2019 GOLF UMBRELLA BUYERS GUIDE
Picture this!
75 and Sunny. Sounds like the perfect day to play a round. But if the forecast said 75 with a chance of showers would you still go out? We say don’t sacrifice a good day on the course just because of a little rain. Head out, but be sure to bring your umbrella. Not just any umbrella, though. At MyGolfSpy, we specifically sought out umbrellas created with the golf course and the elements in mind.
This year, we tested the usual suspects, along with offerings from some of the bigger equipment OEMs. It’s notable that some of those brands outsource their umbrella manufacturing to the experts in the category. That’s neither surprising nor uncommon; it just makes sense. At the end of the day, golfers want an umbrella that keeps them dry. There are zero reasons why club guys should also be umbrella guys. The logo doesn’t matter, though we’re here to tell you that not every umbrella is the same
With all the options, finding the right umbrella can be a bit overwhelming. That’s where we come in. We put the top golf umbrellas on the market to the test to ensure you have the best information available when it comes time to buy.
Whether you’re looking to buy an umbrella today, for some buying advice to get started, or just want a closer look at what’s on the market right now, this guide will help you find the right golf umbrella to fit your needs.
How We Test
We're here to help you find the perfect Golf Umbrella to fit your needs.
To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no detail unchecked, and no stone unturned.
Our Metrics
Umbrellas are tested head to head using rigorous protocols.
The metrics we consider when rating Golf Umbrella include Water-Resistance, Coverage, Opening Speed, Handle, and Durability.
FEATURES THAT MATTER TO YOU
Durability
No matter how good the umbrella is, you want it to last. The best umbrellas, like Shedrain and Gustbuster, last for years in all weather conditions. During testing, we discovered umbrellas that did not fully extend or did the opposite and hyperextended, which can dramatically limit longevity. This is something to consider, especially when contemplating a more expensive option.
Opening Speed
Opening your umbrella without any hassle is important if you’re caught in a downpour. The whole point of an umbrella is to keep you dry, so the faster it opens, the less you likely you are to get wet. The Athletico and BagBoy are great examples of umbrellas that can be opened quickly. Their automatic opening systems limit fumbling and therefore provide better opening speed to get you out of the rain quickly.
Coverage
No one wants to be soggy on the golf course, and many don’t want to miss a day on the links because of rain. We found that smaller umbrellas that might be fine for everyday use don’t provide sufficient coverage for golfers. Larger umbrellas typically perform better on the golf course. Umbrellas such as Gustbuster and Ping are great examples of umbrellas that provide maximum coverage.
Handle
If you are playing golf in the wind and rain, you want a comfortable grip. You’ll want to avoid handles that are unbearably hard and provide no gripping structures. We found that the handles that perform better than others offer recessed areas for fingers to wrap and grip, and are made from materials that aren’t compromised as conditions get wetter.
EXPERT TIP - Comfortable Handle
Regardless of the feature set, or how good an umbrella looks, if the handle doesn't fit comfortably in your hand, don't buy it. It sounds trivial, but in testing, we found that umbrellas with ill-fitting handles can cause wrist pain, which isn't what you want on the golf course (or anywhere else).
2019 Umbrella Features Chart
| Product | Canopies | Opening | Colorways | Diameter | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Athletico Elite 62" Check Price | 2 | Automatic | 1 | 62 |
| Athletico Elite 68" Check Price | 2 | Automatic | 1 | 68 |
 | BagBoy Wind Vent Check Price | 2 | Automatic | 4 | 62 |
 | BagBoy Telescopic UV Check Price | 2 | Automatic | 1 | 68 |
 | BagBoy UV Wind Vent Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 62 |
 | Big Max Aqua UV Protection Check Price | 2 | Automatic | 4 | 68 |
 | Gustbuster 62" Check Price | 2 | Manual | 6 | 62 |
 | Gustbuster 68" Check Price | 2 | Manual | Customizable | 68 |
 | Mizuno Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 68 |
 | Ping Single Canopy Check Price | 1 | Manual | 1 | 62 |
 | Ping Tour Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 68 |
 | Pro Active Sports SunTek Check Price | 2 | Manual | 3 | 62 |
 | Procella Golf Check Price | 2 | Automatic | 5 | 62 |
 | Shed Rain Vortex Pro Check Price | 2 | Manual | 3 | 62 |
 | Shed Rain Vortex XL Check Price | 2 | Manual | 5 | 68 |
 | Srixon Z 79cm Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 68 |
 | Sun Mountain Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 68 |
 | Titleist Pro Folding Check Price | 1 | Semi Manual | 1 | 58 |
 | Titleist Tour Single Check Price | 1 | Manual | 1 | 62 |
 | Titleist Pro Single Check Price | 1 | Semi Manual | 1 | 58 |
 | Titleist Tour Double Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 68 |
 | Under Armour Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 68 |
 | Vice Guard Check Price | 2 | Automatic | 1 | 62 |
Small But Effective - Titleist Professional Folding Umbrella
For those golfers who want an umbrella for everyday use, the Titleist Professional Folding has your back. Its compact design allows you to store it in your backpack or other small compartments. It's reinforced inner skeleton handles moderate wind conditions easily while keeping you dry at the same time. Although we wouldn't recommend using it for heavy use on the golf course, the Pro Folding is excellent for everyday use.
