The best golfing waterproofs for golf in the winter and, indeed, the British summer

In Britain, golf is not always for the faint-hearted. Come spring, summer, autumn, winter, there's always a chance of rain, wind or some foul combination of both. But with a good golfing waterproof you can keep calm and carry on (playing golf).

Cheap, generic waterproofs won't won’t offer the same level of protection as premium golfing gear and the fit may hinder your swing, too. 

• What else could a golfer require?
• Best golf drivers
• Best golf balls

How to buy the best golfing waterproofs

As well as rain jackets, there’s trousers and hats. These are all available in different grades: there’s waterproof, which does exactly as it says - keeps water out, no matter the length of your game: there’s rainproof/showerproof, which note, isn’t as hefty as waterproof: then there’s windproof wear, which unless specified, won’t protect you from the wet but will protect you from bitter winds in the winter.

Ideally, you should try them on and do a few practice swings, if buying from a shop. It's probably easier to buy online and send them back if you're not convinced by they fit or look, though.

We’ve gathered up a selection of the best golfing waterproofs on the net, combining a mix of jackets, trousers and hats. So read on to find out which item will best prepare you for the guaranteed wet round next week. 

When it comes to weatherproofing, you can’t get better than Gore-Tex. Thanks to the fabric and the UA Storm technology, this jacket won’t let in a bite of wind or a drop of rain. Despite this, it’s miraculously breathable, which will keep you relatively sweat free underneath. 

The Paclite technology does what it says on the tin - that’s conveniently folding up in the tightest of balls so it can be put in a pocket ‘just in case’. The only downside to the product is the long zip, which may bulge when you bend over to take a shot. Available in red or black, choose to stand out from the crowd or blend into the background of a cold and gloomy day. 

Ping don’t shout about what constitutes their SensorDry fabric, but they guarantee that it produces a waterproof, breathable all-year round trouser - and who are we not to trust these golfing giants? 100% stretch polyester lining means you shouldn’t feel restricted by the material, which should mean you’ll be able to maintain your stance when poised at the tee. 

With a luxury soft touch finish and promising complete breathability, these trousers are a definite for any wet weather golfing wardrobe. 

Rivalling our top pick is this jacket from FootJoy. Combining their own waterproof fabric with three layer bonded fabric technology, the designers have produced a lightweight, breathable jacket that allows you to keep your mobility and swing just so. 

The core fibres in the material trap your natural body heat to keep you warm in the wet while the raised collar will prevent you from catching any persistent draft. Available in a vibrant blue or red, it’s up to you to bring some colour to a dull day. 

Callaway promise that this hat is comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time, and it may have to be if the British weather remains on top form. Made using a waterproof construction, it’ll keep you head dry from the rain. 

On showery summer days, the sweat band will wick moisture from your forehead to prevent it from dripping into your eyes. To add to the image, the branding is reflective, which means you should remain seen during dusky or particularly grim rounds on the course. 

Investing in a pair of weatherproof trousers is just as important as investing in a weatherproof jacket. After all, nothing is worse than facing the onslaught of angled rain in a pair of jeans. Weatherproof and windproof yet highly breathable, these trousers are faithful year-round course companions that, thanks to the Paclite technology, can be crammed into the tightest pocket. 

They feature a flat front, five pockets and an adjustable waistband for unrestricted comfort, while the smart black exterior pairs them perfectly with the Under Armour jacket - our number one product. Yes, the total price of this outfit isn’t what you’d pay for a Peter Storm set, but you’ll be laughing when you’re the driest, most comfortable player on the course. 

The price of the Under Armour products may put you off - we’re not gonna lie. And while they’re expensive for a reason, for those struggling to justify the expenditure, this waterproof golf jacket from Vancouver may seem more reasonable. We can’t guarantee that it’s going to offer the same amount of protection as the Under Armour gear - as it’s waterproof, not weatherproof - but the brand say it’s windproof and breathable, so you’re still gonna benefit from some of the qualities of Gore-Tex without actually purchasing Gore-Tex. 

Available in a huge range of colours, you can go to town and pick one that matches your golf club set or club colours. 

While a cap may offer you protection from the odd shower, it won’t keep you dry during a rainstorm. Golfing jackets don’t tend to come with hoods either, as they can impair your vision. A bucket hat, while not the trendiest garment on the course, will do a grand job of keeping the rain off of your head. 

This one from Under Armour is made from Gore-Tex, making it naturally weatherproof, and its bucket design flares out to guide rainwater away from your skin. Complete the look with this hat or purchase it as a separate item - its black design is fairly universal.