Opinion & Analysis
What Your Golf Hat Says About You
Picture a bright summer day. The sun is shining through the trees and you need something to shield your eyes from the light. A hat!
Just about every professional golfer wears one to protect themselves from sun exposure… and because they get paid big sums of money to put logos on them. The last time I checked, however, 99.9 percent of golfers aren’t fortunate enough to have endorsement deals. So why do the vast majority of golfers in the world generally wear similar hats with very similar logos?
Here’s a list of some of the favorite hats worn by golfers across the world, as well a brief description of the golfers who are probably wearing them.
Titleist Hat
Usually a pretty good player. You’re obsessed with swing mechanics. Most of the other members at your course usually see you on the range with a tripod, an iPad, a launch monitor and at least three alignment rods.
- Common Line: “Do you mind filming a swing for me?”
- Shoots Around: 76, but you can shoot in the 90s when the swing gets “off plane.”
Beanie
Beanies are totally acceptable in the winter, but very few people have the confidence to wear one in the summer time… and you’re one of them. Somehow you keep your cool, both on and off the course, even though your bank account is overdrawn and your rent is past due.
- Common Line: “Can I borrow your (insert golf item)? I lost mine.”
- Shoots Around: 91, but you’re scary consistent.
FootJoy Bucket Hat
You’re obsessed with both the game of golf and sun screen… the SPF 100+ stuff. The white sunscreen streaks on your nose don’t fade until the back nine. You play about twice a week and take three minutes to hit every shot.
- Common Line: “Need any sunscreen? I have the spray-on stuff, too.”
- Shoots Around: You always seem to shoot below 85, but it’s never pretty.
TaylorMade Hat
For a brand that literally means “made for you,” you own a hat that is worn by countless other golfers. But you love your new TaylorMade driver, and you want the whole world to know it.
- Common Line: “I dropped my spin by 500 rpm with this driver!”
- Shoots Around: 83, but the way you drove it you should have shot 75.
(Insert Name of Financial Institution) Visor
You’ve been wearing that visor for less than a week, and you’re way overconfident about a recent day trade that made you a few hundred bucks… in less than an hour, of course. Your golf game is terrible, but you play all the time. As an “entrepreneur,” you get to “make your own schedule.” Your playing partners know this before you make it to the first green, which takes a few fatted pitch shots.
- Common Line: “How is IBM is down 5 percent today! Everyone said it was guaranteed to go up.”
- Shoots around: 112, but 95 when you’re keeping score.
Budweiser Hat
You get hammered before you even make it to the first tee. And whether you’re teeing off at 4 p.m. or 6 a.m., everyone knows within a few minutes of meeting you that you came to the course for a good time. Your cigarillos (usually Swisher Sweets, grape flavor) send a warning to nearby golfers to watch out for shanks, skulls and slices.
- Common Line: “(Something GolfWRX can’t print about a cart girl).”
- Shoot Around: Doesn’t keep score, ever.
Nike/Tiger Woods Hat
Tiger fanatic. You were slightly depressed for the 15 months Tiger wasn’t on the PGA Tour, and you’ve watched the 2016 Hero World Challenge on DVR four times.
- Common Line: “I’m getting close.”
- Shoots Around: 80, but you fist pump like a tour player.
Ben Hogan “Cap”
You’re over the age of 55 (or Bryson DeChambeau), and have read Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons and Power Golf at least three times. You’ve compiled a 50-page journal about what you need to do in your golf swing, and you’ve taped your favorite Ben Hogan quote to your bathroom mirror.
“The ultimate judge of your swing is the flight of the ball,” is your current favorite.
- Common Line: “Would you mind if I offered you a tip about your swing?”
- Shoots Around: You rarely break 90 (unless you’re Bryson DeChambeau), but you think your next swing change will have you shooting under par.
MLB Flat Brim Hat
You’re the guy who pulls driver on every tee box (except the par-3s). You normally out drive everyone in the group, but only hit one or two fairways per round. You’re constantly talking about your minor league days, and how things would have been different if you didn’t throw your arm out.
