Golf Hairstyle Men: 7 Pro-Inspired Styles for Hats & Game

Struggling to find a golf hairstyle men that looks sharp in the clubhouse but doesn’t turn into a mess by the 9th hole? You’re not alone. The battle against “hat hair,” wind, and sweat is a common challenge for every stylish golfer.

Pro-inspired golf hairstyles for men balance aesthetic appeal with practical considerations like hat compatibility, sweat resistance, and keeping hair out of the eyes for optimal game performance. This guide offers 7 styles designed to achieve this, drawing lessons from PGA professionals.

Drawing from established best practices and proven on-course techniques, this guide provides more than just inspiration. You will discover actionable steps and product recommendations to master each look. Get ready to elevate your on-course style and confidence.

7 Pro-Inspired Golf Hairstyle Men Styles for Hats & Game

Finding the perfect men’s golf hair is the ultimate fusion of style and performance. The right cut not only complements your golf apparel but also functions as a piece of essential golf gear, helping you keep hair out of face and maintain focus from the first tee to the final putt. The following seven pro golfer haircuts are inspired by PGA Tour trends and designed for real-world play. Each style has been selected for its ability to work with golf hats, withstand the elements, and ensure you look as good as you play. We will break down each look with a simple golf hair tutorial, including the products and steps you need to achieve it.

1. Style a Classic PGA Side Part for a Polished Look

Pin this timeless look to your ‘Golf Style’ board!

The classic golf hair side part is the epitome of a professional look. This timeless golf haircut is defined by its clean cut and short sides, making it exceptionally low maintenance and perfect for maintaining a neat and tidy appearance that complements the hat effortlessly.

Products & Tools Used

• Strong hold pomade (water-based for easy wash-out, offers all-day hold)
• Fine-tooth comb (for precise parting and sleek finish)
• Hair dryer with concentrator nozzle
• Pre-styling spray (for added volume and heat protection)
• Firm bristle brush (for smoothing)

Application/Styling Steps

1. Wash and towel-dry hair, leaving it slightly damp.
2. Apply a pre-styling spray evenly through hair for heat protection and initial hold.
3. Create a clean side part using the fine-tooth comb, typically aligning with the arch of your eyebrow.
4. Blow-dry your hair into place, directing the airflow to define the part and smooth the sides back.
5. Scoop a dime-sized amount of pomade and emulsify it between your palms.
6. Work the pomade evenly through your hair, ensuring coverage from root to tip, focusing on securing the part and smoothing down sides.
7. Comb through once more with the fine-tooth comb to perfect the part and eliminate any flyaways for a sleek, neat and tidy finish.
8. Lightly tap hairspray to set, ensuring it withstands the elements during your round.

Pro-Tip: For optimal scalp breathability and to prevent heavy product build-up under your golf hat, opt for a light, water-soluble pomade. This also helps minimize “hat hair” residue when you remove your cap after the round.

2. Achieve the Modern Taper Fade with Textured Top

Save this versatile look to your ‘Men’s Style for Sports’ board!

The taper fade is a staple of modern golf hairstyle trends. Its signature short sides provide a clean cut that is incredibly hat-friendly, while the versatile textured top allows for personal expression. This combination is a favorite among pros for its stylish yet practical nature.

Products & Tools Used

• Matte finish styling clay (for texture and natural hold)
• Sea salt spray (for added texture and volume)
• Blow dryer
• Vent brush or fingers (for styling the top)
• Light hold hairspray (optional, for extra security)

Application/Styling Steps

1. Start with clean, damp hair. If desired, spray a generous amount of sea salt spray through the top section.
2. Blow-dry your hair, using a vent brush or your fingers to lift and texture the top sections. Aim for volume and a slightly dishevelled look.
3. Scoop a small amount of matte styling clay onto your fingertips and warm it by rubbing your hands together.
4. Work the clay through the textured top, starting from the back and moving forward, focusing on separating strands and creating definition. Avoid applying too much to the roots to prevent weighing down the hair.
5. Use your fingers to sculpt the desired shape, ensuring the sides are neat and the top has an intentional, slightly messy appeal.
6. For extra security, especially on windy days, a light mist of light hold hairspray can be applied. This style is inherently hat-friendly due to its short sides and adaptable top.

Pro-Tip: The key to a great textured top is not to over-product. A good pre-styling sea salt spray combined with a minimal amount of matte clay provides optimal hold without looking stiff, which is ideal for “hat hair” prevention.

3. Perfect the Performance Slick Back for Optimal Focus

Pin this focus-enhancing style to your ‘Game Day Grooming’ board!

