cases, no hood at all. The top picks also blend waterproofing with materials that allow for a wide range of movement, handy pocketing, and a fit that allows you to throw it on over your golf ‘fit of the day.

Adidas

x Malbon Adicross Jacket

Adidas is always leading the way when it comes to golf gear, but what might surprise you is that their gear is one of the more stylish brands in the game right now. If a standard rain jacket just won’t do it for you, the Adicross Coaches Jacket is a lightweight style that is perfect for wearing on and off the course. It won’t prevent soaking through during a steady downpour, but if you play on a misty morning, this thing will work wonders.

Footjoy

HydroTour Rain Jacket

FootJoy isn’t just a shoe brand. Its waterproof rain gear is known and respected amongst the entire golf community. The HydroTour is its most popular pick thanks to its tailored fit that’s perfect for a golf swing and little details like hand warmer and scorecard pockets.

Galvin Green

Packable Golf Rain Jacket

Another brand you need to know is Galvin Green. This lightweight jacket is 100% waterproof and will keep you bone dry when the rain comes, whether that means staving off precipitation or letting your body actually vent some of that sweat that normally builds up underneath a waterproof layer.

Kjus

Rain Rescue 2.5L Jacket

Kjus, pronounced ‘Shu-ss,’ for the Nordically disinclined, is one of the GOATs when it comes to rain gear for golf. The 2.5-layer membrane is windproof and waterproof, making it ideal for the nastiest days on the links, and the regular fit is easy to layer with whatever else you chose to wear that day.

Best Waterproof Golf Shirts

Sometimes a jacket is a bit much. If you golf in Florida, Hawaii, Colorado, or somewhere else that gets frequent, sudden rainstorms in the summer, you probably won’t want to pull on a jacket that turns your upper body into a sauna. For that, there are short-sleeved rain shirts. These are perfect for pulling out of your bag and throwing on when the wind starts whipping and the black clouds cover the fairways. Once the storm passes, shake it off and throw it back in your bag.

Sun Mountain

Tour Series+ Pullover

Sun Mountain is most well known for its golf bags, but its outerwear is a great addition to any golfer’s wardrobe. This short sleeved jacket is fully waterproof and breathable, so getting caught out in a summer storm is no issue whatsoever.

Sun Day Red

Short Sleeve Rain Shirt

You may balk at the price on this one, but if it’s made for Tiger Woods, the greatest golfer to ever live, it’s good enough for any of us. When the clouds part and the sun shines again, the jacket packs up into its own pocket for easy storage in your golf bag or golf cart.

Bad Birdie

Prodigy Wind Shirt

If you’re worried about rain but not seeing torrential downpours in the forecast, a wind shirt will do just fine. This one has style for days, venting to keep your body from overheating and easily layers over a polo or a sweater.

Zero Restriction

Power Torque 1/4 Zip Short Sleeve

One more fully waterproof option for you to mull over. Zero Restriction is a leader in the world of waterproofing, so you can be confident each and every time you pull this thing on.

Best Waterproof Golf Pants

The best thing about rain pants explicitly made for golf is that they’re super lightweight, highly stuffable for carrying in your golf bag, and easy to pull on over your pants and shoes without having to drop trou in front of your playing mates. Most pairs are pretty straightforward: You’ll find an easy-wearing elastic waist, a pocket or two for essentials, maybe a zipper to access the pockets on your shorts or pants, a zipper or elastic cuff at the bottom, and some form of waterproof material, ranging from polyester with a DWR coating to full-blown Gore-Tex (remember Scotland?). Plus, in our opinion, the swag you get from the baggy, gorpcore-adjacent rain pants is an underrated style flex.

Sun Mountain

Tour Series+ Pants

The Tour Series Pant from Sun Mountain is truly worthy of a Tour professional. The snap button front and belt loops will keep country club types off your back and a 30,000+ mvp breathability rating keeps your legs from overheating on warmer rainy days.

Lululemon

Water-Repellent Pull-On Golf Pant

Yep, Lululemon makes golf rain pants, and they’re damn good. The relaxed fit is surprisingly flattering, while a bevy of pockets keep all of your little bits close at hand. Wear ‘em over your golf pants or just rock them for the entire round.

Footjoy

Hydrolite X Rain Pants

Another banger from FootJoy is the Hydrolite X Rain Pant. Ankle velcro bottoms make it easy to pull them on over your golf shoes and each of the four pockets will come in handy if you end up having to leave them on for the entire round.

Adidas

Provisional Golf Pants

Sometimes a simple pair of rain pants is all you need. These straightforward rain trousers from Adidas easily pull on over your golf pants or shorts. Cinch cords at the bottom keep you prepared for the proverbial flood and a rear pocket is there for you to stuff a scorecard or a few extra tees.

Best Waterproof Golf Shoes

Most golf shoes have some form of water resistance built-in, whether that’s waterproof leather, a waterproof membrane under the upper, or a gusseted tongue to keep out water and debris. However, when shit hits the fan, you will want to be prepared with some sturdy, fully waterproof rain shoes. Adidas and Footjoy make our favorite rain boots, which are virtually bombproof and probably wouldn’t look out of place on the football field. If boots seem like a bridge too far, you can pick up a comfy low-top that doubles down on water protection. With footwear, it’s important to read the product details closely to distinguish between water-resistant and waterproof.

True Linkswear

Lux G Golf Shoes

The best thing about True Linkswear’s True Lux G is the two-year waterproof guarantee. Any leakage is grounds for a replacement, but we’re pretty sure you’re not going to need one. These, along with the Ecco shoes, are probably one of the most comfortable waterproof shoes out there, too.