- Common line: “I’m soooo sore. It was leg day yesterday, bro.”
- Shoots Around: 105, but you’re really, really competitive.
Any Other Kind of Flat Brim
There are no 10-handicap golfers wearing flat brim hats. If you wear one, you’re either a stud or not very good at all. And you probably love energy drinks, and have at least one tattoo.
- Common Line: “Do you think the beverage cart girl has Red Bull?”
- Shoots Around: Under par or over 100.
No Hat
Legendary: Ollie Schniederjans is one of the few golfers on the PGA Tour who doesn’t wear a hat.
You’re legendary at your club. You break par almost every round.
- Common Line: “None. You don’t say much on the course.”
- Shoots Around: 68… from the tips.
What hat do you wear to play the world’s greatest game? Let us know in the comments section below.
This past Monday, I played in the U.S. Amateur local qualifier at Rock Creek Country Club in Portland, Oregon. A full tee sheet from 7:30 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., the top 11 scores would make it to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying.
I teed off at 10:48 a.m.. With the 7:30 am tee time, you can get a feel for the leaders’ pace, and they were off and running on the challenging setup at Rock Creek.
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Getting to the highlight of the round on the par five 17th, a drive up the left side and 212 yards left to the front hole location. I took out a 5-iron with plans of middle of the green. The ball ended up 8 feet left of the hole, pin high. A slight downhill putt dropped in for an eagle 3 on the 17th. With the cut line looking to be anywhere from -2 to even par. This was the boost I had been waiting for all day.
With making par from the trees on 18, it was time to wait for a potential playoff with a posted score of one under par 71.
Three hours later, it was playoff time. 8 players for 6 spots. I made par on the playoff hole, which was good enough to advance to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying in July. USGA qualifiers sure deliver on all of the emotions in golf!
Club Junkie
Building my 2026 gamer WITB: Ranking the contenders and new putter projects – Club Junkie Podcast
The annual What’s In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that’s performing best and explains what’s separating the front runners from the rest of the field.
Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he’s working on and which putters could become serious contenders for the bag this season.
If you’re a gear junkie who loves equipment testing, club building, and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect setup, this episode is for you.
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Club Junkie
Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie
On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.
I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.
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Ed Bradford
Dec 16, 2023 at 12:32 pm
Nice selection. I personally purchased a golf bucket hat at https://bucket-hat-central.com/collections/golf-bucket-hat and I love it
Ed Bradford
Dec 16, 2023 at 12:30 pm
Nice selection! I personally purchased a golf bucket hat at https://bucket-hat-central.com/collections/golf-bucket-hat and I love it!
Oh Translate
Oct 26, 2023 at 11:36 am
Interesting read! It’s fascinating to learn how the hat you wear on the golf course can reveal aspects about your personality and style.
Miuralovechild
Feb 6, 2017 at 1:25 am
Still waiting for someone to make a Miura visor and put it on Ebay.
Golfraven
Feb 2, 2017 at 5:27 pm
Still Titleist hat dude, although I have only 2 alignment sticks (but other training gear) and use a iPhone plus. Rest it pretty correct.
M Smizzzzzle
Feb 2, 2017 at 12:04 am
Alt facts:
1. Titleist Hat: Dad hooked you up with everything and you think you’re going pro. You’ll work for him instead.
2. Beanie: Stoked about new marijuana laws. Dad is ‘waiting’ for you to come around.
3. Bucket Hat: Glad to just be alive. Dad waiting for kids to move back in any day now.
4. TM Hat: Just bought your 4th TM set in 4 yrs. Free hat from your ‘buds’ at the shop. Dad’s CC.
5. Visor: You got ripped off for only buying half a hat. Dad mad.
6. BW Hat: Your brother in law throwing you a bone to join him after the softball/achilles incident. First and last round. You have twins on the way and the race is coming up.
7. TW Hat: You wish they had 1080p when this dude was playing because watching the magic on Youtube is so F”N hard.
8. Hogan Cap: You don’t have a close friend to tell you otherwise. Keep on going out as a single and someone’s dad eventually lets you know. Or you’re pimp AF.
