Updated September 28, 2023. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
Sunscreen is an essential component of a golfer’s arsenal. With its ability to reduce the skin’s exposure to the sun’s harmful rays, a great sunscreen can keep a golfer safe from the dangers of skin cancer.
But not all sunscreens are made equally: some provide quick evaporation to leave your skin feeling unaffected, while others can leave an oily residue.
So it is vital for individuals to find the best sunscreen that absorbs quickly, offers adequate sun protection, and keeps defending against skin cancer even when it’s hot, humid, and sweaty.
In our list of the best sunscreen for golfers, we take an in-depth look at the best products for sun protection.
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Table of Contents
Best Sunscreen for Golfers 2023
We recommend golfers wear sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful rays. Here’s our best golf sunscreen list:
Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen
Best Sunscreen for Golfers Overall
KEY FEATURES
- SPF 70 formula doesn’t wear down with sweat
- Moisturizes your face in addition to providing sun protection
- Uniquely designed with Helioplex that creates a sturdy safety barrier from sun damage
Incredibly safe for the skin, the mineral-based Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70 includes titanium dioxide, which is excellent for keeping sunshine off your skin during a long day at the golf course.
Not only is Neutrogena Sport a fantastic product, it works harder than other heavy-duty sunscreens with its extreme water resistance — even on hot and sweaty days, you won’t need to constantly re-apply.
With an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating of 70, our top-choice sunsreen is excellent at the golf club before, during and after your round.
EltaMD UV Sport
Best SPF Value Sunscreen
KEY FEATURES
- SPF 50 rating with mineral-based formula that reduces sun damage
- Broad spectrum ingredient list makes product quick absorbing to flesh
- Zinc oxide keeps the skin free from grease with one use
An outstanding sunscreen from EltaMD is next on our list. With its powerful SPF 50 rating, the EltaMD is a fabulous water-resistant sunscreen that also moisturizes the skin so it doesn’t become dried out.
Whether you just use their sunscreen or go for the whole line of EltaMD skin care products, your skin will thank you. The EltaMD UV Sport provides a mineral-based safeguard to golfers that keeps the skin clean without ever feeling greasy.
With several different natural ingredients providing broad-spectrum sun protection, the EltaMD UV Sport is a wonderful option.
Sun Bum Face 50
Most Water-Resistant Sunscreen
KEY FEATURES
- Great in the water or when sweating on the golf course with 80 minutes of water resistance before it’s time to reapply
- The proprietary Sun Bum Formula is packed with Vitamin E and other moisturizing ingredients to enrich skin with each use
- SPF 50 rating blocks all harmful UV rays, preventing skin damage and burns
The Sun Bum Sunscreen is eco-friendly without harmful chemicals that make your flesh dry. On the golf course, the product doesn’t need frequent reapplication with long-lasting protection that is among the top sunscreens on the market.
The fragrance-free, vegan formula is ideal for sensitive skin, and the reef-friendly formula is ocean-friendly if you decide to take a dip after your round.
Even on your sweatiest days, you won’t need to reapply more than every two hours with the high water-resistance that Sun Bum delivers.
Thinksport
Best Sunscreen for the Whole Family
KEY FEATURES
- One of the finest sunscreens without greasy residue
- 80 minutes of time security with water resistance and sweat shield
- Completely free of harmful chemicals makes it great for adults and children
The best sunscreen on our list for the whole family is from Thinksport. Free from harmful chemicals like PABA, phthlates, and BPA, Thinksport is up-front with the user on its ingredients by plastering the information all over the back of the bottle.
Having that information allows you to rest assured that Thinksport is safe for you and your little ones.
With a fabulous, long lasting mineral-based broad spectrum formula, Thinksport sunscreen is well equipped to protect the whole family on the golf links.
Solimo Sport Sunscreen Lotion
Top Value Sunscreen
KEY FEATURES
- SPF 50 with 80 minutes of water-resistant safety
- Mineral-based without harmful compounds to dry out your skin
- Generic branding provides great value
For value seekers, nothing beats the Solimo Sport, an easy best value choice for this list. Available in an 8 ounce tube, the Solimo Sport offers almost an hour and a half of water-resistance safety along with a SPF 50 formula.
While it’s not as invisible and quick-drying as the more expensive brands, the Solimo Sport sunscreen goes on clean with minimal oily residue.
And one 8oz tube will last you all summer long for around $5. The mineral-based formula keeps you well-protected from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Spray
Best Non-Greasy Sunscreen: Great for Sensitive Skin
KEY FEATURES
- No chemicals or harsh irritants for clean sun protection
- SPF 30 rating offers 80 minutes of water-resistant protection
- Fast absorbing formula, great for sensitive skin
Babo Botanicals’ Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Spray offers a clean application without the greasy residue that can cause discomfort while you try to enjoy your day. WIth an SPF rating of 30, the sunscreen provides 80 minutes of water-resistant protection before needing reapplication.
