2021 Golf Umbrella Buyer’s Guide
Whether you’re a fair-weather or “I don’t think the heavy stuff’s gonna come down for quite a while” kind of golfer, you still need a golf umbrella for those unexpected downpours or to shield you from the sun.
This year, we tested the usual suspects along with offerings from some of the bigger OEMs, some of which outsource their umbrella manufacturing to experts in the category. That’s neither surprising nor uncommon; it just makes sense. 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.
Whether you’re looking to buy an umbrella today, seeking buying advice to get started or just want a closer look at what’s on the market, this guide will help you find the right golf umbrella to fit your needs.
WINNER – ShedRain Vortex XL
If you want an umbrella that will stand the test of time, go for the ShedRain Vortex XL. It performed consistently well across all metrics which made it our top pick. This golf umbrella has a “bungee” link cord connecting both canopies allowing for wind to pass through with ease. Combine that with a reinforced inner structure and you have the undisputed winner of the 2021 Most Wanted Golf Umbrella Test.
- 2nd in wind protection
- 2nd in coverage
- 8th in opening speed
- 6th in handle
- 1st in durability
- 8th in UV protection
BEST WIND RESISTANT UMBRELLA - Gustbuster Pro Series Gold 68"
If you're looking for an umbrella that doesn't turn inside out or breaks for that matter, look no further than the Gustbuster Pro Series Gold 68". Its double canopy is attached by bungees allow the wind to pass through with ease.
EXPERT TIP - Glove fitting?
Your glove is the only thing between you and the golf club. It should fit properly. A new glove should start with 1/4" of Velcro exposed. It's going to stretch. In addition to sacrificing performance, a glove that's too big will also be less durable. Ultimately that means poor sizing isn't just costing you performance; it's costing you money.
Golf Umbrellas—Features That Matter
Durability
No matter how good the umbrella is, you want it to last. During testing, we found some do not fully extend or did the opposite and hyperextend, which dramatically limits longevity.
The best umbrellas, like ShedRain and Gustbuster, last for years in all weather conditions.
Deployment Speed
Opening your umbrella without any hassle is important if you’re caught in a downpour. The whole point of a golf umbrella is to keep you dry so the faster it opens, the less likely you are to get wet.
The Inesis is a great example of an umbrella that can be opened quickly.
Coverage
No one wants to be soggy on the golf course and most of us 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 and their gear.
Umbrellas such as Gustbuster and PING are great examples of golf umbrellas that provide maximum coverage.
Handle
If you are playing golf in the wind and rain, you want a comfortable grip. We found that the best handles offer contoured grips and are made from materials that aren’t compromised as conditions get wetter.
Great examples of a comfortable handle are Mizuno and ShedRain. ShedRain has a gel handle which conforms to your hand no matter the size.
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).
THE BEST GOLF UMBRELLA 2021 - FEATURES
| Product | Canopies | Opening | Colorway | Diameter | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | BagBoy UV Wind Vent 62" Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 62 |
 | Cleveland GC Umbrella Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 62 |
 | Gustbuster Pro Series Gold 68" Check Price | 2 | Manual | Customizable | 68 |
 | Haas Jordan 68" Hurricane Check Price | 2 | Automatic | 8 | 68 |
| Haas Jordan 62" Hurricane Check Price | 2 | Automatic | 9 | 62 |
 | Inesis Pro Filter Large Check Price | 2 | Automatic | 1 | 68 |
 | Mizuno Double Canopy Check Price | 2 | Manual | 3 | 68 |
 | MotoCaddy Clearview Check Price | 2 | Automatic | 1 | 68 |
 | Omada Golf 68" Check Price | 2 | Automatic | 2 | 68 |
 | Ping 68" Tour Canopy Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 68 |
 | ProActive Sports SunTek Check Price | 2 | Manual | 4 | 68 |
 | ShedRain Gellas Check Price | 6 | Automatic | 8 | 62 |
 | ShedRain VorTex Pro Check Price | 2 | Manual | 3 | 62 |
 | ShedRain Vortex XL Check Price | 2 | Manual | 5 | 68 |
 | ShedRain WindJammer Check Price | 2 | Manual | 5 | 62 |
 | Srixon 62 Double Canopy Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 68 |
 | Sun Mountain Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 68 |
 | Titleist Tour Double Canopy Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 68 |
 | Under Armour Double Canopy Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 68 |
 | Under Armour Single Canopy Check Price | 1 | Manual | 1 | 62 |
 | Wilson Staff Tour Series Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 68 |
 | XXIO Double Canopy Check Price | 2 | Manual | 1 | 68 |
More Tips
- Your clubs aren’t walking sticks; neither is your umbrella. If you want it to last and perform its best, use it only as intended.
- To prevent your golf umbrella from rusting or developing mildew, rinse with tap water and leave it fully open and upright to dry. Same advice applies if you play on a course next to the ocean. Wash it after every use. It will last longer.
