2020 GOLF UMBRELLA BUYER’S GUIDE
The elements are always a factor on the golf course. Fortunately, there’s an abundance of equipment to combat them. Golf umbrellas are designed for all sorts of weather including sun, wind and, of course, rain.
This year, we tested the usual suspects along with offerings from some of the bigger OEMs, some of which outsource their umbrella manufacturing to experts in the category. That’s neither surprising nor uncommon; it just makes sense. There are zero reasons why club guys should also be umbrella guys. The logo doesn’t matter, though we’re here to tell you that not every umbrella is the same.
With all the options, finding the right umbrella can be a bit overwhelming. That’s where we come in. We put the top golf umbrellas on the market to the test to ensure you have the best information available when it comes time to buy.
Whether you’re looking to buy an umbrella today, seeking buying advice to get started or just want a closer look at what’s on the market, this guide will help you find the right golf umbrella to fit your needs.
How We Test
We're here to help you find the perfect Golf Umbrella to fit your needs.
To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no detail unchecked, and no stone unturned.
Our Metrics
Umbrellas are tested head to head using rigorous protocols.
The metrics we consider when rating Golf Umbrella include Water-Resistance, Coverage, Opening Speed, Handle, and Durability.
MOST DURABLE UMBRELLA - Titleist Tour Double Canopy
It might say Titleist, but the Tour Double Canopy is a ShedRain product. It provides abundant coverage and has reinforced arms in addition to a bungee system that moves air through the umbrella to combat windy conditions.
FEATURES THAT MATTER TO YOU
Durability
No matter how good the umbrella is, you want it to last. During testing, we found some umbrellas do not fully extend or did the opposite and hyperextend, which dramatically limits longevity.
The best umbrellas, like ShedRain and Gustbuster, last for years in all weather conditions.
Deployment Speed
Opening your umbrella without any hassle is important if you’re caught in a downpour. The whole point of an umbrella is to keep you dry so the faster it opens, the less likely you are to get wet.
The ShedRain is a great example of an umbrella that can be opened quickly.
Coverage
No one wants to be soggy on the golf course and most of us don’t want to miss a day on the links because of rain. We found that smaller umbrellas that might be fine for everyday use don’t provide sufficient coverage for golfers and their gear.
Umbrellas such as Gustbuster and PING are great examples of umbrellas that provide maximum coverage.
Handle
If you are playing golf in the wind and rain, you want a comfortable grip. We found that the best handles offer recessed areas for your fingers and are made from materials that aren’t compromised as conditions get wetter.
Great examples of a comfortable handle are Mizuno and ShedRain. ShedRain has a gel handle which conforms to your hand no matter the size.
EXPERT TIP - Comfortable Handle
Regardless of the feature set, or how good an umbrella looks, if the handle doesn't fit comfortably in your hand, don't buy it. It sounds trivial, but in testing, we found that umbrellas with ill-fitting handles can cause wrist pain, which isn't what you want on the golf course (or anywhere else).
The Best Umbrella 2020 - Features
| Product | Canopies | Opening | Colorways | Diameter | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | BagBoy UV Wind Vent Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 62 |
 | GustBuster Pro Series gold 68" Check Price | 2 | Manual | Customizable | 68 |
 | Inesis ProFilter Large Check Price | 2 | Automatic | 1 | 68 |
 | Mizuno Dual Canopy Check Price | 2 | Manual | 3 | 68 |
 | Motocaddy Clearview Check Price | 2 | Automatic | 1 | 68 |
 | PING 68' Tour Canopy Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 69 |
 | PING Single Canopy Check Price | 1 | Manual | 1 | 62 |
 | ShedRain Vortex Pro Check Price | 2 | Manual | 3 | 62 |
 | ShedRain UnbelievaBrella Check Price | 1 | Automatic | 6 | 48 |
 | ShedRain Vortex XL 68" Check Price | 2 | Manual | 5 | 68 |
 | ShedRain Windpro Check Price | 2 | Automatic | 6 | 62 |
 | Srixon Double Canopy Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 68 |
 | Sun Mountain UV Umbrella Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 68 |
 | Titleist Tour Double Canopy Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 68 |
 | Under Armour Double Canopy Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 68 |
More Tips
- Your clubs aren’t walking sticks, neither is your umbrella. If you want it to last and work at its full capabilities, use it only as intended.
- To prevent your umbrella from rusting or developing mildew, rinse with tap water and leave it fully open and upright to dry.
- You can choose between umbrellas that have automatic opening systems that fully extend with minimal effort and those that open manually. Try before you buy.
- If you get a tear in your umbrella, repair it with water-resistant fabric on both sides of the canopy.
