If you’re spending hours out on the green, you need to talk about sunscreen. Not just any old SPF either. We’re talking about the best sunscreen for golf. Between the sun beating down, the sweat, the wind, and the fact that you’re out there for a full 18 holes, regular sunscreen just doesn’t cut it. You need something that won’t slide off your face by hole 3 or sting your eyes every time you squint down the fairway.
So what actually works? In this guide, we’re breaking down the sunscreens that golfers swear by. The ones that stay put, protect your skin, and won’t mess with your grip. Whether you’re playing nine holes or a full tournament, these are the formulas that keep your face, neck, and hands covered from sun exposure without turning greasy or ghostly. Let’s get into it.
What To Look For In Sunscreens For Golf
What you need on the golf course is the same as what you need for long days in the beach really. Here’s the full list:
- SPF 30 or higher, always. You’re out there for hours, and that sun isn’t messing around. Go for SPF 30 minimum. Ideally SPF 50. And make sure it says “broad spectrum protection” so it actually protects you from all the rays, not just the ones that burn.
- Opt for water-resistant sunscreens. Even if you don’t feel sweaty, you are. Walking the course, swinging clubs, sun on your neck… it all adds up. If your sunscreen isn’t sweat-resistant, it’s basically sliding off before you get to the 4th hole.
- Non-greasy is non-negotiable. Nobody wants slippery hands when they’re gripping a club. You want something that sinks in fast, doesn’t leave a weird film, and won’t make your face look like you’ve been frying bacon on it.
- Won’t sting your eyes. This one’s a game-changer. If your sunscreen runs into your eyes, you’ll be squinting and wiping all day – and probably playing like crap. Look for ones that say “non-stinging” or stick to zinc-based formulas that actually stay put.
- Mineral sunscreen or hybrid formulas are your friend. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are great if you’ve got sensitive skin or just don’t want your face feeling like it’s on fire. They sit on top of your skin and deflect the sun. Hybrid ones mix in chemical filters too, so they go on smoother but still hold up on the course.
- Something you’ll actually reapply. If it’s annoying to carry or apply, you won’t use it. So grab a stick, a spray, or a small tube that fits in your bag. You need to top up every couple of hours. Yes, even if it’s cloudy. No excuses.
- Avoid spray sunscreen: They’re handy, but let’s be honest. There’s no way of knowing if you’re missing a spot or two. Opt for lotions instead for maximum protection while playing an outdoor sport.
What’s The Best Sunscreen For Golf?
I don’t know your skin, so I can’t tell you which is the right sunscreen for you. Instead, here are the best options to keep in your golf bag. Pick the one that best suits your unique skin type, needs, and golf games:
EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50 ($31.00)
EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50 is the kind of sunscreen you want in your golf bag. It’s got solid protection (9% zinc oxide plus chemical filters), but somehow doesn’t leave your face looking like you dipped it in flour. It goes on smooth, sinks in quick, and doesn’t feel greasy, which is key when you’re gripping a club and don’t want your hands slipping all over the place. It actually stays put too. You can sweat, wipe your face, adjust your hat, and it’s still doing its job. Ingredient-wise, it’s pretty chill. No fragrance, nothing irritating, just stuff that works. There’s some vitamin E in there to keep your skin happy, beeswax to help it hang on through sweat, and a bunch of other emollients that keep it from feeling dry or gross. Bonus: it doesn’t sting your eyes when you’re squinting in the sun. Honestly, if you’re out at the golf club all day and want sunscreen that does its job without being annoying, this one’s a winner.
Available at: Dermstore
Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 9%, Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%.
Benefits: Provides long-lasting protection from UVA rays and UVBrays
Cons: Not very moisturising
Skin type: All skin types.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Ultrasun Sports Gel SPF 30 (£28.00)
Ultrasun Sports Gel SPF 30 is one of those sunscreens that feels like it was made for sweaty, outdoor activities days, aka, golf. It’s a clear gel (so no white cast in sight), dries down in seconds, and once it’s on, it’s on. No stickiness, no shine, no “I can feel it sitting on my skin” feeling. If you hate the feeling of sunscreen but know you need to wear it, this one’s a good call. You can throw it on before tee-off and pretty much forget it’s there… until you remember you’re not sunburned by the 18th hole. That said, it’s not the gentlest formula in the world. It’s got alcohol denat right at the top, which helps it dry super fast, but can be drying if your skin leans sensitive. On the flip side, there’s also a mix of antioxidants like vitamin E, grape seed extract, coenzyme Q10, and vitamin C derivatives to give your skin a bit of backup while it’s out there fighting UV rays. No fragrance, no greasy finish, and it won’t run into your eyes when you sweat. If your skin can handle the alcohol and you want something that disappears fast and stays put, this one’s a solid option for the course.
Available at: Sephora
Active ingredients: Uvinul and Tinosorb
Benefits: Provides hours of dependable sun protection and has a comfortable dry finish. Non-greasy formula.
