Sam Tremlett
When out on the golf course it's crucial that you remain as comfortable as possible so you can focus on your game with no distractions. One of the ways to achieve this is by wearing apparel that allows for freedom of movement and doesn't cling to your skin, or by wearing garments that feel good and look good as well. Comfort is king on the golf course and so is style, so finding a clothing that does that, for a good price can be hard to do. The key piece of apparel to get right is the polo shirt, and currently there is a wide array of golf shirts on the market, with some of the best golf polo shirts delivering all of that.
But golf polo shirts can come at a pretty hefty price and some players aren't wanting to splash out on some of the best designer golf clothing on the market, but still want to look smart on the course. The good news is that there are plenty of options out there that will still help you perform on the course, but also look good, feel good and not break the bank. And we've set out some of those fantastic options below that'll help you save cash and save shots around the course. If you're looking to find more golf clothing, you should also check out our guide on the best golf rain jackets, best golf hoodies, or best golf mid layers.
Best Cheap Golf Shirts
Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 2
+ Eye-catching print
+ Excellent breathability and stretch
- Limited colors will divide opinion
First things first, the main stand out of the Broken Flower Polo is the eye-catching print, which will no doubt turn heads on the golf course. The Puma MATTR is known as one of the best golf polo shirts on the market and, like other MATTR models, it has all the technology you know and love, such as moisture-wicking material.
Obviously, the bright and loud look will divide opinion, but there's no doubt that this design screams summer, with the thinner material very breathable, providing plenty of stretch and freedom of movement. It's also incredibly lightweight and, out on the course, the regular fit means it is a true fit to size that won't cause any distraction when taking a shot or walking to your golf ball.
Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 3
+ Striking pattern and design.
+ Soft, lightweight material
- Would love to see it in more colors
From the moment I pulled the Ping Diego Polo on I instantly knew that I loved it. It was that feeling you get when something fits well, in all the right places, aided by the soft comfort of the lightweight fabric. I tried it with a gilet, mid-layer and solo in the sunshine - and I loved each variation as much as the next.
The quick dry, crease resistant properties make it very low maintenance, meaning it’s ready to go at a moments notice when the urge to hit the fairways calls. For anyone who likes to stand out on the golf course with a striking pattern, but while also maintaining an aura of style associated with Ping products through the classic colorways available, this polo shirt is the one for you. It is worth saying that there are only three colors to choose from though, despite the blue being my favorite.
Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 2
+ Bold statement
+ Comfortable and stretchy material
- Loud design not for everyone
If you’re wanting to make a bold statement on the course, then the look no further than the Crab Novelty polo. The version I tested features a cast of pink crabs which will certainly turn heads in any clubhouse. It’s made using a 56% polyester, 30% recycled polyester and 14% elastane material which is lightweight and stretchy, making it very comfortable to wear.
The Callaway Opti-Dri moisture management system is designed to keep you fresh and dry throughout your round and it certainly lived up to that on a reasonably hot day. It features a three-button placket with an embroidered chevron logo and a Contrast Tour logo on the on right sleeve, but these are both slightly overpowered by the design. This polo won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but it will certainly get you noticed.
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 8
+ Lightweight & breathable
+ Classic design
- Very long in fit
We start with the Bullock polo from Oscar Jacobson, which has a traditional, classic finish available in lots of nice colors. The linear Oscar Jacobson logo on the right sleeve and the traditional logo on the chest, emphasize the classic look of the polo making it a great item for both on and off course.
Lightweight, breathable and comfortable are the three words that spring to mind when wearing this polo. This is because of the polyster-elastane fabric which stretches nicely to encourage freedom of movement, and despite the long fit of the polo, it actually tucks into your golf pants seamlessly. A good budget polo shirt for the traditionalists.
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 20
+ Incredible choice of colors
+ Highly functional
+ Athletic fit
- Simple styling
If you just want a simple golf polo then look no further than the Pro-Tech Solid Color model from ProQuip. With subtle styling in a bewildering array of colors, there are as many as 20 different ones to choose from, you also get an impressive amount of technology in this polo and it can be worn all year round.
In summer, the built-in UV protection will keep the sun’s rays at bay, and in winter, the stretch fabric will give you complete freedom of movement, which is essential for the bottom of multiple layers. It also regulates temperature effectively and fits athletically.
Sizes: M-XXXL
Colors: 5
+ Breathable and comfortable
+ Good value
- Pattern not to all tastes
Another worthy pick is the Bullfinch polo from Stuburt, a brand synonymous with budget-friendly golf equipment. This shirt features a patterned aesthetic that may divide opinion but I don't think it is over the top. It also has more of a premium look and feel than the price tag would suggest.
The material’s elasticity allows for perfect ease of movement throughout the swing. The shirt is long in the body, allowing it to be tucked into pants or shorts and stay there during the vigors of the swing. It is also comfortable especially on hot days whilst the UPF50 sun protection is most welcome when the sun is blazing down, too.
