When it comes to staying warm while golfing, protecting your neck can make all the difference.
COURTESY
While fashion sense might point you toward a scarf to keep the chill off your neck, golf is an athletic pursuit that requires athletic apparel. Enter the neck warmer.
Sometimes called a snood or neck gaiter, neck warmers are essentially a tube that you pull over your head and onto your neck to block wind, protect from the sun, and keep you warm. Neck warmers are essential equipment for golfers who dare to brave the elements, but which one you choose should depend on your style preferences and the conditions in which you normally golf.
While some golf-specific brands make neck gaiters, not all do. But many outdoor brands make them for skiing, hiking, and team sports, so we’ve included options from golf brands and non-golf brands to offer a wide selection of styles and options. Scroll to find the right golf neck warmer for you.
How to pick the right golf neck warmer for you
Perhaps the most important consideration in a neck gaiter is the heft of the fabric. While many golfers will be shopping for a neck warmer that provides some insulation for cooler days, if you simply want a neck covering for sun protection, you’ll likely want to look at fishing gaiters such as the Orvis model we highlight above. Similarly, if you’re dealing with particularly cold conditions where you golf, consider Under Armour’s Storm Sport Balaclava or the Smartwool Thermal gaiter that we highlight in our picks.
Because neck gaiters often spend a lot of time covering your mouth and you may be sweating into them at times, odor control is a major concern. Merino wool is a great option for natural odor resistance. But if you prefer the feel and performance stretch of synthetics, try to look for models that have some sort of odor-resistant quality added.
Highlights
- Golf-specific look
- Antimicrobial
- Moisture-wicking
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- Drawstring to seal out cold air
- Affordable
- Moisture-wicking
Highlights
- Stylish patterns and colors
- Natural odor resistance
- Soft against the skin
Highlights
- Lightweight and breathable
- Natural odor resistance
- Contains UPF 50+
Highlights
- Plush against the skin
- Natural odor resistance
- Warm enough for the nastiest days
Highlights
- Lots of color and pattern options
- Made from mostly recycled materials
- Lightweight warmth
Highlights
- Luxurious steam-finished merino wool
- Natural odor resistance
- Lightweight warmth
Highlights
- Serious protection for the worst weather
- Can be worn under a cap or beanie
- Moisture-wicking warmth
Choose which neck warmers to compare
Use the dropdown boxes to choose 3 neck warmer options to compare
Protect your neck when hitting the links
If you’re anything but a fair-weather golfer, there are times you’ll want neck protection on the course, whether it’s against wind, cold, rain, or just intense sun exposure. Neck warmers and neck gaiters are mostly inexpensive accessories you can carry in your golf bag and use as needed.
FAQ
Is a snood the same as a neck warmer?
A snood is a lesser-known name for a neck gaiter, and depending on where you are, it may refer instead to a head covering for women’s hair. However, in the golf world and especially in the United Kingdom, a golf snood is essentially the same as a golf neck warmer or golf neck gaiter.
How do you wear a golf snood?
Because they’re continuous fabric tubes without any type of clasp or Velcro, golf snoods and neck warmers are almost always pulled over the head down to the neck. Most neck gaiters or snoods are long enough to pull up over the chin or mouth, and this adjustment can be made depending on the weather.
How do I choose a neck warmer for golf?
As described above, the climate where and when you normally golf should be a primary consideration in choosing the right neck warmer. Mild weather and intense sun call for a lightweight but sun-protective gaiter, while cold regions may require a thicker thermal neck warmer or even a balaclava. Beyond this consideration, the biggest factor for most people will be personal style — you can choose from simple, traditional neck warmers courtesy of your favorite golf brands to gaiters with fun, creative patterns from outside the golf world if you’re looking to stand out from the crowd.
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