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Don’t let adverse weather rain on your parade down the fairway. Golf is a game played in the elements. While a first-tee shank can dampen your spirits, a good golf umbrella will keep your clubs, grips and clothes from being soaked.
Rain or shine, be prepared. The best golf umbrellas of 2023 are strong and steady in storms and also provide cover on the sunniest of days.
Whether for the health of your skin or the health of your game, a golf umbrella is a must-have accessory. Here’s what you need to know when the wind won’t stop blowing or the sun won’t stop showin’.
Here are a few things to consider when purchasing a golf umbrella
Golf umbrellas are relatively inexpensive when compared to other golf gear. That said, the top-performing golf umbrellas cost well over $50. Think of it as an investment in both your health and golf game. If you’re looking for a good value option, the Haas-Jordan Sunflector UV Umbrella is less than $40 and provides fantastic performance.
While most top-performance golf umbrellas are round in shape, we noticed a slight trend toward square canopies. The ShedRain Gellas WindProof Golf Umbrella has a trendy square canopy that does a great job of deflecting downpours.
Size is an important consideration. Consider both the extended and closed size of the umbrella. Most top-performing golf umbrellas have a 62- or 68-inch arc, with the arc being the distance between the end of one rib to the rib on the opposite side of the umbrella.
| Product | Wind/Water Resistance | Coverage | Opening Speed | Handle | Durability | UV Protection | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ShedRain Vortex Vent Pro Umbrella | 1st | 4th | 6th | 2nd | 1st | 8th | 97.25 |
| Titleist Tour Umbrella | 3rd | 1st | 6th | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 96.25 |
| ShedRain Vortex Vent XL Umbrela | 3rd | 1st | 11th | 2nd | 2nd | 8th | 96.25 |
| Gust Buster Pro Series Gold Umbrella | 1st | 4th | 4th | 9th | 7th | 8th | 95.75 |
| Sun Mountain SMS+ Umbrella | 9th | 9th | 1st | 14th | 3rd | 1st | 95.5 |
 | Haas Jordan Sunflector UV Umbrella | 6th | 7th | 4th | 15th | 7th | 1st | 95.5 |
 | ShedRain Gellas WindPro Golf Umbrella | 11th | 7th | 1st | 1st | 3rd | 8th | 95.5 |
 | Big Max Aqua Umbrella | 11th | 9th | 1st | 16th | 3rd | 4th | 94.25 |
 | Sun Mountain 68 Manual Umbrella | 11th | 9th | 6th | 2nd | 7th | 15th | 93.75 |
 | Ping Tour Umbrella | 6th | 1st | 15th | 2nd | 10th | 4th | 93.25 |
 | Ping Single Canopy Umbrella | 6th | 9th | 15th | 2nd | 10th | 4th | 92.5 |
 | Titleist Players Umbrella | 15th | 15th | 6th | 2nd | 10th | 12th | 92.5 |
 | XXIO Double Canopy Umbrella | 11th | 9th | 11th | 9th | 14th | 3rd | 92.25 |
 | Srixon Double Canopy Umbrella | 3rd | 4th | 11th | 9th | 16th | 12th | 92.25 |
 | Haas Jordan Guardian 62 Umbrella | 16th | 16th | 6th | 2nd | 10th | 15th | 92 |
 | Clelveland CG Double Canopy Umbrella | 9th | 14th | 11th | 9th | 15th | 12th | 91.5 |
Unexpected weather can sneak up on you faster than that pesky single golfer playing behind your foursome. A good golf umbrella must be easy to deploy in the event of adverse weather.
Most auto-open umbrellas offer lightning-quick deployment but a manual umbrella can be just as effective. The ShedRain Gellas WindPro Golf Umbrella offered the best auto deployment while the Sun Mountain SMS+ was the top-performing manual deployment golf umbrella.
A golf umbrella’s coverage is more than its arc size. Coverage has a lot to do with the actual slope of the arc, too. A well-designed golf umbrella should slope away from you at an angle, rather than sharply drop towards your feet.
Coverage is also important when playing in a group. Larger 68-inch umbrellas generally provide enough coverage for at least two persons. Be a pal and help a friend. It’s OK to be the umbrella guy!
The best umbrella for coverage is the Titleist Tour golf umbrella. The ShedRain Vortex Vent XL is another great option.