Sizes: XS-4XL
Colors: 4
+ Simple and effective design
+ Very flexible and versatile
- Long sleeves can feel restrictive when swinging
First up we have the long sleeve Victory polo from Nike, which has to be one of the best men's golf shirts on the market at the moment. It provides warmth on those chillier mornings, but it also felt lightweight during warmer rounds too, where the sleeves can be adjusted to your liking. The fabric felt stretchy and elasticated too so no need to worry about feeling constricted.
The fabric in question felt smooth on the skin and, whilst being made from 100% recycled polyester fibers, it’s very easy to slip on a pullover or lightweight golf jacket over the top of the polo. Ultimately this polo is perfect for golfers who play all year round.
Sizes: S-XXXL
Colors: 15+
+ Soft fabric provides comfort
+ Stretchy material
- Looser fitting
One of our favorite polo shirts is the Playoff 3.0 Printed model from Under Armour. Not only are there loads of colors to choose from, which will suit all kinds of tastes, but it delivers in just about every other way as well. During testing the soft anti-pick fabric felt breathable and very lightweight, and we noticed it dried very quickly as well which aided comfort.
The looser fit provides a classic look, while the four-way stretchable material ensures that your swing and movement won’t be inhibited – allowing you to play your best golf. The 3-button fastening gives you the option to wear it your way and the shirt looks just as good tucked in as it does untucked, allowing you to wear it both on and off the course.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 3 (Navy, Ivory, Jade)
+ Versatile style
+ Lightweight, breathable fabric
- Large collar won’t suit all tastes
We have enjoyed adidas gear for many years now and this polo shirt continues that theme. Its lightweight fabric is breathable, whilst the athletic fit means it doesn’t distract from your enjoyment of the game. Comfort comes from the stretchy material as well, and the print design offers something slightly different to other models, but without being over the top.
It washes incredibly easily too, and doesn’t need an iron once it’s dried. Made in part with at least 70% recycled materials, this lightweight, athletic and stylish polo is going to be a staple in our wardrobe for the rest of this season and plenty more to come.
How we test golf apparel
Our testing ethos for golf apparel, as well as all golf products, revolves around using products properly. This means when we test polo shirts we do so out on the golf course to see the performance in relation to comfort, breathability, looks and so on. We also use the polos in different conditions to see how thy get on in changing conditions.
Additionally a lot of golf polos these days are designed for use off the course so we test for versatility away from the links as well. The final point we wanted to mention here is no manufacturer can pay for a good review because our thorough testing team tells it how it is.
How to choose a golf polo
As mentioned, there is a lot to think about when picking the right polo shirt for you. With that in mind, we have come up with a few key considerations you need to keep in mind before purchasing your next golf polo shirt.
1. Fit
Do you want a more loose fitting polo or something with more of an athletic fit? Slim fit or classic fit? Most polos come in lots of sizes so be wary of getting something that isn't fitting correctly for you.
2. Sleeves
It doesn't sound that important, but a polo with sleeves too long or too short can be annoying. They should come to the middle of the upper arm, and the seam should align with the middle of the shoulders.
3. Fabric
Have a think about what fabric you would like the polo to be made from. For example, there are loads of materials used these days such as polyester, spandex, lycra, nylon and cotton. Often polos are made with a combination of these.
4. Technology
Most brands make polo shirts that offer technology to help in a variety of ways. For example, many help with moisture management and sweat wicking which keeps the body dry and comfortable. Some also offer UV protection and anti-microbial properties too, so it is worth thinking about what aspect you find important here. Of course, several of the models above have been designed with all of these facets in mind.
5. Design
Striped? Floral? An all-over print? Gone are the days of drab boring polo designs and in modern golf most brands really push the boat out. The sheer array of polo shirts we picked out above shows this clearly. Whatever fashion sense you have, there will be a polo for you.
6. Price
Of course the price is always something people should think about and if you are reading this guide then budget is a big factor. There is great value to be had with the models above but there are also more premium models for those wanting to spend a little more if you want. Put simply, there is something for everyone.
FAQs
Why is moisture-wicking technology important?
Having moisture-wicking technology in your golf clothing can be a great way to keep you feeling fresh and dry on the golf course. Particularly if you're prone to perspiring while you're out on the golf course, this tech can be a really piece of technology that will help to keep you feeling comfortable.
What are the best brand of polo shirts?
There are many fantastic brands that produce premium performing polo shirts, with companies offering an array of options for various different price points.
Why is getting the right fit so important when buying a golf polo?
It's important to ensure your golf polo shirt is not too restrictive while you play. That can limit your mobility and prevent you from playing the best golf possible. Having a shirt that is too lose fitting may go the other way and be annoying when you swing, so getting the right balance is very important.
For more apparel buying advice, check out our guides on the best golf pants, best golf tops, or best golf sweaters.
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