Ecco

Biom C4 Golf Shoes

Luckily, boots aren’t the only option. The Ecco Biom C4 shoe is supremely comfortable for a long walk on the golf course, but they also boast Gore-Tex surround technology for 100% waterproof protection and all-around breathability.

Footjoy

Stormwalker Golf Shoes

Another storm-ready golf boot is the FootJoy Stormwalker. Pulsar cleats by Softspikes keep your feet firmly planted when footing gets dicey and the boot is still somehow stylish to not stick out like a sore thumb with your favorite golf pants.

Adidas

S2G Rain.Rdy Golf Shoes

Adidas’s RAIN.RDY boots are about as good as a rain boot can be. They’re still exceptionally comfortable, just like your favorite summer shoes, but keep water out with aplomb. The grip is basically Velcro for your feet, so you don’t have to worry about slipping all over the tee box.

Best Waterproof Golf Bags

When the rain starts to fall, you have to protect your clubs and other gear from the downpour. An umbrella will go a long way in keeping you dry, but an added layer of rain protection from your actual golf bag is clutch. Nothing is worse than pulling out that brand new range finder you bought only to realize it’s soaked to the bone, er, battery, and can’t give you any real yardages. Most golf bags have at least some modicum of water resistance, but if you plan on stepping out into inclement weather, you’ll want a bag that’s up to the task. This is not the time to tote around your coveted vintage canvas carry bag.

Titleist

Players 4 StaDry Stand Bag

The Titleist Players Bag is a favorite amongst any golfer who cares about the finer things, but when you add in the brand’s StayDry technology, the bag gets even better. Seam-sealed zippers keep everything protected during long days in the wet and the muck, whether you’re walking or riding.

Vessel

Lux H2O Camo Stand

Vessel bags come at a steep price, but they’re easily some of the very best in the game. The Lux H2O bag is lightweight, comfortable to carry and will stand up to any weather you can throw at it.

Ping

Hoofer Monsoon

The Ping Hoofer has long been one of the best bags you can buy, so the Monsoon edition is a no brainer for those who like to play when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Folds over the zippers keep water out and the bag comes with all the bells and whistles, like a cooler pocket for frosty beverages and a velour-lined valuables pocket.

Jones

Trouper 3.0

The Trouper is a favorite among golfers in the IYKYK cohort, providing a subtle flex that your friends and fellow players won’t be able to stop asking you about. It’s made from water-resistant F35 recycled ripstop fabric and is one of the most comfortable carry bags you can buy.

Best Golf Rain Hats

You don’t want to get caught in the rain without a good hat on your head. A solid, waterproof lid will keep the rain off your face and out of your eyes, even when you find yourself stepping out from under the coverage of a cart or umbrella and onto the green. Good rain hats come in bucket form or standard ballcap form—just be sure you’re getting one that’s actually waterproof, or it will be the first thing to soak through. There’s nothing worse than raindrops running down your face while you’re lining up that round-winning put.

Footjoy

DryJoys Tour Black Rain Bucket Hat

A solid bucket hat keeps your face, ears, and neck dry, which is a godsend for wet-weather golfers, especially considering most rain jackets don’t have a hood. It won’t crumple under heavy rains and has a stylish design you might even want to wear on sunny days.

Galvin Green

Ark Waterproof Golf Hat

Gore-Tex: It’s all you need to know. This hat comes in four different sizes, so any golfer can dial in the perfect fit, and the rain will bead off just like your favorite Arc’teryx in the shower.

Melin

Odyssey Stacked Hydro Performance Snapback Hat

For those that don’t want to rock a bucket hat, Melin should be your go-to. The hydrophobic crown beads water away while the mesh back keeps your head cool throughout those wet, humid summer rounds.

Titleist

Golf StaDry Bucket Hat

Another surprisingly stylish rain bucket hat, this one from Titleist is light as a feather, keeps your head dry even in the worst rain, and has a bungee cord to dial in a personalized fit.

Best Golf Rain Accessories

For warm, sunny days on the golf course, you really don’t need much more than a good glove and a cap. When the storm comes, though, accessorizing is the name of the game. The number one accessory you’ll want to carry with you is a solid, windproof golf umbrella. Unlike the tiny umbrellas made for city sidewalks, a golf umbrella has a huge diameter to cover you and your bag even during the harshest downpours. After you get your umbrella game dialed in, you’ll want to pick up some storm-ready rain gloves, which will help you keep your grip when your usual glove is fully soaked. From there, you can go a little wild or keep things simple. We like to bring at least one towel, if not two, for drying off your grips, your hands, and clearing mud from your clubs. (And one for your caddie to throw in after you lose your fifth ball of the round.) Toss in a rain-ready bucket hat and you’re set.

Weatherman

Golf Umbrella

A golf umbrella is simply a must. The Weatherman Golf Umbrella performs exceptionally well in windy conditions and provides full coverage that keeps you and your bag dry as you walk to your next shot. Slide it into your bag when the rain lets up and you’ll barely know it’s there.

Titleist

Golf StaDry Performance Towel

This probably goes without saying, but having a solid golf towel is an absolute must on wet, rainy days. This one has multiple layers to keep the inside dry when you need to wipe some mud off your ball or trusty pitching wedge after a soggy chunk from the rough.

STICKIT

Magnetic Golf Towel

Another towel we love is the Stick It Magnetic Towel. Bending over to pick up your towel is a thing of the past—simply lower your club head down to the magnet and it’ll attach in an instant, which comes in handy when you accidentally drop it in a puddle or can’t lean over like you used to.

Footjoy

Raingrip Pair

Golf gloves in general are very much not waterproof. The second they get wet you’ll lose all the grip they promise, so investing in a pair of waterproof gloves is a must, unless, of course, you love seeing your five iron soar through the air after a big swing.



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