| On any given Sunday you'll see more and | | | | the sun's damaging UV rays. PGA tour pro |
| more people heading to their local golf | | | | Briny Abaird frequently dons one of the |
| course to partake in what has evolved | | | | broad-brimmed variety, providing |
| into one of the most popular sports in | | | | extensive protection to his face and |
| the world. No longer a game played | | | | neck, freeing him up for more important |
| exclusively by the nouveau rich, this | | | | matters, like sinking that next chip |
| relaxing, albeit sometimes frustrating | | | | shot. |
| sport, is now being played by people of | | | | Other golf legends such as Sam Snead and |
| all ages and various walks of life. | | | | Greg Norman also popularized the wearing |
| With countless number of quality courses | | | | of wide brimmed lightweight hats while |
| increasing throughout the country | | | | on the course. Greg Norman, who grew up |
| yearly, and state of the art golf clubs | | | | in the sun drenched region of Northern |
| and accessories readily available for | | | | Australia, often wore the typical |
| the novice or wannabe Tiger Woods, golf | | | | surfers wide brimmed straw hat that |
| is now more accessible then ever before. | | | | encircles the entire head, including the |
| But before you tee off with that new | | | | back of the neck. While playing |
| driver, or reach for your nine iron, | | | | professionally he was able to keep his |
| make sure you take proper precautions | | | | eyes focused on the ball at all times, |
| against the golfer's deadliest foe: the | | | | shielded from blinding bursts of |
| sun. | | | | sunlight that often plague many golfers. |
| Consider that a round of golf can take | | | | So what to look for in a golf |
| anywhere from four to six hours to | | | | hat?....Basically you want a hat that is |
| complete, often played between 10am and | | | | constructed of a lightweight yet durable |
| 4pm when the sun's ultraviolet rays are | | | | weave that offers ample ventilation. |
| the strongest, thus greatly increasing | | | | Suede with cut-away mesh features, or |
| the risk of developing skin cancer. | | | | tightly woven mesh hats are a prime |
| In addition to the liberal dose of | | | | example. |
| sunscreen that you hopefully always | | | | Choose a hat that provides shade for the |
| apply prior to teeing off, one of the | | | | entire head, and as much of the neck as |
| most important preventive measures you | | | | possible. Wide or medium sized brimmed |
| can take, (and most stylish) is to wear | | | | hats also provide much more protection |
| the proper hat. | | | | for the face, ears, and neck than common |
| Golf pros around the globe agree that | | | | baseball caps, and are suitable for |
| sun protection hats offer a competitive | | | | those who play often under sunny |
| edge over players who struggle in the | | | | conditions. |
| heat without adequate safeguards against | | | | |