It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a golf ball coming right at you that you couldn’t see because of harsh sun!
OK, sure, that’s a pretty rare occurrence, but it might be time to switch from your overkill of hats to one trusty pair of sunglasses. It’s a hell of a fashion change-up – we understand the hesitation – but what if this is what you need to finally break 80?
Non-polarised sunglasses (polarised can distort vision, which is the last thing you want) don’t just boost your sight and depth perception on the course to help you play better now. They can even help you play longer as they will hold off cataracts, macular degeneration and sun damage.
Rickie Fowler has become synonymous with the look despite the potential fashion faux pas. “I always struggled with seeing more than, say, 150 yards and little things far away,” said the six-time PGA Tour winner. “I saw that I wasn’t squinting as much, I wasn’t stressing my eyes as much, especially with it being bright out, too, especially in Florida, so I said, ‘Shoot, why don’t we try prescription?’ Now I can actually see the ball land.”
Fowler is one of many – recall David Duval and Annika Sörenstam – who have transitioned to the sunglasses world and for good reason. A Golf Digest experiment run by Sports Vision Optometrist Dr Craig Farnsworth backs up the switch. Our testers could see “sharper” – as if they had a slight prescription – experienced less dry eye and found their green-reading skills improved, especially with a colour tint. If you’re wondering, warmer hues like rose, amber and brown lenses work best to see the course clearly while also spotting the ball in the air.
Looks like the decision’s been made for you. Find the sunglasses that fit your style (and face) and play some great golf. It might take some time to get used to, but we all deserve to have it made in the shades.
Maui Jim Ho’okipa Ultra G (featured image)
RRP: $429
A contemporary, sporty evolution of the perennial best-seller Ho’okipa, Ho’okipa Ultra G features updated curving temples and the signature Wavy Pattern on the nose pads and rubber temple tips. Designed to enhance ventilation and reduce fogging during high-exertion outdoor sports, this style incorporates the impact-resistant Maui Ultra lens with a precision cut and offers an optional photochromic lens for improved visual comfort and adaptability in changing light conditions – developed specifically with golfers in mind to allow them to go in and out of shadows/trees on the course. mauijim.com
Oakley Holbrook (Prizm Dark Golf)
RRP: $228
Holbrook is a timeless, classic design fused with modern Oakley technology. Inspired by the screen heroes from the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s, this design epitomises the spirit of exploration and adventure. The iconic American frame design is accented by metal rivets and Oakley icons, perfect for those who seek equal parts performance and style.
oakley.com
Uswing Eyewear
RRP: from $528
Uswing sunglasses are ultra-light, golf-specific shades worn by Phil Mickelson, C.T. Pan, Rose Zhang and Ben Griffin in competitions and everyday training. Uswing lenses feature a specialised greyish-green tint, similar to what pilots use. This colour choice isn’t just aesthetic; it’s intended to keep you calm, focused, and in control of your game, all while helping you better distinguish the grass pattern and undulating slopes of the green and reduce glare.
uswingeyewear.com.au
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