Only a few things are absolutely mandatory for a loop around the golf course: clubs, bag, balls and tees. However, there are accessories so compulsory that they might as well be part of the official golf uniform. Chief among these is the golf hat. Virtually every player wears one from juniors all the way up through the best of the best on the PGA Tour (but they get paid for it).
The best golf hats serve many functions so it’s no surprise they’re ubiquitous in the modern game. Obviously, the main purpose of a hat is to protect your head and eyes from the sun’s harsh rays and the occasional unexpected downpour but, in today’s world, they’re much more than utilitarian. A golf hat can be a style flex, an opportunity to rep your favorite brand, your favorite team or the finishing touch on your go-to golfing outfit.
In the end, a golf hat has to check a few essential boxes but, beyond that, it can make whatever kind of statement you want. If it’s comfortable on your head, makes you feel good and helps you focus on your game then it’s a perfect accessory.
The Best Golf Hats
Melin
There’s nothing quite like a Melin hat. With a variety of models to hit any head size and shape, Melin’s premium headwear is worth the splurge. Seriously, once you try one you’ll never go back.
lululemon
Whether you want a lightweight running hat or something a little more traditional, lululemon has you covered. Are minimalist designs and muted color schemes your thing? You’ll be hard pressed to find something more sleek and wearable than lululemon.
KJUS
Isn’t it crazy that most golf raingear doesn’t have a hood? That’s why KJUS makes a great waterproof cap. It’s incredibly light and looks good enough to wear rain or shine
Waggle
If you want something more on the wild side, Waggle is the best in the business. Their loud designs and fun logos are great, but their hats are just as functional. They fit great, and look great. What else could you ask for?
adidas
An homage to the unsung heroes of the golf course, this hat reminds us to always think of the grounds crew when we replace an extra fat divot. The fit is excellent for any size of head and the leather strap and rope add a classy, tasteful touch.
Gumtree Golf
A reminder that, in the end, when we’re on the golf course, we’re just out for a walk in nature. Gumtree’s a relatively new brand and their items tend to sell out quickly but we’re happy to see this one has been available for a long time.
Quiet Golf
When it comes to a golf hat, sometimes the most simple designs are the most effective. This hat from Quiet Golf has an excellent mid-crown fit and is subtle enough to go with any golf outfit you throw together. It might even remind you to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet on the course.
47 Brand
If you’re a sports fan, a golf hat from 47 Brand is a must-have. Their wide ranging selection of golf-centric caps are affordable, durable, and let you show out for your favorite MLB, college or NFL team. As we get toward summer, make sure to find a hat with 47’s Brrr tech to keep you cool when temperatures rise.
Random Golf Club
The enduring style of a quality “dad hat” cannot be overlooked and Random Golf Club knows how to make a good one. An unstructured, low-profile crown looks good on every golfer, regardless of your style and the canvas construction and metal buckle closure will last darn near forever.
Titleist
The Titleist logo hat is an absolute classic, even if you can’t quite strike a Pro V1 like the pros can. Any of the brand’s simple caps will do but we especially love this Max Homa-approved rope hat. It comes in seven versatile, easy-to-wear colors and is adjustable enough to fit heads of any size.
NIKE
Just because you can’t score a trademark TW hat like Tiger used to wear, doesn’t mean you should stop thinking of NIKE. In fact, now might be the best time to rock a Nike hat—some of that Scottie Scheffler juju might be injected into your game. This cap is adjustable and comes in three sizes, meaning you can tailor it to fit exactly how you want.
Malbon
Jason Day may be getting a lot of stick from golf traditionalists thanks to his recent outfits from Malbon but that hasn’t stopped us from seeing folks rocking the brand at our local muni. The brand is constantly dropping stellar collabs but their mainline gear rocks just as hard. Their painter’s hat silhouette comes in a number of colors and designs but we love it for its fit and versatility on and off the course.
Tad Jacks
6 months ago
I was surprised that no buckets were listed. Many people are getting skin cancer of many kinds on their ears. Please do a sun safety hat survey when you are doing such a good job in advancing the game.