The best golfing waterproofs for playing golf whatever the weather

Want to play golf but it's raining? No problem! Arming yourself with the best golfing waterproofs you can afford will open you up to being able to play, even if the weather's lousy.

When it comes to waterproofs for golfers, you're essentially looking for technical clothing that will keep the rain out and protect you from harsh winds, yet still be breathable enough so that you don't feel clammy on the course. 

These waterproofs come in different guises, including golf jackets, trousers and hats, with each designed to offer you a high level of weatherproof protection, as well as boosting your comfort on the green.

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While it’s generally true that the more you pay, the better the gear, we have found some very effective golfing waterproofs that won’t break the bank. And among these are popular performance clothing brands such as Nike, Under Armour and FootJoy.

How to buy the best golfing waterproofs

As well as jackets, there’s trousers and hats. These are all available in different grades. There’s fully waterproof, which does exactly as it says: keeps water out, no matter the length of your game.

Then there’s rainproof/showerproof, which isn’t as hefty as waterproof but it still offers far more protection than your regular performance jacket. Finally, there’s windproof gear, which, unless specified, won’t protect you from the rain but it will spare you from biting winds.

When buying golfing waterproofs you should try them on and do a few practise swings if you can, especially if you are buying in-store. 

Here we’ve rounded up the best golfing waterproofs available to buy now. So read on to find out how to best protect yourself from the wind and rain by finding the perfect weatherproof golfing clothes for you...

The best golfing waterproofs available right now

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. 

Urban Armour's Paclite technology does what the name implies: the jacket packs down so small when not in use that you can keep it in your pocket 'just in case' the heavens open. 

The only downside to this waterproof golfing jacket (available in Red and Black) is the long zip, which may bulge out when you bend over to take a shot. It's certainly no deal-breaker, though.

Ping don’t shout about what constitutes their SensorDry fabric, but they guarantee that it produces a waterproof, breathable all-year round trouser. This makes the Osbourne Waterproof Trouser the ideal choice for year-around golfing.

100 per cent stretch polyester lining means you shouldn’t feel restricted by the material either, so you’ll be able to maintain your stance when poised at the tee. 

With a luxury soft touch finish and offering complete breathability, these slim-fitting trousers are a welcome addition to any wet weather golfing wardrobe. 

Providing a high level of protection on the green, Nike’s HyperAdapt Storm-Fit Jacket is a popular golfing waterproof because of its lightweight and comfortable fit. This makes it the perfect choice for drizzly summer golfing or to wear over a thicker baselayer in autumn and beyond.

As the jacket is seam-sealed, rain has little chance of seeping in. Adding to this protection are waterproof zippers and a storm flap. The HyperAdapt is windproof too, with mesh sleeve panels enhancing airflow and keeping you cool during play. 

Nike is so confident that the HyperAdapt Storm-Fit jacket is one of the best golfing waterproofs around, it’s backed it with a three-year waterproof guarantee. You’ll get a fair few rounds in during that time.

This popular golfing waterproof from FootJoy combines the brand's own waterproof fabric with three layer bonded fabric tech. In short, this is a lightweight, breathable jacket that doesn't interfere with your mobility during play.

The core fibres in the material trap your natural body heat to keep you warm in the wet, while the raised collar keeps out any drafts. Available in a vibrant blue or red, it’s definitely one to bring colour to a dull day.

Designed to give you full protection in tough weather conditions, the Tour 3.0 makes our best golfing waterproofs list because of its nifty Opti-Dri tech, which wicks moisture away from your skin to keep you dry and odour to a minimum. 

Opti-Stretch tech is also on hand to ensure the jacket doesn’t restrict you, giving you full and unhindered mobility to move and swing during play. 

The Callaway Tour 3.0 Waterproof Golf Jacket features a full zip opening and a hi-lo hem cord, in addition to adjustable cuffs and even a back score card pocket.

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. 

The trousers 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 GORE-TEX Paclite jacket.

If you want a golfing waterproof that’s slim-fitting and unassuming, this is the one for you. The lightweight ProQuip TourFlex Elite 360 is ideal for keeping you dry during a drizzly round in the summer, and it’s also highly breathable and comfortable. 

A storm collar protects your neck when the rain picks up, while side pockets with zips are perfect for keeping your small valuables tucked out of sight. 

Like the Nike HyperAdapt, ProQuip’s contender for best golfing waterproof comes with a three-year guarantee. More importantly, this jacket is rustle-free so you won’t annoy anyone else on the course.

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. The Callaway branding is reflective, too, helping you to be seen on particularly grey or dusky days. 

The price of the very best golfing waterproofs featured higher up in our list may put you off. They’re expensive for a reason, but for those struggling to justify the expenditure, this waterproof golf jacket is more budget-friendly.

We can’t guarantee it will offer the same level of protection as the Under Armour, for example, but Sunderland says the Vancouver Golf Jacket is waterproof, windproof and breathable, so you'll still benefit from some of the qualities of Gore-Tex without actually paying Gore-Tex prices.

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, on the other hand, 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. The bucket design flares out to guide rainwater away from your skin, too, so it won't let any rain run down the back of your neck.