Four Features to Look for in Your Next Golf Shirt
Let's face it: Golf doesn't seem like the type of sport that leaves you drenched in sweat. Performance gear like you'd wear for a pick-up basketball game or to run a 10K just looks like overkill, right?
But the truth is, golf apparel should be focused on performance. You're playing in all types of weather -- sometimes changing dramatically in a single round. Plus, you do want to stay cool even when you're lugging a heavy bag down the fairway or standing over a must-make par putt. That's why your next golf shirt should have some or all of these features:
1. Performance fabric.
Each manufacturer or designer has a different name for it, but you're looking for a thin, microfiber polyester or polyester-cotton blend. A shirt that is 100 percent polyester may be acceptable, but may not breathe as well as one that has some cotton, depending on how it is constructed. Chances are, a 100 percent polyester shirt from a high-end, name-brand maker will be great; just avoid them from no-name brands.
These microfiber materials can pull or wick away moisture so you don't feel all sweaty and gross on the course. The idea is that the sweat is brought to the outer surface of the garment, where it can evaporate.
Make sure you launder them regularly, though, because they can retain odor if not properly cared for.
2. Anti-microbial treatments.
The odor problem that some people experience with performance fabrics can be minimized by selecting a shirt that is treated with an anti-microbial or antibacterial chemical. This helps keep bacteria in your sweat from being absorbed into the fabric and creating a smell.
3. Ventilation zones.
This is a fancy term for some areas being thinner and more breathable than others on the same shirt. When shirts are a polyester-cotton blend, odds are that the cotton is more concentrated in these zones to produce more breathable fabric. Sometimes these areas, typically on the sides or back of the shirt, are made of a comfortable mesh material.
4. Ultraviolet protection.
Many performance golf shirts now include UV-blocking protection, which is a great thing to have when you're out in the sun for a 4-plus-hour round. About 65 percent of skin cancer melanomas are caused by sun exposure, and golfers are at higher risk than, say, the guys whose hobbies are woodworking or playing video games.
The most important feature of a golf shirt, of course, is comfort. You want to make sure you select a shirt that fits right and allows you movement when you swing. For assistance, consult a golf clothing specialist like The Golf Guys.
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