Edited by: Jordan Fuller
Reviewed by: John Marshall
Last Update:
Just because the weather is cooperating doesn’t mean you have to stay home and watch TV. For those who love golf rain or shine, you need to find the perfect umbrella.
Quality frame material construction and canopy design are very critical to a good umbrella. Additional features like auto open buttons and ergonomic handles to make it seem like the umbrella isn’t even there.
This guide will help you look through the benefits and drawbacks for some of the top golf umbrellas available. After reading this review you will be able to select the best umbrella for your needs and keep dry during those rain showers.
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Last updated on 2020-01-19. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
Best Golf Umbrella (2020)
G4 Free Extra-Large Umbrella
Best For Most Golfers Umbrella: ultra-portable, yet ultra-large
PROS
- Double canopy Design
- Huge size to cover multiple people if needed
- Easy open pop up button
- Lightweight
- Carrying case for better storage
CONS
- May fall into bigger golf bags
- Grip is foam and can deteriorate quickly if not dried properly.
Overall, the G4 is a great umbrella for golfers that don’t play golf in the rain or wind very frequently. The oversized canopy design is perfect to protect you and a buddy against the flash summer storm during a round. The auto pop up button and fiberglass shaft make the umbrella very easy to use and capable of withstanding most of your summer storms.
For those looking for an umbrella to protect them against the summer sun might want to look elsewhere. The carrying case gives the umbrella an additional bump in portability but for golfers with larger bags, it could slide down causing you to fish for its mid-round. Because it isn’t a compact umbrella it won’t fit in most standard bag side pockets.
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Designed well for Summer Storms
Umbrellas construction is critical for the intended use. For stronger wind areas, a wood or steel shaft is likely going to be needed to resist the stress of high winds. Many golfers won’t be playing in hurricane force winds. The G4 Free is designed with a fiberglass shaft and reinforced fiberglass ribs.
Fiberglass is more flexible than wood or steel so the designed use a double canopy design. This acts as a ventilation system for the umbrella allowing the wind to escape through the top of the umbrella while keeping rain out. The G4 Free design prevents the umbrella from turning inside out while keeping rain off your head.
Easy storage and fairly portable
The designers made an excellent choice to use the auto pop button for quick opening of the canopy. This way you don’t have to fight the umbrella to get it pop open in that sudden shower. For quick storage, the umbrella compacts rather easily and two Velcro straps on each canopy help golfers quickly wrap the canopy and store it in the stick form.
This particular item comes with a carrying bag the umbrella quickly stores. Two main issues are the length of the closed canopy at 39” it might slip into larger golf bags causing you to fish it out mid round.
Zomake Golf Umbrella
Best for Windy Climates: Double canopy design for maximum airflow
PROS
- Double canopy design for maximum air flow
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Automatic push button open
- Extra-long stick umbrella for easy storage
- Storage case
- High amounts of UV protection
CONS
- Shallow rib joints
- Foam handle might degrade over time
The large Zomake umbrella comes in multiple different sizes. This umbrella like the G4 Free, excels during summer storms. The major difference is the Zomake doubles with UV protection of 50+ for those looking to escape the beating sun during summer rounds. The double canopy design lends itself to vent during the summer so it isn’t hotter under the umbrella than in the sun.
The fiberglass shaft is accompanied by a joint and rib frame of a metal and fiber mixture yielding higher wind resistance. The larger canopy model is long enough to fit directly into your golf bag without sinking to the bottom. The undercarriage design lends itself to golfers that play in areas where wind and gust can be faster than normal.
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Beat all the Elements: Wind, Rain, and Sun
The Zomake combats multiple weather elements with a single design. Combining a strong reinforced frame with heavy duty canopy materials makes this one of the more versatile umbrellas available. The thick pongee fabric keeps any significant rain and sun off the golfer during a round. To combat the wind and rain, Zomake uses reinforced metal fiber mesh and fiberglass shaft to keep. The strength of the metal fiber mesh for the rib joints is a big bonus and is stronger than other normal fiberglass material making it ideal for higher wind areas.
