Best Golf Mid-Layers 2023: Buyer's Guide and things you need to know
GolfMagic picks out the best golf mid-layers you can buy, now that temperatures are starting to drop and a little added warmth is needed out on the course.
Heading into the winter months, the temperature will undoubtedly begin to drop, and rain clouds will start to roll in. So, with that in mind, making sure you have a good selection of mid-layers to pick from is essential for keeping you warm and comfortable out on the course.
Mid-layers are an essential part of any good golf outfit, and now the winter months are approaching, there has never been a better time to freshen up your golfing wardrobe with offerings from some of the biggest brands in the game, including PUMA, PING, G/FORE and Peter Millar.
With a broad selection of styles, colours and constructions on offer, the GolfMagic team has searched high and low to find a fantastic selection of some of the best options to suit an array of different situations and budgets.
Ideally paired with one of our best golf shirts, or if the weather allows, best golf shorts, our selection of mid-layers will set you up perfectly to turn heads in the clubhouse.
So, without further ado, let's get into it.
All of our picks below are independently selected and curated by the editorial team, If you buy a linked product, GolfMagic may earn a fee. Pricing may vary.
PUMA Mattr Colourblock Golf Hoodie
Key Features:
- Moisture-wicking dryCELL technology
- Performance fit
- Hood and drawstrings
Pros:
- Flattering athletic fit
- Hood gives the mid-layer a modern feel
- Lightweight and breathable
Cons:
- Some golf courses still don't allow hoodies to be worn
Colours: Navy Blazer / Bright White, Bright White / PUMA Black, Quiet Shade / PUMA Black, Lake Blue / Navy Blazer
Material: 92% Recycled polyester, 8% elastane
Price: £55
The Puma Mattr is one of our absolute favourite mid-layers for a number of reasons. Firstly, who doesn't love a hoodie? Well, some courses in the UK still don't allow them to be worn, but other than that, everyone loves a hoodie.
Secondly, the simple single-stripe design sets it apart from the competition without being garish at all. Keeping things simple but with a touch of colour, the hoodie is available in a broad selection of colours so it's easy to pair up with a wide variety of trousers or shorts.
The versatile mid-layer is also relatively thin, making it an ideal garment for cooler afternoons or a crisp morning round.
G/FORE Hooded Luxe Zip Neck Sweater
Key Features:
- Made with fine tech jersey fabric with added stretch for maximum mobility
- Stand collar for extra warmth
- Moisture-wicking properties for hot days
Pros:
- Incredibly soft fabric
- Modern athletic fit
- Incorporated zip is ideal for when the temperature drops
Cons:
- £145 is a lot to pay for a hoodie
Colours: Slate, Onyx
Material: 67% Polyester/ 28% Lyocell/ 5% Elastane
Price: £145
One of the most luxurious mid-layers on this list, the G/FORE hooded luxe zip neck sweater feels fantastic against your skin as soon as you pull it on.
The fine tech jersey fabric is incredibly soft, and the stretch on offer also allows for a complete range of movement throughout the swing without the fabric getting caught or bunching in any awkward areas.
The addition of an internal zip inside the collar allows for added protection from the elements, which is ideal when the wind picks up or the temperature drops mid-round. Available in two colours, the hoodie is amongst the most expensive mid-layers on this list, but you get exactly what you pay for.
CHERVO POSTICCIORYD 584 Golf Jumper
Key Features:
- Technical light space fleece fabric
- Ergonomic seams with optical-effect 3D inserts
- Stretch jersey fabric has sunblock treatment
Pros:
- Integrated pockets, ideal for keeping your hands warm
- Perfect for supporting Europe at the Ryder Cup
- light space fleece fabric offers plenty of stretch
Cons:
- Needs to be ironed after washing
Colours: Brilliant Blue
Material: 95% Polyester, 5% Elastane
Price: £198.56
Forgive us for not wanting to spell out the full name of this jumper again; we are going to refer to it as the 584 moving forward. The 584 oozes quality as soon as you lay your hands on it. Reassuringly heavy without being cumbersome, it fits like a glove and hugs the body in all the right places.
The super stretchy fabric moves well with the body throughout the swing, giving it a very athletic and sporty feel. The fabric offers a lovely skin feel, and the integrated pockets on the front provide an excellent space for you to put your hands when it gets a bit chilly.
We tested the jumper in Scotland when the wind had begun to pick up, and it kept us lovely and warm, in part thanks to the zip-up collar, which does a fantastic job of keeping your neck nice and cosy.
Released in partnership with the 2023 Ryder Cup, this jumper is also an ideal choice for showing your support for Team Europe when you're next out on the course.
Coming in at £200, this jumper doesn't come cheap, but the build quality and comfort will make it a wardrobe staple for years to come.
