Hopefully every golfer reading this page knows by now that protection from the sun should include not only sunscreen, proper clothing and a hat, but also a good pair of sunglasses. And while some will stick to the story that they can’t concentrate as well or can’t read greens clearly with sunglasses on, the truth is that the correct lens can actually be a boon to your game. With numerous golf-specific lenses and tints—as well as styles and fits—available, there’s no excuse for not taking advantage of today’s eye tech. Here are four good models to consider.
Oakley Targetline
$153; oakley.com
Ever since David Duval bumped Tiger Woods from the No. 1 spot in the OWGR in 1998, Oakley has been a leader in golf-specific sunglasses. The biggest development for golfers from Oakley’s perspective have been the company’s PRIZM lenses, which provide very tight control of light transmission for maximized contrast and overall optics. The Targetline comes in a number of lens choices, but the PRIZM Golf and PRIZM Dark Golf are the two you want to check out. The standard PRIZM Golf lens has a rose base color for exceptional color enhancement and contrast, with 30 percent light transmission. The PRIZM Dark Golf allows only 22 percent, perfect for those who play in very sunny conditions or simply prefer a darker lens.
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Maui Jim Pokowai Arch
$230; mauijim.com
You may associate Maui Jim more with sailing, skiing or aviation than with golf, but the company’s distortion-free lenses are exceptionally well suited to the links. The Pokowai Arch, a model that works seamlessly both on and off the course, is available with three different lens tints: neutral gray, blue mirror and HCL Bronze. Although the first two options provide very good color enhancement and light reduction, the HCL Bronze is ideal for golf—it provides additional contrast in varying light conditions.
Nike Outrider
$165; nike.com
Worn on the LPGA Tour by none other than Michelle Wie, the Outrider features a modern aviator design with air pockets that provide temple cushioning throughout your round. The lenses are built with Nike’s “MAX Optics,” which provides exacting vision from all angles and comes in the company’s “Course Tint,” which increases contrast for improved distance gauging and green reading. The lenses are available in both gray and copper (pictured), with the former preferred by those who want a more neutral tint and the copper favored by those who want the brightest contrast.
Tifosi Crit
$80; tifosioptics.com
Tifosi’s new Enliven Golf lenses, which are featured in the golf-specific Crit model, are designed to control critical wavelengths of light for clear vision on the course. The result is greens, blues, and reds that appear more defined, allowing players to more easily track their ball in flight and distinguish fairway from rough. Enliven color enhancement is also aimed at making it easier to read undulations and break on putting surfaces, making accurate green reading that much easier. The Enliven Golf lenses are available in a green-based tint that optimizes the perception of reds, greens and blues.
