It used to be that if you were going to purchase a new umbrella, you would get a long stick umbrella. It would probably be a black umbrella. But like most everything else, there have been innovations in design and manufacturing that have improved the options available when ti comes to golf umbrellas.

The type of mechanism that opens golf umbrellas has changed a lot. It used to be virtually every umbrella was opened in the same way. There was a ring or lever that slid up the shaft of the umbrella. When you pushed the ring towards the end of the umbrella the canopy would open. At the point the canopy was most open, there was a locking device to keep it open. This is one area in which there have been major upgrades to umbrellas made today. Now you can open and close your golf umbrella with the push of a button, which is usually positioned on the handle. This type of loading mechanism is spring loaded and will usually open up quickly and with some force behind it. Of course, one side effect of things being more complicated is that they can break easier. Finding yourself trying to enter a doorway and having your umbrella stuck in the open position is not a fun experience. This is one of those areas where you get what you pay for. Generally speaking, higher priced golf umbrellas will be higher in quality and therefore more dependable. You can even get umbrellas these days that come with a lifetime warranty.

Another decision that has to be made when purchasing a new golf umbrella is whether to get a folding golf umbrella or a stick golf umbrella. Folding umbrellas are also called compact umbrellas. The way these operate is the shaft telescopes outward when the umbrella is opened. These umbrellas usually collapse to less than a foot long and if you get a compact golf umbrella it will fit nicely into your golf bag. In general, stick umbrellas are sturdier than compact umbrellas, but they are not as convenient.

Most umbrellas have a canopy made of nylon or a polyester-silk combination. The latter is more common nowadays, but is also a bit more expensive due to the silk content. When looking into a customized golf umbrella, or logo umbrella, keep in kind that nylon is the material of choice as it holds and reflects logos better than the other common umbrella materials.

If your golf umbrella is going to be exclusively for use when golfing, then it is best to buy one that is made for that purpose. A golf umbrella has a wider canopy, longer shaft, and a straight handle. The nice thing about true golf umbrellas is they come in a huge variety of colors and logos. Every golfer should carry a golf umbrella, and if you have a friend or family member who is a golfer this is a great gift idea. Give him or her a golf umbrella with their favorite team logo, or personalize it so everyone knows who is under that umbrella. Whatever way you go, it will be greatly appreciated.