If you are fortunate enough to live in a climate warm enough to play golf in year round, consider yourself among the fortunate. Many golfers live where it is just too cold to play in the winter.
And then there are the rest of us, stuck in the middle. Sure, the golf course is open during the winter months, but you still get your fair share of colder weather. Some will wait it out for spring, but many of us are not willing to sit out for three months of the year.
That’s where cold weather gear comes into play. For golf, that means layers. Today, we are focusing on the outer layer, a jacket to help keep the cold at bay while still allowing us to play the game we love.
To that end, here are some of the best winter jackets for golfers.
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Top Winter Golf Jackets
Adidas Climaheat Hybrid
This jacket is a machine-washable jacket that is comprised of mostly polyester with a small amount of elastane. That helps it maintain its shape while having just enough flexibility to accommodate a golf swing.
The fabric will keep you plenty warm and is breathable. It is not waterproof or water-resistant, however. A drop tail means you don’t have to worry about the jacket riding up over your waist.
The sleeves feature heat guards that help keep the warmth in. This could be the perfect jacket for cold and dry weather.
Be aware, many purchasers have said they wish they had gone with a smaller size, as it runs large.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Keeps you warm
- Breathable
Cons
- May run large on sizes
- Not for wet weather
Puma Zephyr
Puma uses what it calls “windCELL” technology to produce this 100 percent polyester, lightweight rain jacket that is both breathable and resistant to rain and wind.
It is a full-zippered front jacket that also includes large zippered pockets that are perfect for carrying small items we often need on course.
The fit is intentionally larger in the shoulders, chest, and sleeves to allow for better freedom during your swing.
It also protects you from the sun with a UV protection rating of 40-plus.
Pros
- Breathable and water resistant
- Large, zippered pockets
- Designed to allow for full swing
Cons
- At least one buyer complained about the zipper’s utility
Columbia Ascender Softshell
This softshell jacket from Columbia is 100 percent polyester and is machine washable. It has a full-zipper front, along with zip-up large pockets.
The cuffs feature a hook-and-loop adjustable sizing mechanism to keep it as tight or as loose as you would like. The hem has a drawstring to provide another layer of adjustability in fit.
It will keep you warm in late fall and early winter, as the jacket is designed as a lightweight but not full-on winter option.
Columbia says this jacket’s Omni-shield fabric is breathable, windproof, and water resistant.
Pros
- Windproof and water resistant
- Adjustable cuffs and hem
- Machine washable
Cons
- Not for especially cold days
- Stand-up collar may be restricting
Docker’s Clayton Microtwill Bomber
The fabric is 83 percent polyester and 17 percent nylon, designed to be breathable and lightweight. A micro-fleece lining helps provide protection against the cold.
There are three pockets, two lower and one interior. The jacket itself has a full front zipper as does the interior pocket.
A ribbed knit waist and cuffs prevent your body heat from escaping.
Pros
- Breathable and lightweight
- Large interior extra pocket
- Ribbed waist and cuffs keep you warm
Cons
- Be careful with sizing, could be a tight fit
Dry Fit Half-Zip Pullover
This pullover with a half-zipper front might be better described as a sweater, but it performs many of the same functions as a light jacket.
The fabric wicks moisture away, allowing you to stay dry even when active. It is also four-way stretch, moving in all directions, that makes it great for the golf swing.
The mock neck design combined with the half-zippered front helps keep you warm but breathable.
The fabric is form fitting which is perfect for the golf swing. It might not be so great for the less athletic appearing golfers.
Pros
- Fabric wicks away moisture
- Four-way stretch allows for free movement
- Mock turtleneck designed for warmth
Cons
- Form fitting not flattering for many golfers
Inbike Winter Windproof Thermal Cycling Jacket
While this is designed as a biking jacket, it is multifunctional and can easily be used on the golf course.
The fabric is permeable for breathability, while it maintains its warmth. After all, it’s a fleece-lined jacket, that is ideal for winter conditions.
A drop tail at the hem with elastic binding helps prevent it from riding up during the swing. This is a full zip jacket, making it a perfect fit for extra layers.
The stand-up collar helps keep your face warm, although some may feel like it is overly restrictive.
This is a great jacket for colder weather, warmer than others of same weight.
Pros
- Very warm even in quite cold conditions
- Elastic hem prevents riding up in back
- Jacket pairs well with inner layers
Cons
- Some may find stand-up collar suboptimal
Izod Water Resistant Midweight Jacket
This jacket from Izod has a more classic look than others. It is a stylish look but maybe not hold up as well with performance on the course.
It does have a number of factors working in its favor: water and wind resistance, machine washable, fleece lined, and zip-close pockets among them.
It also has a hidden hood inside the collar. Some golfers like their jackets without a hood, while some others may appreciate it. The problem with this hood inside the collar is that it makes it difficult to keep the collar down.
Those who are concerned more about appearance might like this jacket.