Cons: Alcohol may irritate sensitive skin.
Skin type: All skin types Baer maybe sensitive.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 ($24.00)
If you want sunscreen that feels more like a body lotion than an actual SPF, this one’s it. Supergoop! PLAY goes on smooth, rubs in fast, and doesn’t leave that gross greasy film behind. It’s lightweight, smells vaguely citrusy (but not overpowering), and doesn’t make you feel like you’ve slathered your skin in glue. On the golf course, it holds up decently even if you’re sweating or reapplying mid-round. It doesn’t gunk up or get weird under the sun. Ingredient-wise, it’s got all the usual chemical filters you’ll find in most U.S. sunscreens (homosalate, octocrylene, avobenzone) etc, so you’re getting full broad-spectrum protection. Just know it’s a UVB-heavy formula with avobenzone doing most of the UVA lifting, so reapplying is key if you’re out there for hours. It’s also got skin-soothers like panthenol, vitamin E, and sunflower extract, which is a nice bonus. If your skin’s not super sensitive and you want something that feels good, smells fresh, and doesn’t make you dread reapplying, this one does the job.
Available at: Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Look Fantastic, Sephora, SpaceNK, Supergoop, and Ulta
Active ingredients: Homosalate, octocrylene, and avobenzone
Benefits: A water resistant formula that provides uva and uvb protection with no greasy residue.
Cons: Not the best sports sunscreen if you’re looking for a mineral-based formula.
Skin type: All skin types bar sensitive.
Fragrance-free: Technically yes. But it contains essential oils that make it smell good (and may irritate sensitive skin)
SolRX Sport SPF 50 (£13.00)
SolRX Sports Sunscreen is built for long days outside when you’re sweating, moving, and need your sunscreen to actually stay on. It’s a classic broad-spectrum sunscreen for sport, so don’t expect anything fancy. It’s not luxurious, it’s not scented like a spa, but it works. The texture is a bit thicker than your average daily SPF, but that’s what makes it reliable. Once it’s on, it’s not budging, whether you’re walking 18 holes in the sun or wiping your face every five minutes, this stuff stays put. The UV filter lineup is solid: 15% homosalate and 10% octocrylene for UVB, 5% octisalate to boost the formula, and 3% avobenzone to cover UVA. That gives you solid broad-spectrum protection, though like most U.S. chemical sunscreens, avobenzone is your only real UVA filter, so reapplication still matters. But if you want something tough, sweat-resistant, and made for actual outdoor activity (not just sitting under a beach umbrella) this one holds up. No white cast, no stinging, and no excuses for skipping sunscreen on the course.
Available at: Amazon
Active ingredients: 15% homosalate, 10% octocrylene, 5% octisalate, and 3% avobenzone
Benefits: A broad spectrum sunscreen formula to keep your skin safe from the sun rays.
Cons: Not the best formula if you’re looking for a mineral-based formula.
Skin type: All skin types bar sensitive.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
FAQs
Do golfers really need sunscreen?
Yep. You’re out there for hours, exposed to the sun’s harmful rays, with barely any shade. That hat? It’s not saving your ears, your neck, or the back of your hands. If you’re skipping sunscreen, you’re basically asking for sun damage. And no, a tan isn’t a flex. It’s your skin saying “help.” Plus, sunscreen also prevents 90% of premature aging of the skin and lowers the risk of skin cancer. Why would you go without?
How often should I apply sunscreen on the golf course?
Put it on before you even leave the house, and then reapply every two hours. If you’re sweating a ton or it’s boiling hot, reapply sooner. Keep a sunscreen stick in your bag so you can top up in between a round of golf here and there without getting lotion all over your hands mid-round.
What else can I do to protect myself from UV radiation while playing golf?
Even if you’re using the best sport sunscreen, that’s just the start. Get yourself a cap or, even better, one of those goofy wide-brim hats that actually cover your neck. UPF shirts with long sleeves are a win too. They’re super light and block the sun without turning you into a puddle. Oh, and chuck on some proper sunglasses unless you want to be squinting at every shot like you’ve never seen daylight before.
The Bottom Line
So, what’s the best golf sunscreen? If you’re spending serious time on the course, you need sunscreen that can keep up… and not all of them do. EltaMD UV Sport is great if you want a mix of mineral and chemical filters with zero eye sting and a clean, non-greasy feel. Ultrasun Sports Gel is perfect if you hate the feeling of sunscreen and want something weightless that dries in seconds (just skip it if your skin’s super sensitive to alcohol). Supergoop! PLAY is the easy-going crowd-pleaser-light, smooth, smells nice, and feels more like a body lotion than SPF. And SolRX sunscreen is your no-nonsense workhorse: thick, strong, and built to stay on when you’re sweating like crazy. Bottom line? Pick the one that fits your vibe, whether you want something gentle, sweat-proof, invisible, or just dead simple. But whatever you do, wear the damn sunscreen. And reapply often so your skin is protected for the entire time.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
