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Guess who’s back … back again!
It’s been nearly seven years since we tested golf sunglasses so it’s about dang time we did it again. Sunglasses are an oft-forgotten golf accessory that can have a big impact on your game.
Anyone who’s tried to hit a ball with the sun shining into their eyes knows exactly why golf sunglasses are important. Golf is hard enough. A clear, unhindered vision of the golf ball, as you swing, is paramount to improved performance.
The best golf sunglasses are a powerful tool in your golfer’s toolbox. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision on the right pair for your game.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing golf sunglasses
Do more expensive golf sunglasses perform better than something more economically priced? Not always. While the top finishers in this year’s golf sunglasses testing cost upwards of $250, our best-value picks from brands like Goodr and Tifosi cost only $35.
Lens options are seemingly endless. When it comes to golf sunglasses, lenses with a rose, purple or copper tint generally perform the best. These lenses offer great contrast against the green of the golf course and make it easy to identify your golf ball.
Size is an important consideration when looking for golf sunglasses. Everyone’s face is different, so what fits well on one person may be too big or too small for another. It’s important to try on sunglasses wherever possible in order to find a style and size that suits your face shape.
| Product | Fit | Clarity & Contrast | Coverage | Durability | Elements | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rudy Project Tralyx+ | 1st | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 1st | 97.75 |
| Oakely Subzero | 1st | 1st | 2nd | 11th | 1st | 97 |
| Oakley Encoder | 4th | 1st | 5th | 5th | 1st | 97 |
| Roka TL-1 | 1st | 4th | 8th | 11th | 4th | 96 |
| Tifosi Veloce | 4th | 8th | 5th | 5th | 6th | 95.75 |
 | SunDog Laser EXT | 18th | 5th | 5th | 1st | 16th | 95.5 |
 | Nike Show X3 Elite L | 4th | 5th | 1st | 16th | 4th | 95.25 |
 | Smith Resolve | 10th | 8th | 8th | 5th | 6th | 95.25 |
 | Tifosi Seek FC 2.0 | 10th | 8th | 8th | 5th | 6th | 95.25 |
 | SunDog Billy 83 | 10th | 23rd | 8th | 1st | 16th | 94.75 |
 | Goodr Just Knock It On! | 4th | 8th | 14th | 5th | 6th | 94.5 |
 | GoodR Voight-Kampff Vision | 10th | 15th | 14th | 5th | 6th | 94 |
 | Costa Jose Pro | 4th | 15th | 2nd | 18th | 16th | 93.75 |
 | Costa Fantail | 10th | 15th | 8th | 18th | 6th | 93.25 |
 | Tifosi Crit | 16th | 15th | 14th | 11th | 6th | 93.25 |
 | Kaenon Burnet | 4th | 8th | 8th | 20th | 21st | 93 |
 | Goodr Back 9 Blackout | 10th | 23rd | 14th | 16th | 6th | 92.75 |
 | Adidas SP0057 | 18th | 5th | 20th | 11th | 28th | 91.5 |
 | Costa Mainsale | 21st | 15th | 18th | 20th | 16th | 90.25 |
 | Goodr Tales from the Greenskeeper | 21st | 23rd | 29th | 3rd | 6th | 89.75 |
 | Under Armour Playmaker | 16th | 27th | 18th | 20th | 6th | 89.75 |
 | Roka Evans | 21st | 15th | 20th | 20th | 21st | 89.5 |
 | Roka Lockhart | 21st | 15th | 20th | 28th | 21st | 89 |
 | Costa Spearo | 28th | 15th | 20th | 20th | 16th | 88.75 |
 | Adidas SP0067 | 18th | 29th | 20th | 11th | 29th | 88.5 |
 | Kaenon Arroyo | 21st | 26th | 20th | 20th | 21st | 88.5 |
 | Smith Lowdown 2 | 27th | 8th | 27th | 20th | 21st | 88.25 |
 | Kaenon El Cap | 21st | 27th | 20th | 20th | 21st | 88 |
 | Smith Outcome | 29th | 8th | 28th | 29th | 21st | 86 |
Similar to that of a golf glove, fit is paramount when it comes to finding the best golf sunglasses. A good pair should fit snugly to your temples and nose and should not move, bounce or slide during the swing.