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SEE MY RESULTS
The Best Umbrella 2020 - Results
| Product | Water Resistance | Coverage | Opening Speed | Handle | Durability | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GustBuster Pro Series gold 68" Check Price | 1st | 1st | 7th | 11th | 3rd | 89 |
| ShedRain Vortex XL 68" Check Price | 2nd | 1st | 7th | 7th | 3rd | 89 |
| Titleist Tour Double Canopy Check Price | 2nd | 1st | 7th | 11th | 3rd | 88.5 |
| ShedRain Vortex Pro Check Price | 2nd | 8th | 7th | 7th | 1st | 87.5 |
| Inesis Pro Filter Large Check Price | 5th | 12th | 2nd | 7th | 5th | 85.5 |
| Under Armour Double Canopy Check Price | 7th | 4th | 11th | 7th | 7th | 84 |
| ShedRain Windpro Check Price | 13th | 13th | 2nd | 2nd | 5th | 83.5 |
| Mizuno Dual Canopy Check Price | 11th | 8th | 11th | 1st | 9th | 83 |
| BagBoy UV Wind Vent Check Price | 12th | 9th | 2nd | 3rd | 11th | 82 |
| Motocaddy Clearview Check Price | 9th | 9th | 2nd | 11th | 11th | 82 |
| PING 68' Tour Canopy Check Price | 11th | 4th | 11th | 3rd | 12th | 81.5 |
| Sun Mountain UV Umbrella Check Price | 9th | 7th | 11th | 3rd | 14th | 81 |
| Srixon Double Canopy Check Price | 7th | 9th | 11th | 15th | 7th | 80 |
| ShedRain UnbelievaBrella Check Price | 5th | 15th | 1st | 14th | 9th | 78 |
| PING Single Canopy Check Price | 15th | 14th | 7th | 3rd | 15th | 71.5 |
FASTEST DEPLOYING UMBRELLA - ShedRain UnbelievaBrella
The ShedRain UnbelievaBrella is perfect for everyday use. It's small and compact so it fits easily in your car or briefcase. The fast automatic opening and closing system means it's easy to use. It does have a reinforced skeleton but it isn't made for severely windy conditions.
What do I need to know about a golf umbrella?
Q: Is a bigger coverage area better?
A: In most situations, bigger is better when it comes to coverage. You want an umbrella that covers you and your golf bag.
Q: What is better? Single or double canopy?
A: Double canopies are better in windier conditions because air can pass through, thus preventing the umbrella from turning inside out. Double canopies with bungee straps attaching the top canopy to the ribs of the umbrella reinforce the structure. ShedRain and Gustbuster are excellent examples.
Q: Do all golf umbrellas have UV protection?
A: Not all umbrellas provide UV protection. The most common umbrellas that protect you best from the UV rays are solid sliver in color on the inside. The material used is also thicker to block harmful rays. Always check the label to ensure you get an umbrella that blocks the sun.
Ell
2 weeks agoWhy during a rain shower do the caddies not have their own umbrella. The pro isn’t covered when he’s hitting or putting, the caddy is uncovered the rest of the time.
Ryan
2 weeks agoIs there much difference in the weight on the different umbrellas tested? I mostly like to carry so would be good to know which is the lightest
Oweno2
3 weeks agoAs golfers that use electric trolleys, or even push carts the biggest factor would be if the umbrella fits in the umbrella holder, or you will be running down the fairway ( or rough) chasing your umbrella. With that in mind I took my umbrella holder from our trolley (mgi zip navigator) into the golf shop, the only 2 umbrellas that fit were the Under Armour and the Sun Mountain. Both perform about the same in light to medium wind and rain. The Under Armour is a 68 inch versus 60 inch for the Sun Mountain, so it squeaks out the win based on size. Do yourself a favour, do this test before you spend your money on an umbrella that you may end up chasing down the fairway or watching it float down the stream or bob up and down in the pond!
Mike
2 weeks agoA little hint with the handle in the holder. I used some black electrical tape. The plastic and not he old “friction” tape and put a few wraps around the handle.. It now fits snugly in the holder. Actually came out so I don’t even notice it and actually forgot it was on the handle until I read your comment..
Mike
3 weeks agoOne point you missed was how the umbrella fits in the handle of a pushcart. So much is spent on the virtues of walking and push carts are a great incentive. Also checkout non-logo/branded units. Sort of like generic drugs. I bought one in the sporting goods section of a supermarket (go ahead laugh). 68″, vented and auto-open. I have had it a year. Live in western Washington State (we know rain and wind). The handle fits great in the holder on the cart.. Under 15 bucks. Another point.. A couple have pointed out the desire for a longer stick for use on a cart. Bigger umbrellas, mine is 68″ have longer sticks. I am 6’2″ and noticed the difference right away.
Carl Bunch
3 weeks agoStill no 2020 driver center-of-gravity article but I guess umbrellas are important too.
Mike
3 weeks agoHow the heck can an umbrella be a “most wanted” one if the grip material “rubs off in the rain” (as for the article). Aren’t umbrellas supposed to be used in the rain? Wow, that’s a real incentive to buy that model!
Brandon
2 weeks agoThat is exactly what I was going to say.
TvGuyJake
3 weeks agoSince I don’t live in Ireland or the UK, is there anything more depressing than playing golf in the rain? Maybe someone can invent and develop an umbrella that folds into a golf ball retriever? That might work,,,
Linda
3 weeks agoAs long as it isn’t also lightening or very cold, I enjoy playing in the rain. It’s a fun, different kind of challenge.
