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The best of the best! We roundup the Best Winter Golf Jackets for this Autumn Winter
Winter golf poses unique challenges, not the least of which is trying to stay warm and dry out on the golf course.
This is where a high-quality golf winter jacket can make all the difference between what can often be a miserable experience at this time of the year and an enjoyable round.
Today, golf jackets are generally built to withstand even the most heinous of conditions. But mobility and freedom to swing the club as effectively can still be a problem for a lot of golfers when they wear their golf winter jackets.
So, to help with this we have compiled a list of the best winter golf jackets on the market that will protect you against the elements without sacrificing your game.
From sportswear giants like Adidas to golf heavyweights in Ping we have looked everywhere for the ideal options. Here’s what we have found…
With winter around the corner, the search for suitable tops that provide protection from the wind and rain is heating up. Under Armour have taken the world of golf by storm in recent years and the Drive Wind Jacket is another winning top.
Available in White, Black and Navy Blue, the design is simple, ensuring that you can match your top with most outfits. The stretch material allows you to swing easily, something that most golfers struggle with when it comes to wind / waterproof tops.
When the wind subsides, the breathability of the top means that you don’t have to worry about getting uncomfortably warm.
The zip pockets are great for storage and the half zip design make it easy to get on quickly should an unexpected shower arrive. The classic design is complemented perfectly with some subtle branding on the sleeve.
Nothing – whether it’s wind or rain – feels like it’s going to penetrate the hard-shell exterior of Lyle & Scott’s Windproof half zip jacket. As good as it is in autumn, and it’s impressive, I think it will perform even better in the coldest spells in January and February.
An internal mesh feels fleece-lined, though this jacket is 100% polyester, and it is very effective at trapping heat. The jacket is relatively firm to the touch. While it doesn’t stop you swinging, it’s a fabric that is slightly firmer than I would like.
I often find the cuffs on jackets like this a big issue. With small wrists, I’m stretching the adjustors and still find them too loose. But the fastening performs admirably here and I’ve no fears of ruining the jacket with repeated wear.
Through doing these clothes reviews, I have found you can always rely on Lyle & Scott. No matter the item of golf clothing they always seem to deliver a high-end quality garment. This quarter zip windproof jacket exceeds in that department for both its looks and its performance. It is everything i want from a golf jacket. Lyle & Scott have designed it using windproof and lightweight fabric. Being lightweight is important for me, as although this will mainly be used in the winter, I still hate playing golf in something that is overly bulky. Additionally, the fabric is also stretchy and works with a player’s golf swing, rather than against it.
This Puma Cloudspun Fleece Hybrid Jacket is a really solid piece of clothing, and I can see it becoming a staple of my golf wardrobe for many Autumns and Winters to come. The material is extremely solid and sturdy. It kept me very warm when I had it on walking the fairways. It also had a snug feel to it, and this is more than welcome in the colder months when snugness is at its most important.
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The smart black look is great. I am very dull when it comes to my favourite colours in golf clothes, especially in the winter. So a black jacket speaks to me loud and clear. I don’t think this is a horrifically priced jacket either. You can’t expect to pay less than £80.00 for a top-quality golf jacket, and one that makes you feel warm and secure. Like I say, this is a very solid piece of golf clothing that will not do you wrong in the coming weeks and months.
Probably the best value rain jacket on the market!
Sunderland have a mantra, #NEVERWEATHERBEATEN, and it’s written onto the inside pocket of this jacket. You can be as sceptical as you like, but I reckon I could wear this in a hurricane and still come out dry on the other side.
But the outer shell is very soft to the touch and remains so as you’re putting it on. This jacket moves with you, it doesn’t work against you.
The rain can’t permeate that layer however hard it falls. And believe me, I’ve seen it falling over the last couple of weeks. Gratefully, that liquid is not deflected either. It doesn’t run down off the jacket and onto your trousers as I’ve seen so many others do.
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In fact, it’s so impressive you must remember to shake it off when you get into a drier space.
PROS
Light, airy and warm – but incredible at repelling water and superb in the wind
Soft feeling fabric is a major plus
PFC free
Sealed seams and, yes, a lifetime guarantee
Anti-snag Velcro cuff adjusters are worth their weight in gold
CONS
Nothing at all!
Sizes: S-3XL Colours: Navy / Black / Navy-Red-White / Navy-Silver-White / Black-Gunmetal-White / Charcoal-Black-Inferno More info:Sunderland
When it starts to get really cold then you need to look at something like the Ping Magnitude Hybrid Jacket.
It is a very well designed jacket to combine warmth and water-resistance with excellent freedom of movement.
Ping use Sorona Aura, a lightweight, breathable, partially plant based insulation. This is strategically placed in the front body, back body and overarm panels. There are stretch fleece panels and articulated sleeves which make for very impressive freedom of movement.
To me these jackets can sometimes appear or feel a bit bulky but not so with this. It is a top performing product.
