Which golf umbrella is best?

When you want to stay dry on the course, a golf umbrella is a good choice. Golf umbrellas have large-diameter canopies that can accommodate two or three people, or they can protect a single golfer and their gear.

Golf umbrellas often have colorful designs, offering plenty of choices so you can match or complement your bag. They may offer UV protection and additional features like auto-open or a carrying strap.

What to know before you buy a golf umbrella

Size

Manufacturers measure the size of a golf umbrella’s canopy across the arch from one edge to the opposite edge. This means the listed size is not the same as the diameter of the canopy, resulting in a slightly smaller diameter. Golf umbrellas range in size from around 52 to 68 inches.

Protective features

Beyond protecting you and your golf clubs from the rain, a golf umbrella can also protect you from excessive sun. Some models have a UV-protective layer, and the manufacturer may list the umbrella’s SPF rating.

A few models have a canopy that allows some air to pass through, helping you hold the umbrella steadier in heavy wind.

Style

Golf umbrellas come in multiple color patterns, including bright colors. Some models even have golf brand names printed on them, which may or may not be something you’re looking for. If you’re using this umbrella for your morning commute, solid color, like all-black, may work best.

What to look for in a quality golf umbrella

Once you’ve found some golf umbrellas that fit the size and design you want, you should consider specific design features.

Shaft

A straight shaft works nicely for a golf umbrella, as you will probably want to slide it vertically into your golf bag. A handle with a hook (or J-shaped handle) will be awkward to carry on the golf course, so golf umbrellas rarely have a hook on the end.

Auto-open

The majority of golf umbrellas have a quick-open button, which is important in the open space on the course where heavy rain can start quickly and you have no shelter. This feature varies in its ease of use, but reading customer reviews can give you a good idea of how reliably you can open your umbrella in a pinch.

Durability

Because of the large size of a golf umbrella canopy, wind can quickly catch it and cause damage to a cheaply built umbrella. To deal with strong gusts of wind, look for a golf umbrella with sturdy, reinforced ribs connected to the canopy.

Carrying strap

A golf umbrella with a sturdy carrying strap on the handle is a nice feature. When you need to place the umbrella over your golf bag to protect the clubs from rain while you hit a shot, attaching the strap to the bag ensures it won’t blow away.

How much you can expect to spend on a golf umbrella

You can find inexpensive golf umbrellas for $5 to $15, but these may not be fully waterproof or very durable. Midrange umbrellas deliver good results for $15-$30 and are likely to last several seasons. Expensive golf umbrellas are $30-$50 and typically have a variety of color options and sturdy designs.

Golf umbrella FAQ

Q. Can I use a golf umbrella off the golf course?

A. Sure — and many people do. “Golf umbrella” has become a general term used to describe above-average-sized umbrellas rather than umbrellas made for golfers.

Q. Are golf umbrellas fully waterproof?

A. The majority of golf umbrellas consist of nylon with a polyurethane layer that creates a high level of water protection. Cheap umbrellas may end up leaking because the poly layer isn’t thick enough.

What are the best golf umbrellas to buy?

Top golf umbrella

Weatherman Arnold Palmer 68-inch Golf Umbrella

What you need to know: It’s got a huge canopy at 68 inches and an extremely durable design.

What you’ll love: It’s vented and can withstand winds up to 55 miles per hour. It’s made of high-quality fiberglass and has a UV sun protection factor of 55.

What you should consider: Because it’s so big, it may not fit in some golf cart umbrella holders.

Top golf umbrella for money

ZOMAKE Golf Windproof Automatic Open Umbrella

What you need to know: This is a budget-priced golf umbrella that stands up to windy conditions well.

What you’ll love: It has a 58, 62 or 68-inch canopy, so it delivers a large coverage area. It is offered in multiple colors to perfectly match your daily travel style.

What you should consider: Closing this umbrella can be difficult.

Worth checking out

G4Free’s Automatic-Open Golf Umbrella

What you need to know: It’s one of the largest golf umbrellas on the market, as it’s available in up to a 68-inch canopy.

What you’ll love: The quick-release button allows you to open the canopy quickly. It also has an SPF 50 protection rating.

What you should consider: The umbrella ribs may bend under stress.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.