The Babo sunscreen spray does not irritate the skin, making it ideal for the golf course. An affordable sunscreen that sprays on evenly with quick absorption that’s gentle on sensitive skin, this option is an easy choice for our Best Non-Greasy title.
Z Blok Stick Sunscreen
High-Grade SPF 45 Sunscreen
KEY FEATURES
- Fragrance-free ingredients applies clear and won’t sting eyes
- 80 minutes of water-resistant protection
- SPF 45 protection with non-greasy formula
Z-Blok, a high-grade broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 45 protection, offers 80 minutes of water-resistance with an eye-safe formula that doesn’t feel oily.
Formulated with a Zinc Oxide base, the Z-Blok sunscreen does not contain fragrance, providing a clean feel when the lotion touches your skin.
The Z-Blok provides a lightweight option to heavier, denser sunscreens, without sacrificing much in the way of protection. The Z-Blok also comes in a two-ounce tube, great for golfers who want a lighter, smaller sunscreen in their golf bag.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen
Best Clean Feel Sunscreen
KEY FEATURES
- Sunscreen SPF 30 provides broad protection for UV Rays
- 100% Zinc Oxide formula offers quick absorption
- Oil-free lightweight, hypoallergenic formula
Another wonderful product from the skin-care behemoth Neutrogena, the Sheer Zinc Sunscreen provides SPF 30 protection.
Free from fragrance and harsh chemicals, the Sheer Zinc blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays without leaving your skin feeling oily or dirty.
Offering 80 minutes of water resistance before you need to reapply, the Neutrogena sunscreen absorbs quickly and helps push away sweat. Available in a three-pack, the Sheer Zinc sunscreen provides enough coverage to last an entire summer on the links.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Sunscreen for Golf
SPF Level
I recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for adequate sun protection when golfing. Golf requires extended exposure to the sun for 4+ hours at a time, so a higher SPF level is ideal.
The SPF indicates how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays that cause sunburns, potentially leading to permanent damage over time.
An SPF of 30 deflects about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. A higher SPF provides more protection, especially for fair skin that burns quickly.
Water Resistance
Since golf involves sweating and potential water hazards, it’s essential to use a water-resistant sunscreen that provides protection even after getting wet.
Look for sunscreens labeled “water resistant” for 40-80 minutes of protection before reapplying after getting wet or sweating heavily. Water-resistant formulas last longer and are essential for golf.
Application Method
Sunscreen sticks and sprays are often easy to apply on hard-to-reach spots when golfing alone. Lotions and creams provide maximum coverage but can feel thick and heavy on the skin.
Choose a formula that you find easy to apply so you don’t miss any spots.
Sun Protection
Verify the sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays by looking for the words “broad spectrum” on the bottle. UVA rays age skin while UVB rays burn it, so broad-spectrum protection is ideal.
Reapplication Time
Look on the sunscreen to see how long it stays resistant to sweat. Most sunscreens need reapplication every 2 hours when golfing to maintain protection as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do golfers use for sunscreen?
Golfers should use broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30 for adequate protection during extended time on the course.
Ideal sunscreens are water-resistant to withstand sweating and potential water hazards. Stick or spray formulas make self-application easy. Reapplication every 2 hours remains vital for continued coverage while golfing.
Do golfers wear sunscreen?
Yes, golfers regularly wear sunscreen when competing to protect their skin during prolonged sun exposure on the course.
Golfers should reapply sunscreen during their rounds at least once, perhaps even twice on high UV-rated days, to create sun safety that minimizes the risk of long-term damage to their skin.
How do you protect yourself from the sun on a golf course?
To protect yourself from the sun on the golf course, I suggest wearing a breathable, lightweight UV protection shirt and a breathable wide-brimmed hat for shade.
Also, you should apply broad spectrum SPF 30 water-resistant sunscreen to exposed skin and reapply every 2 hours. Staying hydrated with water and seeking shade between shots helps as well.
Conclusion
Neutrogena’s Sport Face sunscreen boasts an oil-free mixture and lasts a whopping 80 minutes when it comes to sweat.
Featuring an SPF of 70, the Sport Face sunscreen delivers premium protection from harmful UV rays, keeping your skin protected from the moment you step onto the first tee box.
Even on the hottest days, I found sunscreen performed beautifully to protect my skin. The product also moisturized my skin, leaving it healthy and hydrated after washing it off post-round.
One of the top sunscreens you’ll find on and off the course, the Sport Face from Neutrogena checks all the boxes for a grease-free feeling that helps you focus less on your skin and more on making birdies.