THE BEST GOLF UMBRELLA OF 2021

2021 Golf Umbrella Buyer’s Guide

Whether you’re a fair-weather or “I don’t think the heavy stuff’s gonna come down for quite a while” kind of golfer, you still need a golf umbrella for those unexpected downpours or to shield you from the sun.

This year, we tested the usual suspects along with offerings from some of the bigger OEMs, some of which outsource their umbrella manufacturing to experts in the category. That’s neither surprising nor uncommon; it just makes sense. There are zero reasons why club guys should also be umbrella guys. The logo doesn’t matter, though we’re here to tell you that not every umbrella is the same.

Whether you’re looking to buy an umbrella today, seeking buying advice to get started or just want a closer look at what’s on the market, this guide will help you find the right golf umbrella to fit your needs.

WINNER – ShedRain Vortex XL

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If you want an umbrella that will stand the test of time, go for the ShedRain Vortex XL. It performed consistently well across all metrics which made it our top pick. This golf umbrella has a “bungee” link cord connecting both canopies allowing for wind to pass through with ease. Combine that with a reinforced inner structure and you have the undisputed winner of the 2021 Most Wanted Golf Umbrella Test.

2nd in wind protection 2nd in coverage 8th in opening speed 6th in handle 1st in durability 8th in UV protection

Golf Umbrellas—Features That Matter

Durability

No matter how good the umbrella is, you want it to last. During testing, we found some do not fully extend or did the opposite and hyperextend, which dramatically limits longevity.

The best umbrellas, like ShedRain and Gustbuster, last for years in all weather conditions.

Deployment Speed

Opening your umbrella without any hassle is important if you’re caught in a downpour. The whole point of a golf umbrella is to keep you dry so the faster it opens, the less likely you are to get wet.

The Inesis is a great example of an umbrella that can be opened quickly.

Coverage

No one wants to be soggy on the golf course and most of us don’t want to miss a day on the links because of rain. We found that smaller umbrellas that might be fine for everyday use don’t provide sufficient coverage for golfers and their gear.

Umbrellas such as Gustbuster and PING are great examples of golf umbrellas that provide maximum coverage.

Handle

If you are playing golf in the wind and rain, you want a comfortable grip. We found that the best handles offer contoured grips and are made from materials that aren’t compromised as conditions get wetter.

Great examples of a comfortable handle are Mizuno and ShedRain. ShedRain has a gel handle which conforms to your hand no matter the size.

More Tips

Your clubs aren’t walking sticks; neither is your umbrella. If you want it to last and perform its best, use it only as intended. To prevent your golf umbrella from rusting or developing mildew, rinse with tap water and leave it fully open and upright to dry. Same advice applies if you play on a course next to the ocean. Wash it after every use. It will last longer. You can choose between umbrellas that have automatic opening systems that fully extend with minimal effort and those that open manually. Try before you buy. If you get a tear in your umbrella, repair it with water-resistant fabric on both sides of the canopy. .truegolffit-banner-inner-right { padding-top: calc(574/1020 * (100% - 430px)); } @media screen and (max-width: 991px) { .truegolffit-banner-inner-right { padding-top: calc(574/1020 * 100%); width: 100%; } } jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('.mgs-block-slider-blocks').slick({ slidesToShow: 1, slidesToScroll: 1, arrows: false, dots: true, fade: true, }); }); jQuery(document).ready(function($) { var slides = $('#mgs_gallery_180760 .mgs-gallery-images .mgs-gallery-image').length; if ( slides 6 ) { slides = 6; } $('#mgs_gallery_180760 .mgs-gallery-images').slick({ slidesToShow: 1, slidesToScroll: 1, fade: true, prevArrow: '', nextArrow: '', asNavFor: '#mgs_gallery_180760 .mgs-gallery-thumbs', swipe: false, }); $('#mgs_gallery_180760 .mgs-gallery-thumbs').slick({ slidesToShow: (slides-1), //less than number of slides, so it always shows infinite scroll (bugfix) slidesToScroll: 1, arrows: false, asNavFor: '#mgs_gallery_180760 .mgs-gallery-images', centerMode: true, focusOnSelect: true, infinite: true, responsive: [ { breakpoint: 1023, settings: { slidesToShow: 3, } }, { breakpoint: 600, settings: { slidesToShow: 1, } }, ] }); $('#mgs_gallery_180760').magnificPopup({ delegate: '.mgs-gallery-trigger', type: 'image', gallery: { enabled:true, arrowMarkup: '', } }); });

The Best Golf Umbrella of 2021 – FAQ

Q: Is a bigger coverage area better?

A: In most situations, bigger is better when it comes to coverage. You want an umbrella that covers you and your golf bag.

Q: What is better? Single or double canopy?

A: Double canopies are better in windier conditions because air can pass through thus preventing the umbrella from turning inside out. Double canopies with bungee straps attaching the top canopy to the ribs of the umbrella reinforce the structure. ShedRain and Gustbuster are excellent examples.

Q: Do all golf umbrellas have UV protection?

A: Not all umbrellas provide UV protection. Most umbrellas that protect you best from the UV rays are solid silver in color on the inside. The material used is also thicker to block harmful rays. Always check the label to ensure you get an umbrella that blocks the sun. Check out Titleist, BagBoy, Sun Mountain and XXIO  for the best UV protection.

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