Updated on September 20, 2023
The dress code for many golf courses requires a polo shirt to be worn.
My wardrobe has seen its fair share of golf clothing over the last 3 decades, and it’s time to put my experience to use. In this post, I reveal the best golf polos I’ve worn to absorb moisture, promote breathability, and protect you from the sun.
After reading this review, you’ll know which golf polos suit your build, style, budget, and home golf course weather conditions.
I’ll explain which polos are the softest, cheapest, most stylish, and the best for moisture-wicking. I’ve also added in one for taller golfers and those seeking a multi-purpose golf polo shirt.
1. Three Sixty Six Dry Fit Short-Sleeve Polo (Best Overall)
Top pick
Available Sizes: S – 4XL
Colors: 19
What I Like About This Polo:
- Sweat-wicking technology
- Optimal range of motion
- Breathable fabric
- 19 colors to choose from
- Anti-odor fabric
What I Dislike About This Polo:
- I found the sizes slightly small
- I’m not a huge fan of the 100% polyester material
I judged the Three Sixty Six Dry Fit the best overall golf polo this year for its comfort, breathability, moisture-wicking, and stretch. I also appreciated the 19 colors to choose from, with the Iceberg Blue standing out as my favorite.
I relished the efficiency of the moisture-wicking technology, as it shed sweat to keep my shirt cool and dry. Three Sixty Six went a step further and employed anti-odor technology, which kept me smelling fresh and feeling comfortable.
The lightweight and breathable fabric was a pleasure to wear. It kept the air flowing through the interior of the shirt to prevent sweat build-up. Comfort aside, the Three Sixty Six Dry Fit polo provided enough stretch to maximize my shoulder rotation on the backswing.
2. Under Armour Tech (Best Budget Golf Shirt)
Budget pick
Available Sizes: XS – 4XL-LT
Colors: 17
What I Like About This Polo:
- Affordable
- Available in 17 patterns
- Breathable material
- Stretchable fabric
- Wide range of sizes to choose from
What I Dislike About This Polo:
- Not the best quality fabric
- The material is a little thicker than I like in summer but still breathable
If you’re on a budget, the Under Armour Tech polo would be my go-to option for its affordability, 17 patterns, and moisture-wicking material. I also found the shirts were lightweight, breathable, and dried quickly in the event of sweat build-up.
Under Armour offers up over 60 colors to choose from, catering to every color palate. Given the affordability of the shirts, they are perfect for purchasing multiple units to cover all your polo shirt needs.
I welcomed the textured fabric of the Under Armour Tech because it was soft on my skin and prevented friction and rashes. The loose fit of the polo shirts boosted my freedom of motion during the swing, enabling me to rotate my shoulders for increased power on the backswing.
3. Nike Dri Fit ADV Tiger Woods (Softest Polo)
Softest
Available Sizes: XS – 4XL
Colors: 8
What I Like About This Polo:
- Soft feel
- Enhanced breathability
- Ample sweat-wicking
- Designed in 8 colors
- Stretch material
What I Dislike About This Polo:
- Not the cheapest golf polo shirt
- I found the sizes slightly larger than usual.
The Nike Dri Fit Short Sleeves polo shirt impressed me with its softness, durability, and breathability. I also enjoyed the abundance of colors to choose from, and as cliche as it is, I loved the red shirt, the same color used by Tiger Woods on Sundays.
I thought the polyester material presented a delicate finish that was smooth on my skin. Tiger consulted on the project to ensure the shirt provided the optimal feel and stretch to boost shoulder range of motion.
I relished the breathability at the back of the neck, as it’s an area where I desperately need the assistance of sweat-wicking technology. Air flowed through and broke down moisture build-up to keep my neck cool on a hot day.
