Even when battling the wind, you need total mobility in your golf swing. Here's are some of the best windbreakers to keep your game sharp and your core warm.
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Wind loves open spaces, which means golf courses can get breezy. And wind not only ices your shots but can also chill your body’s temperature.
The answer? A windbreaker. Windbreakers do just what their name suggests but without sacrificing breathability, so you can keep the chill out but not overheat.
While all windbreakers share the same basic function, your personal style comes into play when choosing one. Some of our top picks are featherlight and packable for golfers who need breathability on the go, while others are more robust jackets for those who deal with harsher weather. Read on to learn find the best golf windbreaker for you and the conditions you’ll need to face.
How to pick the right golf windbreaker for you
The windbreakers in our top picks range in prive from $60 to $250.
These jackets are designed for athletic performance and will not restrict your golf swing. You want to keep your mobility front and center when you’re layering for a round of golf.
Windbreakers are generally lighter jackets and don’t feature the same level of weatherproofing as a rain or ski jacket. However, heavier jackets that prioritize waterproofing often do so at the expense of breathability. If you play in a rainy climate and want a windbreaker that can handle moisture, look for a jacket that either indicates true waterproof performance or at least one that has a DWR treatment that provides water-resistance.
Most golfers aren’t going to play through a thunderstorm, but sometimes you just need to endure some gusts and light rain to be able to finish a round. Every golfer should have a good wind layer when the weather is anything but blue skies (and probably even when it is, just in case).
FAQ
Are windbreaker jackets worth it?
A windbreaker is a lightweight jacket that provides an outer layer of protection against wind and other elements. Still, golf-specific windbreakers often use premium materials and design to block wind while remaining flexible and breathable enough for athletic activity. As a result, the cost can be higher than cheaper all-purpose windbreakers, but it’s worth paying a bit extra for a golf-specific windbreaker that won’t restrict your swing.
Will a windbreaker jacket keep you warm?
Windbreakers come in a lot of different weights, and many are extremely lightweight and designed to break the wind without heating you up. If you want a windproof jacket or top that also provides some warmth, look for a windshirt-style top that’s thicker than the traditional paper-thin windbreaker.
What’s the difference between a rain jacket and a windbreaker?
Most windbreakers aren’t fully waterproof. A true rain jacket will be 100% waterproof and usually sacrifices breathability in the process. The lines blur on the edges since there are windbreakers that are waterproof and most rain jackets are windproof and could technically be called windbreakers. In general, a windbreaker is a lighter-weight jacket that isn’t fully waterproof and is meant to provide protection from wind and possibly light rain.
Justin Park is a journalist with more than 20 years experience covering politics, environmental issues, hunting and outdoors, sports, and fitness for newspapers, magazines, and digital-first outlets. Since earning his M.S. in New Media from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School in 2008, he’s also applied his storytelling skills to video, producing, shooting, and editing for PBS, USA Today, Reebok, and more. He received the 2016 Associated Press Sports Editors’ Investigative Award as part of a team covering the Rio Olympics for USA Today Sports.