Boris C.
3 weeks agoOn your next test, could you and the compatibility with push carts. Some umbrellas have too short of a “stick” which cause you to bend down to get under the canopy. Handle that have undulations also don’t lock down well in some holders.
Bill
3 weeks agoI think you missed the boat here. You failed to take take consideration the thousands of us walkers who use use a push cart, How do these fit into umbrella holders, like on Sun Mountain carts?
David
3 weeks agoI wish BLUNT Umbrellas were. in the test.
JerryTBall
3 weeks agoThey are all nice but as a walker most days I prefer a 72” as I have now that covers me the bag & all the way out where the bottom of bag covered, not just over ball pockets
Ell
2 weeks agoYour bag didn’t come with rain hood that zips closed?
TonyG
3 weeks agoPlease include an honorable mention next year for UV/Heat reduction. You touched on it a bit but you would be surprised at how many walkers use their umbrellas for protection from the sun as well.
Scotty
3 weeks agoThis please Harry. Listeners and readers in Australia too.
Matt
3 weeks agoDo any of these umbrellas come in extended lengths? I’d love to put one in the holder on my push cart, but being 6’ 3” I haven’t found any tall enough where I don’t have to hunch over. Any suggestions?
duncan elliott
3 weeks agocouldn’t agree more…….height (or length of handle) is by far the most important aspect of a brolly for me. this actually makes the motocaddy clear view quite a good bet as you aren’t stooping under the brolly to see where you’re going!! As a tall guy, this is a must consideration in any brolley purchase so this test doesn’t really help me.
Harry Nodwell
3 weeks agoThere are no umbrellas that extend an extra few inches in this test. Bag Boy 62″ Telescopic Wind Vent Umbrella does extend but was not included in this years test
https://amzn.to/3becLRQ
JW
3 weeks agoI’m 6’3”also and have found luck with ClikGear. They make an extension block and also have a tilt able holder that is about 2 inches longer. I use both and can walk fully upright and see under the umbrella.
Steven
3 weeks agoI own two umbrellas and very rarely carry either one or them. I usually don’t start a round in the rain. When I’m caught in the rain, my rain jacket,pants and hat do. The umbrella becomes too cumbersome as windy conditions accompany the rain. I just suck it up.
Nick
3 weeks agoCan the handle length be stated in future? When you use it with an electric trolley umbrella holder, it’s useful to know what height it will accomodate. I like staying dry but hate the cricked neck from having to bend your neck whilst walking along with the trolley.
Linda
3 weeks agoGreat information. I like the push button automatic open because it’s convenient and quick if your hands are full when heading to green side shots.
Next time you review umbrellas, I suggest you add Coolibar brand in the mix. Rather than a golf company, they are a sun protection company that makes a fantastic golf umbrella.
Linda
3 weeks agoI don’t usually use my umbrella for rain protection unless using a push cart.. I do use it regularly for sun protection – twice a week in the hot months in Texas. My Coolibar brand is 6 years old and shows only tiny bit of wear on top tip of canopy from being stuffed down in and removal from my bag, but no wear on struts or grip.
Susan Eno
3 weeks agoSome of the umbrellas with finger grips don’t fit well in all golf cart umbrella holders people have found. They also should make the handles a little longer so people who use sun umbrellas and a golf push cart don’t have to duck so much. Mine is about 4 years old and I use it most sunny days and play about 100 times a year. don’t even know what brand it is and it is definitely cooler under it and it works in the rain. However it is finally wearing out and will be looking for a new one.
David C
3 weeks agoI 100% agree with this comment. When raining, I try to use my push cart to avoid fumbling around with the umbrella and there is a much better chance of keeping my gear dry (and carrying extra clothes/towels for when the rain may stop). But, my umbrella is about 2”-3” too short, so I’m always hunched over. Cart handle is all the way up and I’m 6’1”.
Ron
3 weeks agoJust get a short piece (about 6 inches) of 1 inch PVC, a short piece (about 6 inches) of 1 1/2 inch PVC, and a 1 1/2 inch to 1 inch Reducer Coupling, glue it together and you have a 6 inch extender for your umbrella. Get a 1 1/2 foot long bungee and wrap it around the umbrella and hook to cart to keep it from blowing away.! Keep cooler without ducking.
Deacon
3 weeks agoI prefer the Titleist expandable umbrella. Its compact size easily fits inside my carry bag and I don’t have to bother with a bulky umbrella on the outside of the bag. It expands quickly with a push button and is easy to close. Coverage is excellent as is its durability.
Mark
3 weeks agoI always appreciate the MGS reviews. I have been very happy with my silver Sun Mountain UV umbrella. I don’t play often in the rain, but I do play in 100 degree Midwest summer sun. It feels 20 degrees cooler under the silver umbrella. Also the UPF 60+ rating is fantastic. It’s attached to my caddytek push cart and it works great. I’ve played in rain and it does the job, but the sun reduction is incredible. I definitely feel better at the end of a round.