4. Callaway Opti-Dri Performance Polo (Best Range of Motion)
Best range of motion
Available Sizes: S – 4XL
Colors: 10
What I Like About This Polo:
- Outstanding stretchability
- Opti-Dri moisture wicking technology
- Ample ventilation
- Lightweight fabric
- Relatively affordable
What I Dislike About This Polo:
- I found the medium size too baggy for my build
A polo shirt with stretchable fabric is vital for boosting your range of motion to enhance shoulder turn during your swing. In my experience, the Callaway Opti-Dri Performance Polo assisted my range of motion, wicked moisture, and boosted ventilation.
The increased stretchability of the Opti-Dry Performance minimized restriction during my swing. This allowed my shoulders to turn unimpeded on the backswing and downswing for optimal power into impact.
I felt the shirt was a pleasure to don during warm rounds thanks to the breathable fabric and moisture-wicking Opti-Dri technology. The technology wicks moisture from the surface before an excessive build-up, which kept me dry and comfortable on the links.
The ventilated fabric delivered welcome relief to my sweaty body during summer, with the odd breeze trickling through the fabric.
5. Adidas Performance Prime Green Polo (Best for Breathability)
Most breathable
Available Sizes: S – 3XL-B
Colors: 19
What I Like About This Polo:
- Exceptional breathability
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- UPF30+ protection
- Crafted from recycled materials
- Available in multiple colors
What I Dislike About This Polo:
- Moderately expensive
- The shirt was slightly long, which isn’t ideal for players who leave the shirt untucked
A breathable performance polo is a must when I hit the course in summer, especially in my humid city. I find the Adidas Performance Prime Green polo consistently fed air through the material to cool off my abdomen and neck. It kept me cool, dry, and comfortable despite the mid 90-degree temperatures.
The material is constructed with 40% recycled content, which is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking. I felt the airflow and moisture-wicking fabric were effective in keeping me comfortable and dry in warmer weather.
It further proved its value in the warmth, with UPF30+ sun protection. It reduced my skin’s exposure to UV rays. If your skin is pale like mine, you may want UPF50+ protection, but the UPF30+ works for the average individual.
6. Columbia Omni-Wick Drive Polo (Best Moisture Wicking Polo)
Available Sizes: S – 3XL
Colors: 26
What I Like About This Polo:
- Exceptional moisture wicking
- UV protected
- Breathable fabric
- Available in a wealth of colors
- Relatively affordable
What I Dislike About This Polo:
- The medium size was a tight fit
- It wasn’t the softest fabric I’ve tried
A sweat-wicking polo extracts moisture to the outer layer and rapidly dries the area to keep you cool and comfortable. I noticed that the Columbia Omni-Wick Drive Polo was a star in this department. It worked over time with its Omni-Wick Drive polo to prevent sweat build-up, keeping me dry on the hottest days.
Aside from the moisture-wicking qualities, I appreciated the consistent airflow through the lightweight material. It was a pleasure to feel the breeze on my skin after playing 9 holes on a scorching day.
My skin approved of the UPF30 protection, and I strolled off the course with no sunburn on my back, shoulders, or stomach. Thanks to the tight weave construction, the material is also UV absorbent, helping the shirt retain its natural color for longer.
While the performance of the Columbia Omni-Wick Drive speaks for itself, its selection of colors blew me away, with over 20 colors to choose from. Considering their affordable price tag, it’s worth acquiring a couple to cover all your upper-body golf clothes needs.
7. Cutter & Buck Big and Tall Prospect (Best for Tall Golfers)
Best for tall golfers
Available Sizes: Large Tall – 5XL Large Big
Colors: 6
What I Like About This Polo:
- Built for taller golfers
- Affordable
- Wicks moisture
- Breathable
- UPF 50+ sun protection
What I Dislike About This Polo:
- They don’t fit small and medium-sized golfers
- I’m not sure how long these shirts will stay in shape
Taller golfers battling to source polos that fit your frame will appreciate the Cutter & Buck Big And Tall Prospect. The specially designed tall shirt impressed with its UPF protection, moisture wicking, and overall comfort.