Standard Design bad Handle
The Zomake golf umbrellas feature many of the standard elements of large canopy golf umbrellas we have come to expect. With fiberglass construction, pongee fabric, and double canopy design, it is well within the regular group of umbrellas. It features a one touch push button for a quick opening canopy and an extra-large model that can fit up to three people at once. The major drawback is the handle material. A rubber or more durable material is preferred over the foam used as it can degrade if left in the sun or after getting wet.
Prospo Golf Umbrella
Most Portable and Easy to Carry: Ergonomic grip for easy use
PROS
- Double canopy Design
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Oversized for more coverage
- Automatic pop up
- Loop at the bottom for extra feel
- Ergonomic grip for easy use
CONS
- May slip into bigger golf bags with a smaller version
The Prospo Golf umbrella brings strong fiberglass construction to help keep the umbrella from inverting. With a double canopy design and fiberglass design, it is resistant to wind and rain and won’t invert while you are on the course. The large canopy option allows for easy storage in any standard golf bag.
Standard on either model is the one touch quick open button to help get the canopy open quickly. A major difference between this umbrella and others is the handle. The polyurethane, fancy word for rubber, won’t dry out of degrading over time no matter the wear and tear.
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Storage and Comfort with Any Size
The handle with the loop is the differentiator between other umbrellas. Since the other features are fairly standard, the high-quality rubber handle with a loop on the end. Because many golf umbrellas don’t have this loop, they aren’t as easy to store vertically in a golf bag. Instead of using a foam handle, the Prospo uses high quality polyurethane, it won’t degrade or fall off. This model functions very well when wet because the handle is very slip resistant even when wet. The addition of the loop gives you extra grip for those gusts that attempt to take the umbrella out of your hands.
Industry standard Design features
The prospo golf umbrella features industry standard design such as a honeycomb ring and joint construction under the canopy 190 T Pongee fabric material which will keep out the wind. The double canopy design is standard on either model or helps prevent the wind from turning the umbrella inside out. With two models available at 62 inches and 68 inches you can buy an umbrella for just yourself or for two. The features that sets the Prospero apart from other golf umbrellas is the handle comes with a loop at the bottom to attach to your golf bag or golf cart with ease.
Repel Golf Umbrella
Strength for Windy Conditions: Extra strong triple layered fiberglass
PROS
- Extra strong triple layered fiberglass
- Double canopy design for better airflow
- Pongee material for ultimate water resistance
- Auto pop up button
- Well-designed handle
CONS
- None, well designed umbrella
The retail golf umbrella uses a triple layered Fiberglas design to add strength without breaking the bank the fiberglass shaft comes equipped with an auto open button. The rubber handle has an ergonomic design making it more durable and comfortable to hold. Like other leading class of umbrellas, it comes with a loop at the end to make attaching two things much easier.
An additional bonus is this particular model has a different pattern on the ribs and joints making it more aesthetically pleasing. For golfers looking for a strong umbrella with a unique external appearance, this umbrella Will meet all of your needs.
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Designed for Strength and Time
The triple layered reinforced fiberglass ribs and shaft making this an umbrella stronger and more durable than many other umbrellas in the same category. Because the repel decided to use a stronger fiberglass joint and rib design this model can be used in windier conditions where extra strength is required. The canopy is designed with a Teflon coated pongee fabric including a vented double canopy system to avoid a parachute effect. The combination of strong joint and shack construction combined with a well-designed double canopy coated Teflon umbrella top this umbrella stands out in the crowd.
Flair at no extra cost
The designers went the extra mile to make sure this Sunbrella would stand out in the crowd. Instead of keeping the rib joint the same color as the rest of the umbrella, it brings a unique and interesting color design to keep you dry. The Shaft is also designed to look like Carbon fiber adding sunshine to make me design look more expensive without the price tag. The double canopy design includes a mesh at the canopy separation point making it a more aesthetically seamless transition from lower to upper canopy. This umbrella was designed to pop along with your outfit.
