It wasn’t that long ago that when the subject of golf clothing was brought up that a sweater, rain jacket and shorts for warmer days was as far as the discussion needed to go. In addition to the everyday pants and shirt, these were pretty much the only extras most people considered and it made packing for a day of golf or a trip to some far-away resort pretty simple.

But just as golf balls and clubs have evolved over the years, so has the science of apparel for the many weather conditions that the sport throws its participants into. Today’s player really has some advantages not even dreamed about a few years ago as the advances in natural fabrics blends, synthetics and design have made dressing for the course not only a fashion statement but an integral part of staying comfortable and providing the best environment to play at the top of your game.

During the late winter and early spring, depending on the part of the country or world you are playing, changing temperatures can be all over the map, and most of the manufactures of golf clothing today are concentrating on providing an array of options for “layering” so that players can build a warmer or lighter outfit by adding or subtracting pieces. Starting with base layers such as long sleeve mock shirts and compression tops, and then covering these with shirts, half pullovers, sweaters, vests, full jackets, complete rain suites that feature a number of new high-tech materials that can keep moisture away from the body, keep you warm, dry and protect from the rain in ways that could only be imagined a few years ago.

For golfers who travel, these new, mostly light-weight and performance-based products are the most comfortable ever for the changing weather that one encounters during the colder months, and are designed to be peeled off as things get warmer and still provide easy movement and a top level of comfort. These fashions are also many times designed to be worn both on and off the course, which makes it even easier to pack for the experienced golf traveler.

Here is a look at some of the top choices when it comes to some of the new high tech golf apparel for a variety of conditions and climates:

adidas Golf— In order to develop its latest outerwear collection, adidas Golf launched a full-scale investigation to further discover and understand the performance needs of serious golfers. The process included extensive product testing in extreme conditions, as well as conducting extensive interviews and detailed feedback gathering from the adidas Golf Tour Staff.

After multiple rounds of extensive testing, adidas Golf has introduced its flagship rain suite--the ClimaProof Storm Ultimate Jacket and ClimaProof Storm Ultimate Pant. A similar version, the ClimaProof Storm All-Weather Caddy Suit, was selected as the official supplier of the Bandon Dunes, Oregon caddy force who is challenged daily by the Pacific Northwest’s ever-changing weather conditions. The ClimaProof Storm Ultimate Jacket and Ultimate Pant combines re-enforced construction with a full fit. Modern materials and industry-leading features that provide the best possible protection, and incorporates lightweight, reinforced double-layer shoulder inserts, four-way mechanical stretch for easy movement and comfort, fully seam-sealed waterproof zippers, waterproof protection to 20,000mm and breathability of 26,700 g/m2/24hrs. Cuffs on the inner forearm and leg, ample pockets and a form-fitted rain collar make this suite great for even the harshest conditions. These also include a three-year waterproof warranty.

Other selections by addias Golf include the ClimaProof Rain Provisional Jacket and ClimaProof Rain Provisional Pant that are highly wind-resistant, fully seam-sealed, and waterproof to 3,000mm and offer breathability of 3,000gm/m2/24hrs. Each includes a one-year waterproof warranty. In addition to being highly wind- and water-resistant, the ClimaProof Wind products are lightweight and water resistant up to 600mm.

As the climate moves, adidas Golf offers a variety of layering pieces in multiple weights and styling, all with performance elements such as wicking and breathability to maximize the golfer’s own unique microclimate.

adidas also offers a great under layer in the ClimaCompression Thermal long sleeve mock that not only provides warmth as a base garment under a polo shirt or outerwear, but also provides muscle support. It is a heavier weight thermal fabrication of 90 percent Polyester and 10 percent Spandex that improves muscle endurance, optimizes body warmth and allows for great freedom of movement. Its antibacterial treatment and ClimaLite technology also offer moisture management, and the target seam positioning offers additional support for key muscle groups

For more information, visit www.adidasgolf.com

Antigua--Antigua's varied outerwear collection is created to function in various climates with a trend that focuses on layering. The current opinion is that weather fluctuations throughout the day make it easier to take off-and-add on layers to adjust for comfort and function. Antigua has offerings to meet this demand.

To demonstrate, as pieces of the Antigua layering line-up start as base layers they can be combined with wind resistant or water resistant wind shirts and jackets as well as with fuller weight pieces to function against more inclement weather. Antigua has an excellent base layer long sleeve mock called Hero.

Using Antigua's proprietary Desert Dry moisture management technology, it is constructed with a hyper-micro poly fleeced backing against a super soft interlock face which has enough weight to be worn alone and light enough that it layers remarkably well. Add to that the next tier in style – Succeed, consisting of a contemporary color block stretch jersey half zip shell with a micro fleece brushed back which can be worn on its own, under a jacket, over a base layer--or both depending on climate and preference.

To round out Antigua’s outerwear collection offering, styles are developed to function according to climate needs. Antigua has a great wind shirt and wind jacket in styles Rendition and Highland. They have created the Antech Desert Breeze wind block fabric to serve as a guard against wind while offering warmth. Made with a two-way stretch laminated jersey bonded to a water resistant membrane, Rendition and Highland both offer water resistance as well as comfort against the wind and rain. Rendition, styled with contemporary color blocking details, is available as a traditional pullover wind shirt while Highland is designed as a full zip front wind jacket. The stretch aspect of these pieces allows them to be multi functional – on the course and off.

