The time to buy a smoke alarm and a fire extinguisher is not while your kitchen is burning, just as the time to think about the warm clothing and items you need on the course is not on the first morning you see your breath on the first tee.
As I have written in the past, I always keep a water-resistant pullover in my golf bag in case I get caught on the course when a quick shower hits. But with football season here, the kids back in school and golf courses less crowded during the week, I keep other things close by, too.
Rather than grabbing a raincoat to stay dry or a heavy sweatshirt to stay warm, consider investing in apparel specifically made for golf. Look for little details that can make a big difference on the course.
For instance, stretch. You may not have a move like Scottie Scheffler’s or Nelly Korda’s, but a golf swing is dynamic. If your clothing is restrictive or if material bunches up and makes swinging your club cumbersome, you’ll be battling more than the elements out there.
And then there’s sound. Companies that design rain tops for golfers not only work with materials that keep water out, they also seek materials that are quiet when they are rubbed together or pulled. It may not seem like a big deal, but no one enjoys hearing a crinkling or zipping sound during their backswing or follow-through.
Finally, consider bulk and how you can reduce it. High-lofted sweaters and hoodies are cozy after you play, but thick layers are more likely to reduce your ability to move, even if they are stretchy. That’s why golf brands research insulating materials that are thin and allow you to make your normal swing while also keeping you warm.
The items below are some that should help you stay dry and warm on the course.
1. Adidas Ultimate365 DWR Textured Quarter-Zip Pullover, $85
The ribbed design of this top helps trap your body’s heat to keep you warm, and the polyester material is water-resistant to help keep you dry, as well.
Shop DWR Textured Quarter Zip Shop all Adidas fall apparel
2. FootJoy ThermoSeries Fleece Back Vest, $165
This vest features a woven, knit material that is water- and wind-resistant to keep your core warm while allowing your arms and torso to remain unimpeded as you swing.
Shop ThermoSeries Fleece Back Vest Shop all FJ fall apparel
3. Peter Millar Pursuit Half-Snap Hoodie, $245
This unique hoodie has an insulated front piece that is also water- and wind-resistant, along with a four-way stretch knit material in the arms and back. So on blustery days you should stay warm and dry while also being able to swing more easily.
Shop Peter Millar Half-Snap Hoodie Shop all Peter Millar fall apparel
4. Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Stretch Jersey Pullover, $148
This polyester and elastane quarter-zip features a soft feel and four-way stretch in a full-cut across the chest and shoulders, along with snug-fitting elastic cuffs.
Shop Classic Fit Stretch Jersey Pullover Shop all Polo Ralph Lauren fall apparel
5. Rhoback Men’s Long Sleeve Performance Polo, $102
Most men have a closet full of polos, but a full-stretch, long-sleeve polo like this one, which wicks moisture off your body, makes a great base layer under a sweater and provides SPF 50+ if you wear it alone as the day warms up.
Shop Rhobaack Long Sleeve Performance Polos Shop all Rhoback fall apparel
6. Sun Day Red 3D Tour Cashmere Crew, $350
Cashmere is a luxurious material, to be sure, but aside from its great feel there is utility in it. Cashmere is exceptionally light and efficient at trapping your body’s heat, so without adding bulk you can stay warm. Tiger Woods prefers it because the material is also quiet during a swing.
Shop SDR Cashmere Crew Shop all Sun Day Red fall apparel
7. Sun Mountain Monsoon Pant, $74.99
Morning dew lasts deeper into the day in autumn, and last night’s rain does not dry as quickly either, so waterproof and windproof pants like this are great to wear even when it’s not raining. The elastic waist, high zippers on the legs and drawstring make them easy to get on and off, even when you are wearing golf shoes.
Shop Sun Mountain Monsoon Pant Shop all Sun Mountain fall apparel
8. TravisMathew Camo Tech Hoodie, $169.95
Made from 90-percent recycled polyester, this versatile, lightweight hoodie is great for keeping off a morning’s chill in style, and the four-way stretch material and fitted arms make it functional on the course, too.
Shop TM Camo Tech Hoodie Shop all TravisMathew fall apparel
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Autumn golf apparel: Stay warm and dry on the course this fall
