Thinking about what sunblock pros use is a smart move because their office is a sun-drenched golf course for five to six hours a day, multiple days a week. It’s not just about avoiding a burn, it's a critical part of their professional equipment. This guide will cover why pros take sun safety so seriously, what types and brands they lean on, and how you can adopt their sun-smart strategies to protect your own skin on the course.
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Why Sun Protection is a Non-Negotiable on the Golf Course
As a golf coach, I consider a solid sun protection plan as fundamental as your grip or posture. It directly impacts your health and your performance. A single 18-hole round can mean over five hours of direct and reflected UV radiation exposure. That adds up over a lifetime, dramatically increasing the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. The PGA TOUR itself has run campaigns with the Skin Cancer Foundation for this very reason, with several prominent players like Adam Scott and Rory Sabbatini having had cancerous or pre-cancerous spots removed.
Beyond the long-term health risks, there's an immediate impact on your game. A sunburn isn't just uncomfortable, it causes inflammation, fatigue, and dehydration. It drains your energy and makes it harder to focus over that tricky 4-foot putt on the 17th green. A pro cannot afford to lose focus or energy due to a preventable issue like sunburn. They treat their skin like any other asset that needs protecting to play their best. This isn't vanity, it's professional readiness.
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The Pro's Choice: Brands and Formulations You'll See on Tour
While sponsor deals can influence what you see in a pro's bag, they won't use a product that doesn't work. When you see pros applying sunscreen, they're typically reaching for formulas that are high-SPF, non-greasy, and extremely sweat-resistant. They need a sunscreen that won't run into their eyes during a critical shot or leave their hands feeling slippery on the club.
Here are some of the types of sunscreens and specific brands popular among dedicated golfers and pros:
EltaMD: This is a dermatologist-favorite brand, and you will often see it in the bags of pros who are serious about their skincare. EltaMD UV Sport is a classic choice. It’s a mineral-based sunscreen (zinc oxide), water-resistant for 80 minutes, and formulated not to run or sting the eyes. Justin Thomas has been vocal about his preference for EltaMD products for years.
Supergoop!: This brand has made a huge splash with its lightweight, non-greasy formulas. Their PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 is a popular choice because it absorbs quickly and doesn't feel heavy or sticky on the skin. It's a chemical sunscreen that's sweat- and water-resistant.
Neutrogena: A classic, accessible staple. Products from their Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch or Age Shield Face lines are common sights. They provide reliable, broad-spectrum protection designed to feel light and non-oily, which is exactly what a golfer wants.
Sun Bum: Known for its signature scent, Sun Bum is a favorite for its performance-focused products. Their Original SPF 50 line and their dedicated Mineral line are both common, offering 80 minutes of water resistance and a feel that is more comfortable than old-school, greasy sunscreens.
You’ll notice a trend here: pros don’t just grab any bottle off the shelf. They choose high-performance, sport-oriented formulas that are built to withstand the rigors of an athletic endeavor.
Decoding the Label: What Golfers Absolutely Need in a Sunscreen
Whether you choose one of the brands above or another, the label tells you everything you need to know. Understanding these terms will allow you to pick a Tour-level product for your own bag.
Mineral vs. Chemical: What's the Difference?
The active ingredients determine how a sunscreen works. There's no single "best" one, it's about personal preference.
Mineral Sunscreens: These use active mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They work by sitting on top of the skin to create a physical barrier that blocks UV rays. They offer immediate protection upon application and are often preferred by people with sensitive skin. The downside used to be a noticeable white cast, but modern formulas (called "micronized") have made this much less of an issue.
Chemical Sunscreens: These use organic (carbon-based) compounds like avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. They work by absorbing UV radiation, converting it into heat, and releasing it from the skin. They tend to be lighter, more sheer, and easier to rub in, but need about 20 minutes to become effective after application.
Many pros prefer mineral-based sticks for their face and a lightweight chemical lotion for their arms and legs.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor): The Real Meaning
SPF measures protection against UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn. Coaches and dermatologists recommend a minimum of SPF 30 for golf. On long summer days, SPF 50 provides an extra margin of safety. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. The jump to higher SPFs offers diminishing returns, and no sunscreen blocks 100%. The most important thing is not the absolute number but applying it properly and reapplying it often.
