By Coach Erik Schjolberg – Jan 5, 2024
Contents
Key Takeaways – The Best Winter Golf Jacket
- Warmth is important, but so is mobility
- Rain protection comes at a price and may not be needed
- Buying off season can help save some money
- Keep jacket thickness in mind as it can impede your swing
The best winter golf jackets on the market will keep you warm but also make it easy to swing the golf club.
The problem with most golf jackets is that they are restricting. If you want to be able to enjoy golf in the cold temperatures but ensure you don’t have to take ¾ swings all day, we have you covered.
Take a look at some of these golf jackets and which items could combine for the best winter golfing jackets and solutions on the market.
What To Look For In A Great Winter Golf Jacket
The most important thing to look for in a winter golf jacket is warm, but there are a few other things you should keep in mind to ensure that something is the proper fit for your game. Here are a few things that I would pay close attention to before making a purchase.
Flexibility
One of the first things I recommend checking is the flexibility of the golf jacket. You must have room to take your golf swing, or you will not be satisfied with the jacket. The shoulder area seems to be a significant problem for many golfers.
Look for material that is four way stretch and non restrictive, as this tends to be a key to ensuring you can get both distance and accuracy.
Fabrics
Some jackets will have comfortable polyester or fleece material, and others will offer a bit of water or rain protection to ensure you can play in any condition.
I think it’s important to have a clothing option for the coldest days, as well as the days when wet weather is going to get you. On winter days when it’s freezing, I don’t like the more harsh materials of a rain jacket; the fleece comfort and thickness are what are necessary.
While you are looking through the options, take a look at how to wash the jacket as well. Some are much easier than others.
Rain Protection?
Do you think you will play golf in the cold, wet weather? Rain protection in a jacket will cost you a bit more, but if it’s cold and raining, the last thing you want is water to penetrate your golf jacket. The rain protection material is not always as warm so try to consider which solution you are looking for.
Pricing
Most jackets for winter golfers are going to vary in price, starting around $50 and going to more than $150. You can get a really great choice for less than $100. In addition, these jackets should last for years to come as they are not typically warm as a traditional golf shirt is worn.
Take great care of your winter jacket and look for deals before and after the season to help save some money.
Winter Golf Jackets – Test Results and Rankings
#1. Adidas Men’s Hybrid Golf Winter Jacket
Pros:
- Water repellent and warm
- Front zip pockets
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Not very thick
- Not a true rain jacket
My Experience (with pictures):
The Adidas Men’s Hybrid Golf Jacket is our favorite choice for a winter golf jacket. If you are playing golf in the extreme cold, you will want this as your top layer, with some other cold weather golf attire underneath.
This top layer is water resistant, has plenty of warmth, and can be thrown into the washing machine at the end of a round of golf.
WHY It’s a Good Warm Golf Jacket:
Since this product is specifically made for golfers, expect that the quality of the materials, as well as the flexibility, is going to help you perform on the golf course.
I noticed that there is no restriction at all, and this is a very warm golf jacket for a neat and fashionable look that still allows for a range of motion.
The Bottom Line
A full zip jacket like the Adidas Men’s Hybrid Golf Jacket is a great addition to your golf gear. The front zip pockets and water repellent material made it functional and comfortable.
Even if you don’t like a tight fit on a golf jacket, the Adidas will give you plenty of room to swing.
#2. Little Donkey Andy Men’s Winter Warm Polar Fleece
Pros:
- Light enough not to sweat but will still keep you warm
- 5 pockets for extra storage
- Versatile layer
- Comfortable stretch material
Cons:
- Not great for the rain
- Will wear down a little faster than other options on the market
My Experience:
Golf jackets get expensive, but if you are looking for a good deal, the Little Donkey Andy brand is an option worth considering. This particular polar fleece jacket has plenty of extra warmth, a Full Zip closure, and five pockets for storage.
We won’t tell you this is the most high tech winter golf jacket on the market, but it’s certainly a good value for the price. I noticed no trouble with the fabric stretching where I needed it to, and the several different color options can make it a smart choice to consider.