This is probably my favourite piece of golfing clothing I’ve had in a while. I’ve had a few golf anoraks over the years, one of which was an Adidas offering, and this is easily the best I have worn. It is waterproof, offers solid protection in even the most tricky of weather conditions and works to keep the golfer warm all whist allowing golfers to swing freely without being restricted.
The design is bold, but it is one I like. It’s of course a modern golf look but I’m all about that, I love where golf fashion is heading, and this is the anthesis of that. I think the cameo like design is cool and i would certainly wear this away from the course as well as on it. A slight downside is the price, but you are getting a quality anorak for your money.
As part of the ‘Tour’ clothing range, which uses the leading garment technologies that are in place for some of the world’s best, the Ultimate365 Arctic Golf Wind Top provides great warmth in cold conditions thanks to its three-layer construction. It is produced with Primegreen, a high-performance series of recycled materials, so by wearing this, you’re also helping the planet. The ½ zip makes it easy to get on and off in changeable weather, and the design has a pair of front pockets which are perfect for keeping your hands warm. Despite being relatively thick compared to some outer jackets, the Ultimate365 Arctic Golf Wind Top still provides space for unrestricted movement out on the golf course.
Purple and violet seem to be very much the in colours for this year’s winter collection from a number of brands. But I don’t think anyone has pulled it off quite so well as Adidas with this full-zip windbreaker. I am a big fan of windbreakers in general, I think I have the Oasis reunion tour to thank for that. Not just for golf but for casual wear as well, they seem to be my go-to, ironically, at the moment.
There are a few great options on the market, but you’ll do well to find a better one than this. The colour looks great, especially this time of year, and it feels great. I prefer my jacket, jumpers and windbreakers to be thin and lightweight. This is exactly that. It offers no interruption to your swing whatsoever.
The latest iteration of the HydroTour builds on the strengths of previous models.
The 3-layer fabric delivers strong waterproofing, breathability and windproofing features which makes it quite a warm jacket.
It offers 4-way stretch for ease of swinging. All zips are seam sealed. You get the benefit of DrySeal technology to the collar. Essentially this is an inner collar which sits closely and comfortable to the back of your neck whilst an outer collar allows water to drain away through some grommets (see picture carousel). It’s quite neat but you may well get more benefit from wearing a wide-brimmed rainhat.
I tested the version in medium in Niagara/Flint colourway which looked smart and stylish. The sizing was just about ok. If in doubt, size up. I’d regard this very much as a third layer to be worn over a polo and thin midlayer, because it is pretty insulating. I was pleased to see the underarm zip vents which are easy to operate and do really help to cool you down.
On the course, I could swing comfortably with no excess rustling or other noise. The two zippered pockets were fleece lined and a decent size. I also liked the internal left breast pocket. The DrySeal collar was easy to use and provided added comfort.
I have tested the jacket in showery conditions and, as you would expect, I remained dry and comfortable with no hint of water ingress.
If the rain stops and you want to stow your jacket, you will find that it takes up a bit of space when compared to a lighter weight rainjacket. And it is this slight lack of flexibility of use that prevents this jacket getting a full five stars.
It comes with a three-year waterproof warranty, and I’m sure will keep you dry and warm over those winter months.
PROS:
Good range of colours
Waterproof and windproof
Stylish design
CONS:
Lacks the flexibility of some raingear
RRP: £275 / $350
Sizes: S-XL UK / S-2XL US
Colours: Indigo-Basalt / Niagara-Flint (UK only) / Black / Navy / Slate with Navy and Primrose (UK only) / Dark Red-Charcoal (US only) / Charcoal-Blue (US only)
As you would expect from Abacus, this is a warm and comfortable jacket made from Windvent fabric which is insulating, breathable and windproof. The main body is made from a quilted fabric, with stretchy softshell material incorporated into the sleeves and side panels. There is an adjustable hood which works really well and two deep zippered side pockets. There is elasticated hem and cuffs. If I’m being picky, I would have preferred a drawcord hem.
The Large size fitted my 173cm/74 kg frame just right. When worn over a polo and midlayer, the Reay provided snuggly comfort allied to a freedom of movement with no restriction to a vigorous golf swing.
However, this is not the sort of garment that it would be easy to layer over with a waterproof because it is slightly on the bulky side. For the same reason, it is a little bulky to stow away. What this means for the winter golfer, carrying their bag of clubs, is that the Reay really works best in cold and dry conditions, when you’re going to be keeping it on but not sticking a waterproof layer over it.
So, for me, this is another lovely jacket from Abacus. But I am not sure that it will get much wear on the golf course in the variable winter conditions that we experience in the UK, although I expect to get plenty of use from the Reay, navigating my daily routine!
Peter Millar is an American clothing brand founded in 2001 in Raleigh, North Carolina that has a reputation for producing high quality golf sportswear.
I have to say that I’m not a huge fan of golf jackets. Clearly, I’ll wear a waterproof jacket when playing in the rain, but I’m always keen to take it off when the rain stops. And if I’m looking for warmth, then a decent baselayer, heavy duty midlayer and insulating gilet normally does the trick.
