Sun protection is something we take very seriously at Golf Digest. There is no excuse for playing a round of golf without properly applying sunscreen, wearing a quality pair of sunglasses, staying hydrated and practicing safe sun habits like seeking shade and conducting regular screenings for skin cancer. Apparel-wise, you’ll want to wear a hat—the wider the brim the better—and many golf clothes actually have UPF sun protection threaded right into the fabric for additional protection. Another commonly forgotten safe sun practice is applying lip balm. Your lips are one of the most sensitive skin areas of the body and deserve a little extra attention, so always select a balm with SPF in it.
Every year, Golf Digest selects the best sunscreens and lip balms for golf as one of our Editors’ Choice awards. This year’s sunscreen winners were Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Spray SPF 30, Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-touch SPF 30 and Thinksport Suncreen SPF 50+. These sunscreens were selected based on their safe ingredients, effectiveness for golfers and an involved testing process. These products include a spray and two lotions that are all mineral-based sunscreens with zinc as the main ingredient. Avoid chemical sunscreens with harmful ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate or octisalate.
Here’s a review of our Editors’ Choice selections and a few others worth trying—including easy-to-apply sunscreen sticks, selections for those with sensitive skin and options for those with more involved skin care or makeup routines.
Related: We’re in trouble: Skin cancer is on the rise, and not just for golfers
*All products featured on Golf Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.*