Do Sunscreen Golf Shirts Really Work?

The statistics are clear: golfers are at a higher risk of skin cancer than the average adult.  The reason isn’t as simple as being outside more. The golf course itself often increases a person’s skin cancer risk.  Features on the golf course like sand in sand traps and water in ponds can reflect UV rays back onto players, giving them double the sun exposure.  This can leave many players at risk of developing skin cancer in the future.

 Protect Yourself From dangerous UV Rays

Anyone who spends  a lot of time out in the sun knows they have to protect their skin by wearing sunscreen; long sleeve shirts; playing during off hours; etc.  But if you are worried that this isn’t enough, there is a new tool available for your skin cancer preventive arsenal: UV protective clothing.

Clothing designed to offer UV protection isn’t new. Manufacturers have been selling UV protective clothing for years. It is only recently, however, that scientists have acknowledged that thee fabrics do work in protecting people from dangerous UV sun rays.

Several studies concluded that wearing a golf shirt that offers a 50+ UPF rating can protect players by nearly 98%, compared to those who wear a regular golf shirt on the course.

 Choosing the Right Golf Shirt

While yes, research shows that sunscreen golf shirts really do work to protect golfers from developing skin cancer in the future, care must be taken in choosing the right shirt.

The higher UPF rating, the more protection offered stress manufacturer’s. Plus, higher ratings usually last longer.  This extra protection, of course, usually costs more, so stay away from cheaper sunscreen shirts. They often only have UV protections sprayed on the shirt (which can wash out rather quickly) instead of being made with UV protective fabric that can last for hundreds of washings.

Also, be sure that any sunscreen golf shirt you buy sports a UPF rating given by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).  Only shirts with this rating has been tested to ensure that they truly offer the protection being advertised.

Of course, no shirt can completely stop you from getting skin cancer.  Even the highest quality golf shirt will leave your forearms, head, and face unprotected.  Be sure to wear your sunscreen and a hat when playing, while giving yourself a bit of extra protection with a sunscreen golf shirt.

Enjoying your golf game does not have to mean putting yourself at risk for skin cancer. Following some general guidelines and wearing a sunscreen golf shirt can keep you healthy while enjoying the game you love.