You see them everywhere on the course, but what are golf hats actually called? The simple answer is there isn’t just one name. Instead, the golf hat is a broad category covering several distinct styles, each with its own name, purpose, and feel. This guide will walk you through the most popular types of golf headwear, explaining what makes each one different and how you can choose the perfect one to protect yourself from the elements and play with more confidence.
Before we get into the names and styles, let’s talk about why wearing a hat is one of the smartest things you can do on the course. It’s not just about looking the part, a good hat is a a fundamental piece of equipment that directly impacts your comfort and performance.
Now that you know why you should wear one, let's break down the actual names of the hats you see on your favorite pros and at your local club. Each style offers a different blend of function and fashion.
When you picture a golf hat, this is probably what comes to mind. The standard golf cap is nearly identical in structure to a traditional baseball cap and is, by far, the most popular style in the game. It’s the signature look for scores of pros, from Tiger Woods to Rory McIlroy.
This style features a rounded crown and a stiff, curved brim projecting forward. They can be "structured," with a stiff front panel that holds its shape, or "unstructured," offering a more relaxed, softer fit. Most have an adjustable closure in the back, like a strap or snap system, to ensure a snug fit.
The golf cap offers the perfect balance of function, comfort, and style. The brim is large enough to shield your eyes from the sun effectively, and modern 'performance' versions are incredibly lightweight and breathable. They’re versatile enough to wear in almost any weather condition outside of extreme cold or heat.
The flat cap, also known as an ivy cap, driver cap, or even a Hogan cap (after the legendary Ben Hogan), lends an air of classic, old-world style to the golf course. Once the standard, it has enjoyed a modern resurgence thanks to players like the late, great Payne Stewart and, more recently, Bryson DeChambeau.
It’s a rounded cap with a small, stiff brim at the front. The body is traditionally made of wool or tweed, but modern golf versions often use lightweight technical fabrics. It's defined by its sleek, low-profile and 'flat' silhouette.
Wearing a flat cap is a statement. It sets you apart from the crowd of baseball caps and connects you to the rich history of the game. While it provides less sun protection than a standard cap, it still effectively shields your eyes from glare and brings a completely different aesthetic to your on-course apparel.
For golfers who prioritize sun safety above all else, the bucket hat or its more substantial cousin, the wide-brim hat, is the undisputed champion. LPGA players and tour pros in sunny Florida or Australia have been wearing these for years, and for very good reason.
Both styles feature a brim that goes all the way around the head. A bucket hat typically has a soft construction and a shorter, downward-sloping brim. A wide-brim sun hat (often associated with Greg "The Shark" Norman) is usually more structured and features a much larger brim for maximum coverage.
Unmatched sun protection. While caps leave your ears and neck exposed, these hats provide a complete circle of shade. On a brutally sunny day, that extra coverage can be the difference between finishing your round feeling great and dealing with painful sunburn later.
The golf visor is the perfect option for those who want the sun-blocking benefits for their face without the full head coverage of a cap.
It's essentially the bottom half of a cap: a brim attached to a strap that wraps around your head, leaving the top of your head open. Visors provide the same glare reduction for your eyes as a cap and are extremely popular in hot and humid climates.
The number one reason is ventilation. By leaving the top of your head open, visors allow for maximum heat release, making them the coolest option for scorching summer days. Players also like that they don't flatten "hat hair" as much as a full cap does.
The obvious trade-off is zero sun protection on your scalp. If you have thinning hair or are sensitive to the sun, remember to use sunscreen on the top of your head when wearing a visor.
When the temperature drops, the function of a golf hat shifts from shielding sun to preserving warmth. That's where the beanie comes in.
A soft, close-fitting, brimless hat, typically made from wool or performance fleece. Its simple job is to trap heat and keep your head and ears warm during those chilly autumn and early-spring rounds.
Look for golf-specific beanies with a thermal or fleece lining for extra warmth and moisture-wicking properties. You still sweat in the cold, and a beanie that pulls moisture away from your skin will keep you much warmer than a standard cotton one.
So, which one is for you? Let your decision be guided by two things: function and feel.
So, golf hats are not just called one thing, the style you choose depends entirely on weather, performance needs, and your own personal style. From the iconic golf cap and stylish flat cap to the ultra-protective bucket hat, each type offers unique benefits to keep you comfortable, protected, and focused on hitting great shots.
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