Brainstorming Large Travel Umbrella Windproof Compact Golf Umbrella
Best Golf Umbrella for Golfing with Travel: Lightweight and ultraportable
PROS
- Ultra-portable
- Lightweight and small
- Heavier fabric for canopy
- Great for side pockets
- Fiberglass reinforced construction
CONS
- Smaller canopy than most
One of the few portable compact golf umbrellas makes this perfect for golf on the road. Because the canopy is smaller than other large canopy umbrellas when folded this umbrella can fit into a side compartment on your golf bag. It includes a double canopy design with 10 fiberglass ribs to reinforce a smaller canopy.
A loop at the bottom of the handle is accompanied by a smaller than normal hand position with an auto open button. Fully folded the umbrella is only 13 inches long. For an everyday umbrella, it does not measure up to the larch umbrellas in the same category but large enough to keep you dry on the course.
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Extra Rib joint for extra strength
Travel umbrella comes with an extra set of rib joints to make it more durable and stronger than those umbrellas with 8 rib joints. This allows for it to be used in stronger wind conditions especially useful when traveling. On top of the extra rib joints, the umbrella uses a heavier 210T pongee fabric for extra strength and maximum water repellent. The upgraded model comes with metal reinforcing around the rib joints for additional and consistent strength through gusty winds. The designers make sure this umbrella although small had high-quality Materials and designs for long-lasting golf on the road.
Portability and Performance
The small nature of this umbrella means you can put it in your golf bag and take it with you whenever traveling to play around. Additionally, the small loop at the bottom of the umbrella can be used to attach the umbrella to other parts of your bag or your golf course.
Four golfers on the road needing to stuff this is a small umbrella into tight spaces the durable construction of the fiberglass joints and heavier than normal canopy material assure to provide performance right out of the luggage. The auto open feature also includes an auto lock meaning all it takes to get it open and to stay open is one press of a button. because the umbrella is smaller than most oversized umbrellas it is lighter meaning you will barely notice it when it’s not raining.
BAGAIL Golf Umbrella
Standard Construction Fun Colors: Good design and lightweight
PROS
- Good design feature of colored rib joints
- Fiberglass construction and design
- Auto pop up mechanism
- Multiple colors and patterns
- Durable and comfortable handle
- Pongee material used in canopy
CONS
- Stick folded version shorter than most
The Bagail golf umbrella combines standard golf technology with fun and interesting design patterns to help you stand out on the golf course. Like many other designed for umbrellas in a golf class, the Bagail features a double canopy design fiberglass construction and a comfortable ergonomic. Unlike other umbrellas, this features a handle that is covered in a polyurethane material that will resist the water and will last longer than a standard foam handle.
At the end of the handle is an auto open button for quick and easy Cover. Unlike other premium models, this does not feature in auto locking mechanism. This particular umbrella comes in several different sizes to meet the needs of the individual golfer. For those looking for a standard umbrella with better and more imaginative patterns, this is your best bet.
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More pattern options for all
Unlike many umbrellas that feature only a standard black or navy-blue Color the bag Gail has a wide array of colors and patterns. It mixes a variety of colors and patterns to give you a more personal touch on your golf umbrella. Another good estimate design feature is the polished shaft made it look like high-quality carbon fiber. It compares well with other models in its ability to repel rain and sun with good protection from the sun.
Another good bonus is the plastic tip on the end of the umbrella that prevents creating skid marks on other surfaces while also providing some drop protection.
Good Design at any size
Because this is a standard umbrella design with fiberglass ribs, fiberglass shaft auto open button and double canopy design there isn’t much to differentiate this except formally folded way. Other large canopy umbrellas don’t feature a long stick folded length for easy storage in a golf bag next to the golf clubs.
The candle will allow you to quickly grab the umbrella out of your bag without eroding or degrading like a foam handle wood overtime. The biggest benefit is at the extended size of the umbrella when folded into a stick.
G4 Free Wooden J Handle
Old Time Look, New Tech Design: Classic umbrella feel with modern technology
PROS
- Classic umbrella feel with modern technology
- J-Handle can help store vertically in bag
- Great mix of retro look with modern technology
- Double canopy design
- Fiberglass construction
- Pongee material on canopy
CONS
- J – Handle can fit awkwardly in packed golf bags
G4 Free with the wooden J handle is an interesting combination of new technology with an old feel. The wooden j-Hook at the end of the umbrella gives that classic Charlie Chaplin twirling umbrella feel. The 62-inch version is large enough to sit in a bag vertically with the rest of your golf clubs.