For the golfer who prioritizes focus above all, the slick back is the ultimate professional golf hairstyle. This look is engineered to keep hair out of face, providing a completely distraction-free round. Its sweat resistant and exceptionally hat-friendly nature means it stays neat and tidy no matter the conditions.

Products & Tools Used

• High-hold gel or pomade (specifically designed for slick back styles, humidity-resistant)
• Fine-tooth comb
• Hair spray (extra strong hold, optional for extreme conditions)
• Absorbent towel (for pre-styling prep)

Application/Styling Steps

1. Start with freshly washed, towel-dried hair. Ensure hair is damp but not dripping wet.
2. Scoop a generous amount of high-hold gel or pomade (more than you might typically use) and emulsify it thoroughly in your hands.
3. Apply the product evenly from front to back, ensuring all strands are coated. Work it into the roots for maximum control.
4. Using your fine-tooth comb, systematically comb all your hair straight back from your forehead, creating a smooth, uninterrupted surface.
5. Pay extra attention to the sides, ensuring they are tightly slicked back to minimize flyaways.
6. For particularly thick or unruly hair, a quick blast of a hair dryer on a cool setting while combing can help lock the style in place.
7. Finish with an optional mist of extra-strong hold hairspray to create a protective barrier against wind and humidity, ensuring the style remains sweat resistant and secure under your golf hats.

Pro-Tip: To combat “hat hair” with a slick back, ensure your product application is thorough and even. A hydrophobic hair product can create a water-resistant barrier, allowing you to quickly re-comb without losing integrity after removing your cap.

4. Manage the Effortless Long Flow with a Hat

Repin this elegant long hair solution to your ‘Long Hair Goals for Guys’ board!

A long flow has become an iconic long hairstyle for golfers, blending a relaxed aesthetic with on-course practicality. The key to this men’s golf hair is managing its natural flow to keep hair out of face without sacrificing style. This look especially complements the hat when using visors or adjustable caps.

Products & Tools Used

• Lightweight texturizing cream or leave-in conditioner (to enhance natural flow and prevent frizz)
• Soft, snag-free hair ties (optional, for partial securing)
• Wide-tooth comb
• Golf visor or adjustable cap with an opening for a ponytail

Application/Styling Steps

1. Start with clean, conditioned hair. If your hair is prone to frizz, apply a small amount of lightweight texturizing cream while it’s damp.
2. Allow hair to air dry or blow-dry on a low, cool setting, encouraging its natural flow and movement.
3. Using a wide-tooth comb, gently comb your hair back from your face. Avoid harsh brushing to maintain its natural texture.
4. For active play, consider a half-up style: Gather the top section of your hair that falls around your face and secure it loosely with a soft hair tie, pulling it through the opening of an adjustable cap.
5. If wearing a visor, ensure your hair is neatly swept back, or that shorter face-framing pieces are pinned back with small, subtle hair clips.
6. Gently place your golf visor or hat on your head, ensuring it’s snug enough to stay in place without crushing your hair’s volume. The goal is to allow the long flow to move freely in the back while keeping hair out of face.

Pro-Tip: To prevent tangled hair and maintain the health of your long flow, use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection before your round. This not only nourishes but also safeguards against sun and wind damage on the course.

5. Rock the Textured Quiff with Hat-Friendly Adaptations

Share this stylish golf look to your ‘Men’s Golf Style Inspiration’ board!

The textured quiff is a modern golf hairstyle that brings volume and personality to the course. Famously sported by pros like Rickie Fowler, this athletic trim requires a bit of technique to prevent hat hair. The goal is a flexible hold that complements the hat and can be easily restyled post-round.

Products & Tools Used

• Volume powder or pre-styling mousse
• Texturizing clay with a flexible hold
• Hair dryer (with a diffuser if hair is wavy/curly)
• Round brush or vent brush (for shaping)
• Light-to-medium hold hairspray

Application/Styling Steps

1. Start with clean, damp hair. Apply volume powder directly to the roots of the front section or work in a pre-styling mousse.
2. Blow-dry your hair upward and forward using a round or vent brush to create lift and shape for the quiff. Focus on drying the roots for maximum volume.
3. Once dry, scoop a small amount of texturizing clay and warm it in your hands.
4. Work the clay through the front and top sections, pushing the hair up and slightly back to create the desired textured quiff shape. Use your fingers to define individual strands.
5. For wearing a hat: Gently push the front of the quiff down slightly, allowing the hat to sit comfortably. The flexible hold of the clay should allow the quiff to rebound when the hat is removed.
6. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to set the style without making it stiff, allowing for natural movement and easy restyling post-round. This method aims to minimize the impact of hat hair.