The fit should be comfortable. Any irritation caused by the bridge or temples (arms) could be detrimental to your focus.
The golf sunglasses that offer a non-slip, comfortable fit are the Goodr Just Knock It On!, Oakley Subzero and Rudy Project Traylyx+.
Golf sunglasses must be able to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. But they should also give you a clear picture of the golf course and your surroundings. While some golf sunglasses rely on tints that make it harder to see your ball, top-performing golf sunglasses provide a crystal-clear view.
The golf sunglasses that provided the most clarity and on-course contrast are the Rudy Project Traylyx+ and Oakley Subzero. Both have lenses that enhance the natural colors of the course and highlight your golf ball.
The best sunglasses for golf must be highly durable. The best of the best in this regard can withstand the worst. From drops to scuffs and everything in between, a durable frame and lenses are a must-have.
Often the sunglasses with the most durable frame are the most flexible. Rigid golf sunglasses are more prone to snap or break from excess pressure (if you happen to leave them on the cart and accidentally sit on them) or anything similar. Flexible frames and shatter-resistant lenses can withstand a beating.
The most durable golf sunglasses are the SunDog Laser EXT. The GoodR Voight-Kampff Vision and Rudy Project Traylyx+ were also top performers.
As a general rule, the more coverage golf sunglasses can provide, the better. A lens and frame that wrap your face, hug your cheeks and cover the nose allow little to no light between your face and the sunglasses.
If there is any room for light to enter from the top, side or bottom, this can cause glare. Curved lenses often perform better in this regard as they cover the peripheral angles where light is most prone to intrude.
The best golf sunglasses for coverage are the NIKE Show X3 Elite L and the Rudy Project Tralyx+.
What a funny word, phobicity. But even if it’s hard to say, it’s crucial to a good pair of golf sunglasses. What you’re looking for is dual phobiticy, hydrophobcity (lack of affinity for water) and oleophobicity (lack of affinity for oil).
In simple terms, your sunglasses should be water-resistant and oil-resistant. The last thing you need is a few raindrops or your grubby hands smudging up your lenses. Some of the best golf sunglasses in this regard are the Oakely Encoder and Roka TL-1.
World-class testing requires world-class equipment. This is the gear we trust to help us fulfill our Most Wanted testing.
The Rudy Project Tralyx+ are the best golf sunglasses for 2023. Their clarity, contrast and fit are unmatched.
The Photochomratic lenses lighten or darken based on UV rays, and provide a crystal clear picture of the shot at hand.
Small gaps in coverage could lead to a little glare in certain conditions.
Quick Change Lenses
Adjustable No-Slip Nosepiece
Adjustable No-Slip Temples
Vent Controller
Total Comfort Fit
The Rudy Project Tralyx+ takes the top spot as the best sunglasses for golf. This pair has photochromatic lenses that adjust to the light. The frame is ultradurable and the fit is unmatched.
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The Oakly Subzero may not be for everyone in the looks deparment, but these golf sunglasses are right on the money.
Fantastic contrast provided by the Dark Golf Prizm lenses, and great coverage.
Looks can be offputting.
DESIGN – Progressive lens design enabled by PhysioMorphic Geometry™
FRAME MATERIAL – Strong yet light O Matter® frame
LENS ATTACHMENT – Unique lens attachment leverages the icon to connect the lens, lug, stem and icon into a flush, one-of-a-kind design
NOSEPADS – Unobtainium® nosepads for a no-slip grip
SEE MORE DETAILS – Available with Prizm™ Lens Technology that is engineered to enhance color and contrast to see more detail
The Oakely Subzero takes the 2nd spot in our Best Golf Sunglasses testing thanks to an amazing fit, great coverage and fantastic clarity from the Dark Golf Prizm lenses.
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The Oakley Encoder finishes third in our Most Wanted testing thanks to great contrast and a fantastic fit.
Dark Golf Prizm lenses provide great contrast and clarity, and the frame is very durable.
Coverage could be better.
MULTI-SPORT DESIGN – Functional sport design with optimized coverage, wider field of view, frame retention and impact protection.
