Best Golf Mid-Layers: Buyer’s Guide and things you need to know

The temperature will definitely drop as we move into winter. Rain clouds will also start to appear. It is important to have a variety of mid-layers available for you to choose from in order to stay warm and comfortable on the golf 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.

Let’s jump right in.

GolfMagic could earn a small fee if you choose to purchase one of the products linked. Prices may vary.

PUMA Mattr Colourblock Golf Hoodie 

Key Features

• Moisture-wicking dryCELL technology
• Performance Fit
• Hoods and drawstrings

Pros:

• Fitter athletic physique
• Hoods give the mid-layer an updated feel
• Lightweight and breathable

Cons:

• Some golf courses still do not allow golf hoodies.

Colours: Navy Blazer / Bright White / PUMA Black / PUMA Black / Quiet Shade / PUMA Black / Lake Blue / Navy Blazer

Material: 92% Recycled Polyester, 8% Elastane

Price: £55

Puma Mattr, one of the most popular mid-layers in our collection for many reasons. First of all, who doesn’t love a good hoodie. There are still some UK courses that don’t allow hoodies to be worn. But everyone else loves them.

The simple, single-stripe pattern sets it apart without being garish. The hoodie has a simple design with a hint of colour. It is available in many colours to match with different trousers and shorts.

This versatile mid-layer, which is relatively thin and versatile, is ideal for cooler mornings or afternoons. 

G/FORE Hooded Zip Neck Sweater

Key Features

• Made with fine tech Jersey fabric with added stretch to maximize mobility
• Stand collar for extra heat
• The moisture-wicking fabric is perfect for hot days

Pros:

• The softest fabric you can imagine
• Modern Athletic Fitness
• The integrated zip is perfect for cold weather.

Cons:

• £145 is a lot to pay for a hoodie

Colours: Slate, Onyx

Material: 67% Polyester/28% Lyocell/5% Elastane

Price: £145

The G/FORE hooded zip neck sweater is one of the most luxurious midlayers in this list. It feels amazing against your skin the moment you put 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. 

A zip in the collar provides additional protection against the elements. This is perfect when the weather changes or wind blows. The hoodie comes in two colors and is one of the most expensive midlayers, but it’s worth every penny.

CHERVO POSTICCIORYD 584 Golf Jumper

Key Features

• Technical light space fleece fabric
• Ergonomic Seams with 3D Inserts
• Stretch jersey fabric treated with sunblock

Pros:

• The pockets are ideal for keeping hands warm.
• The perfect way to support Europe at the Ryder Cup
• Stretchy, light-weight space fleece fabric

Cons:

• Ironing is required 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. As soon as you touch it, the 584 exudes quality. It is reassuringly weighty without being cumbersome and fits the body like a glove. 

The super stretchy fabric moves well with the body throughout the swing, giving it a very athletic and sporty feel. The fabric feels great against the skin, and the integrated pocket on the front is a perfect place to store your hands if it starts to get chilly.

We tried the jumper out in Scotland, when the wind began to blow. It kept us warm thanks in part to the collar zip, which keeps your neck warm and cozy. 

This jumper was released in conjunction with the Ryder Cup 2023. It is also a great way to show your support for Team Europe on the next time you hit the golf 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. 

PING Elevation golf Mid-layer

Features of the Key Features

• Water Resistant 
• Brushed back fleece lining
• Subtle PING Eye logo on shoulder

Pros:

• The fleece lining is ideal for cooler rounds
• A thicker construction is a good protection against the elements
• The water-resistant finish provides added protection

Cons:

• Pearl grey can get dirty very easily 

Colours: Danube, Pearl Grey

Material: 95% Polyester 5% Elastane

Price: £51.99

PING’s Elevation midlayer is ideal for winter rounds. With its thicker lining and brushed fleece, this midlayer offers exceptional warmth and comfort. 

The PING Eye design on the shoulder adds a subtle touch to this quarter zip. Thanks to its light and neutral colour palette, it pairs well with many trousers. 

We were able to avoid rain during testing so we cannot testify how water-resistant the top is. However, it’s comforting to know that you’re not completely unprotected if the skies open. 

Peter Millar Merge Elite Hybrid Jacket

Key Features

• Windproof
• Water Resistant
• Three zip pockets

Pros:

• Provides excellent protection against rain and wind
• Three zipper pockets for essentials on the course
• Raglan sleeves provide a full range movement

Cons:

Colours: Navy

Material: 100% polyester front with 87% polyester and 13% Spandex on the back 

Price: £189.00

This Peter Millar midlayer, the first full-zip in our list, is a hybrid of a jacket and a mid-layer. It packs a lot into a 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. 

You can store valuables like tees or balls in the pockets. And because they are zippable, there’s no need to worry that things will fall out while you crouch to pick up the ball.

This is a very good jacket. We consider it one of the best mid-layers. 

