Ever been told that the head is where the body loses the most heat? Scientifically speaking, it is debatable whether this is factually correct, but what cannot be denied is that the best golf hats out there, especially beanies, can help you retain body warmth.
Beanies—like some of the best golf waterproofs—help to create a sense of security, warmth, and elemental protection. A good beanie takes your mind off the cold and helps you focus on your golf game. We think every single golfer should have a beanie hat ready to use when the weather turns nasty.
In this piece, we have tested a lot of models and then put together a list of our favorite beanies. For more head gear or warm garments, check out our best golf caps and best golf windbreaker guides.
Best Golf Beanies
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Sizes: One Size
Colors: 5+
+ Thick and warm
+ Versatile and can be used away from the course
- Quite a long beanie
When it comes to getting the best golf beanie for you, it's always worth looking at the versatility the hat offers, using it on and off the course. This beanie from Nike does precisely that. Being made from a soft thick fabric, it provides a dense layer of insulation around your head that will keep you nice and toasty during the colder months of the year.
This hat is also very comfortable to wear as it stretches and molds itself around your head depending on how you want to wear it. It comes in five colors and features a stylish Nike label on its lip.
Sizes: One Size
Colors: 4
+ Warm and cozy with COLD.RDY insulation
+ Stylish design with iconic 3-Stripes and pompom
- One size may not fit all
Featuring COLD.RDY insulation, the adidas Pom 3 Stripe Golf Beanie locks in heat and blocks out the chill, while the soft fleece lining adds an extra layer of coziness. Complete with the iconic three stripes and a pompom on top, it’s both functional and stylish in both golf and casual contexts. Plus, it's made from 100% recycled polyester and available in several simple, monochrome colorways such as the grey version pictured.
Sizes: One size fits all
Colors: 2
+ Doubles as a beanie hat
+ Soft and warm
- Only two colors
The Removable Pom Beanie has got you covered in the cold. We found it to be very warm, comfortable and surprisingly wind resistant.
Along with the looks, the bobble, or pom, can be removed to make it look like a beanie hat, which works surprisingly well in practice. Featuring the renowned Puma on its front, Puma is known for producing some of the best golf hats and, with the Removable Pom Beanie, it blends practicality with style, so you'll not only be feeling warm out on the course, but looking good too!
Sizes: One Size
Colors: 5+
+ Super-soft ribbed knit for comfort
+ Fun faux-fur pom detail
- Branding might be overbearing for some
In testing, we found the Under Armour Halftime Pom Beanie to be incredibly comfortable with its super-soft ribbed knit, which offered a good stretch for all shapes and sizes of head. The faux-fur pom adds a playful touch to its classic design, making it a stylish yet functional accessory for winter. That said, the UA brand logo across the beanie might be a bit visually excessive for some, but different strokes for different folks. It is available in several colors and we actually think it is versatile enough for off the course.
Sizes: One size fits all
Colors: 3
+ Excellent warmth
+ Fashionable design
- Less appropriate for autumn golf
The Titleist Boardwalk Pom Pom is a simple, smart beanie that is certainly designed with the coldest of on-course days in mind. There is a microfleece liner that creates a snug fit and a cosy feel that you will notice as soon as you put this beanie on. I loved the simple styling Titleist has gone for. All three color options look modern and can easily be worn with various other layers for a smart overall look. Whether you are looking for a beanie specifically for golf or one that you can also wear throughout the winter, this one offers excellent warmth and good styling at a decent price.
Sizes: One Size
Colors: 5+
+ Breathable and warm
+ Ideal for cold weather golf
- Limited color options
The Mizuno Breath Thermo Pom Beanie is designed to keep you warm on the course with its advanced Breath Thermo technology, which captures and reflects body heat for added comfort in colder months. In testing, we found the beanie to be snug, warm and yet it didn't feel too bulky on the head. The sizing was about right, not too small and not too large that the hat looks too big either. This is thanks to the one-size-fits-all design so it will suit a wide variety of golfers. The embroidered Mizuno Run Bird logo also adds a stylish touch to your golf attire.
