My Favorite Gear for the Dog Days of Summer
News

My Favorite Gear for the Dog Days of Summer

Support our Mission. We independently test each product we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

My Favorite Gear for the Dog Days of Summer

I love summer golf. You can’t beat showing up for an ultra-twilight round knowing with 100 percent confidence that you’ll actually get 18 holes in before dark. Beyond the extended daylight hours, there are plenty of reasons to love warm weather rounds. The ball flies further, the grass is greener and, for many of us, this is the only time of year we can actually get out on the course with any consistency. Consistent play means more reps and more reps mean better scores. Ironically, the only downside to golfing in the dog days of summer is the heat. 

My favorite summer golf gear is lightweight, easy to carry and keeps me cool. Taking on the heat can be a challenge but as someone who has been playing golf when the temperature can exceed 100F for almost 30 years, I have some ideas about what gear can make a midsummer round tolerable, even comfortable.. 

There are dozens of recommendations I could make but to keep you from scrolling for the next hour, I narrowed it down to the 11 pieces of gear I’ve been relying on the most this summer. Let us know in the comments what you use to stave off the heat. 

Gear to End Summer on a High Note

Fiori – Tech Zip Polo

There are a ton of great lightweight, techy polos out there but I’ve really been loving this one from Fiori. The material is incredibly soft and silky, feels good on my skin when it’s bone-dry or sweat through, has a comfortable collar that stays put and can be worn with the collar wide open or zipped up, depending on how I’m feeling.

adidas – Wide Brim Golf Hat

Joel Dahmen isn’t the only golfer who can rock a big ol’ bucket hat. The sun is constantly in your eyes while playing summer golf but it’s also ravaging your neck and ears with UV rays so a bucket hat is an ideal antidote. To go along with ample sun protection, this hat from adidas utilizes the brand’s moisture-absorbing AEROREADY material, keeping you dry and cool when the sweat really starts to drip.

47 Brand – BRRR Fairway 47 Trucker

If you’re a sports fan, you need a golf hat from 47 Brand. My go-to is the trucker-style cap, but “dad cap” enthusiasts will find a ton of options for them, too. The BRRR material is lightweight and, in my experience, always dries in a flash, which is a huge benefit on the hottest of days. I prefer the white ones, since they don’t absorb as much heat but the material is so light I’d definitely recommend whichever of the styles piques your interest.

Tifosi – Crit Sunglasses

Tifosi is a great pick for anyone who wants an affordable pair of sunglasses but just because they’re easier on the wallet doesn’t mean they’re not capable of performing in the most intense conditions. The brand’s golf lenses are ideal for varying light conditions so you’ll be able to rock them at a noon tee time just as easily as you are at a 6 p.m. tee time. I also love how light they are which actually makes a huge difference when it’s hot. 

lululemon – ABC Classic-Fit Shorts WovenAir

A pair of lightweight shorts cannot be overlooked. The lululemon ABC line is one of my favorites when it comes to golf pants but it’s also got some pretty stellar summer shorts. Specifically, I like the WovenAir model which drapes nicely, won’t bunch up in the crotch or around the waist and keeps airflow at a maximum whether you’re golfing in the hot West Coast desert or the muggy Northeast.

Mission – Cooling Towel

When things get hot almost nothing provides more relief than a cold towel whether you’re draping it around your neck, wiping down your sweaty arms and hands or giving your face a quick cooldown. The Mission Cooling towel is more than just a regular old towel, though. It can stay cool for up to two hours (with no chemicals), offers UPF 50 sun protection and can cool to 30 degrees below body temperature in just a few minutes.

Under Armour – Phantom Shoes

Hot days on the golf course will leave your feet and legs feeling extra tired and lethargic. Your shoes can go a long way in relieving that burden, though. For that, I love the Under Armour Phantom shoes. They’re light and comfortable but really shine in the heat thanks to their mesh upper and ​​SpeedForm® 2.0 sockliner, giving your feet room to breathe during long days on the course.

Hydro Flask – Wide Mouth Water Bottle

Don’t forget to drink water (those two cans of Coors Light are not enough). A Hydro Flask water bottle is constantly in my bag, ready for a refill each time I pass by those precious orange water jugs every few holes. It adds a bit of weight to my bag but the insulated bottle is worth having, thanks to its ability to keep water cold throughout an entire round.

Titleist – Tour Double Canopy Umbrella

Umbrellas aren’t just for rain, they’re great for sun, too. If you like to walk the course, whether you’re carrying your bag or pushing a cart, an umbrella can save the day when the heat of summer is at its peak. The sun has the ability to completely drain you of energy so even a few minutes of shade between shots is better than nothing, letting you do your best for an entire round.

Swiftwick – ASPIRE Zero Tab Socks

Shoes are important but sweat-wicking performance socks might be even more valuable on a hot summer afternoon. My go-tos in all seasons, but especially in the summer, are Swiftwick’s ASPIRE Zero. The tab at the heel keeps them from slipping down into my shoe, the short length lets my lower legs breathe and, most importantly, they prevent blisters and chafing.

FootJoy – HyperFLX Golf Glove

On a hot day, you might find that your golf glove gets just as wet as it would on a rainy day. Sweat, condensation from your water bottle, constantly reaching for the wet towel—these things all make your glove soak through in moments. The HyperFLX glove stays drier than a run-of-the-mill golf glove, thanks to its mesh material. Don’t think you’re getting short-changed, though. The palm is still made from premium Cabretta leather.

For You

For You

Phil Mickelson Grant Horvat Phil Mickelson Grant Horvat
News
Dec 5, 2024
Phil Mickelson Is Getting Into The YouTube Golf Space
Buyer's Guides
Dec 5, 2024
Best Stocking Stuffers For Golfers
Stewart Q Follow electric carts Stewart Q Follow electric carts
Buyer's Guides
Dec 5, 2024
Best Golf Bags for Walkers
Will Porter

Will Porter

Will Porter

Will Porter

Will Porter

Will Porter

Will Porter

Will Porter

Will Porter





    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

      John Rocca

      3 months ago

      Can you recommend a good golf shoe that is breathable.

      Reply

    Leave A Reply

    required
    required
    required (your email address will not be published)

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Phil Mickelson Grant Horvat Phil Mickelson Grant Horvat
    News
    Dec 5, 2024
    Phil Mickelson Is Getting Into The YouTube Golf Space
    Buyer's Guides
    Dec 5, 2024
    Best Stocking Stuffers For Golfers
    Stewart Q Follow electric carts Stewart Q Follow electric carts
    Buyer's Guides
    Dec 5, 2024
    Best Golf Bags for Walkers
    ENTER to WIN 3 DOZEN

    Titleist ProV1 Golf Balls

    Titleist ProV1 Golf Balls
    By signing up you agree to receive communications from MyGolfSpy and select partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy You may opt out of email messages/withdraw consent at any time.