This spectacularly waterproof jacket is a Cool Golf Thing

Stay dry, my friends.
The author demonstrates the water-shedding effectiveness of Galvin Green's new ShakeDry technology. The author's fiancee enjoyed throwing the water.

I've had an on-off relationship with rain gear over years of high school, college, amateur and work golf. The most miserable I've ever been on a golf course was circa 2004 at Newport Country Club in a junior match play tournament. It rained, blew and was about 40 degrees. My rain gear failed before I hit a shot, and I spent eight holes in agony before play was mercifully halted. I can't believe I made it through with all my limbs. Last summer, I was similarly uncomfortable during a round in Ireland, even though the rainsuit I was wearing was brand-new. Nine holes in, I was soaked.

Unfortunately for me, it wasn't Galvin Green rain gear. Since the 1990s, Galvin Green has been a leader in rain gear where it matters (and is used) most: in the British Isles and Europe. They outfit the Euros every Ryder Cup, and while it is not cheap, their gear works beautifully. They seem to be a rare company that actually lives up to a lofty slogan ("We Never Compromise").

A few weeks ago, they sent me their newest product, an "Ashton" jacket with "ShakeDry" Gore-Tex technology. Believe me when I tell you that you could put your arm under a waterfall and remain bone-dry. Last week, I walked an golf course in a steady, cold rain in it and was perfectly comfortable. The jacket ($399 - over-the-top quality is not cheap) is ridiculously light at 174 grams, or less than a cup of sugar. Speaking of which, my one note on the jacket is that it runs about a size small, but it's inspired me to cut back on carbs a bit, so that I can fit into it a little more comfortably when next I need it.

1 Min Read
May 17, 2019
Start 'em young.

Tim Gavrich is a Senior Writer for GolfPass. Follow him on Twitter @TimGavrich and on Instagram @TimGavrich.
4 Comments

Nice demonstration. Pour the water onto the sleeve for at least 15 - 30 seconds. I have never played in rain which lasted 2 seconds. Then take off the jacket and let us see what his sleeve looks like after the dousing.

First thing I did after receiving the jacket was run a faucet over it for about 15 seconds. Bone dry. It is utterly waterproof, Pro.

Default User Avatar

Believe me when I tell you, waterproof fabrics are mostly a canard.

Default User Avatar

Really, how so?

Now Reading
This spectacularly waterproof jacket is a Cool Golf Thing