- You can choose between umbrellas that have automatic opening systems that fully extend with minimal effort and those that open manually. Try before you buy.
- If you get a tear in your umbrella, repair it with water-resistant fabric on both sides of the canopy.
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FREE FITTING
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.
THE BEST GOLF UMBRELLA 2021 - RESULTS
| Product | Wind Resistance | Coverage | Opening Speed | Handle | Durability | UV Protection | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ShedRain Vortex XL Check Price | 2nd | 2nd | 8th | 6th | 1st | 8th | 87.5 |
| Titleist Tour Double Canopy Check Price | 2nd | 4th | 11th | 16th | 1st | 1st | 87 |
| Gustbuster Pro Series Gold 68" Check Price | 1st | 2nd | 8th | 14th | 4th | 10th | 86.5 |
| ShedRain VorTex Pro Check Price | 2nd | 12th | 8th | 6th | 1st | 8th | 85 |
| Inesis Pro Filter Large Check Price | 5th | 21st | 1st | 6th | 7th | 7th | 84.5 |
| Omada Golf 68" Check Price | 11th | 1st | 7th | 16th | 11th | 5th | 84 |
| ProActive Sports SunTek Check Price | 7th | 4th | 11th | 6th | 7th | 5th | 84 |
| ShedRain Gellas Check Price | 11th | 11th | 1st | 1st | 6th | 19th | 83.5 |
| BagBoy UV Wind Vent 62" Check Price | 15th | 12th | 1st | 2nd | 14th | 1st | 82 |
| Under Armour Double Canopy Check Price | 7th | 4th | 11th | 6th | 11th | 10th | 81.5 |
| Wilson Staff Tour Series Check Price | 6th | 8th | 11th | 22nd | 4th | 19th | 81.5 |
| Sun Mountain Check Price | 9th | 8th | 11th | 2nd | 22nd | 1st | 81 |
| Mizuno Double Canopy Check Price | 11th | 8th | 11th | 2nd | 7th | 10th | 81 |
| Haas Jordan 68" Hurricane Check Price | 15th | 12th | 1st | 6th | 11th | 10th | 80 |
| MotoCaddy Clearview Check Price | 9th | 12th | 1st | 14th | 14th | 10th | 79.5 |
| ShedRain WindJammer Check Price | 15th | 19th | 1st | 6th | 7th | 21st | 79.5 |
| Ping 68" Tour Canopy Check Price | 11th | 4th | 11th | 2nd | 20th | 10th | 79 |
| XXIO Double Canopy Check Price | 15th | 12th | 11th | 16th | 14th | 1st | 78 |
| Cleveland GC Umbrella Check Price | 15th | 12th | 11th | 16th | 14th | 10th | 75.5 |
| Srixon 62 Double Canopy Check Price | 15th | 12th | 11th | 16th | 14th | 10th | 75.5 |
| Haas Jordan 62" Hurricane Check Price | 21st | 19th | 11th | 16th | 14th | 21st | 72.5 |
| Under Armour Single Canopy Check Price | 22nd | 22nd | 11th | 6th | 20th | 10th | 70 |
BEST UV PROTECTION UMBRELLA - Titleist Tour Double Canopy
The Titleist Tour Double Canopy doesn't just do a great job keeping the rain off you, it can be used on those hot summer days protecting you from those UV rays. Its UV double canopy is reenforced inside and has a bungee system that attaches both canopies allow air to move through with ease.
The Best Golf Umbrella of 2021 – FAQ
Q: Is a bigger coverage area better?
A: In most situations, bigger is better when it comes to coverage. You want an umbrella that covers you and your golf bag.
Q: What is better? Single or double canopy?
A: Double canopies are better in windier conditions because air can pass through thus preventing the umbrella from turning inside out. Double canopies with bungee straps attaching the top canopy to the ribs of the umbrella reinforce the structure. ShedRain and Gustbuster are excellent examples.
Q: Do all golf umbrellas have UV protection?
A: Not all umbrellas provide UV protection. Most umbrellas that protect you best from the UV rays are solid silver in color on the inside. The material used is also thicker to block harmful rays. Always check the label to ensure you get an umbrella that blocks the sun. Check out Titleist, BagBoy, Sun Mountain and XXIO for the best UV protection.
Steve Smith
3 years ago
Here’s a design idea. Walking’s great but many clubs require riding. Perhaps no rain cover for the clubs. How about a “D” shaped umbrella? The flat side of the “D” would go against the back of the cart over the clubheads. A strap would hold the handle to the base of the bags. A bungee cord most of the way up the handle would allow you to pull the canopy away to extract/replace clubs and spring back for rain protection.
Shark Tank – here I come.
Scott
3 years ago
I played in an outing several years ago and the giveaway was a branded umbrella that was tall and slender. It was tall enough to go down into the bag with a mini umbrella top to cover the clubs. The top of the shaft was also flexible so you just moved it to the side when you needed a club. I’ve never seen them on sale anywhere though.