Pro-Tip: To prevent a flattened quiff from hat hair, always ensure your styling product has a “memory” or flexible hold. A quick shake and finger-comb after removing your cap, perhaps with a spritz of dry shampoo, can revive the volume instantly.

6. Embrace the Clean Buzz Cut or Crew Cut for Ultimate Simplicity

Pin this low-maintenance champion to your ‘Practical Golf Grooming’ board!

For the ultimate in low maintenance and functionality, the buzz cut or crew cut is unmatched. These short golf haircuts for men are completely hat-friendly and ensure absolutely no hat hair. This style naturally complements the hat and eliminates any possibility of hair in face, making it a truly “set it and forget it” option.

Products & Tools Used

• Quality hair clippers with various guard sizes (for home maintenance)
• Scalp sunscreen (essential for protection on the course)
• Mild shampoo and conditioner
• Soft bristle brush (for scalp exfoliation/styling if slightly longer)

Application/Styling Steps

1. Maintain regularly: For a buzz cut, use clippers with a short guard (e.g., #1-#3) all over. For a crew cut, keep the sides and back shorter with a slightly longer top, creating a gradual fade.
2. Wash daily: Use a mild shampoo and conditioner to keep the scalp clean and healthy.
3. Apply scalp sunscreen: This is crucial for exposed scalps, especially when wearing a visor or when the hat shifts. Reapply as needed during long rounds.
4. Air dry: These cuts require no styling products or blow-drying, simplifying your morning routine.
5. Wear any golf hat: The beauty of a buzz cut or crew cut is its absolute compatibility with all golf hats, eliminating any concern about “hat hair” or hair interfering with your swing.

Pro-Tip: While these cuts are low maintenance for styling, protecting your exposed scalp from the sun is paramount. Always apply a high-SPF scalp sunscreen, even under a hat, to prevent sunburn and long-term damage.

7. Secure the Hat-Ready Man Bun or Top Knot

Collect this smart long hair solution to your ‘Long Hair Golf’ board!

For golfers with a long hairstyle, the man bun or top knot is the most practical and hat-friendly solution. This style allows you to securely keep hair out of face and is designed to pull hair through cap, working perfectly with adjustable caps that have a ponytail opening.

Products & Tools Used

• Soft, elastic hair ties (snag-free, strong hold)
• Leave-in conditioner or light styling cream (to control frizz)
• Wide-tooth comb
• Golf cap with a ponytail opening or adjustable cap

Application/Styling Steps

1. Start with well-conditioned hair. Use a leave-in conditioner to keep long hair manageable and prevent tangles.
2. Using a wide-tooth comb, carefully comb all your hair back, ensuring it’s free of knots.
3. Gather your hair at the desired height for your man bun or top knot (typically at the crown or just below it, where the hat opening will sit).
4. Secure your hair into a ponytail with a strong, elastic hair tie. Ensure it’s tight enough to hold but not painfully so.
5. Form the bun: Twist the ponytail around its base to create a bun, then secure it with another hair tie. Alternatively, fold the ponytail in half and loop it through the hair tie for a simpler bun.
6. Position your golf cap: Carefully thread the man bun or top knot through the opening at the back of your adjustable cap. Adjust the cap for a comfortable, secure fit, ensuring no hair is pulling. This method is effective in keeping hair out of your face and from interfering with your swing, providing a hat-friendly solution.

Pro-Tip: When choosing golf caps with ponytail holes, look for styles with a larger, more elastic opening to prevent pulling and damage to your man bun. For a ‘Best Golf Hats for Long Hair’ solution, seek out brands known for athletic headwear and adjustable features.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Golf Hairstyle Men

• Functionality is key: The best golf hairstyle men balance style with practical needs like keeping hair out of face, resisting wind, and managing sweat to enhance your game.
• Hat compatibility is crucial: Choose styles or techniques that are inherently hat-friendly, such as taper fade or methods for securing long flow or man bun hair through an adjustable cap.
• Product choice matters: Invest in quality hair pomade, gel, or styling clay that offers appropriate hold and finish (matte vs. sheen) while minimizing “hat hair” effect.
• Pro-inspired styles offer dual benefits: Looks like the classic side part or slick back not only deliver a “pro golfer look” but also provide structural integrity needed for active play.
• Maintenance for longevity: Regular trims for short styles or proper conditioning for long hair ensures your chosen golf haircut always looks its best.
• Protect your scalp: Regardless of hair length, applying scalp sunscreen is an essential part of your golf grooming routine to prevent sun damage.
• Confidence on the course: A well-styled golf hairstyle men that performs under pressure boosts your overall confidence, contributing positively to your focus and enjoyment of the game.