WHY It’s Good for Cold Weather Golf:
The combination of warmth and ease of use make this a great golf jacket for the winter. It’s a classic look that will match a variety of golf outfits, and it’s a versatile piece that can be worn both on and off the course.
The Bottom Line
Overall I like this golf jacket for the price it is offered. If you are on a budget or simply not sure how much golf you will play in the winter, consider this to be a good option.
#3. Sunice Allendale Men’s Thermal Golf Jacket Pullover
Pros:
- Made for the coldest temperatures
- Stylish and modern looking
- Allows for easy movement during the swing
- Double knit fabric with lots of stretch comfort
Cons:
- Priced higher than others
- Takes a bit more care when washing and laundering
My Experience (with pictures):
Some golfers consider a golf jacket to be a full-zip piece of clothing. I don’t.
In fact, the full zipper can get in the way and make cold weather golf a bit more challenging to manage. This Sunice Allendale Thermal Pullover is a premium golf jacket that is well worth the money. This is a long sleeve jacket made with a Superlite FX Fabric so that it stretches and conforms to your body.
It’s available in a few different colors and will be a piece you want to keep in your bag anytime cold weather is a possibility.
WHY It’s One of the Top Mens Winter Golf Jackets:
The thermal protection in the Sunice Allendale is warmer than many other options on the market. In addition, this is a quick drying material that will help if you run into a little bit of wet weather.
This particular model is rated to be a good option for skiing and hiking as well; certainly, cold weather golf is something it can handle.
The Bottom Line
If you play golf in the winter quite often, it’s worth paying extra for the better golf gear. These winter golf jackets from Sunice are not cheap but will help you look at cold weather golf in an entirely different light.
#4. Callaway Men’s Full Zip Waffle Knit
Pros:
- Thermal technology waffle knit fabric
- Three classic colors
- Machine wash
- Mock color for a more traditional style
Cons:
- Might still need to carry a lightweight jacket for rain
- Check sizing as it can be a little slimmer in the arms
My Experience:
Not only is thermal material comfortable it also keeps you warm on the golf course. The Callaway Men’s Full Zip Waffle Knit is made with waffle knit stitching to keep the cold air from penetrating the top layer of your outfit. In addition, this is a nice looking upscale golf jacket.
You will at least look like you know what you are doing on the golf course. Too bad you can’t buy a swing to match!
WHY It’s One of the Best Golf Jackets for Cold Weather:
Callaway made this Full Zip Waffle Knit to be both stylish and functional. I felt like the wind had a really hard time cutting through the fabric. It’s not the best if you run into wet weather, but you could fit a rain jacket on over this as it’s more of a slim-fit style.
The Bottom Line
If you like that warm and cozy feeling on the course, but you want a piece that also looks like a classically styled golf jacket, this is likely the one.
#5. Under Armour ColdGear Reactor Cold Weather Golf Vest
Pros:
- ColdGear Reactor insulation
- UA Storm technology
- Sides are fleece for added comfort
- No restriction on the golf swing
Cons:
- Expensive for just a vest
- Does not keep the arms warm, it may need to pair with sleeves
- It is more difficult to wash
My Experience:
Some golfers swear by the vest as they can leave your arms free to swing while keeping your body warm. I like the vest, as long as the temperatures are in a certain range. Once things get cold, I just don’t think it’s enough.
However, this UnderArmour Cold Gear Reactor Elements Golf Vest is a great choice for players that like vests. It has everything you need to stay warm, great looking style, and even the UA Storm Technology to help repel water as you play.
WHY One of the Best Cold Weather Golf Jacket:
Under Armour knows how to make technology based solutions for golfers. Essentially you can get extra insulation and padding, extreme durability, and even a comfortable fleece on the backside of the vest. This is truly a piece that is made for golfers.
The Bottom Line
If you are one of those players that is particular about the way your arms feel in any type of jacket, the golf vest is the best option to consider. This particular vest from Under Armour looks excellent, has really impressive technology, and will hold up for a long time.