More Tips
- Your clubs aren’t walking sticks; neither is your umbrella. If you want it to last and work at its full capabilities, use it only as intended.
- To prevent your umbrella from rusting or developing mildew, rinse off with tap water and leave it fully open and upright to dry.
- Some golfers prefer umbrellas that have automatic opening systems that fully extend with minimal effort while others prefer the manual opening umbrellas. Whatever your preference, there’s an umbrella for you.
- If you get a tear in your umbrella, repair it with water-resistant fabric on both sides of the canopy for double the protection.
2019 Umbrella Results
| Product | Water resistance | Coverage | Opening Speed | Handle | Durability | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GustBuster 68" Check Price | 1st | 1st | 10th | 13th | 4th | 89 |
| Shed Rain Vortex XL 68" Check Price | 4th | 1st | 10th | 7th | 1st | 89 |
| Titlesit Tour Double Canopy Check Price | 4th | 1st | 10th | 13th | 1st | 88.5 |
| Shed Rain Vortex Pro 62" Check Price | 3rd | 8th | 10th | 7th | 1st | 87.5 |
| GustBuster 62" Check Price | 1st | 15th | 10th | 13th | 4th | 85.5 |
| Athletico elite 68" Double Canopy Check Price | 10th | 8th | 1st | 1st | 9th | 85 |
| Under Armour Check Price | 9th | 4th | 16th | 7th | 7th | 84 |
| BagBoy Telescopic UV Umbrella Check Price | 17th | 4th | 6th | 7th | 13th | 83 |
| Athletico 62" Double Canopy Check Price | 10th | 16th | 1st | 1st | 9th | 82.5 |
| Titleist Tour Single Canopy Check Price | 4th | 20th | 16th | 13th | 4th | 82 |
| BagBoy UV Wind Vent Check Price | 17th | 12th | 3rd | 1st | 17th | 82 |
| PING 68" Tour Umbrella Check Price | 16th | 4th | 16th | 1st | 16th | 81.5 |
| Sun Mountain Check Price | 10th | 7th | 16th | 1st | 17th | 81 |
| Vice Guard Check Price | 7th | 16th | 6th | 18th | 13th | 80.5 |
| Srixon Z 79cm Check Price | 7th | 12th | 16th | 22nd | 7th | 80 |
| Bag Boy Wind Vent 62" Check Price | 17th | 12th | 9th | 7th | 13th | 79.5 |
| Big Max Aqua UV Protechtion Check Price | 10th | 19th | 10th | 7th | 9th | 78.5 |
| Titlesit Prof Single Canopy Check Price | 10th | 23rd | 6th | 13th | 9th | 77 |
 | Pro Active sports SunTek 68" Golf Umbrella Check Price | 20th | 8th | 16th | 21st | 21st | 75.5 |
| Procella Golf 62" Check Price | 22nd | 16th | 3rd | 22nd | 17th | 74 |
| Titleist Prof Folding Check Price | 10th | 21st | 3rd | 20th | 20th | 73.5 |
| Mizuno Umbrella Check Price | 23rd | 11th | 16th | 18th | 21st | 73 |
| Ping 62"Single Canopy Check Price | 21st | 22nd | 10th | 1st | 21st | 71.5 |
What do I need to know about a golf umbrella?
Q: Is a bigger coverage area actually better in an umbrella?
A: In most situations, bigger is better when it comes to coverage. You want an umbrella that covers you and as much of your golf bag as possible in those quick downpours.
Q: What is better? Single or double canopy?
A: Double canopies are better in windier conditions because air can pass through; therefore, it helps prevent the umbrella from turning inside out. Pay close attention to double canopies that have bungee straps attaching the top canopy to the arms of the umbrella, thus reinforcing the structure. ShedRain and Gustbuster are excellent examples.
Q: Do all umbrellas have UV protection?
A: Not all umbrellas provide you with UV protection. The most common umbrellas that protect you best from the UV rays are solid sliver in color on the inside. The material used is also thicker to block those harmful rays. Always check the label for details to ensure you get an umbrella that blocks the sun.
Sean
5 years ago
Wait until next year when my new umbrella “The Drain” is released. My revolutionary and original design will allow the water to drain through the bottom of the handle and no more soaked bags on your push cart.