Mistakes Golfers Make When Buying Sunglasses (and How to Avoid Them)

As a golfer, it's obvious that having good vision is important when playing on a bright sunny day. Sunglasses not only block the sun's rays, but they also help reduce glare and improve the golfer's accuracy while hitting the ball. However, just buying a fashionable pair of sunglasses is not enough to help someone with their game. 

The right sunglasses can make a huge difference in a golfer's performance. On the other hand, choosing the wrong sunglasses can affect the golfer's ability to see the ball clearly and feel comfortable while playing. 

There are many mistakes golfers make when buying sunglasses that they may not realize exist. By knowing what these mistakes are, it will be easier for golfers to purchase sunglasses that actually help them improve their golf game.

Buying Sunglasses Without Checking For UV Protection

One of the biggest mistakes golfers make when buying sunglasses is not checking to see if the sunglasses have UV protection. 

A fashionable-looking lens may look great, but if the lens does not provide a proper amount of UV protection, then it won't help protect a golfer's eyes! Golfers spend many hours outside in bright sunlight, so protecting a golfer's eyes from harmful UV rays is essential. 

If golfers do not wear sunglasses that have the correct amount of UV protection, it can lead to eye strain and vision problems over time. When a golfer wears sunglasses that provide 100% protection from UV rays, they will help keep the golfer's eyes safe and relaxed while playing golf.

Choosing The Wrong Lens Color

There are a variety of different lens colors available for golfers, and each of these colors will have different benefits. 

Many golfers select lens colors for their sunglasses based solely on how the color looks to them, but most golfers do not take the time to learn how lens colors affect their ability to see and play golf. Many golfers wear sunglasses that have darker lens colors simply because they like how they look. 

However, wearing sunglasses with a dark lens will limit the light coming into your eyes. This will cause most golfers to become overexposed to sunlight while hitting the ball.

Quality of Lens Material Ignored

Different lens types are available to golfers, yet many golfers opt to use regular plastic lenses without knowing what limitations will come with this material's use. 

Poor-quality plastic lenses are easily scratched and become blurred over time, and as such should not be used by serious golfers. 

Quality polycarbonate lenses or Trivex lenses are impact resistant, lightweight, and last long. They provide you with higher quality vision and are less likely to be damaged when used outdoors. Golfers concerned with quality should choose strong optical-grade lenses over less quality lens options.

The Assumption That Polarized Lenses Are Always Required.

Polarized lenses do a wonderful job of reducing the glare caused by the sun, but some golfers assume these lenses are mandatory. 

The use of a polarized lens will assist in reducing glare during extremely bright rounds but at times could also have a detrimental effect on a golfer's depth perception. 

The choice of a polarized lens should be objective and based solely on a golfer's own experience with glare and how they react to light glare relative to depth perception.

Purchasing an Uncomfortable Frame

There are many reasons for golfers to purchase sunglasses [frames] that provide both comfort and good vision; comfort and vision are as important as the other. Many golfers will buy sunglasses based solely on style and not comfort or good vision. 

Purchasing flattering but heavy or tight-fitting frames will not only distract the golfer from the task of golf but also likely have a negative impact on their ability to focus while taking a shot. 

The most desirable frames for golfers are lightweight, flexible, and secure, yet do not cause pressure to nose pads or temple grips when in motion.

Not Considering the Importance of Fit and Coverage

Many golfers do not bother to ensure that their sunglasses fit before purchasing. Purchasing sunglasses with small lenses or narrow frames creates the opportunity for sunlight to enter through the side and potentially block visibility. 

On the contrary, purchasing oversized sunglasses may inhibit the ability to see clearly because they do not remain in place as intended during a golf swing. Therefore, optimal sunglasses should provide sufficient coverage while not being bulky in appearance or feel. 

Properly fitted sunglasses that match one's face shape and hold securely during movement will therefore provide a golfer with maximum performance.

Prioritizing Appearance over Performance

Many golfers purchase sunglasses based exclusively on their appearance. While the appearance of a golf sunglasses frame can be appealing, it is essential to also ensure that the sunglasses will perform adequately. 

Many golfers buy a new pair of sunglasses because they think they look fashionable, but in reality, they may not be providing the best visibility for the golf course. 

Functionality features of golfing sunglasses should not be sacrificed for style. Buyers should look for sunglasses that have contrast-enhancing technology, anti-glare coating, lightweight construction, and, of course, a stylish appearance. Therefore, the best option for a golfer is to purchase a pair of golf sunglasses that are both stylish and functional.

Forgetting Durability and Build Quality

Golf sunglasses will experience many environmental exposures (sunlight, rain, dust, dirt, etc.) as well as potential accidental drops. Therefore, some golfers will buy a delicate pair of sunglasses that break easily. 

Titanium, nylon, and TR90 frames, as well as lenses with scratch-resistant coatings, provide excellent durability for golfers who are spinning their clubs on the course. In addition, paying attention to the quality of the build of a pair of sunglasses will help keep a golfer from constantly having to replace sunglasses and will allow a golfer to maintain optimal vision.

Mistakes in Paying for Sunglasses

There are some popular mistakes made by both golf enthusiasts and recreational players alike when it comes to purchasing sunglasses for golfing purposes. The first mistake commonly made by golf enthusiasts is to buy a very expensive pair of sunglasses with the idea that more expensive is always better.

The second mistake is to buy a cheap pair, thinking they can get by with them and that there will not be any need to purchase another pair. In this case, unfortunately for the golfer, the golfer has likely gone through a number of pairs of sunglasses because they are of inferior quality and/or do not provide good visibility. Therefore, it is best for golfers to purchase sunglasses that offer optimum performance, comfort, and cost.

Summary

Selecting the right pair of sunglasses can affect your ability to play well on the course. Educating yourself about purchasing sunglasses is one way to avoid common mistakes such as not purchasing sunglasses with a UV protection coating, purchasing sunglasses with the wrong tint, purchasing sunglasses that are made with inferior materials, and/or purchasing sunglasses that have overly flashy designs.