9. MLB Hat: Used to hit be good in pop warner and heard the swing is ‘basically the same.’ Dad loves his little slugger.
10. Other Flat brims: ‘Take that thing off when you are inside’. Dad.
11. No Hat: I’ll take you to the shop after this round if you promise you’ll keep practicing. See #1.
Charlie
Feb 2, 2017 at 3:36 pm
Great follow up. Had me cracking up
But why do 8 out of the 11 reasons have to do with Fathers/Dads?!?!? Daddy issues anyone???
M Smizzzzzle
Feb 1, 2017 at 11:42 pm
This one stings..
Shoots Around: 83, but the way you drove it you should have shot 75.
Brendan
Feb 1, 2017 at 7:59 pm
Mainly Taylormade hat guy, and other hats on occasion. 0 handicap and College Golfer
ThatGuy
Feb 1, 2017 at 7:41 pm
No hat except in winter, 0 hcp
Chemo
Feb 2, 2017 at 3:38 pm
100% Cancer
mhendon
Feb 1, 2017 at 5:48 pm
Hey can we just start making hats that say XL actually XL, I’ve got a big dome.
Ben
Feb 1, 2017 at 3:34 pm
Flat bill NBA hat (kings, rockets, okc or toronto)
Flat bill works well with sunglasses
29 years, +3
chip
Feb 1, 2017 at 8:48 am
Flat brim guy here. Age: 30. Handicap: 1.
chip
Feb 1, 2017 at 8:47 am
So according to WRX, theres about a 90% chance that if you wear any type of hat, you’re either not good or just OK. WRX, this article is struggling.
creeder
Feb 1, 2017 at 4:23 am
haha, this was a fun article and pretty accurate. i am a flat brimmed guy and yes, i can shoot in the 70s and then over 90 on the same day.
Egor
Feb 1, 2017 at 1:26 am
No hat or Mizuno visor, in blue of course. Not a legend (well, not a golf legend) 12 HI.
Jim
Jan 31, 2017 at 5:53 pm
I’m beginning to wonder if there’s a correlation between ‘living’ in a golf hat from pee-wee to pro that causes hair loss & receding hairlines in so many young guys on tour…
S Hitter
Feb 1, 2017 at 1:13 am
No. That is a myth. But a correlation has been made about having wet hair all the time that could lead to hair loss. But it’s mostly just genetics, there are plenty of people who have worn hats all their lives that have full thick hair
David Ciccoritti
Jan 31, 2017 at 5:02 pm
I don’t wear a hat and apparently I’m not doing myself any justice 🙂
Philip
Jan 31, 2017 at 5:01 pm
Like nothing … someone make a comment about your hat fashion-wear lately? It didn’t match the orange, red and lime green outfit?
Bob
Jan 31, 2017 at 2:53 pm
I prefer to not wear a hat but evidently my game doesn’t live up to that level. Also my dermatologist frowns on it.
nate
Jan 31, 2017 at 2:20 pm
What about the die-hard brand hats, mizino, ping, calloway, with matching bag and clubs
Tom
Feb 1, 2017 at 12:02 am
well ya got Ping right. One outta three your a flat brimmer.
Double Mocha Man
Jan 31, 2017 at 12:33 pm
What about the visor???!!!
Brian
Jan 31, 2017 at 8:51 am
Titleist (MLB) hat, but I’m usually in the 80-88 range.
Marco
Jan 31, 2017 at 6:50 am
Haha… I’m no 10 🙂
Love my flat birm and energy drinks. Can shoot 65 as well as 110 😀
Scott
Jan 31, 2017 at 9:46 am
65 to 110? I have told you a million times to stop exaggerating.
S Hitter
Jan 31, 2017 at 2:36 am
#8: or, you’re just a young plonker with an ugly name like Bryson
MuskieCy
Jan 31, 2017 at 12:18 am
Anyone who cares at all about what a hat looks like is a pretender.