The unique feature of this umbrella is that no matter the size you purchase the J hook can be used to store the umbrella vertically without getting lost in the bag. The tip of the umbrella has a black metal end cap that preserves the top of the umbrella with a classic look. Golfers who want to store and umbrella vertically in her bag and were long for a classic wooden J hook handle will love this umbrella.
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Oddly Portable when Vertical
It may seem odd that this umbrella has a higher portability score than others, but the Jay Hook makes it easy to store vertically regardless of the size that you purchase. The old school handle is combined with new school technology to include fiberglass construction and modern heavy pongee material to get a great product with a great classic look. if you’re not trying to store and in your golf bag this could be awkward to store elsewhere because of the length in the awkward j-Hook on the end of the umbrella.
Modern Technology Old School Feel
As stated, before the fiberglass reinforced construction umbrella brings new Technology to a classic look and feel. The designers took great care to make sure the wooden hook was accompanied by other classic design features. In addition to fiberglass reinforcement, it also includes a double canopy design to withstand the elements and keep you dry.
The beading at the ends of the joints facing the outside of the umbrella is not necessary and is tipped with a cleaner metallic looking material. This umbrella brings standard performance with a classic look reminiscent of Arnold Palmer golfing.
Golf Umbrella Large 48 Inches
For All Purposes: Enough for a single golfer
PROS
- Double canopy design
- Pongee material
- Lightweight
- Well-designed canopy
CONS
- Portability awkward without handle loop
- Might not fit in bag well
The high and dry cough up umbrella is great for golfers who don’t need something so large. but they 48-inch canopy it is enough for a single golfer looking to keep themselves dry or out of the sun during a round. The issue with this umbrella is the length of the stick is not large enough to fit inside a golf bag without it falling to the bottom and disappearing.
It does feature a double canopy design with two straps for quick and easy storage. The handle comes equipped with an auto open button similar to other umbrellas and a foam handle. This umbrella is best for golfers who don’t mind carrying an umbrella around or have longer compartments on their golf bag
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Small Design without Added Portability
This umbrella is somewhere between a portable in an oversized model. It seems to be stuck between being oversized and long or a compact easy to fit into your golf bag umbrella. At 27 inches it will slide into almost any golf bag when trying to store it next to clubs.
This umbrella will function well if needed primarily to keep yourself out of the sun but because of the portability issues may not be the best solution for a rainy Area where quick storms could get you wet in a hurry. If the umbrella included a strap on the bottom it may have increased its portability and design ranking.
Lightweight with Modern Tech
Since the umbrella does not have a larger canopy like most other golf umbrellas it is lighter weighing in at just 1 1/4 pounds it is easy to transport and carry for any golfer. The ribbon design is comparable to other models as well as the high quality 190T pongee canopy material.
It keeps two pieces of overlapping material on the canopy still maintains a lightweight and easy to carry design. The carrying case is a light fabric with a long strap that is easily slow over the shoulder or can’t be attached to the golf bag. Unfortunately, the awkward size doesn’t make this easy to store anywhere inside the golf bag
UROPHYLLA Golf Umbrella Windproof
Best Golf Umbrella for Clubs: Coating and beads are stronger than normal
PROS
- High quality canopy material design
- Coating and beads are stronger than normal
- Automatic pop up button
CONS
- Single canopy design
- Foam handle not as durable
- Smaller when folded vertically
Unfortunately, this umbrella is not likely to help keep your score low when it rains. The single canopy design is a major drawback in comparison to other golf umbrellas available. When strong gusts are in play, this umbrella will have a greater chance of slipping out of your hands or turning inside out.
Outside of the single canopy design, the fiberglass construction keeps it aligned with other umbrellas, but the undercarriage construction brings questions about strength. The canopy features a high-quality Teflon polyester which helps bead and remove water from the umbrella quickly and efficiently. This umbrella is probably best to use on your bag if you have an attachment that can keep it from flying away.
