We are now in the grip of winter. For those of us who choose to play golf all-year round, there are two priorities – keeping warm and staying dry.
This has been the driest year that most of us can remember but the long hot summer days are now a distant memory. The shorts and polo tops have been banished to the back of the wardrobe until spring arrives. Some of you will have hung up your clubs but the rest of us will plod on.
So the question is: are you ready?
At Golfshake we’ve been fortunate enough to gain access to a range of products which myself and the team have tested. So, if you’re determined not to pack the clubs away, here’s how the right clothing can help you stay comfortable and keep playing your best.
Waterproofs: Your First Line of Defence
I recently discovered that my 10-year-old waterproofs, which have served me really well, are no longer fit for purpose and had to be replaced.
ProQuip Aqualite-Pro Jacket & Trousers
The golf clothing market is crowded, but ProQuip’s Aqualite-Pro waterproofs make a strong case for a spot in the bag.
Jacket: Ultra-lightweight with a soft, stretchy, breathable fabric that feels comfortable and doesn’t interfere with the golf swing. Waterproof zips, side adjuster tabs and a shock cord drawstring all help to keep the rain out. It also comes with a three-year waterproof guarantee. Trousers: The matching Aqualite rain trousers are super-lightweight, breathable (so you don’t overheat), fully machine washable and built with a PU-coated outer shell for reliable wind and water protection.
Together, the jacket and trousers, available in a range of colours and retailing at around £200, offer excellent comfort, performance and value for anyone who refuses to let bad weather ruin a round.
Read More: ProQuip Aqualite Pro & PROPAC-LITE Review Oscar Jacobson Alex Jacket & Paterson Trousers
Oscar Jacobson is known for stylish, practical and affordable golfwear, and its latest waterproofs continue that theme.
The Alex waterproof jacket (navy or black) is a waterproof outer-layer with a 5000mm waterproof rating, taped seams for full rain protection, waterproof zippered hand pockets and a full-length zip guard. A three-year waterproof guarantee and 5000M/G breathability count are designed to keep out the worst of the elements while maintaining comfort. The matching Paterson waterproof trousers, also in navy and black, share the waterproof guarantee and feature an elasticated waistband with belt loops and long zippered leg openings, making them easy to get on and off when the weather turns.
For golfers who prefer a smart, classic look with dependable protection, this combination is a very practical winter option.
Read More: The best waterproof golf gear for winter 2025 Layering for Warmth & Freedom of Movement
There will be times when it is dry and the focus of your attention is on keeping warm. Good layering pieces are essential.
Ashworth Tech Stretch Performance Trousers
Ashworth’s Tech Stretch Performance trousers are designed to retain warmth while maintaining a polished look.
A warped polyester construction prevents yarns from breaking down and helps the trousers keep their shape, look and fit over time. They are supremely soft and comfortable, delivering long-lasting performance and insulation for winter golf.
Retailing at around £89, they’re a strong option if you want winter warmth without resorting to heavy, cumbersome trousers.
Ashworth Tech Stretch Vest
When wind protection and freedom of movement are the priority, the Ashworth Tech Stretch Vest is a versatile choice.
Four-way stretch tech fabric for maximum movement. Effective for layering against the elements, with wind and water resistance to keep you dry and comfortable all day. Zipped pockets keep small belongings safely tucked away.
Worn over a base layer or mid-layer, it helps create a flexible system that can adapt as conditions change.
Oscar Jacobson Johnstone & Westland Pullovers
Layering is crucial to regulating warmth, and Oscar Jacobson’s Johnstone and Westland pieces are built with that in mind.
Johnstone crew neck pullover: Features technical fabrics that provide plenty of stretch for freedom of movement, with ribbed cuffs, collar and hem for a neat finish. It looks smart on and off the course and is available in a range of colours. Westland quarter-zip pullover: A mid-layer whose functional design incorporates a blend of moisture wicking and breathable allowing it to work well in autumn and spring as well as winter.
Both items fit neatly beneath a waterproof jacket or gilet, helping to build a comfortable layered outfit for changeable conditions.
Galvin Green Lennon Padded Jacket
For those winter days when it is cold and there might be a light drizzle, not enough for you to don your waterproofs – Galvin Green’s Lennon padded jacket comes into its own.