#6. Velo Champion Thermo Tech
Pros:
- Very easy to wear
- Can keep in your golf bag
- Stretch fit and anti-slip
- Keeps your arms considerably warmer
Cons:
- Needs to be combined with other gear to help you stay warm
- In tough conditions like rain and heavy wind, you still need a water-resistant jacket
My Experience (with pictures):
If you are particularly concerned about restricting the movement of your golf swing, thermal sleeves can be a solution. This won’t really feel like you can’t move, but it will keep the lower portion of your arm warm.
The Velo Champion Thermal Insulation warmers may say they are meant for cycling, but they work for golf as well. Be careful with thermal sleeves that you are not choosing a product that has part of the hand covered.
Covering part of the hand and leaving room for the thumb is going to impact your golf grip. It’s a bad idea!
WHY It’s a Great Winter Golf Jacket:
The thermal fleece material keeps you warm without overheating your body. In addition, anti-slip technology ensures that these sleeves stay in place the entire time you play golf. I noticed the sleeves were comfortable to wear, and they fit a wide range of sizes.
The Bottom Line
It doesn’t hurt to put a pair of these affordable and comfortable thermal sleeves in the golf bag. If you are finishing your last few holes and need a bit of extra heat to stay warm, it’s a good choice.
However, most golfers need some kind of a pullover, mid-layer, or full jacket to stay comfortable on the course.
And the Winner for the Best Golf Winter Jacket is…
Hopefully, you now have some unique solutions for staying warm on the golf course this winter. Many of the top brands suggest purchasing these pieces in layers so that you can keep your core warm but allow for as much movement and rotation as possible in the swing.
Best Overall
The best overall winter golf jacket was the Adidas Men’s Hybrid. You can wear this jacket in any bad weather you encounter during winter. The raised collar is a bit shorter, so it won’t get in your way, and it has four-way stretch technology built in.
Best Premium
The best premium winter jacket for golfers is the Sunice Allendale. This has a convenient chest pocket, great color choices, and tremendous long-term durability. If you can afford to spend a bit more on your winter wardrobe.
Best Value
Little Donkey Andy has been putting out some really great options for golf gear this year. Their clothing options are affordable, have great style, and can help you get through the bad weather with some comfort. The Winter Warm Polar Fleece from Little Donkey Andy is well worth the money.
FAQ
Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about the best jackets for golfing in the winter. The ultimate goal is to play good golf, but it’s key to stay warm out there to accomplish that.
Do golf jackets keep you warm?
Golf jackets can do a great job of keeping you warm on the course. However, it is vital to check the thickness of the jacket and the thermal properties it has. Some jackets are pure windbreakers or will help in light rain, but they don’t do much to keep you warm.
Can you golf in a puffer jacket?
A puffer jacket is typically too thick to play great golf in. However, you can consider a quilted golf jacket to ensure that you stay warm on the golf course. Keep the puffer jacket for driving to and from the course!
Do golf vests keep you warm?
Golf vests can help to keep your core warm. However, your arms will be unprotected, and you may want to consider adding arm sleeves or a thermal underlayer in order to stay warm.
Do golf arm sleeves work?
Golf arm sleeves work to help keep you warm in the winter months, but they can also be a good option for UV protection. Arm sleeves tend to be a popular solution for golfers because they can be kept in the bag and pulled out when needed.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you feel as though you have more options to prepare yourself for an enjoyable winter season.
Look for a variety of winter solutions, from golf shoes/boots, golf hats, jackets, and warm golf shirts. Don’t let the winter months go by without having the proper gear, keep your game sharp all year long.
About the Author
By Coach Erik Schjolberg – Last Updated Jan 5, 2024
Expertise:
Coach Erik actively coaches several PGA Tour Professionals. He’s the head golf instructor and writer here at Swing Yard, was voted the “#1 Golf Coach in Scottsdale, Arizona”, and has been coaching for over 20+ years. Erik also owns and operates his own online golf school, EJS Golf Academy. His other credentials include: Active PGA Coaches Membership, Titleist TPI Level 1 and 2, Trackman Certified Level 1, Dr. Kwon’s Biomechanics Level I and II, Scott Cowx Certified Level I Advanced, BodiTrack and V1 Sports Pressure Mat Certified, Titleist Club Fitting and Ball Fitting Certified, PGA Hope, and Sportsbox AI. Check out Erik’s full bio and certifications for more info.