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Just misses the mark on Design
The biggest red flag that stands out is the single canopy design. Unlike most golf umbrellas, the UROPHYLLA only has a single canopy which makes it more prone to turning inside out and not venting hot air in the summer. Fiberglass in the shaft and undercarriage aligns with other umbrellas but the joints fanning out to the edges seem smaller than most other umbrellas.
The handle includes and auto open button and the package comes with a carrying case. Like smaller golf umbrellas, the length when folded is on the shorter side (39”) making it possible to slide into the bag. Overall, this umbrella features many standard design elements seen on higher quality umbrellas, but the single canopy design is difficult to move past.
A good and bad canopy
Even though the single canopy design for this umbrella is a drawback, the designers did step up and use a more resistant material for the canopy than most umbrellas. Pongee is the standard because it merges price and performance whereas the Urophylla golf umbrella uses a Teflon polyester material. Similar to the cooking on non-stick pans, the Teflon coating beads and rolls water off the canopy with extreme efficiency.
The material is on the more expensive so keep the cost low, the fiberglass joints spanning from the ribs to end on the umbrella are smaller than normal. This weaker structural design combined with a single canopy, increase the likelihood of it turning inside out during a windstorm.
ACEIken Golf Umbrella Large
Good Model: Pongee material for rain resistance
PROS
- Double canopy design
- Fiberglass rib joints
- Pongee material for rain resistance
CONS
- Not good value for quality
- Shorter than most bigger umbrellas
- Foam handle
The ACEIken golf umbrella even with the larger model doesn’t stand up to other umbrellas in the same category. It does feature the fiberglass construction similar to other umbrellas but the overall length even for the largest model would not fit in a standard golf bag without dipping below the surface and possibly being hard to grab out of the golf bag.
The foam sponge handle will keep you warm in the winter but could degrade over time with use compared to other more durable handle construction options. It does have a double canopy design with 190T pongee fabric for quick drying, water resistance, and UV protection.
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Standard Design with some options
It does offer other colors outside of the standard black and navy-blue umbrellas. The standard fiberglass rib design and shaft making a sturdy comparable option two other umbrellas like it. The fabric used will keep you dry and will also keep you out of the sun like many other umbrellas.
The double canopy is much more seamless, so it almost looks as if it is a single canopy designed umbrella making it appear more streamlined. The auto-open function does not have an auto locking mechanism which means you will have to push this open to lock it in place. There are other umbrellas available that can meet the same design requirements and offer similar pricing.
Portability Issues
Because the length of the longest model is very long enough to fit into a golf bag making it difficult to keep from struggling to quickly get the umbrella out of the bag it takes a hit to portability score. Additionally, the single strap to close the umbrella does not compare to other models that have to straps on the double canopy one on the top one on the bottom. It does, however, feature a carrying case for easy storage when not being used for a round of golf. Without a loop around the handle and with a foam handle it does not offer any relief or attachment point outside of sticking it vertically in your bag.
Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
Criteria 1 – Portability
Golf bags can get over cluttered with clubs, head covers, and tees. An umbrella needs to be designed for the golf bag. It needs to fit inside of one of the many pockets on modern golf bags or slide easily into the slot where a golf club would fit.
Part of portability in this review is how easily the umbrella is put up and down. We looked to see if it was difficult to open and close. For umbrellas with a carrying case, we evaluated if we could get the umbrella in and out of the travel bag easily. The packaging is very important, especially because the weather can pop up quickly. Golfers need an umbrella they can toss in their bag and barely notice it is there.
Criteria 2 – Value
Golf is expensive as it is, an expensive umbrella isn’t necessary to enjoy wind, rain, or shine. What we looked for was value for what you are purchasing. Value means getting high durability materials, well designed frames, and long-lasting products without spending more than your golf clubs. The variety of umbrellas is so great but cheap does not always translate into usable.
