When Good Shades Go Great: TravisMathew Nails It
Listen up, golf gear junkies! Today I’m taking a deep dive into what might be the most underrated piece of golf equipment in your bag: quality sunglasses. Specifically, the TravisMathew Offdaze sunglasses that have been riding shotgun with me from tee boxes to mountaintops for the past several months.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, you can tell these aren’t your average gas station shades. The Offdaze is the slightly smaller cousin of TravisMathew’s popular Sundaze model, making them perfect for those of us with more compact facial architecture. The handcrafted acetate material screams premium before you even put them on.
Comfort That Goes The Distance
HOLY COMFORT, BATMAN! These might be the most comfortable sunglasses I’ve ever parked on my face — and I’ve tried dozens over my years reviewing golf gear. The frame has this buttery smooth surface with perfectly executed curves that just melts onto your face.
The secret sauce? TravisMathew’s custom multi-step hinge. It’s not too tight, not too loose — like Goldilocks found her perfect sunglasses. After 36 holes in the blazing Utah sun, most shades leave those annoying pressure points on your temples or nose. Not these bad boys.
Optical Excellence
Where the Offdaze truly separates from the pack is visual performance. Slipping these on is like upgrading from a 13″ black and white TV to 4K ultra HD. The polarized lenses absolutely crush glare, which is critical when you’re trying to read subtle breaks on sun-drenched greens or track your ball against bright clouds.
Despite not being prescription, the optical clarity is startling. It’s that “wow factor” you usually only get when trying on high-end optics. TravisMathew didn’t cut corners on lens technology, and it shows.
Beyond The Links
My testing regimen took these puppies well beyond the fairways:
- Skiing: Perfect contrast on snow without fogging
- Mountain Biking: Stayed put during rough descents
- Poolside Sessions: Comfort for hours while the kids splashed
- Cross-Country Road Trip: No eye fatigue after 8+ hours of driving
The real test for golf sunglasses is versatility, and the Offdaze delivers in spades. They transition seamlessly from sport to casual wear without looking out of place.
Color Options That Pop
The Offdaze comes in three stellar colorways:
- BLACK CRYSTAL/GREY POLAR: My personal choice and most versatile
- HARDLINE TORT / BROWN POLAR: Classic look with warm-tinted vision
- LIGHT BRINDLE TORT / GREEN POLAR: Distinctive style with excellent contrast for golf
Tech Specs Worth Noting
- Anti-smudge coating: Fingerprints wipe away effortlessly
- Full UVA/UVB protection: Your eyes will thank you in 20 years
- Italian craftsmanship: These aren’t mass-produced in some anonymous factory
- Lightweight construction: You might forget you’re wearing them
The HOG Verdict
I don’t give out “A+” ratings lightly, but the TravisMathew Offdaze sunglasses have earned it. At $224, they’re positioned in the premium sunglasses category.
If you’re still playing golf in cheap shades, you may be doing your eyes and your game a disservice.
Pros:
- Unmatched comfort for all-day wear
- Superior optical clarity and glare reduction
- Versatile across multiple activities
- Premium construction that should last for years
Cons:
- Limited color options compared to some competitors
- Premium price point (though justified)
Bottom Line
TravisMathew’s Offdaze sunglasses aren’t just golf accessories — they’re performance enhancers that protect your most valuable sensory asset on the course. Whether you’re trying to shave strokes off your handicap or just look sharp at the 19th hole, these shades deliver the goods.
Note: Father’s Day is coming up. Need I say more?
HOGWire – Golf Industry News
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