Sunscreen is an essential item in your golf bag. Obviously, it won't directly improve your game, but the best golf accessories aren't about the swing. After all, your health is an absolute imperative. Not convinced? Read why golfers need to wear sunscreen if you're still skeptical.
Nonetheless, many golfers are reluctant to apply sunscreen for fear of getting a greasy grip. With this in mind, we've hand picked the best roll-ons, sprays and creams in our list for the best sunscreens for golf. If you'd like complete protection from the sun, check out our guides on the best golf sunglasses, the best golf hats and the best golf umbrellas.
Best Sunscreen For Golf
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Moisturizer: Yes
SPF: 70
Water resistant: Yes
+ Water resistant to 80 minutes
+ High SPF
- Perhaps not best for oily skin
Oil-free and non-greasy, there's no danger of losing your golf grip with this sunscreen. It's water resistant, too, handy if you want to dive into the pool straight after your round. And it's fragrance free too!
As this is a 70SPF suncream you only need to apply it once every two hours and need about one ounce of the lotion to cover yourself adequately. This is dermatological tested and is backed by science, meaning it is one of the most trustworthy suncreams on this list. We also like the price of this cream as well because it is from a well-trusted brand.
Moisturizer: Yes
SPF: 50
Water resistant: Yes
+ Made from botanical ingredients
+ Very easy to apply
- Some may prefer a scented suncream
If you want to avoid chemical sunscreens with harmful ingredients such as homosalate and oxybenzone. This is another mineral-based sunscreen that uses natural zinc oxide, plus it contains a range of botanical ingredients to protect your skin from sunburn.
Not only that, it will help keep your skin safe from premature aging too, which should especially appeal to those who spend many a long day out on the baking hot fairways. It is easy to apply and will hydrate your face when you wear it, it also doesn't feel oily or sticky and hasn't got any unpleasant chemical scents.
Moisturizer: Yes
SPF: 30
Water resistant: Yes
+ UVA and UVB protection
+ Non-greasy
- Not as easy to apply
One of the best sunscreens on this list for sport, Banana Boat have invented an excellent product here that is durable and long lasting. Specifically designed to be used in sports, this sunscreen combats sweat and water and will keep you cool and fresh on the course too, thanks to its breathable qualities.
It is a great option for golfers looking to stay well protected from the sun's glare during those hot days on the course.
Moisturizer: Yes
SPF: 50
Water resistant: Yes
+ Soothing stick suncream
+ Fully organic
- Some won't like stick applicator
You can't go wrong with a 'Super Shield'. Babo products may originally have been created with babies and children in mind, but the brand has grown and offers a range of products for the whole family. This award-winning sunscreen contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate. Just shake well and apply liberally 15 minutes before you head out.
The stick functionality means that you won't get as much of the suncream on your hands, which is great for those lathering up right before their first tee shot. It is a zinc-based mineral formula designed to caress your skin with soothing organic oils like jojoba.
Moisturizer: Yes
SPF: 45
Water resistant: Yes
+ Non-sticky and non-greasy
+ Fast absorbing
- May need more regular application
A fantastic offering from A'Pieu, this sunscreen offers excellent all-day UV protection that will also keep your skin well hydrated and feeling fresh even after you finish your round of golf.
Everyone hates sticky and greasy suncreams and especially if you're planning on playing golf, having greasy hands is an absolute no-no. That's where this cream excels and really does absorb quickly on your skin. Gently apply it to your extremities and get playing!
Moisturizer: Yes
SPF: 30
Water resistant: Yes
+ Includes a moisturizer and anti-aging nourisher
+ Water-resistant
- Small bottle for price
Non-greasy lotions are definitely the way to go when it comes to golf suncreams and this botanically moisturizing lotion certainly ticks that box. It is made with mineral ingredients as well as aloe vera and a chamomile extract that all combine to provide excellent protection from the sun. It is particularly great for those with sensitive skin and those looking to stop the effects of aging.
It also is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and has been recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. What's even better about this product is that it is made with a plant-based blend of botanical ingredients.
How we test sunscreen
Here at Golf Monthly, we employ a rigorous testing procedure when reviewing any product on our website. All of our writers are experienced golfers who know and understand how to use golf equipment and can ably analyse the benefits and drawbacks of any golf product. Essentially, we look to test gear to help you make the most informed decision when purchasing a set of clubs or a pair of golf shoes. Specifically, when it comes to testing the best sunscreen for golf, we look to test each product in a variety of conditions from rainy days to sunny days out on the course to see how we found using each cream. We assess everything from the feel of the sunscreen to how easy it was to apply. It is important to note that no manufacturer can buy a good review.
How to choose golf sunscreen
As sunscreen is one of the most important pieces of equipment to carry out on the course, it is wise to think about which one is right for you. That can sometimes be an overwhelming decision as there area many different types of sunscreen on the market that offer different types of protection. So what should you look out for when purchasing your next bottle of sunscreen for the course? Well, take a look at our handy list of tips below that will help you make the most informed choice.
Moisturizer and anti-oxidants
Many of the best suncreams on the market contain a variety of minerals and botanical ingredients that will help keep your face feeling fresh and moisturized on the course. That is a huge bonus of any cream and is something you should certainly look out for if you plan on spending a lot of time under the hot sun. Moisturizers can keep your face feeling smooth and supple after you've come away from the course too!
SPF rating
Now this is often subject from person to person. But no matter who you are you need to make sure you're getting the right SPF for you. This is the protective rating of the sunscreen, with higher SPFs lasting longer and giving greater protection from the sun. If you're someone with quite delicate skin, it is recommended you purchase a sunscreen with a higher SPF rating.
Feel
It's also best to avoid sunscreen that does not contain any oils, parabens or anything that would make it feel sticky or slippery on your hands. Look out for roll-on sunscreens or those that are non-greasy, as slippery hands are a golfer's worst nightmare.
Water resistance
As you never know when the heavens might open on the course, right? Sometimes too you can get a little sweaty on a hot day, so make sure to buy a sunscreen that offers adequate waterproof protection in order to ensure the layer of cream you have applied does not rub off.
Weight
One thing to keep in mind is not to buy a big bottle of sunscreen. The smaller the better, as this will be getting stashed in your golf bag and you don't want it to A) explode; or B) weigh your bag down unnecessarily.
It's also very important to stay hydrated when you're on the course so why not take a look at some of our guides on the best golf water bottles, best golf mugs and best golf hip flasks.
FAQs
How often should I apply suscreen on the golf course?
Generally, you should apply sunscreen as regularly as possible when you're playing golf. While this may make your hands a little more slippery, it is very wise to ensure you're well protected from the UV rays of the sun.
Should golfers wear sunscreen?
Golf is an outdoor sport that people are more inclined to play on sunny days - so the risk factor is high. Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun, and over the last 30 years melanoma rates have doubled in the UK. Despite the alarming numbers, recent research conducted by SMS on behalf of the Melanoma Fund found that only 42 per cent of surveyed golfers use sunscreen when the weather demands it. And a staggering 30 per cent admitted that they actively avoid sun protection in favor of a tan.
How do you protect yourself from the sun in golf?
Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you go out and play and then once again every two hours. Shade and clothing are better than sunscreen at protecting your skin, especially those items with UPF sun protection threaded into the fabric. So in addition to using sunscreen, wear a had with a wide brim, sunglasses, long sleeves and try and schedule an early or late tee time to avoid the sun when it is at its harshest.
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