Some weather is about as forgiving as a set of butter-knife blades. The best golf umbrellas are built like proverbial tanks with durability to handle Mother Nature’s most intense storm.
Since you’re likely to store your golf umbrella with your clubs, it should also be sturdy enough to be tossed around, twisted and turned every which way. Durability stems largely from the shaft and ribs. These areas are the most vulnerable and will render your golf umbrella useless if damaged.
The most durable golf umbrella is the ShedRain Vortex Vent Pro. From the thick closure strap to the reinforced ribs and thick shaft, nothing comes close in the durability department.
Similar to the grip on a golf club, the handle of the umbrella is the most underrated feature. A handle that is too big, too small or too slippery when wet can be detrimental. A well-thought-out umbrella handle is tacky when dry or wet with an ergonomic design that allows it to fit nicely into any size of hand.
The golf umbrella with the best handle is the ShedRain Gellas WindPro Golf Umbrella. Its gel-filled handle conforms to your hand for an extremely comfortable fit. The Titleist Tour Umbrella has a soft-touch foam handle that provides a reliable grip when wet.
The ShedRain Vortex Bent Pro Umbrella is the best golf umbrella for 2023. It's extremely durable and can withstand anything the course throws at it.
Most durable golf umbrella on the market. Great coverage and nice handle.
Doesn't provide as much UV protection as some.
Manual open
International Good Design Award Winner
CET™ Cable Enhanced Technology™
62″ arc
39″ closed length
2.05 lbs
Microfiber upper canopy
Fiberglass frame
Anti-inversion strut™ mechanically supports the rib structure to reduce inversion
Spring loaded tips are specifically designed to generate a taught canopy in high wind situations
Energy absorbing shock absorbs energy between joints when under a high stress load
Elastic vent straps joining the upper and lower canopy stretch under high pressure exposing the vents to allow rapid air release
Pressure release vents reduce stress on the frame by allowing wind pressure to pass through the canopy
Aircraft aluminum shaft is lightweight and strong
TPR rubber grip handle
The ShedRain Vortex Pro is everything you could ever want in a golf umbrella. It’s durable, strong, and provides lasting coverage for the course.
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The Titleist Tour Umbrella has massive coverage and a sturdy build.
Good handle and massive coverage.
Not as durable as Shedrain.
68” of coverage
Tour-inspired double canopy
Premium anti-inversion system
UV protection
Proprietary Titleist handle
The Titleist Tour Umbrella is a solid golf umbrella that provides great coverage for rain or shine.
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The Shedrain Vortex Vent XL is another top golf umbrella for 2023. Its huge coverage is a big bonus.
Fantastic coverage, great handle and good wind resistance.
Doesn't provide as much UV protection as some.
Manual open
68 inch arc
CET™ Cable Enhanced Technology™
41.75 inch closed length
2.20 lbs
Nylon and honeycomb polyester fabric
Fiberglass frame
Anti-inversion Strut™ mechanically supports the rib structure to reduce inversion
Spring loaded tips are specifically designed to generate a taught canopy in high wind situations
Energy absorbing joints when under a high stress load
Elastic vent straps joining the upper and lower canopy stretch under high pressure exposing the vents to allow rapid air release
Pressure release vents reduce stress on the frame by allowing wind pressure to pass through the canopy
Aircraft aluminum shaft is lightweight and strong
TPR rubber grip handle
The ShedRain Vortex XL is a top golf umbrella for a reason It’s big, strong and ready to tackle the most adverse weather conditions.
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The Gustbuster Proseries Gold Golf Umbrella provides excellent wind resistance and good UV protection.
Wind vents work flawlessly.
Doesn't feel as sturdy or durable as others.
BUST THE GUST – This weatherproof umbrella features a sturdy waterproof 100% nylon canopy. Combined with its unique patented double canopy design, available with either a 62 or 68-Inch canopy, the Pro Series Gold lets the wind out while keeping you dry!
UNFLIPPABLE, UNFLAPPABLE, UNLEAKABLE – The Pro Series Gold utilizes GhostBusters award-winning double canopy design, which has been tested in winds up to 55 mph without flipping, folding, or leaking!
WIND-DEFYING CONSTRUCTION – The Pro Series Gold features a pinch-less open and close release system, a lightning resistant shaft, a hand-contoured rubber comfort grip, and a lightweight super-strength fiberglass shaft that prevents crimping and snapping.
