Did you know it’s illegal to wear a T-shirt on the golf course in 48 out of 50 states?
Just kidding. I made that up to draw your attention to golf’s most controversial problem: the dress code.
Now that you’re here, let’s talk about it. Most golf courses (for better or worse) still require you to wear a collared shirt. And while I generally err on the liberal side of golf dress codes, if you have to wear a polo, it better be a darned good one.
That’s why I’ve been on the hunt for the best golf shirts. Not for me but for you, the discerning golfer. A golf shirt should be comfortable, fashionable and make your round better.
That itchy polo from Goodwill just isn’t conducive to shooting your personal best. Nor will it help you get the cart girl’s number. (Spoiler: She’s not into you, anyway).
Need a golf shirt wardrobe overhaul? Here are the best golf shirts of 2023.
Best Golf Shirt For Everyone: Rhoback
Rhoback has designed what could be the best golf polo out there. It’s comfortable, fits well and looks darned good, too. It’s on the pricier side but the quality of Rhoback’s performance polos is worth every penny.
Pros
- Lay-flat collar that doesn’t crease
- Four-way stretch for a comfortable fit and zero restriction
- Fun designs and color options
- Lightweight and breathable material
- Up to 3XL (size inclusive)
Cons
- Price point is a little steep
Best Golf Shirt For Heavy Sweaters: Lululemon Logo Sport Polo
Lululemon is a brand synonymous with quality and they stand behind the performance of their products. The Lululemon Logo Sport Polo is lightweight, breathable and oh-so-stretchy. As with any Lululemon product, it’s backed by their Quality Promise guarantee so rest assured that if it doesn’t live up to their rigorous standards, you can get your money back.
Pros
- Comfortable fit
- Stretch fabric for zero swing resistance
- Moisture wicking and UV protection
- No Stink Zinc treatment to stop the growth of odor-causing bacteria
Cons
- Higher price point than some
- Material can be prone to snags
Best Golf Shirt To Beat The Heat: adidas ULTIMATE365 Tour Polo
Any golfer knows the importance of staying cool, calm and collected. The adidas ULTIMATE365 Tour Polo is the perfect warm-weather companion. This ultra-lightweight and breathable blade-collar polo is a must-have for when the heat proves to be the toughest test of all.
Pros
- Blade collar is extremely comfortable and low profile
- Lightweight and breathable material to keep you cool and comfortable
- Longer back hem to keep the shirt tucked in
- Quick-drying construction doesn’t stay wet for long
Cons
- Higher price than some
- Relatively few color options
Best Premium Golf Shirt: Stitch Oyster Catcher Polo
You probably know Stitch from their premium golf bag offerings. However, Stitch should be at the top of your list when considering a new golf shirt. Stitch makes fantastic golf shirts. Their premium designs, moisture-wicking fabric and fun patterns are easy to recommend.
Pros
- Premium and durable construction
- Great lay-flat collar
- Longer fit for tucking in
Cons
- Very expensive
- Fewer design options than some
Most Comfortable Golf Shirt: MUNICIPAL Sportcross Polo
MUNICIPAL pulled out a big “W” this year when Wyndham Clark won the U.S Open rocking a MUNICIPAL polo. But Wyndham isn’t the only one rocking MUNICIPAL—you should be, too. Their polos are super-comfortable and the modern designs are fantastic. The Sportcross Polo is the most comfortable golf polo out there.
Pros
- Soft, stretchy construction
- Moisture wicking
- Unique designs
Cons
- Less breathable than some
Best Fitted Golf Polo: Extracurricular Harlequin Polo
Extracurricular isn’t a household name quite yet but if you’re looking for a well-fitting, stylish golf polo, they should definitely be on your list. The Harlequin Polo provides a very flattering fit thanks to its cuffed sleeves. And it’s pretty darned comfortable, too.
Pros
- Great slim fit, especially around the arms (the Adam Beach special)
- Fun, trendy patterns
- Built-in collar stay to keep it laying flat
Cons
- Tends to run a little hot
- Higher price
Best Classic Golf Shirt: FootJoy Lisle Self Collar Polo
You probably know that FootJoy makes some of the best golf shoes. But it doesn’t end there, they also make a darn good polo. They’ve got some really fun designs, too. I’m a huge fan of the Cookie Print Lisle Self Collar Polo and its whimsical pattern. It’s safe to say this cool, casual polo has the Cookie Monster drooling.