Broad-Spectrum Protection
This is non-negotiable. "Broad-Spectrum" means the product protects you from both UVB (burning) rays and UVA (aging) rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing premature wrinkles and playing a major role in skin cancer development. A sunscreen without broad-spectrum protection is only doing half the job.
Water & Sweat Resistance
For golf, this is paramount. A regular lotion will slide right off as soon as you start to perspire. The FDA allows labels to claim "water resistant" for either 40 minutes or 80 minutes. For a round of golf, always choose one that says water resistant (80 minutes). This means the sunscreen maintains its SPF level after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. However, it does not mean you only need to apply it every 80 minutes - it still needs to be reapplied at least every two hours.
The Best Format: Lotions, Sprays, and Sticks
Pros often carry more than one type of sunscreen in their bag for different uses.
Lotions/Creams: The gold standard for your initial application. This is the most reliable way to ensure you get full, even coverage on your body and face before you even head to the course.
Sticks: The MVP for on-course use. Sunscreen sticks are perfect for your face, neck, and ears. They won't drip into your eyes no matter how much you sweat, and they are excellent for reapplying targeted protection without getting your hands greasy. Almost every pro has a sunscreen stick in their bag.
Sprays: Great for convenience, especially for reapplying on hard-to-reach areas like your back or on hairy arms and legs. The key with sprays is to hold the nozzle close to the skin and spray generously until you see a sheen, then rub it in. Just spraying from a distance is a recipe for missed spots and a patchy burn.
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Having the best sunscreen doesn’t matter if you apply it incorrectly. Follow these steps to get the "pro-level" protection you need for every round.
Start at Home: The single biggest mistake golfers make is waiting until they get to the first tee to apply sunscreen. Apply it generously at least 20 minutes before you head outdoors. This gives chemical sunscreens time to bind to your skin and ensures you're protected from the moment you step out of your car.
Use Enough Product: Most people apply less than half the amount of sunscreen needed. The general rule is to use about one ounce - or a full shot glass - to cover your body. For your face alone, use a nickel-sized dollop. When in doubt, apply more.
Don't Miss the "Golfer Spots": Pros are meticulous about coverage because they know the sun finds every exposed area. Pay special attention to these commonly missed spots:
The back of your neck (especially the "V" where your collar opens).
Your ears - tops and lobes.
Your hairline and any part in your hair.
The backs of your hands. They are on the club, facing the sun, for hours.
Tops of your feet if you practice in sandals.
Your lips. Use a lip balm with at least SPF 30.
Reapply at the Turn: Your sunscreen work is only half done at the start of the round. Tossing a sunscreen stick and a travel-size lotion in your bag is essential. The turn is the perfect, routine time to reapply. It takes 90 minutes to two hours to play nine holes - exactly when your initial application is wearing off. A quick reapplication with a stick to your face, neck, and ears, and a lotion for your arms, sets you up for a safe back nine.
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Sunscreen is your main line of defense, but a truly professional approach involves a multi-layered system.
UPF Clothing: Many golf apparel brands now offer shirts with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 30 or 50. A UPF 50 shirt blocks over 98% of UV rays - and it never needs to be reapplied.
A Wide-Brimmed Hat: A baseball cap leaves your ears and neck completely exposed. A wide-brimmed "bucket" or "safari-style" hat offers far superior protection for these high-risk areas.
UV-Protective Sunglasses: Protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them with high-quality sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound styles provide the best coverage.
Ultimately, a golfer's sunscreen is just one of their most valuable pieces of equipment. Treat it like one.
Final Thoughts
Pro golfers use high-performance, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and 80-minute sweat resistance because their health and livelihood depend on it. Adopting the same mindset by choosing the right products and, most importantly, applying and reapplying them diligently is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your game.
Just like having a reliable sun protection plan frees you up to focus on your score, our goal with Caddie AI is to remove the guesswork from your on-course strategy. When you aren't sure of the right club or the best play for a tricky hole, you can get instant, expert advice right in your pocket. This allows you to stand over every shot with confidence, knowing you've made a smart, simple decision so you can focus on making a great swing.
Spencer has been playing golf since he was a kid and has spent a lifetime chasing improvement. With over a decade of experience building successful tech products, he combined his love for golf and startups to create Caddie AI - the world's best AI golf app. Giving everyone an expert level coach in your pocket, available 24/7. Caddie's mission is simple: make world-class golf advice accessible to everyone, anytime.
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