Wool golf socks have been a staple of my golf wardrobe for well over a dozen years at this point. They just make sense.
I almost exclusively walk on the golf course, and when I do, I want my feet to stay dry and comfortable for the full 18 holes (or nine holes, sometimes). A great wool golf sock has enough padding under my feet to cushion the thousands upon thousands of steps in a round, while the whole sock can soak up any sweat and help dispurse it -- and any stink associated with it.
However, outside of the rare wool sweater and a pair of wool lounge pants that I absolutely loved, I really haven't otherwise worn much wool.
That's why I was intrigued when a company named WoolX reached out and pitched their Merino wool polo shirt as a potential golf shirt. Every once in a while, an apparel maker will dip their toe into golf by saying their existing products are perfect for the game. Sometimes, they're a great fit. Other times, it's a stretch. But, I was willing to give it a try, so they sent me their Summit polo ($110).
I've worn it for a few rounds now -- as well as off the course -- and really enjoyed it. At first, it's a bit of a different feeling, with a little of that Merino itch. It's not itchy; you just feel wool on your skin a little differently. It was soft to the touch, though, and it was certainly lightweight without the material itself being thin and flimsy. The shirt has a collar that holds its form nice and raglan-style sleeves. The solid colors (and there are nine options) pair nicely with pretty much anything else you'll wear. The fit is modern but definitely not slim. You won't swim in the shirt, but it's also not so slender that you have to suck in your gut.
The Summit polo is just long enough to tuck into golf pants or shorts, but it's not so long that you can wear it untucked outside the course and look like a slob. The shirt has the right amount of stretch for golf, with the Merino wool wrapped around a Spandex core in a weave that gives you the best of both worlds.
If wool is a great material for your sweaty feet, then the theory would be that it's surely a great material for the other places you sweat the most -- under your arms and on your chest and back. In my experience, that theory has been proven true. I wore the shirt on several warmer days, and the Summit polo absorbed sweat and wicked it away from me quickly. Wool is quite absorbent, so it can take the sweat from a round in the warm sun with no problem. No only does the fabric dry quickly, but it also made sure I didn't smell like a mixture of sweat and sunscreen when I was done playing.
I imagine the shirt will be great for fall and winter, as well, as the temperature regulation will help out when wearing layering pieces for warmth and prevent that underlayer of sweat that can bleed through from your polo shirt to your quarter-zip or hoodie. I get the feeling that one of the WoolX base layer hoodies would be ideal for fall and spring golf.
The company also sent me some wool underwear -- which I haven't worn in the heat of a golf round yet, but they're very comfortable so far -- and some of their Everyday crew socks, which are great for all occasions off the course. The point is: They have the wool spectrum covered, and they hope cover you with it.
Wool may not be the first fabric you think of, but once you realize how much utility and comfort it offers, you'll make it a part of your golf-course rotation.