I prefer contenders.
Mitch
Jan 30, 2017 at 11:15 pm
“What are we waitin’ for these guys?”
“Hey Whitey, where’s your hat?”
LaBraeGolfer
Jan 30, 2017 at 10:24 pm
What if I wear a white Mizuno hat, a TW hat, a Titleist hat, a Srixon hat, a Bridgestone hat, so on and so forth. I got hats for like almost every day of the month. Except I have to keep throwing the white ones away. Sometimes I go no hat if it’s stupid hot outside or I forget it.
Tom
Feb 1, 2017 at 12:05 am
ur a hat ho
Alex
Jan 30, 2017 at 9:57 pm
The no hat comment is hands down the most accurate one. The best player at my club just shows up with no hat, gets hammered, and turns in a 65. Every time. It’s unbelievable.
rymail00
Jan 30, 2017 at 9:50 pm
When I see the Hogan hat I hink Byrson or Little Rascals….either way kinda goofy
Acemandrake
Jan 30, 2017 at 6:28 pm
I might start rockin’ the bucket hat!
George
Jan 30, 2017 at 5:54 pm
I wear a blank white hat. No advertising any company for me. Means I dont need approval
Tom
Feb 1, 2017 at 12:07 am
and tighty whities
Double Mocha Man
Jan 30, 2017 at 4:52 pm
I’m a “no hat” guy. Just call me “Ollie”. I wore a hat once, at Pebble Beach, in the rain. It was from a ski resort. My caddy claimed he had skied there, too. I believed him.
Brad T
Jan 30, 2017 at 3:50 pm
look good feel good play good
K dawg
Jan 30, 2017 at 3:16 pm
Hats from top private courses say “I am privileged enough to have played this course which means do not argue with me about anything to do with golf. In particular course design”
Moose
Jan 30, 2017 at 3:03 pm
Free U.S. Open Hat (courtesy of the USGA members program): This guy is very cheap and he drives a Mercedes.
teetyme
Jan 31, 2017 at 11:46 am
Or a BMW like me. Those hats are light and comfortable. LOL
BooBunkie
Jan 30, 2017 at 1:59 pm
My hat says I’m NOT Ben Hogan. That hat should be retired out of respect for The Hawk.
Tom
Feb 1, 2017 at 12:15 am
so should fast cars outta respect for Benny Parsons
Justwellsy
Jan 30, 2017 at 12:37 pm
you forgot the snap back vs flexfit argument… or even worse, the velcro back. For the sake of this argument, no hats with team insignias will be considered, only “golf” brand hats. Velcro back guys are either really good or really bad, there’s no in between. Flex Fit guys are the guys that want to look good on the course. They don’t necessarily achieve their goal, but they’ve consciously thought about it and how other people perceive them is very important. Snap back guy either has a huge dome or is budget conscious. I myself wear a 7 3/4 hat so it’s very tough to find a flexfit hat that doesn’t choke my brain. Oh, and fitted hat guy?? That’s reserved for bald guys who wear “baseball coach” Oakley sunglasses. For us mere mortals, these hats just don’t breathe enough. Full analysis and selection chart to follow when WRX hires me as a staff writer.
KRo88
Jan 30, 2017 at 12:30 pm
what about a hat from a nice golf course public/private. or from the Masters?
Joe Burnett
Jan 30, 2017 at 2:35 pm
Considering I’m usually a Masters hat guy myself, I would argue these tend to be the “best-looking” athletic guys on the course.
Bobtrumpet
Jan 30, 2017 at 12:02 pm
Ben Hogan “Cap”
… or if you’re Ty Webb.
Blakester
Jan 30, 2017 at 11:59 am
If I had the game to back it up I’d rock the Chi Chi Rodriguez panama hat or some kind of casual fedora on the golf course. I don’t ever wear them in real life (unless I’m on the beach) but they protect your ears better from the sun and would set one apart from all the ball caps out there.
chinchbugs
Jan 30, 2017 at 11:56 am
“You’re a funny kid ya know…what time you due back in Boys Town?”