Pros
- Longer fit for tucking in
- Loose, comfortable fit for zero restriction
- Fun patterns and designs
- Lightweight
- Lay flat collar
Cons
- Not as stretchy as some
Best Mid-Price Golf Shirt: Vuori Zephyr Polo
Vuori is known for their buttery soft fabrics and high quality. The Zephyr Polo is proof that you can pick up an amazing golf shirt for a dang good price. This mid-price favorite is one you have to try. The fit is more on the athletic side of things, so this one is a great option if you’ve got the Brooks Koepka build.
Pros
- Athletic fit
- Lightweight and breathable
- All-way stretch
- Made with recycled material
Cons
- Collar lacks structure
- Material isn’t as durable as some
Best Value Golf Shirt: adidas Ottoman Stripe Polo
This budget-friendly golf polo is extremely soft, lightweight and breathable. I’m a big fan of the striped design and flattering fit. For half the price of some of the other golf shirts on this list, the Ottoman Stripe polo is one to give a try (especially if you pick it up on sale, which adidas does frequently).
Pros
- Striped design is fashion focused
- Comfortable, breathable fabric
Cons
- Thin material may not be as durable as some
More Golf Shirts to Consider (In Five Words Or Less)
- TravisMathew The Heater Polo – Soft comfort for hot weather
- FootJoy HYPR – Athletic fit with 4-way stretch
- MUNICIPAL Gig Polo – Comfort knit and cool design
- Original Penguin Broken Tees Golf Polo – Loud patterns and fun colors
- NIKE Dri-FIT Tour Polo – Classic style and great fit
- Callaway Oxford Legacy Block Polo – Comfortable fit and durable design
- Under Armour Playoff Polo – Oversized fit and four-way stretch
- Forme Ace+ Polo – Posture correction for slumped shoulders
Must-Have Ingredients For The Perfect Golf Shirt
It Starts With the Collar
Golf shirts are collared, after all. If the collar isn’t well-designed, it can ruin the entire shirt. A good collar should be thick, durable and able to withstand wash after wash without wrinkling or creasing.
What you’re trying to avoid here is “bacon collar”, that wavy mess of a collar that plagues even the most fashionable golfers. Golf shirts from Rhoback and Stitch do a great job of solving this problem. Their collars lay flat and hold their shape no matter how many times you put them through the wash.
Stir in Some Stretch
Restriction is the proverbial kryptonite to a solid golf swing. Any restriction of movement (especially in the arms and shoulders) can be detrimental to your game. The best golf polos are made of four-way stretch fabric to accommodate a full range of motion. This also contributes to the overall comfort of the golf shirt.
A golf shirt should also be able to stretch without losing its elasticity. Once it stretches, it should snap back into place without fail. The golf shirts that provide great stretch are the Lululemon Logo Sport polo and the MUNICIPAL Gig polo.
Bake in Breathability
The best golf shirts are breathable. Breathability refers to the ability of a fabric to allow perspiration to escape to the outside and away from your body. Translation? A breathable golf shirt is a cool (and dry) golf shirt.
As a general rule, cotton is going to hold moisture more than something made of polyester or nylon. That said, nylon may not be as breathable overall. If you’re a heavy sweater, avoid golf shirts made from cotton and opt for something moisture-wicking.
The best golf shirt for warm weather is the adidas ULTIMATE365 Tour polo. The Lululemon Logo Sport polo and Vuori Zephyr polo are very breathable, too.
More Tips and Tricks to Find Your Fit
- Solid colors not your thing? Original Penguin has some of the most fun golf shirts we’ve seen.
- Blade collars are becoming more mainstream. Primo Golf’s polo lineup is full of slick blade-collar golf polos.
- Looking for a decent selection of golf polos that won’t break the bank? Check out your local Ross, Marshalls or TJ Maxx. You may even get lucky and find some G/Fore, Peter Millar or FootJoy for a great price.
- Try before you buy. Sizing can be inconsistent across brands (and within brands’ own golf shirt lineup) so it’s always a good idea to try on before you buy.
Ben
8 months ago
I don’t know if anyone on here has mentioned UNRL apparel, but I’ve really enjoyed wearing their joggers and polos on the course this year. The clothes are well made breathable and extremely comfortable for the course. Their new joggers (Concourse) are even better as they are a little dressier with more customization options. Highly recommend if you are looking for something different.