Antigua has a variety of great golf jackets. Style Motion as a full zip jacket is constructed with a stretch jersey face bonded against a high-low fleece wave pattern engineered for warmth and allowing breathability for comfort. Style Explorer is built for warmth while being light weight and ideal for layering.

With its water resistant woven shell bonded against a micro-fleece inner core, Explorer wears and travels well and is well suited for both cold and precipitation alike. Antigua equally offers thin-layer micro fleece shells in both pullover, as well as full zip styling as exceptional layering options in styles Frost and Sleet as well as traditional fleece hooded styles in both a pullover as well as full front zip styling.

For more information: www.antigua.com and shop.antigua.com

Sunice—This Canadian-based company has been named the official outerwear for the 2012 Ryder Cup and the PGA Championship and offers a variety of outstanding outwear combinations.

A longtime expert and leader in the technical outerwear industry, Sunice is dedicated to a unique concept of science and style. This is done by creating innovative design, using durable construction and blending fashion-forward styling while using the latest in technical specialty fabrics. 

Sunice's Pro Sport and Sport Layers Collections feature high-end performance Windstopper®, and basic, lightweight, fashion-driven layering pieces blending science and style in soft shells, sweaters, lightweight layering, thermal layering and wind gear.
Sunice Performance Layers create the ultimate all-weather golf apparel layering system. The moisture-wicking Otaki SuperLite FX Pullover--with an invisible chest-pocket zipper-can be added as an extra layer without extra bulk or weight. Sunice's most breathable, 100 percent windproof, water-repellent WindStopper® styles include the new Burnham Soft Shell and high-performance Limmen Active Lightweight Shell designs in sporty colors such as Royal Blue with hits of white, and a bright white with hits of shadow and red.

Sunice’s 2011 golf wear embodies the perfect fusion of science and fashion-forward style. The color palette’s updated blues and reds brighten basic black, gray and navy. A classic Camel suit, crisp windowpanes, and black and red Glen plaid, salute the past.

Sporty Real Red and Royal Blue inspire the men’s collection, which combines updated cutting and welding techniques with innovative fabrics. The exciting ladies’ collection highlights a rich Lapis Blue, with soft pink variations in Rose Dust and Dolce. An Asian-inspired Kimono print and geometric plaids offer Sunice’s usual variety and style.

Sunice is For Your Freedom of Play™ in design, philosophy and practicality. Updated classic cuts, interesting contrasts and subtle detailing give the collection a clean contemporary feel, and provide comfort and the ultimate freedom of movement.

For more information: www.sunice.com

Footjoy—Promoting its “layering up” system heavily, Footjoy has created performance apparel developed specifically for golf and centered on the goal to “Make Every Day Playable”. Featuring new materials, patterns and silhouettes, the 2010-2011 outerwear line is engineered around a new FJ Layering System which offers layers for every playing condition.

The layering system uses lightweight, thinner, stretchable, more breathable garments that allow the player to regulate body temperature and better adapt to changing weather conditions while also enjoying a complete range of motion during the golf swing.

The base layer provides an initial layer of moisture management/comfort and is essential for regulating body temperature by moving perspiration away from the body to allow for a warm, dry core. This layer is anchored by the introduction of the ProDry® Performance Base Layer - a non-restricting, long-sleeve layer with an anti-microbial finish to eliminate odor that fits closely to the skin to help regulate body temperature without interfering with the golfer's swing. It is the first essential layer for cool playing conditions with a fit specifically engineered for golf.

The mid layer adds versatility during changing weather conditions. This layer features the all-new Performance Half-Zip Pullover, which offers four-way stretch fabric to ensure the golfer can swing with complete range of motion.

The outer layer has been FootJoy's signature layer for years. The popular and versatile DryJoys® Tour Collection has been completely redesigned and now features the FJ Protect Waterproof System. The outer shell has an all-new 4-way stretch fabric that allows the golfer a complete range of motion during the swing. The DryJoys Tour Collection, which includes the Rain Jacket, Rain Shirt, Short Sleeve Rain Shirt and Rain Pants, also offers an updated silhouette for today’s athletic player.

For more information, including pricing, visit www.footjoy.com.

Ultimate Workout Gear—This specialty company has targeted golfers with a range of high-tech compression products that can be used in a wide range of climates. The company’s compression shorts and tops support the large muscle groups for the upper legs and stomach and help hold the muscle groups in proper alignment during physical activity. In colder weather as an under garment, their compression apparel reduces muscle vibration, a significant factor in muscle fatigue. These compression shorts provide help in reducing fatigue because of the added support in the hips and the reduced vibration to the muscles supporting that area of the body.

The secret behind the UWG compression clothing is a new Lycra® Power fabric material by DuPont with 40% more compression that surrounds and supports the muscles and significantly reduces muscle vibration, a main cause of fatigue and helps the wearer achieve and sustain high-levels of force and power production during intense activity. The Polar Gear™ cold weather compression tops have a double layer around the body for even the coldest days that is moisture wicking and antimicrobial. It also provides muscle stability while helping to keep the wearer warm and comfortable during any type of cold weather activity.

For more information visit: www.ultimatewalkinggear.com.