So, how did this reviewer fare with the Merge Hybrid jacket from Peter Millar?
There’s no doubt that this is a comfortable and stylish garment. There’s a quilted insulating front and back with stretchy material to the shoulders, sleeves and sides. It is described as offering wind and water resistance. There are two useful roomy zippered side pockets and a small zip chest pocket which just about fits a phone. I tested the version in black, which is one of five colour options, and it looks very smart.
On the course, I have worn this as a third layer over a polo and mid-layer. It runs true to size- my 173cm/74kg shape fitted a medium size nicely. It really is extremely comfortable and easy to swing in. It also offers good insulation so may be better paired with a lighter mid-layer.
I haven’t tested the Merge Hybrid in wet conditions. It is badged as being water-resistant, but I don’t think I would be using it if rain were forecast. In that situation, the Fuse gilet from Peter Millar (reviewed separately) would be a better option because it would layer more easily.
It also works well as a general outdoor jacket, because there’s no excessive branding. So, I can see the Merge Hybrid getting plenty of off-course use.
PROS:
Choice of colours
Stylish and comfortable
Premium construction
CONS:
A gilet offers more practicality
RRP: £225 / $250
Sizes: S-2XL
Colours: Astral Blue / Black / Grey / Navy / Pomegranate
The Stromberg Men’s Weather Tech waterproof jacket was a joy to wear. I tested the dark blue version which I really like the look of. A really clean aesthetic with some tidily placed Stromberg branding that sits parallel to the zip.
Usefully, the jacket comes equipped with two front pockets which have zips so you can easily store your valuables.
Playing in the jacket was really easy, no restriction on my swing and was incredibly lightweight.
It was really easy to slide on and off in time for the start and end of an unexpected shower and due to the lightweight and flexibility it helped when packing the jacket away into my bag. It rolls up really easily and fits into your medium size pocket of your bag with no issues.
Overall I really like Stromberg’s latest tech waterproof, looks really smart, pacticial for all year around and a good price point for golf apparel.
The Castore flyweight jacket is a smart simple design. Lightweight, built with four-way stretch material and water resistant trims. An ideal addition for your winter golf wardrobe.
It was a joy to wear around the course, extremely comfortable and the mobility was excellent. There is adjustable cuffs on the sleeve that have multiple velcro options to dictate the tightness around your wrist.
The comfort of the jacket was also thanks to the mesh ventilation installed at the back of the jacket, a really nice addition to help you keep on top of your temperature.
Not that I have any intention on playing in the harsher of conditions any time soon, but if I did I probably wouldn’t reach for the flyweight jacket. It is suggested in the name already, but I’d opt for something heavier and more water resistant for those who venture into the braver golf weather.
How Galvin Green packed so much into the Layton windproof and water repellent wind jacket is a wonder to behold. It’s incredibly light but don’t worry about needing to layer up. The Thermore padding and insulation works incredibly well when the breeze starts to rise. And it also repels water without sending it straight down your front – a common problem with many other fabrics.
Galvin Green call it an athletic design, so let me dumb it down a bit for regular wearers. I don’t like cuffs that hang over the wrists but hate more those that fall down during a swing when you’ve pulled them up. The Layton is brilliant in this respect. Not only is the jacket a perfect fit for my medium frame, close fitting without being tight, if you decide to give your arms a little more room everything stays in place too.
You might think this is trivial, but it’s this kind of premium attention to detail – and which comes out when you’re swinging a club at 100mph – that really makes a difference to my concentration levels.
My only concern with the Layton wind jacket, and it’s minor in the scheme of things, is in the fabric that lines the front pockets. I’ve already caught my short fingernails inside it on a couple of occasions, and tees and ball markers have been attracted to it as well. I’m a little concerned this will tear will prolonged use. It remains to be seen.
PROS
Great fit
Attractive styling
Cuffs stay in place
CONS
I worry the mesh lining for the pockets may be fragile
RRP: £249
Sizes: S-2XL
Colour: Sharkskin-Black / Navy / White-Black / Cool Grey-Navy
Investing in a high-quality winter golf jacket is essential for any golfer looking to maintain comfort and performance on the course during the cold weather golf season. The right jacket not only provides protection from the elements but also allows for freedom of movement, ensuring that your swing isn’t compromised by bulky or restrictive clothing.
Key features to look for include waterproof or water-resistant materials, breathable fabrics, and insulation that keeps you warm without overheating. Whether you opt for a lightweight shell or a fully insulated jacket, the right choice can make a significant difference in your enjoyment of the game when temperatures drop.
The brands included in this article have consistently proven to deliver quality options, blending style and functionality to suit various preferences and budgets. Remember to consider the fit, layering options, and the specific weather conditions you’ll be facing on the course.
So, gear up, embrace the winter chill, and keep your passion for golf alive year-round! With one of the best winter golf jackets by your side, you’ll be ready to take on the frosty fairways and greens.