Under Armour Playoff Hoodie

Key Features

• Tech fabric construction
• Kangaroo pouch pocket
• Fabric with UPF 50+ protection against the sun

Pros:

• Wear it on the course or off.
• Fabric that provides comfort and excellent stretch
• Lay back casual style

Cons:

• Golfers who are not traditional golfers may find it difficult to enjoy the game

Colours: Gray, Black

Material: 95% polyester, 5% elastane 

Price: £67.00

When it was first introduced, the humble hoodie created a stir. It has since become a staple on fairways across the globe.

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. The hoodie’s comfortable fit and stretchy fabric make it a versatile piece that is perfect for the course or gym.

Stuburt Active Tech Fleece

Key Features

• Contrast rib detailing
• Reflective left chest Laser Cut Print
• Brushed back fleece fabric

Pros:

• Excellent value
• Warm Greetings
• Comfy fleece lining

Cons:

• When temperatures begin to rise, it’s not ideal

Colours: French Navy, Chamray, Slate Grey, Black

Material: 100% Polysester 

Price: £19.99

The Stuburt Tech Active fleece is one thicker mid-layer on the list. This makes it a great choice for winter. The fleece fabric feels very soft when pulled on. It’s like getting a warm hug.

The design is simple and stylish, with a nice contrast rib detail to give it some pop. Overall the look and feel are more premium than what 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:

• Sporty design for a stylish look
• Stretchy fabric offers excellent comfort on the course
• Breathable, light weight and easy to carry

Cons:

• Available in only one colour

Colours: Jester Red

Material: 89% Polyester and 11% Elastane

Price: £89.00

This stylish and athletic quarter-zip is an excellent layering piece for the changing weather. The sweatshirt is lightweight, stretchy, and very comfortable. It’s made of active-stretch panels and sports contours, which allow it to adjust to your body movement for a free, unhindered swing. 

Fabrics with moisture-wicking and UV protection will keep you cool, and prevent sunburns when the sun shows its face.

The mid-layer is one of the thinnest on our list. It’s easy to store in your golf bag and can be used all year round.

Mizuno G Style RB Hoodie

Features of the Key Features

• Four-way stretch fabric
• Lightweight construction

Pros:

• Fitting, athletic and flattering
• Pencil bags are easy to carry.
• Blue camouflage runbird logo

Cons:

Colours: Deep Navy, Black, Grey

Material: 87% Polyester, Elastane

Price: £44.99

Mizuno’s athletic and stylish hoodie is the latest craze in 2023. 

The hoodie is adorned with a tonal blue camouflage pattern across the front. Its performance is what you can expect from Mizuno.

The lightweight fabric, with its four-way stretch, allows you to move freely as you swing. It also provides comfort thanks to the lightweight construction.

The hoodie fits easily into even the smallest of pencil cases. It has been a constant in our golf bags throughout the entire year.  

Oscar Jacobson Telford 

Features of the Key Features

• Eye-catching side-seam panel print
• Super lightweight
• Four-way stretch fabric

Pros:

• The air is very breathable
• Fun and unique design
• Sports fitness

Cons:

Colours: Cool Blue, Lunar Grey 

Material: 100% Polyester

Price: £49.99

The Oscar Jacobson Telford is a classic Scandinavian design that combines functionality and good looks. The Telford is one of the lighter mid-layers in this list. It’s not the warmest, but its lightweight and breathability make it a great choice for cool autumnal days.

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. 

What to consider before buying a midlayer

Material

Different materials offer different characteristics, so it’s key to consider what your mid-layer is made of when you make a purchase.

Modern garments are primarily made of polyester. Cotton and wool have their own place in the market. We prefer polyester because of its breathability, stretch and moisture-wicking qualities. The synthetic material will also hold its shape and color incredibly well and is easy to maintain.

Cotton and Wool both have a traditional look and feel but do not offer the same versatility and functionality of polyester, elastic or any other modern synthetic. The natural materials tend to be more expensive as well. They also lose shape and color more quickly.

Functionality

It is important to take into account the garment’s functionality. 

You should choose a midlayer that is water resistant and well insulated if you play regularly in a cool climate with wind and rain. 

Some mid-layers, on the other hand, are much lighter and more breathable, so they’re a great choice for golfers who want something easy to store in their bag if temperatures start to drop mid-round.  

Price

Golfing mid-layers do not escape this rule. Ranging quite dramatically from around £20 to close to £200, finding the price point that suits your budget is essential.

The mid-layers that are more expensive on this list may deliver the comfort and quality you expect, but you will still get excellent performance and value from all the items on this listing. 

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. 

Other Golf Equipment Guides

Best Golf Drivers

Best Golf Fairway Woods

Best Golf Balls

Best Golf Putters

Best Golf Irons

Best Golf Wedges

Best Golf Stand Bags

Best Golf Rangefinders

Best Golf Tees

Best Golf Shoes

Best Golf Waterproof Jackets

Best Golf Shirts

Best Golf Shorts

Best Golf Apps

Take me to more equipment news!