Welcome to I Tried It, a GOLF.com series about golf items — apparel, gear, accessories, etc. — that we’ve recently taken out for a spin. We’re here to give our honest, no-frills takes on the latest and greatest golf or golf-adjacent items. So, scroll down to read about what we love about golf’s newest (or new to us) products.
One of the perks of living in Phoenix is the consistent weather: sun, sun and . . . yep, more sun. Some months are hotter than others, but rain is rare. So rare that we ‘Zonies rejoice when we get it, even as it derails plans.
Put another way: umbrellas don’t get much action here, not only because rain days are so limited but also because when it does rain you usually cancel your plans to be on the golf course and stay indoors instead. But that’s why I’m loving this premium umbrella from Shed Rain. Not only have I had the chance to use it in actual rain here in Arizona recently, its canopy also features UPF 50+ sun protection. Ironically, I could see myself using this umbrella more in the sun than in the rain.
Golf umbrellas can be a bit unwieldy — heavy, hard to push open, and prone to pulling in strong winds.
But Shed Rain’s iteration solves a lot of those problems. Its lightweight, aluminum-shaft construction makes it easy to hold and tote in your bag, while its durable fiberglass frame and vented canopy enable it to weather the elements with aplomb.
And how about the fact that it is equipped with an automatic open button? I’ve used compact umbrellas with that feature but never a golf umbrella. It’s really convenient when opening the device in the wind — and avoids the threat of the dreaded finger pinch you used to be subject to when locking in the canopy. Shed Rain’s wide, 62-inch canopy arc also enables it to comfortably cover two people.
Having a UPF 50+ umbrella in my repertoire has opened up a lot of new opportunities to use it in the sun while at my kids’ practices or weekend activities.
It also needs to be said that these Shed Rain umbrellas are some of the prettiest I’ve seen, especially in golf sizes! While the outside of the umbrella’s canopy has the silver UPF 50+ sun protection, the underside has fun print options with names like Mariner, Mason and Mirage, and a handle color that coordinates with the print. So cute!
If the 62-inch option is too wide for you, there is also a smaller 47-inch option available with the same print selection.
With many golf umbrellas landing in the $70-$100 range, Shed Rain’s are all the more attractive at only $40 (47-inch) and $50 (62-inch). One final note: The umbrella’s handle fits nicely into my push cart, enabling me to enjoy every walk — rain or shine. And with Shed Rain’s lifetime warranty, I’m looking forward to enjoying this umbrella for years to come.
