The best golf windbreakers are ones that will keep you warmer and protected against harsher wind conditions. You don’t want the sleeves of your polo shirt blowing frantically as you’re trying to hit a shot out of the bunker. A windbreaker is meant to be light and easy to wear. There are a ton of windbreakers on the market, but are they right for you and your golf game?
How do you know which one would be best for a round of golf? Here are picks for the best golf windbreakers out there, so you can feel confident heading into your next round. These are even easy enough to shove in your jacket, should they need to be used mid-round.
Best Golf Windbreakers: Our Top Picks
Best All-Weather: Puma Golf Riverwalk
Best Classic Look: Callaway Opti-Repel Full-Zip
Best Premium Pick: Nike Windrunner Hooded
Best for Comfort: adidas Core Woven
Best Lightweight Jacket: Nautica Lightweight
Best Windbreaker Vest: Cutter & Buck Breaker Sport Vest
Best Value: Three Sixty Six Windbreaker
Puma Golf Men’s Riverwalk Wind Jacket (Best All-Weather)
Easy to wear while you’re playing a round in almost any condition, this protects you from the Sun, water, and wind. It offers a slightly wider fit up top, making swinging your club easy.
- Wind CELL technology
- UPF 40+ protection
- Performance fit
- 100% polyester
- A bit snug in the stomach
If you’re looking for a windbreaker that you can wear during nearly any round of golf, this is one that you want to consider. It is made to withstand all kinds of temperatures and weather conditions.
It’s made from Wind CELL technology, so it’s breathable as well as water- and wind-resistant. This also offers you UPF 40+ protection, giving you a solid barrier against harmful UV rays. You’ll be getting superior coverage.
It is made with a performance-fit build, so it’s wider in the shoulders, chest, and sleeves. That will allow you to take a full swing, half swing, or chip with ease. You won’t feel too tight in the upper, although this may run snug in the midsection.
It’s made from 100% polyester, so it’ll be easy for you to wash in the washing machine. This features a half-zip design, making it easy to slip over your head. It comes in multiple color designs and sizes, from small to 3XL.
Callaway Men’s Long Sleeve Opti-Repel Full-Zip Wind Jacket (Best Classic Look)
- Optirepel wind and water resistance
- Standard collection for a classic look
- Mock collar
- Textured fabric for thermal warmth
- No sun protection
- Doesn’t dry too fast
This is a golf windbreaker that you can wear on the course or out to dinner afterward. It comes from Callaway’s Standard collection, which mixes a classic look with a roomier fit.
It features Optirepel wind and water resistance, so you can wear this in lighter rains. If it gets soaked, it won’t dry as fast as some other jackets. The textured fabric keeps thermal warmth in, allowing you to at least be warmer.
The mock collar goes well with a collared shirt, and the full zip design lets you slip it on and off with ease. It can be machine-washed, and the Callaway logo on the right sleeve will go well with your other Callaway apparel.
Choose it in sizes from small to 3XL. Just like our favorite pick for the best golf jackets for cold weather, Callaway continues to excel with this.
Nike Sportswear Windrunner Hooded Windbreaker Men’s Jacket (Best Premium Pick)
A premium choice that you can wear while doing all kinds of activities, this offering from Nike looks sharp and does the job. The water-repellent finish keeps you dry, and the Chevron at the chest helps you cut through the wind.
- Shiny taffeta fabric
- Water-repellent finish
- Chevron at the chest design
- Breathable
- Expensive
Nike brings with it some pizazz, and this jacket will remind people of the classic windbreakers of the 1980s. The Chevron at the chest design makes that so, and those who are wearing it will like how breathable it is.
The mesh interior keeps you cool, and the shiny taffeta fabric makes it lightweight and durable. It features a water-repellent finish that will keep you drier in wetter conditions.
It’s made from 100% nylon and includes a hood with pull strings, giving you flexibility for coverage. You’ll be looking sharp and ready to take on all kinds of activities, not just golf.
This does run a bit pricey, so if you’re not looking to spend over $100, this may not be the pick. But if you are, your style will thank you.
Adidas Golf Core Woven Wind Jacket Windbreaker (Best for Comfort)
- Woven polyester
- Wind-resistant
- Smooth performance fabric
- Deep hand pockets
- Not easy to find in stock
Adding this to your wardrobe will allow you more comfort on the course. It’s made from woven polyester fabric, so it’s built to sit well and gives you plenty of room to swing in.
It’s made with smooth performance fabric that offers light layering protection. It’s wind-resistant and zips fully.
With elasticized cuffs and hems, it won’t feel snug. This boasts deep hand pockets, allowing you to store a variety of items in them while you’re playing a round. It also has a hood to keep your neck and head covered when needed.
The lightweight jacket comes in different colors and sizes, but you may struggle to find them all in stock at one time.