Galvin Green Desmond
Key Features:
- Constructed entirely from recycled polyester
- Stylish graphic logo on chest
- Drawstring hood
Pros:
- Super lightweight and breathable
- Incredibly soft fabric feels great against your skin
- Modern design well suited to casual off-course styling
Cons:
- On the higher end of the price spectrum
Colours: Navy Melange, Grey Melange, Blue Melange
Material: 100% Recycled Polyester
Price: £109
Galvin Green is one of the kings of modern golf apparel, and the Desmond hoodie is an excellent example of how the brand utilises sustainable fabrics to design cutting-edge high-performance clothing.
This stylish hoodie can add a touch of casual athleticism to any golf outfit, and the soft and stretchy fabric will move effortlessly with you throughout your golf swing. The soft fabric has an almost brushed cotton-like feel, which glides over the skin effortlessly to provide outstanding on-course comfort.
We tested the hoodie in a variety of different temperatures and wind conditions, and it performed admirably in all of them. When the sun comes out, the breathable fabric did a fantastic job of keeping us cool, and when the wind does pick up, the hoodie is suitably warm enough to prevent you from needing to reach for a jacket or extra layer.
It is an incredibly versatile layer that is also very easy to store because of its lightweight construction. Made from recycled polyester that's Bluesign approved, the Desmond is also an excellent choice for golfers who prioritise sustainability when deciding what to buy.
PING Elevation Golf Mid-layer
Key Features:
- Water resistant
- Brushed-back fleece lining
- Subtle PING Eye logo on shoulder
Pros:
- Fleece lining ideal for colder rounds
- Thick construction provides excellent protection from the elements
- Water-resistant finish offers added protection
Cons:
- Pearl grey colour could get dirty quite quickly
Colours: Danube, Pearl Grey
Material: 95% Polyester, 5% Elastane
Price: £51.99
An ideal choice for winter rounds, the PING Elevation mid-layer is one of the thicker options on this list, and when combined with the brushed fleece lining, it offers outstanding warmth and comfort.
The subtle PING Eye logo design on the right shoulder gives it a touch of separation from your standard quarter zip, and thanks to the light and neutral colour scheme, it also pairs well with a wide range of trousers.
During testing, we managed to avoid the rain, so we can't testify to how water-resistant this top is, but it's reassuring to know that if the heavens do open, you aren't entirely unprotected.
Peter Millar Merge Elite Hybrid Jacket
Key Features:
- Windproof
- Water resistant
- Three zip pockets
Pros:
- Offers excellent protection from wind and rain
- Three zip pockets ideal for storing on-course essentials
- Raglan sleeves allow for a full range of movement
Cons:
- No noticeable cons
Colours: Navy
Material: 100% polyester front and 87% polyester / 13% Spandex back
Price: £189.00
The first full-zip on the list, this Peter Millar mid-layer is a bit of a jacket/mid-layer hybrid, and it packs a lot of features into a super lightweight package.
An ideal additional layer for golf all year round, the Merge Elite Hybrid Jacket offers great protection from wind and rain, while still being thin enough to wear as a light extra layer on cooler summer days.
The pockets provide excellent storage solutions for any loose balls, tees and valuables you might have on the course, and thankfully, as they're zippable, you don't have to worry about things falling out as you crouch down to pick up your ball.
All in all, it is an excellent jacket and one of our favourite mid-layers, so despite the high price point, you get a lot of bang for your buck.
Under Armour Playoff Hoodie
Key Features:
- Tech fabric construction
- Kangaroo-style pouch pocket
- UPF 50+ sun protection in the fabric
Pros:
- Ideal for wear both on and off the course
- Fabric provides excellent stretch and comfort
- Laid back casual styling
Cons:
- May not appeal to the traditional golfer
Colours: Gray, Black
Material: 95% polyester, 5% elastane
Price: £67.00
Quickly becoming a regular feature on fairways around the world, the humble hoodie was cause for much commotion when it first burst on the scene.
Thankfully, golfers have come around to the idea that one additional piece of fabric on a jumper is perhaps not as scary as they first thought, and Under Armour has taken advantage of a more relaxed approach to on-course styling by producing a hoodie that looks just as good on the course as it does in the pub.
Simple in design, the hoodie has one small Under Armour logo on the chest, and the no-frills design is what makes it such an excellent offering and great to wear for more than just golf. Thanks to the stretchy nature of the fabric and the comfortable fit, this hoodie is very versatile and is an ideal fit for the course or the gym.
Stuburt Active Tech Fleece
Key Features:
- Contrast rib detailing
- Reflective left chest laser cut print
- Brushed back fleece fabric
Pros:
- Excellent value
- Very warm
- Comfy fleece lining
Cons:
- Not ideal when temperatures start to rise
Colours: French Navy, Chamray, Slate Grey, Black
Material: 100% Polysester
Price: £19.99
One of the thicker mid-layers on this list, the Stuburt Active Tech fleece is an ideal choice for winter conditions. The fleece fabric is very soft and when you pull it on, it feels like a warm, friendly hug.
