Polarized sunglasses for golf may be one of the biggest debates in sports eyewear. While some players love them for their glare reduction and dark lenses, others say they affect your depth perception on the course. The real question is – Are polarized golf sunglasses good for your game?
The answer – It depends.
Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut answer on whether golf sunglasses should be polarized. But based on how you play, your preferences, and your eyes we can find out if they’re right for you (handy chart below).
Keep reading as we review the pros and cons of polarized vs. non-polarized golfing lenses, and how you can determine which is right for you.
How Do Polarized Lenses Work?
Before we get to which lenses are better, it’s important to understand exactly how polarized lenses work.
Polarized lenses are primarily designed to reduce glare, which naturally occurs when sunlight bounces off horizontal surfaces such as water, snow, tarmac, or green grass. As they bounce off of surfaces these light waves transform into concentrated horizontal beams that strain your eyes. This strain will usually cause you to squint, and can even make your eyes water!
Polarized lenses help to prevent glare with a special chemical film that only allows vertical light beams. But with anything, there are always pros and cons, especially when it comes to golf.
Now let’s jump into how polarized lenses work for golf:
Pros of Polarized Golf Lenses
Polarized sunglasses have additional benefits besides blocking the glare bouncing off your environment. Some other benefits here include:
UV Protection – Polarized lenses are designed to block harmful light, including ultra-violet (UV) light, UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. However, it’s worth noting that polarization doesn’t block harmful rays by itself. Instead, the lens must be combined with a UV-blocking tint or other substance. Fortunately, this is standard practice with polarized lenses, especially from brands like Oakley, which offer 100-percent UV protection.
Increased Visual Clarity – Since these lenses block glare and excess sunlight, you’ll be able to see your surroundings more clearly. This advantage can make it easier to see the golf ball against the sky or green grass on the course.
Reduced Eye Fatigue – Your typical 18-hole game takes four to five hours which can cause eye fatigue, especially on sunny days. Polarized lenses ensure you start every round with fresh eyes, allowing you to focus more on your game.
Better Visual Acuity – We’ve already determined that polarized lenses are perfect for playing around water hazards. However, teeing off into a sunset or sunrise can be just as tricky. And it’s often very difficult to follow the golf ball against a sunny sky. Polarized lenses improve your vision in these situations by blocking sunlight and reducing eye strain.
Cons of Polarized Golf Lenses
Reduced Depth Perception – The biggest disadvantage mentioned for polarized lenses in golf is reduced depth perception, especially when putting. And this is backed by studies showing that polarization does actually reduce your depth perception. This puts you at a disadvantage in outdoor sports that require acute eye-hand coordination like golf and tennis. This is why you’ll often see golfers who do choose to wear polarized lenses, remove them while putting.
Unreliable Glare Protection – Polarized lenses only work if they are sitting straight on your face. You’ll still experience glare when you tilt your head to the sides, which is inevitable while golfing. For instance, you may notice that glare increases when you turn your head around 60 degrees during your swing. These lenses also won’t prevent glare in your peripheral vision.
Expensive – Polarized golf lenses cost more than their non-polarized counterparts. And depending on your pair of sunglasses, this cost can add up!
Distorted Vision – Although rare, some people experience dizziness, nausea, and headaches with polarized lenses. You need to pay extra attention to the lens quality to avoid these problems. We recommend using high-quality brands like Oakley or Nike Golf to prevent these problems. Comfort should always be your most important priority on and off the course!
Are Polarized Sunglasses for Golf Right for You?
To decide whether polarized golf sunglasses are right for you, we’d recommend asking yourself the below questions. You can also use our handy decision chart below to decide if they’re right for you:
- Are you a Professional, PGA, or Scratch Golfer? If, yes, use contrast-enhancing lenses instead of Polarized lenses to avoid issues with depth perception. If no, proceed to the next question.
- Have you had eye issues (headaches, fatigue, etc.) with Polarized lenses in the past? If yes, try standard or contrast-enhancing lenses. If no, proceed to the next question
- Are your eyes very sensitive to sunlight? If, yes, consider Polarized lenses for maximum protection from UV rays and sunlight. If not, try Polarized and contrast-enhancing lenses to determine the best options for you.
Plus, read more in our guide comparing polarized and non-polarized sunglasses!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Polarized Lenses Affect Depth Perception?
While some people may disagree, the consensus is that polarized lenses do affect depth perception.
Experts suggest that this is due to uneven polarization between lenses rather than an inherent quality of polarization. But the fact that polarization filters out horizontal wavelengths does support the idea that these lenses may affect depth perception.
Nevertheless, reduced depth perception is a problem when you need to accurately judge distance for putts or approach shots.
Do Professional Golfers Use Polarized Sunglasses?
While the field is mixed today, many PGA and professional golfers use contrast-enhancing golf lenses instead of polarized lenses. For example, Oakley’s Prizm lens technology offers contrast and color-enhancing technology designed for the golf course with Prizm Golf and Prizm Dark Golf. These lenses are specifically built to make it easier to read greens, spot your ball and see contours on the ground. And other brands like Nike (Course Tint) offer similar technologies built for a variety of lighting conditions.
However, some brands like Maui Jim still make polarized golf sunglasses. And these may be good options for people with sensitive eyes. Plus, Maui Jim’s polarized golf sunglasses also feature high contrast to counter depth perception issues. Read more in our guide to the Best Golf Sunglasses.
Are Oakley Prizm Golf Sunglasses Polarized?
No, Oakley Prizm Golf lenses are not polarized. Instead, they include Oakley Prizm technology that offers contrast and color enhancing designed for golf course greens and fairways. And these lenses feature an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare. So you may not even be able to tell the difference unless you are extra sensitive to bright light.
We love Oakley Prizm lenses, especially Prizm Golf, and would highly recommend them for any serious golfers. And these lenses still block 100% of harmful UV rays, so your eyes are protected! For more check out our guide to the Best Oakley Golf Sunglasses.
Where to Buy Polarized Golf Sunglasses?
You can purchase polarized golf sunglasses from online retailers or your local golf store or eyewear center.
We’d recommend trying on a variety of frames in person to find the right fit and lens for you, then heading online to buy. That’s because you can often save 20%+ on new brand name sports sunglasses through seasonal sales and aftermarket retailers like our Exchange Areas.
Are Prescription Polarized Golf Sunglasses Available?
Yes, you can purchase prescription polarized golf sunglasses online or from your local eye doctor. Be sure to ask what frames and lenses are available specifically for golf. Today, even contrast-enhancing lenses like Prizm Golf and Nike Course tint are available for prescription glasses. For more, check out the Best Lens Colors for Golf.
It is worth noting that not all sunglasses frames support prescription lenses. Nevertheless, make sure you get a durable and lightweight frame that can stand up to your golf swings.
We recommend nylon-plastic frames with polycarbonate lenses. Plus, you’ll want to look for rubber grips on the temples for a secure fit even when driving off the tee.
Have a Question?
Want to learn more about polarized golf lenses? Or have a question? Let us know in the comments below!