Nautica Men’s Lightweight Windbreaker (Best Lightweight Jacket)
Providing a comfy and casual look, this is great for a day on the links or a day on the water. It’s meant to feel comfortable all day and protects you from wind and water.
- Stretch poly blend
- Zip hand pockets
- Mesh lining for breathability
- Many color options
- No hood
For a simple yet effective windbreaker, this choice from Nautica hits the mark. It offers a stretch poly blend, so it has some give to it. That makes it perfect for a day on the course.
The mesh lining allows air to circulate from within, so you won’t be too hot. But the build keeps you protected from water and wind.
It’s a versatile jacket with a water-resistant shell that is lightweight. This may not be the right jacket if you’re looking for warmth, but it’s great for adding a subtle layer for an early morning round.
The full zip design and zip pockets keep you and your belongings secure. There are a ton of different color and size options to choose from, so find the option that best fits your wardrobe.
Cutter & Buck Men’s Breaker Sport Vest (Best Windbreaker Vest)
Keeping your arms free, this vest still knocks wind down to keep your chest warm. It’s moisture-wicking and provides UPF 40 protection.
- CB weathertec fabric
- UPF 40 protection
- Moisture-wicking
- Sporty look
- Thin material
If you’re someone who prefers to keep their arms free while they’re playing a round, a sports vest may be the perfect addition to your closet. This from Cutter & Buck is a solid choice, as it can help you play through some tough wind.
Boasting CB weathertec fabric in the sleeveless shell, it’s versatile against light winds. It provides UPF 40 protection, so you won’t have to worry about getting hit by harmful rays. This isn’t the warmest jacket in the world, but it works for cool days.
It’s moisture-wicking, so even if you’re feeling warm while wearing it, it will pull that sweat away from your body. The moisture won’t just sit on you, making you feel uncomfortable.
The sporty look that you’ll get from it can be enjoyed on the course or off of it. It boosts the style, just like the best golf bucket hats on the market.
Three Sixty Six Men’s Windbreaker Jacket (Best Value)
- Vented back
- Stretchy fabric
- Side waist zipper opening
- Zipper hand pockets
- Not the most durable
If you’re not looking to break the bank for a windbreaker, this is a solid pick. It won’t set you back a ton but will give you plenty of stretch and wind protection.
This will shield you from the elements as it is designed to work against wind and light rain. It’s made from four-way stretch fabric that won’t inhibit you while you’re swinging.
There’s even a side waist zipper opening that gives you even more room to play with. It’s adjustable with a zip cord, so you can set it to fit you just right.
There is a vented back panel that lets hot air out. The zipper hand pockets allow you to store items with ease. This won’t break the bank and is offered in many colors and sizes. While it isn’t the most durable option, it works well for decent conditions.
What to Consider When Buying a Windbreaker
When you’re thinking of the main function of a windbreaker, it’s not to be blown over when you’re facing a serious wind gust. You want to make sure that your windbreaker jacket can handle some tough wind.
If you’re used to playing golf on a coast or in a place like the Pacific Northwest, you’re going to face a decent amount of wind and rain. While you’re going to want heavier rain gear for a wetter round, a windbreaker is perfect for a windier round.
Just a few weeks back, Adam Svensson won a PGA Tour tournament wearing a windbreaker because of the conditions. It’s not an uncommon occurrence to see them on the course. Windbreakers need to be roomy enough to allow you to fit them over a polo but, most importantly, swing your swing.
You don’t want to feel restricted by your windbreaker, so it needs to have some kind of flexible fabric in its construction. Another must for a windbreaker is some form of a zipper. Whether it’s a quarter zip, half zip, or full zip, you want to be able to adjust it to your liking.
Pockets are a huge help as well, so you can store items whether you’re walking or riding. If the windbreaker offers SPF or UPF protection, that’s an added bonus. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a warm windbreaker in order to cut through the wind. But you do want it to be comfortable and have some give.
What Companies Make the Best Windbreakers?
You’ll find plenty of offerings on the market for windbreakers. You can stick with tried and true brands like Callaway, Puma, and Nike when it comes to windbreakers. There are a lot of choices you can also go with if you’re looking to save some money and not buy a premium brand.
Make sure you check out reviews before you purchase one, as there are plenty that may be too thin or not durable enough for your liking. Other options, like Nautica and Charles River Apparel, can work on the golf course or in other active settings.
Conclusion
The best golf windbreakers are ones that protect you from tough winds but allow you to play golf without any restrictions. Golf is a tough game, even in great conditions, so you want to have the right apparel when you’re in windier conditions.
A golf windbreaker, such as the Puma Golf Men’s Riverwalk Wind Jacket, can keep you protected from wind, rain, and the sun to give you the best chance at success on the course.
Pick up a windbreaker, store it in your bag or throw it on, and stay protected while you’re battling to lower your score.