The simple but stylish design features nice contrast rib detailing to give it a bit of pop, and the overall look and feel of the mid-layer is more premium than the price would suggest.
Coming in at only £19.99, this offering from Stuburt is the cheapest mid-layer on this list, offering excellent value for a garment that will do an excellent job of keeping the cold from your back during your frosty winter rounds.
Crew Clothing Fairway Golf Half Zip Sweatshirt
Key Features:
- Handy chest pocket
- Sports contour panels
- UV Protection finish
Pros:
- Stylish athletic design
- Stretchy fabric provides excellent on-course comfort
- Breathable and light weight
Cons:
- Only available in one colour
Colours: Jester Red
Material: 89% Polyester, 11% Elastane
Price: £89.00
This modern and athletic quarter zip is a fantastic additional layer for when the weather begins to turn. Lightweight, stretchy and extremely comfortable, the sweatshirt is made from active-stretch and sports contour panels, allowing it to adapt to the movement of your body for a free and unimpeded swing.
The fabric also features moisture-wicking technology and in-built UV protection to keep you cool and sunburn-free when the sun decides to show its face.
One of the thinner mid-layers on this list, it's very easy to tuck away in your golf bag, making it an ideal choice for year-round use.
Mizuno G Style RB Hoodie
Key Features:
- Four-way stretch fabric
- Lightweight construction
Pros:
- Flattering, athletic fit
- Easy to stash in a pencil bag
- Blue camouflage runbird logo
Cons:
- No pockets
Colours: Deep Navy, Black, Grey
Material: 87% Polyester, 13% Elastane
Price: £44.99
Hoodies are all the rage in 2023, and Mizuno has joined the party with an athletic and stylish offering that we absolutely love.
Featuring a sharp blue tonal camouflage logo across the front, this hoodie brings big brand appeal, and the performance it offers is typical of what you would expect from a brand of Mizuno's pedigree.
Moving freely with your body as you swing, the four-way stretch fabric provides ample stretch and freedom, and thanks to its lightweight construction, it provides excellent comfort, too.
Easy to stash away in even the slimmest of pencil bags, this hoodie has been ever-present in our golf bag throughout the year.
Oscar Jacobson Telford
Key Features:
- Eye-catching side-seam panel print
- Super lightweight
- Four-way stretch fabric
Pros:
- Very breathable
- Fun and unique design
- Athletic fit
Cons:
- Not particularly warm
Colours: Cool Blue, Lunar Grey
Material: 100% Polyester
Price: £49.99
Showcasing typical Scandinavian style, the Oscar Jacobson Telford boasts good looks and functionality in equal measure. One of the thinner mid-layers on this list, the Telford is by no means the warmest option on this list, but it's incredibly lightweight and breathable, which makes it an excellent choice for cool summer days or if you're lucky, a bright and sunny autumnal round.
Featuring a striking side-seam panel print and a chest-printed OJ logo, the quarter-zip is a distinguished choice and available in both Cool Blue and Lunar Grey, it's easy to pair with a broad array of different trousers or shorts.
Things to consider when buying a mid-layer
Material
Different materials offer different characteristics, so it's key to consider what your mid-layer is made of when you make a purchase.
Most modern garments are made primarily from polyester, but cotton and wool do still have their place in the market. Polyester is our favoured material due to its stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and breathability. The synthetic material is also straightforward to care for and will hold its shape and colour incredibly well.
Cotton and wool both deliver perhaps a more traditional feel and look, but don't provide the same level of versatility and functionality as polyester, elastane or a variety of other modern synthetics. Typically also more expensive, the natural materials also tend to lose their shape and colour more quickly.
Functionality
The mid-layer category is quite a broad one, and different styles and designs will favour certain conditions and environments, so the functionality of the garment is vital to consider.
If you regularly play in a cooler climate where wind and rain play a big factor, selecting a mid-layer that's water-resistant and well-insulated should be your main priority.
Alternatively, some mid-layers are much more breathable and lightweight, making them an ideal choice for golfers looking for something nice and easy to stash in their bag in case the temperature starts to dip slightly mid-round.
Price
Price is key to consider when buying almost everything, and golfing mid-layers are not exempt. Ranging quite dramatically from around £20 to close to £200, finding the price point that suits your budget is essential.
While the more expensive mid-layers on this list certainly deliver the quality and comfort you would expect from the price tag, you can still find excellent value and performance from every item on this list.
If you're someone who only likes to play once or twice a year, then perhaps a £200 quarter zip might not be the wisest money you've ever spent, but if you're a serious golfer who demands the absolute best in style and performance from their clothing, then the more expensive items in this guide are undoubtedly well worth your consideration.