Pros
- Classic look
- Wind and water resistant
- Fleece lined
Cons
- Collar too bulky with hidden hood
- Sizes tend to run large
London Fog Auburn Zip-Front
Another stylish look with this lightweight jacket from London Fog. The mesh lining throughout allows for breathability, while the sleeves are lined with nylon for better warmth in that area. This jacket is not designed for very cold temperatures but will keep the chill off.
There are two somewhat sizeable interior pockets with a Velcro closure. The left interior pocket has another smaller pocket within.
Adjustable cuffs help you keep in the warmth and provides for a tight fit. The jacket is machine washable.
The jacket comes in an impressive number of color options.
Pros
- Lightweight mesh lining
- Large interior pockets
- Machine washable
Cons
- May be more restrictive than others on this list
Nike Synthetic Fill Core
While some of the jackets on this list seem to be overly concerned with appearance and can easily be worn off the course, this one from Nike is full-on all about the golf.
It has a water-repellant finish that works well on damp days, while the insulation helps keep you warm without weighing you down.
The cuffs are secured with soft elastic in this fully polyester jacket.
While style may not be the main concern, this jacket makes up for that a bit by being reversible. Only two colors, gunsmoke (grey) and black, are available, which is a bit disappointing.
Pros
- Water repellant
- Great warmth for its weight
- Reversible
Cons
- Lacking in color options
Sunice Allendale Thermal Layer
This lightweight jacket is intended to provide a layer of warmth and breathability on cool days. For colder weather, other choices may be better.
It’s a pullover with a half zipper, the design of which is appealing to some golfers.
The style of this jacket is ultra-modern with solid colors and contrasting colors in the bold stitching.
There is a significant amount of spandex in this pullover, which can be great during the swing.
Its bold and modern look will appeal to some golfers, although many could be turned off by that. It is an attention getter, for sure.
Pros
- Spandex for ease of movement
- Breathable fabric
- Numerous color options
Cons
- Many will be turned off by the look
Under Armour Storm Softershell
While not made specifically for golfers, this jacket from Under Armour as many characteristics that are great for wintertime play.
Its UA Storm technology is designed to repel water but retain its breathability. The jacket is also windproof.
A durable three-layer softershell material provides for ease of movement while protecting you from the elements. A soft, thermos-conductive inner coating helps you retain your body heat.
Pros
- Water repellant
- Stretchy fabric makes for easy movement
- Durable
Cons
- One of the inner pockets has no bottom and is not a pocket at all. Curious design element.
As you might have noticed, some of these jackets are not designed specifically with golfers in mind. Still, those will have two functions that are must for golfers in cold weather.
One, the jacket must provide warmth and two, it must do so without restricting movement. Here is a look at some common aspects of winter golf jackets.
Material
Fleece is a popular option. This wool-like synthetic fabric functions much in the same way that hair does on an animal. It provides warmth while being lightweight. While fleece will soak through quickly in wet weather, it is quick to dry. Fleece is also easy to maintain.
Depending on the manufacturing method, fleece may not be as breathable as other fabrics. And since it loses its insulating properties when wet, you do not want to sweat while wearing fleece.
While fleece is made from a kind of polyester, other jackets may utilize polyesters that are better designs for certain golf conditions. Many of these jackets are machine washable, although they may not like your dryer very much.
Twill is sometimes used in golf jackets. Twill is simply a method of weaving fabrics. The result is a fabric that is not the same on both sides. There is an outer side that is more aesthetically pleasing. The triple weave of twill means it masks dirt and debris better than some jackets.
Waterproof and water resistant
Not every golf jacket is waterproof or even water-resistant. In many areas, golfers encounter wet and cold weather together. Having this protection could be important for you.
This is not just a performance issue. Staying dry during cold months can maintain the insulation value you get from a jacket (or any other piece of clothing). Depending on the particular jacket, this waterproofing could work against you, as they tend not to be as breathable as other jackets.
Fill
Like other winter coats, golf jackets sometimes use a fill material to help with the insulating factor. This cannot be extensive fill as to not restrict movement. But it will help keep your warm. These jackets are better for especially cold days.
You will sometimes see these called puffer jackets, as the coats are dotted with pockets of fill that give a puffy appearance.
Shell
Many golf jackets have what is referred to as a shell, an exterior layer that keeps you both warm and dry.
Modern techniques have allowed these shells to perform its duties while remaining breathable.
Pullover or zippered
Some of these look more like a sweater than a jacket and that is because they are pullovers. This gives an advantage of being less restrictive. The disadvantage is there is no way to open it up if you get too warm. The only option then is to remove it.
Zippered jackets allow you to open it up and let some air in when you get too warm. Of course, this could also increase the chances of restricting your swing.
Occasionally, you will see a jacket that aims for the best of both, the half-zipper.
Recommendation
For cooler but not too cold temps, Puma’s Zephyr is a great choice. It has plenty of storage in zip-up pockets, with a breathable shell. The jacket is both stylish and functional.
For colder weather, the Adidas Climaheat Hybrid is an excellent choice. It manages to keep you warm without bulking up too much and restricting your swing.