People Also Ask About Golf Hairstyle Men

What is the best haircut for golf?

The best haircut for golf balances functionality with personal style, prioritizing minimal distraction and hat compatibility. Popular choices include the versatile taper fade with a textured top, the secure slick back, or the low-maintenance buzz cut. For longer hair, a well-managed long flow or a hat-ready man bun that fits through an adjustable cap ensures hair stays out of your face and vision, crucial for optimal focus during your swing and a comfortable round.

How to keep hair out of face while golfing?

To effectively keep hair out of your face while golfing, use strong-hold products like pomades or gels for short to medium styles, or secure longer hair in a ponytail or man bun. Styles like the performance slick back are designed for this purpose, preventing stray hairs from interfering with your vision. Wearing a well-fitted golf cap or visor also provides an essential barrier, especially for controlling the hairline.

Which golf hats are best for long hair?

Golf hats with a ponytail opening or adjustable caps with ample back space are best for men with long hair, accommodating ponytails, braids, or man buns without discomfort. Visors are also an excellent choice as they allow for full hair flow at the back. Look for hats made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials to ensure comfort during a long round, especially for those with thicker men’s golf hair.

How do pro golfers style their hair?

Pro golfers often favor neat, low-distraction styles that work seamlessly with their golf caps, such as the classic side part, modern taper fade, or a well-managed long flow. They prioritize styles that are hat-friendly and require minimal adjustments during play, often using lightweight, strong-hold products to maintain a polished yet functional look throughout their round, reflecting “PGA Tour standards” for appearance.

How to avoid hat hair on the golf course?

To avoid hat hair, use flexible-hold styling products that allow hair to rebound, and choose styles that naturally minimize compression, like a textured top or very short cuts. If you have longer hair, securing it through a cap’s opening can alleviate pressure. After removing your hat, a quick finger-comb, possibly with a spritz of dry shampoo or a flexible hairspray, can help revive volume and shape, reducing the “helmet hair effect.”

Can you wear a ponytail in golf?

Yes, you can absolutely wear a ponytail in golf, especially for men with longer hair, as it’s a practical and effective way to keep hair controlled and out of your face. Many golf caps are now designed with openings specifically to accommodate ponytails or man buns, providing a comfortable and secure solution for managing long men’s golf hair during your round.

What is the Rory McIlroy haircut called?

Rory McIlroy’s iconic “long flow” haircut is not a single named cut but rather a style characterized by medium-length hair that allows for natural movement and volume. It’s often styled to sweep back off the face, working well with or without a golf cap, and has been a significant part of his pro golfer look, inspiring many looking for a sophisticated yet athletic golf hairstyle men.

Does hair affect your golf swing?

While hair itself doesn’t directly impact the physics of your golf swing, uncontrolled hair can be a significant visual distraction, affecting focus and concentration. Strands falling into your eyes or constantly needing to be pushed away can break your rhythm and concentration. Therefore, a secure golf hairstyle men that keeps hair out of your face is crucial for maintaining focus during each shot.

What are some good low-maintenance golf hairstyles for men?

For low-maintenance golf hairstyles, consider the buzz cut, crew cut, or a very short taper fade, as these require minimal styling products and naturally fit under any golf hat. These styles virtually eliminate “hat hair” and the need for constant adjustment, allowing golfers to focus entirely on their game without worrying about their hair.

How to choose a golf haircut based on face shape?

When choosing a golf haircut based on face shape, aim to create balance: a round face benefits from height on top (like a quiff), while a long face might opt for more width (like a side part). Consult a barber for expert barber advice on styles like an undercut disconnect or executive contour that best suits face shape while remaining a functional golf hairstyle men for play.

Final Thoughts on Golf Hairstyle Men

Mastering your golf hairstyle men is about more than just looking good; it’s about optimizing your on-course experience. By integrating these 7 pro-inspired styles, you can confidently step onto the fairway knowing your hair will stay out of your face, remain stylish under your golf hats, and allow you to focus purely on your game. Whether you opt for a sleek classic side part, a dynamic taper fade, or a practical man bun, the right products and techniques make all the difference. Embrace the blend of performance and style, and let your men’s golf hair elevate your confidence and contribute to your best round yet. Which of these golf hairstyle men will you try on your next round?

Last update on 2026-01-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API