REVOLUTIONARY LENS DESIGN – Advancements in optical design have allowed the lens to be designed with an extended wrap and rigidity in key areas that mimic the structural properties of a frame.
HAT AND HELMET FIT TEMPLES – O-Matter™ temples have been designed to be low profile to fit with hats and helmets.
NO-SLIP GRIP – Unobtainium® earsocks and nosepads help provide sport level retention with a no-slip grip and all-day comfort.
SEE MORE DETAILS – Available with Prizm™ lenses that are designed to enhance color, contrast so you can see more detail.
The Oakely Enconder finished 3rd in our best golf sunglasses 2023 testing for great all-around performance and fantastic lenses.
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The Roka TL-1 is a lightweight golf sunglass with excellent clarity and fit.
Durable, flexible frame and high contrast lenses make it easier to find the golf ball.
Could provide better coverage
The TL Series offers a customized fit courtesy of adjustable titanium core wires in the temples. Featuring patented GEKO™ technology for unparalleled retention on the roughest of courses, our world-class C3™ lenses and lens coatings and simple lens interchangeability, the TL Series delivers an uncompromising sport frame for training, racing and outdoor pursuits. Weighing in at only 22g, the TL-1x provides a 10% increase in field of view over the TL-1 at only a 1g penalty.
The Roka TL-1 is an all-around beast, giving it a firm 4th in our best golf sunglasses testing. The frames are highly durable and flexible for long-lasting comfort and great fit.
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The Tifosi Veloce is a great option for those on a budget.
Highly flexible frame and great fit give the Veloce a leg up on the competition.
Lenses could provide a little more contrast, especially with the golf ball.
Frame: Light & Durable Grilamid TR-90
Lens: Enliven Golf – Shatterproof polycarbonate lens that enhances greens, blues and reds. Better color contrast means easier ball tracking and course reading.
Features: Vented half frame, fully adjustable nose and ear pieces, hydrophilic rubber ear and nose pads that increase grip the more you sweat
The Tifosi Veloce is one of the best value golf sunglasses out there, and it just so happens to take the fifth spot in our best sunglasses for golf testing. They provide incredible clarity and contrast without breaking the bank.
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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.
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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?
Looking for more detailed information on golf accessories?
Our mission is #ConsumerFirst. We are here to help educate and empower golfers. We want you to get the most out of your money, time and performance. That means providing you with equipment reviews you can trust, as well as honest reporting on the latest issues affecting the game today. #PowerToThePlayer
| Driver Ping G30 | Hybrids PXG 0317 |
| 3/4 IRON PXG 0311XF | 5-GW Srixon Z 565 |
| SW PXG 0317 | LW PXG 0311 |
| Putter EVNROLL |
3 years ago
Which of the top rated golf sunglasses are available with prescription lenses?
3 years ago
You can get most Roka sunglasses with prescription lenses.
3 years ago
I have Never….nor will I Ever buy a pair of sunglasses over $10. I can’t tell one bit of difference and I lose them too often. $150 pair of sunglasses is extreme overkill and snobbish in my opinion. No one really needs them.
Give us a rating of decent $25 and under sunglasses and it will be of great interest to many I’m sure.
3 years ago
It’s snobbish that people buy nice sunglasses? Sounds like a personal problem that you can’t keep track of your possessions. Most people don’t have this problem….
3 years ago
I’ve had prescription sunglasses (two pairs) for over 5 years. Haven’t lost them, they’re not overkill and I wouldn’t be able to see without them.
3 years ago
I’ve used sunglasses from Reks for several years. They are unbreakable – and they have proven to be so at a very reasonable price with prescription lenses. I’ve tried two different styles and liked them both, but prefer the ones that like most golf sunglasses. Luckily my eyes aren’t changing much so haven’t buy a new pair for the last couple of years.
Did you consider which sunglasses could have prescription lenses in your evaluation?
Bill
3 years ago
I’ve been wearing Reks for years, great fit, flexible, lenses made for golf and just purchased 2 pairs for $65 on a special. There’s always a pair in my bag and a backup in each vehicle
3 years ago
I guess these glasses work if you’re 25 and you hit the ball 325 yards – that way you’re young and long and no one will notice that you have glasses on that make you look like you’re from outer space. Why do they have to be so ugly?