Sizes: One size
Colors: 3
+ Solid color choice
+ Fleece lining keeps the wind out
- Perhaps may be a little thick for some golfers
An excellent choice to keep the wind at bay, this Callaway Winter Rules Beanie hat is an impressive addition to this list that prioritizes warmth and comfort.
Featuring the same quality and innovative design features we've grown to know and love from Callaway, this impressive product features a fleece-lined interior that adds to the insulation from its woolen outer layer. This stylish offering will help you look the part on the course and also comes in three very trendy colorways. In fact we think the simplicity of the aesthetic lends itself to being used anywhere as well.
Sizes: One Size
Colors: 5+
+ Luxuriously soft cotton-cashmere blend
+ Stylish enough for on and off the course
- Light summer weight may not suit extreme cold
Not a fan of bobble hats? Fear not. The Sounder Cotton Cashmere Beanie has a premium feel and comfort with its luxurious 95% cotton and 5% cashmere blend. Featuring a close-knit rib, turn-up cuff, and the signature Sounder half-star embroidery, we found this beanie soft, warm, and incredibly cozy—perfect for more than just your golf rounds. Its lightweight feel makes it ideal for year-round wear, whether you're on the course or enjoying the outdoors. Available in marine, red, neon, and dusty pink, it’s a versatile and stylish accessory.
Sizes: One Size
Colors: 3
+ Fleece lining for extra warmth
+ Incredible value
- OJ logo may split opinions
The Oscar Jacobson Gillies Knitted Hat combines style and warmth with its turned-up ribbed hem and distinctive striped pattern. We think this beanie offers exceptional value because the performance was so solid given the price is so low for this beanie. For example it's 100% acrylic, double knitted and is both thermal and windproof, with a soft fleece lining for added insulation and comfort. Featuring the OJ logo which many might think is overly large, it’s available in three colorways: black/pewter, cobalt/navy and navy/black.
Sizes: One Size
Colors: 4
+ Soft fleece lining for extra warmth
+ Classic design with a fun pom bobble
- Larger pom than other models
If you're seeking warmth and a classic bobble style beanie, then this might just be for you. The fleece-lining will definitely keep you comfortable and cosy on chilly days, while the bobble hat still looks stylish both on and off the course. The ProQuip beanie is available in four colors which look great and comes in a single one-size-fits-most fitting but the main negative we recognized in testing was the larger pom when compared to other beanies in this guide. Now to some this won't be an issue at all but some will prefer a smaller aesthetic, or no pom at all.
Sizes: One size
Colors: 3
+ Very warm and comfortable
+ Windproof
- At pricier end of spectrum
The Galvin Green Leighton bobble hat is a great addition to any golfer’s winter wardrobe thanks to its ability to resist the wind and diminishing temperatures.
This is thanks to the INTERFACE fabric which we have seen perform well on a number of Galvin products. It comes in only one size but due to the stretchability on offer, the fit is nice and snug. There are also three colors to choose from too so any fashion sense is catered for.
Sizes: One size
Colors: 3
+ Fast-drying
+ Warm and soft fabric
- Basic styling
Abacus' Kerling beanie is a good beanie hat that will keep your head nice and warm out on the course and away from it during the colder months. The styling is subtle but perhaps too basic, but it will certainly be a go-to hat for golfers and non-golfers alike.
It is nice and lightweight with a very comfortable soft knit fabric that you can easily adjust making it a one size fits all beanie, much like others in this guide. If you want a golf hat that doesn't look like one, this might be the model to go for.
How we test golf beanies
When it comes to golf apparel, we take the testing process very seriously. Whether we are sent a product or buy it ourselves, we put everything through its paces to ensure we can provide thorough and reliable advice on each product. Our writer, Sam Tremlett, heads up the apparel sections of our website, while every member of the Golf Monthly team is an avid golfer and as such, knows what does and doesn't make for a good piece of golf equipment.