Engineered using recycled polyester with a PET membrane to provide impressive breathability and top-level warmth via the recycled polyester Thermore padding. Water-resistant and windproof, making it an ideal choice in light rain and windy conditions. Available in Black/White/Royal Blue and Navy, it is a high-quality garment retailing at around £249.
It effectively bridges the gap between a simple sweater and a full rain suit.
Read More: Best midlayers Hands, Head & Accessories: Small Details, Big Difference
For me, the key to winter golf is keeping my hands warm and dry and when the temperatures plummet ensuring a reliable feel on the club as well as keeping my head and neck relatively warm.
Galvin Green Lewis Thermal Gloves
Galvin Green’s Lewis Thermal Gloves are astonishing. When you think of thermal gloves you imagine bulky objects that you need to remove between shots. Not these.
They look and feel like standard leather golf gloves but will keep your hands as warm as toast. Designed as a snug fit, combining leather with Galvin Green’s windproof INTERFACE-1 fabric. Available in a variety of sizes and colours, they retail at around £49.
They provide impressive warmth while maintaining the feel golfers look for in a glove.
Neck Warmers & Winter Hats
On truly cold days, a good neck and head covering is vital.
Galvin Green neck warmers come in at around £29 and provide simple but effective insulation around a key area where heat is easily lost. The Galvin Green Leighton Insulating Golf Hat is a striped knitted hat featuring a lining around the ears to ensure it is completely windproof, while the knit allows breathability at the top of the head. Made from an extremely breathable material, it offers proper thermal insulation and retails at around £39. Oscar Jacobson’s knitted hat is another option: a soft-knit beanie with a two-tone fleck bobble, available in a choice of solid colours. It offers comfort and warmth at a more modest price point of about £16.99.
All three help where a simple baseball cap simply won’t do in mid-winter.
Winter Mitts
And then there are bitterly cold winter days when only proper winter mitts will do.
These are the days when Stubart Winter Mitts with Fleece Lining come into their own.
Provide full thermal protection in challenging winter conditions. A soft and comfortable fleece lining helps retain heat. Outer shell: 100% nylon; outer palm: 60% PU / 40% nylon; lining: 100% polyester. The palm and thumb are water resistant, the outer level is water repellent, and an elasticated wrist cuff helps keep water out and warmth in. Retail at about £19.99, offering excellent value.
Oscar Jacobson’s Winter mitts also come to the fore in such conditions.
Made from a three-layer fabric with a wind and water-repellent outer. A breathable membrane and soft velvet lining provide comfort and warmth during very cold spells.
These mitts are designed to be worn between shots, ensuring your hands stay warm enough to maintain control of the club throughout the round.
Read More: Everything you need to know about winter golf gloves Essential Footwear for Winter Golf
Having a reliable pair of spiked, fully waterproof golf shoes is absolutely essential if you’re planning to play your best golf through the winter. From slippery tee boxes to muddy fairways and standing water, the right footwear can transform how secure you feel over the ball – and how comfortable you are after 18 holes in harsh conditions.
In our dedicated Winter Golf Shoes Guide, we cover everything you need to know before the weather turns: spikes vs spikeless, traction, waterproofing, comfort, sizing, and how to look after your shoes so they last all season. If you’re unsure what to wear on your feet when winter bites, this is the place to start.
Read More: The best winter golf shoes 2025 – why you need to buy a pair Final Thoughts: Preparing for Winter Golf
Winter golf doesn’t have to be an ordeal reserved for the hardy few. With the right blend of waterproof outerwear, thoughtful layering and well-chosen accessories, it’s possible to stay on the course, enjoy your game and protect your scores.
The Golfshake team plays throughout the year and has recently been reviewing the products mentioned here, using samples supplied by the brands. The overall takeaway is clear: a few carefully chosen pieces can make a significant difference to comfort and performance in cold, wet conditions.
If you plan to keep playing this winter, start with a reliable waterproof suit, build a flexible layering system, and don’t neglect your hands, head and neck. Get that combination right, and winter golf becomes something to embrace rather than avoid.
Derek Clements is a seasoned sports journalist and regular Golfshake contributor, specialising in tour coverage, opinion pieces, and feature writing. With a long career in national newspapers and golf media, he has reported on the game across Europe, the United States and Australia. A passionate golfer, he has played and reviewed numerous renowned courses, with personal favourites including Pebble Beach, Kingsbarns, Aldeburgh, Old Thorns and the K Club. His love of the game informs his thoughtful commentary on both professional golf and the wider golfing community.