3 years ago
You can get the Golf specific lens from Oakley in numerous frames. I have the Prizm Dark Golf in a 5-Squared frame.
3 years ago
FWIW, Oakley is dead to me. Their customer service sucks, and the rubberized parts of their products (i.e. stem/temple/arms, nose bridges) degrade very quickly and become sticky and gooey. And you can’t buy replacement frames, in case you want to have multiple looks with different-colored frames.
And their customer service sucks.
3 years ago
I did a fair amount of research last year, on both ideal lens tint for golf and brand quality, and I bought a pair of BOLLÉ amber tinted wrap-around sunglasses for around $175. I’m pleased with them. Goldilocks. Not too dark, not too light. Just right.
I live in Puerto Rico so wearing sunglasses is usually required, or at least recommended.
3 years ago
I wear a super cheap pair of GOODR’s. $20. Lifetime warranty, and they have replaced a pair already no questions asked. Looks good, and they have two different lenses that help see the ball. “Back 9 Blackout”. I wont play without them.
3 years ago
the 80’s called and they want their sunglasses back.
3 years ago
I can’t believe you didn’t try any of the Maui Jim sunglasses! I have a pair that are super light and great lenses and clarity.
3 years ago
100% right. This is worthless without including Maui Jim’s!
3 years ago
No Reks? They weren’t even tested?
3 years ago
Agree on Reks. Have a prescription pair and work best for me. Great price point too!
3 years ago
Top 3 recommendations look like diving masks. Only in Dorksville.
3 years ago
Those Rudy’s are not Polarised. I won’t wear anything that’s not polarised. So I don’t get how it can be at the top of this list. And I’ve owned a pair of Rudy’s before, the ones with the flippable lens that was featured in the movie Paycheck, they were just OK, very plastic and the same shape as these, basically, but were not that comfortable to wear the whole day.
Problem I find with a lot of these very curbed and wrapped sunglasses, is they tend to fog up a lot if you sweat. So where is that test????
3 years ago
Polarized lens could distort the contrast on the greens. Oakley’s Prizm Golf & Prizm Dark Golf are both non-polarized for this reason. I have the Prizm Dark lens in the 5-Squared frame and very impressed as always. Oakley optics for Rx sunglasses are second to known IMHO.
3 years ago
You must have crooked eyes!
I’ve been using nothing but Polarised for a couple decades and I’ve never putted better or judged the distances better, being able to see more.
May be you have those eyes that don’t work with Pola. You should get checked. Certain types and astigmatism may be causing your vision to be different.
I can’t live without Pola
3 years ago
I find cheaper sunglasses distort my view of the putting green. Thanks for the write up.
3 years ago
I am a Tifosi guy – great prices, quick shipping. The Enliven lenses do seem to help, with other glasses I often feel like Im not seeing details well enough and I end up putting my glasses up when Im on the green but with these I dont find myself doing that as much
3 years ago
Thanks for sharing! Loved the Enliven lenses. And yes, Tifosi is so good for the price!
3 years ago
I’m also a Tifosi guy but found the AC Red lenses were better for golf than the Enliven lenses. Better contrast so you can see the ball better.
3 years ago
Would love to see sub-sets. Best under $50, Best under $100, etc. The top four listed were all $200+ sunglasses!!!!! While they may be best, the price point effectively scrubs them from consideration I’d imagine for 90%+ of the readers….so if that’s the case, how useful is this ranking?
This is much like the best rainwear article a few days ago. Comprehensive, but the best options were all ridiculously expensive and not realistic options for most golfers.
3 years ago
Thanks for this. Our best value pick was Goodr (under $40), and the Tifosi Veloce which was #5 is less than $100. Both solid options! SunDogs is another great option under $100.
3 years ago
Honestly, just grab some Knockarounds. Whether you get polarized or not, they have both the oleophobic and hydrophobic styles as well. You can go through 3-5 pairs before you even catch up to the price of a pair of Oakley.
Geoff
3 years ago
Interesting to don’t see Julbo, Vuarnet, Randolph …
Guys, I like your reviews for sure but it’s gonna be more and more common you kinda miss the hit, a bit.