As far as our methodology goes, we review all golf beanies properly, which means we have used each one across multiple rounds and in practice to assess every aspect of its performance. For example, if a beanie hat claims to be the best insulating golf beanie, we will put that claim to the test to see whether the beanie does keep you warm in the coldest of conditions.
Specifically, for golf beanies, we test each one to assess how its design features can benefit you on the course. This comprehensive testing style is not just exclusive to beanies as we test with the same level of thoroughness across all gear categories. It is important to also note that all our products are rigorously tested and that no manufacturer can buy a good review.
What to consider when buying a golf beanie
So, still wondering which golf beanie is right for you? Well, while you might think a golf beanie is a pretty simple piece of clothing, in fact, there are many different styles and types of beanie on the market. And with manufacturers pouring all sorts of technology into each golf beanie, that means there are many different factors to consider when purchasing a new golf beanie. For that reason, we've set out five points below that you should bear in mind when buying your next golf beanie.
Style
What kind of beanie hat do you want? Do you want one with a bobble or one with a turned-up design? Or just a classic beanie style? Have a think about this and choose accordingly because your style always plays a big factor in how well you perform on the course.
Material
Next, it is important to know what kind of material you want the hat to be made of. Manufacturers use lots of fabrics and materials these days, including polyester, cotton and even spandex! Each can offer different levels of warmth and comfort, depending on what kind of climate you're playing in. For that reason, it's definitely worth knowing what type of beanie you find the most comfortable on your head and then picking a model made from that material.
Protection
The whole point of a beanie hat is to protect you from the elements and keep your head warm, so if you currently have a model that you know isn't performing as well as it should, then an upgrade is definitely needed. We all know how important a good hat is in the cold and wind to both keep you warm and focused on your game, so it makes sense to invest in a beanie designed to deal with both.
Comfort
Comfort is also an important consideration because if a beanie is uncomfortable and distracting, how can you expect to shoot your best score? Therefore, it is worth trying on a variety of models to see how they fit on your head and how they feel when imitating a golf swing.
Color
No longer do golf hats have to be boring and drab designs these days. As the models above show, you can get lots of different colors and designs, so it is purely a case of picking something you like.
While its wise to carry a beanie with you in your bag in case the weather turns for the worse, we'd also recommend having a couple of other golf hats in your wardrobe to help protect you from the elements.
For example, if you regularly play in hot conditions, then you should consider picking up a golf baseball cap to help protect you from the sun's glare. On the other hand, you might also want to pick up a golf bucket hat to protect you from any unexpected downpours or when the sun might be a little too much on the course.
For more golf apparel gear, check out our guides on the best golf pants, best golf hoodies, or best golf sweaters.
FAQs
Can you wear a beanie to a golf course?
Yes and we actively encourage doing this when the weather is cold and windy. A golf beanie is an excellent way of keeping yourself warm when the weather takes a turn and no other style of hat is as good as a beanie at dealing with the cold.
Can golf beanies be worn in the rain?
Depending on the material, yes, golf beanie hats can be worn in the rain. Some beanies are made from water-repelling materials that can keep your head dry in light rain. Ultimately though, as beanies are made from thick soluble materials, they can get saturated pretty quickly, so it may be better to wear a bucket hat, or even shelter yourself with an umbrella when the rains come.
What is a golf beanie?
A golf beanie is a type of hat that usually sits over your ears to help protect you from the wind and cold. They are used most often during the cold, winter months as a way of trapping heat in. Some beanies have a classic shape but some also come with bobbles and upturned cuffs.
What material should a golf beanie be made from?
Usually, you will find an acrylic - synthetic fiber or cotton in a beanie, as it easier to clean, holds heat in well and provides a comfortable fit for all head sizes.
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