The Gustbuster Proseries Gold Golf Umbrella is an all around performer. You won’t be disappointed by this golf umbrella.
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The Sun Mountain SMS+ Umbrella is a great option for those seeking protection from harmful UV rays.
Reflective material blocks out the Sun and reflects UV rays.
Could vent the wind a little better.
68” spread.
40” tall
Double-canopy construction.
Windproof spring.
The rubber-covered, slip-resistant handle fits perfectly in the umbrella holder of Sun Mountain carts.
Nylon with fiberglass shaft and ribs.
The Sun Mountain SMS+ Golf umbrella is fantastic for sunny days on the course when you want to stay cool.
Everything we do and say is based on cold, hard data. We challenge any and every claim with scientific measurement and analysis. If a product performs well, you'll hear about it. We'll tell you the truth and list the shortcomings if it doesn't.
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Everything we do and say is based on cold, hard data. We challenge any and every claim with scientific measurement and analysis. If a product performs well, you'll hear about it. We'll tell you the truth and list the shortcomings if it doesn't.
Looking for more detailed information on golf accessories?
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| Driver Ping G30 | Hybrids PXG 0317 |
| 3/4 IRON PXG 0311XF | 5-GW Srixon Z 565 |
| SW PXG 0317 | LW PXG 0311 |
| Putter EVNROLL |
10 months ago
A few specifics I found in my search for the perfect umbrella — specifics which are not mentioned in the article:
(1) I need it for sun much more than rain. The silver reflective umbrellas are much better at this. You not only want to look at protection from UV, but also reflection of all rays. That’s a temperature issue more than sunburn, but temperature is very important to my medical condition. Yes, it’s still cooler in the shade of a tree, but the portable shade is still a little cooler with silver reflective than a dark color.
(2) I use a push cart. The umbrella spends almost all its time in the umbrella holder on the cart. That puts the handle in sharp focus! If the handle doesn’t fit your umbrella holder really well, I don’t care what the rest of the specs are; you need either another umbrella or another holder (which may mean another cart).
(3) two years ago, I went to powered wheels on my cart (Alphard V2). I needed to go to a bigger umbrella, and for a very surprising reason. Before I got the power wheels, I tended to be leaning forward pushing the cart whenever I was under the umbrella. With the power wheels, I was just walking along with it; if I were to stay under the umbrella, I had to walk bent over a little. Well, an umbrella with a bigger canopy needs a bigger column, so it rides a little higher over the cart. That allows me to stand erect when walking, which is MUCH better for my back.
10 months ago
I got the Sun Mountain last year because of its UV protection. I have only used it for rain twice…but use it all the time on hot sunny days (Chatt TN). In addition to UV protection, I think it is a couple degrees COOLER under the umbrella. I do use it on a Sun Mountain push cart. Perfect combo.
10 months ago
I’m a bit disappointed with the lack of info/critique related to use with push (or motorized) golf trolleys such as my Motocaddy. Beyond the info supplied, there are a least two factors that can make or break an umbrella purchase. First is the style of handle and whether or not it will actually fit in the cart’s holder. Pistol grips, typically won’t, for example. The second issue can be the overall length of the handle/central pole, which if too short makes things quite difficult, both from a staying dry as well as a seeing where you’re going standpoint when mounted on the cart. I get that not everyone cares about this sort of use, but it would be nice to at least acknowledge this as a separate column/consideration in future reviews.
10 months ago
Windbrella is the best Golf Umbrella. Boynton Beach Florida
10 months ago
They never include the weight of umbrellas in tests. Some of the umbrellas are quite chunky and heavy.
10 months ago
Agree, I got the email the other day from Weatherman and they just came out with a 1.8 lb umbrella. The only other umbrella weight i know is the shedrain vortex is 2.2. Also interesting how there’s no weatherman products on here yet again but they’ve won best umbrella over at golf digest like 3 years running?
10 months ago
I use mine for protection from the sun way more than protection from rain. UV reflection is top priority for me.
10 months ago
A best of umbrella’s article Just in time for summer!
Seriously, could the timing of this be any worse?
10 months ago
Yeah, who would want shade this time of year?
10 months ago
Probably only someone who also wears a diaper.
Dale Cave
10 months ago
The shed rain umbrella busted in heavy wind on me. Not impressed.