Cutter & Buck developed these shirts in sizes ranging from Large Tall to 5XL Large Big. My medium frame and height were drowning in these shirts, but my 6’5” playing partner was impressed with their comfort and fit. He also commented on the stretchability of the shirt thanks to its spandex material.
Drytec Spandex and Polyester combined to enhance the sweat-wicking and quick dry qualities of the Big And Tall Prospect. I felt that the UPF 50+ material offered premium quality protection from the sun, and I walked off the golf course unscathed.
8. Under Armour Playoff 2.0 Jacquard (Most Unique)
Most unique
Available Sizes: S – 3XL
Colors: 14
What I Like About This Polo:
- Stylish designs
- 4-way stretch material
- UPF 30 protection
- Quick dry material
- Soft fabric
What I Dislike About This Polo:
I feel the Under Armour Playoff 2.0 Jacquard polo shirts really stand out with their camo print exposed in neutral and bright colors. The flaming Radio Red design was the stand-out feature in my eyes, but Under Armour offers 14 colors to select from.
The elastane and polyester blend produced a moderately soft-feeling shirt, which led to limited friction with my skin and rashes. I appreciated the 4-way stretch performance of the elastane, which increased my range of motion during my swing. This allowed me to keep my club on plane and optimize clubhead speed.
The UPF 30 material was effective in combating UV rays, saving my skin from sunburn. I also enjoyed the consistent moisture-wicking of the fabric, which pushed sweat from the interior to the surface. The quick-drying nature of the fabric absorbed the moisture, and I continued on with my round in comfort.
9. TravisMathew The Rudds 2.0 (Premium Option)
Premium pick
Available Sizes: S – 3XL
Available Sizes: 5
What I Like About This Polo:
- Extremely soft
- Moisture wicking
- Breathable
- Lightweight materials
- UV protection
What I Dislike About This Polo:
- Expensive
- Limited patterns to choose from
A large portion of the best golf polos are polyester-dominant designs that wick moisture away but lack comfort. The predominantly cotton TravisMathew The Rudds 2.0 polo provided the most comfortable wear. It was smooth on my skin, breathable, and wicked moisture from the skin.
The cotton promoted a breathable wear, allowing air to enter the shirt while I walked the fairways. I welcomed the cotton and polyester collaboration as they extracted sweat from the interior before absorbing the moisture to alleviate discomfort.
While I appreciated the option of 5 two-tone patterns to choose from, the selection was underwhelming compared to its peers. My biggest gripe is the premium price tag attached to the polo. I can grab 3 Under Armour Tech shirts for the price of a single TravisMathew The Rudds 2.0 design.
10. Lacoste Ultra Dry Raglan (Best Multi Purpose Polo)
Multi purpose polo
Available Sizes: S – 4XL-Big
Available Sizes: 14
What I Like About This Polo:
- Works for most occasions
- Ultra-Dry fabric
- Moisture wicking material
- Breathable
- UV resistant
What I Dislike About This Polo:
- The seamwork could’ve been better
- I found the sizes slightly smaller than usual
Versatility is a core asset of polo shirts. We can wear them on the course, in a social setting, or around the house. They are comfortable, stylish, and breathable. The Lacoste Ultra Dry Raglan polo stood out as the best multi-purpose polo for its style, UV protection, breathability, and sweat extraction abilities.
I felt the ribbed polo collar and classic three-button placket produced a classy finish that fits any occasion. Besides style, the Ultra Dry fabric seamlessly wicked moisture away from the interior before dissipating sweat build.
I was impressed with the run-resistant fabric, which held firm after being exposed to constant sunshine and my washing machine. The same can’t be said for the seam work of the shirt, which showed signs of wear after a few uses.
Despite the negatives, I was grateful to the Lacoste Ultra Dry Raglan for shielding me from the sun.
Matt Stevens
Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years. Current Handicap: 8