Criteria 3 – Frame Construction
There are three main parts of an umbrella, the handle, the shaft, and undercarriage which is the ribs and joints that hold the canopy up. Probably the most touched part of the umbrella, it is important to use high quality materials that support grip and durability over time. Fiberglass is a very strong, durable, and light composite material that flexes but won’t snap or shatter during strong gusts or windy days.
For these reasons, umbrellas constructed with a fiberglass shaft are more favorable than steel and wood. The flexible properties of fiberglass make it ideal for the undercarriage as the ribs and joints need to be flexible enough to move with the canopy in the wind. The major drawback is fiberglass is brittle when bending, so if you get it caught between your bag and car door in the bag it will likely snap.
Criteria 4 – Canopy
The canopy is what keeps you dry in the rain and has to be built to last. The high-quality canopy design for golf umbrellas are evaluated based on material type, thickness, and design. The most popular material used on golf umbrellas is pongee fabric because of its water and sun resistance. Additionally, it is a more durable material than nylon or other plastic based fabrics that degrade in the sun over time or when they get wet.
The thicker the material, the more water and sun resistance is offered. Heavier fabric translates to more durability as well. On top of the material design, is canopy design. A critical design benefit is a double or two canopy design that allows air to vent outwards while keeping rain out. Single canopy umbrellas trap air causing turn outs, or the umbrella being pulled out of your hand.
Questions & Answers
Why do you need a golf umbrella?
Most golfers who play in the rain need a golf umbrella. For the summer and spring when weather can be unpredictable at times, it is necessary to have an umbrella on hand to pull out and avoid getting drenched. Golf clubs are made of metal and can erode if exposed to much water, an umbrella can be put over your golf bag to avoid the bag getting wet and ruining the grip or even the shaft of your clubs. If you have a sensitivity to heat or sun, a well-designed double canopy umbrella can keep you cool and help you avoid the sun. Thicker materials block more UV and help vent air vertically.
What characteristics should I look when buying a golf umbrella?
Well designed and strong construction. The underside of an umbrella where the ribs and joints are installed needs to be robust with the more joints the better. Double canopy design is almost required regardless of intended use because it helps vent air, avoids the parachute effect, and keeps the umbrella from turning inside out. You want to look for a shaft and handle that is made of fiberglass and some sort of polyurethane material, respectively.
Fiberglass flexes without fracturing and the polyurethane is more durable with less degradation over time compared to a foam handle. If you can find umbrellas with a loop on the end of the handle, it is easier to find places to store it. Depending on how you want to store your umbrella, you will want to find one that is longer than 48” when vertically folded to keep it in your bag next to clubs.
What are the features that matter in a golf umbrella?
Features depend on what your intended use and how much you intend to use in bad weather. The most important features to look for are those that suit your needs. For example, if you play golf in an area where rain is prevalent, you will want a strong fiberglass construction to withstand the pounding rain and high wind with storms. Also, you will want a Teflon pongee type canopy.
This helps bead and wick water away from the umbrella and is more durable against abrasion and tearing. A handle with waterproof material is ideal since the handle will likely get wet. In any case, an umbrella with a double canopy design and robust rib and joint construction connection to the canopy is a must. The material weight will depend on what you need. Heavier materials translate to more durable and lengthier product uses.
What’s the difference between Nylon, polyester, and Pongee Teflon fabric?
These fabrics are fairly similar across the board, where they vary is in cost and effect to temperature and other climate conditions. Nylon, for instance, is the most expensive of the three materials. It is a great material because it feels like silk and has low friction against other surfaces. The big problem with nylon, is it can shrink under certain outdoor conditions making it not the most ideal product for umbrellas. Polyester is the cheapest of the materials but not as high quality as pongee or Nylon. Polyester doesn’t suffer from shrinkage like nylon, but the roughness of the material and creases created when folding can cause stiffness when opening and closing an umbrella.
Pongee is in the middle of nylon and polyester in cost and a better in quality than polyester. Pongee takes the best properties of nylon and polyester without many of the drawbacks. Because of the manufacturing process it does not shrink in different weather conditions like nylon nor does it crease like polyester. The combination of price, material quality, and few drawbacks make it ideal for use in umbrellas.