You buy golf shorts that look right in the mirror, then one damp cart seat later, your phone sits in a wet pocket, your tees poke your leg, and everything starts bouncing on the walk to the next tee. Worse, the wrong fabric can turn clingy when it gets humid, so your waistband feels sticky, and your range of motion tightens right when you need a smooth swing.
This list helps you spot the pocket layouts and water-resistant finishes that actually matter in real play, not just in product copy. First, you will see three PULI shorts worth shortlisting by inseam and carry style. Then you will get a simple buying guide so you can quickly judge any pair for pocket security, comfort stretch, and all-day Performance Wear.
3 PULI golf shorts to consider
1) PULI Men's Golf Shorts 9 Inch Inseam Stretchy Water-Resistant with 5 Pockets for Travel Hiking Casual Business
If you want one pair that works for a morning round and the rest of your day, this 9-inch option is the steady, no-drama pick. You get a classic golf length that tends to feel more "course appropriate" in more settings, plus enough storage to keep your essentials from migrating mid-swing. It also fits naturally into an Athleisure closet because it does not read as technical cargo gear.
- Best for: One-pair-for-everything days (course to errands)
- Why you pick it first: You want secure storage without bulky cargo styling
- Pocket setup: 2 deep side pockets
- Security pocket: 1 zippered pocket (phone or balls)
- Back pockets: 2 snap fastener pockets
- Waistband feel: Engineered stretch waistband; brushed tricot lining to help keep your shirt tucked
- Fabric: 95% polyamide, 5% elastane
- Performance notes: Water-resistant and quick-drying; Moisture-Wicking comfort during warm rounds
Why it wins: The zip pocket plus snap-back pockets create a "set it and forget it" carry system, which matters when you are rotating hard through impact. The 9-inch inseam is also a safer length if you dislike thigh ride-up when you walk, climb in and out of carts, or sit between shots.
2) PULI Men's Golf Shorts 7 Inch Inseam Waterproof Quick Dry Lightweight Stretchy Dress Shorts with Pockets
If you play hot-weather rounds and carry a handful of small items (phone, key, marker, extra ball, maybe earbuds), pocket control matters more than you think. Loose pockets cause bounce when you walk, and a phone that slaps your thigh can subtly change how relaxed your stride and setup feel. This 7-inch short leans into lightweight comfort, while using multiple pockets (including zip options) to keep items from shifting.
- Best for: Hot rounds when you want a shorter inseam and maximum pocket security
- Why you pick it first: You carry more small items and hate pocket bounce
- Fabric: 95% polyamide, 5% spandex
- Pocket count: 6 total
- Front pockets: 2 slash pockets
- Back pockets: 2 open-top pockets (one mentions an embedded non-slip stripe)
- Hidden security: 2 hidden side zipper pockets
- Waistband detail: Stretch waistband with grip logos to reduce shirt ride-up
- Fit note: Widened leg opening for comfort
- Performance feel: Quick dry, lightweight, breathable, high-stretch movement
Why it wins: The two hidden zipper pockets are the practical feature here, especially if you walk or practice a lot and want your phone and key to stay quiet and stable. Combined with quick-dry comfort, it is a strong, warm-season Performance Wear pick for golfers who move around a lot.
3) PULI Men's Golf Shorts Dress Flat Front Hybrid 7 Inch Stretch Lightweight Quick Dry Chino Casual with Pockets
If you like the cleaner look of chinos but still want real golf mobility, a flat-front hybrid style is the bridge. This pair keeps the pocket layout simple and familiar, and it leans on fabric performance language so you are not stuck with stiff, office-style shorts. It is also the easiest of the three to build into a Capsule Wardrobe because it can read "casual smart" without looking like gym gear.
- Best for: Clean, flat-front look that can pass for casual office wear
- Why you pick it first: You want a chino vibe without giving up stretch
- Fabric: 95% polyamide, 5% elastane
- Stretch: Four-way stretch for full range of motion
- Performance set: Quick-drying, lightweight, waterproof, Moisture-Wicking, wrinkle-resistant
- Sun utility: UPF 50+
- Durability note: Ripstop fabric called out as tear and snag-resistant
- Pocket layout: 2 front slant pockets; 2 back button pockets
- Waistband: Elastic waistband
Why it wins: You get a more polished silhouette without losing the core golf needs: stretch, quick dry comfort, and pockets that do not gape. The button back pockets also help if you hate items sliding out when you sit or ride.
Buying guide: what to look for
Water-resistant finish vs waterproof claims: what matters on the course?
You want protection from drizzle and wet grass, but you do not want shorts that feel like plastic or trap heat. For golf, the most useful outcome is simple: water beads and rolls off long enough to keep the fabric from soaking right away.
- Look for "water-resistant" or "water repellent" language that suggests a surface finish on the face fabric.
- If you see "waterproof," treat it as a claim you should sanity-check. Shorts rarely have seam taping, and pocket openings are natural leak points.
- Expect maintenance. Water repellency can fade as the finish wears and the fabric gets dirty.
A helpful way to understand the concept is DWR (durable water repellent). GORE-TEX explains DWR as an ultra-thin surface layer that reduces wetting-out by making water roll off instead of soaking in.
Pocket design: how to avoid phone slap and lost tees
You want storage, but you also want a quiet swing and a natural walk. Too many open pockets can turn into a distraction, especially if you carry heavier items in front pockets.
What to check quickly:
- At least one zipper pocket for phone and keys (more important if you walk)
- Deep front pockets so a glove, tee, or ball marker does not pop out
- Back pockets with closure (button, snap) if you sit in carts often
- Pocket placement that keeps weight close to your hip, not bouncing at mid-thigh
Waistband and stretch: comfort that stays put
You need to stretch for rotation, but you also need the waistband to stay flat. If the waistband rolls, it can create pressure points and constant adjusting, which is the opposite of relaxed golf.
What to check quickly:
- A stretch waistband (better for bending, squatting, and rotating)
- Any anti-slip detail if you tuck in polos (helps prevent shirt ride-up)
- A nylon/polyamide plus elastane/spandex blend for controlled give
Quick dry + Moisture-Wicking: the underrated performance combo
Water resistance helps for a wet seat or light rain, but sweat management helps for most rounds. In warm conditions, Moisture-Wicking plus quick dry usually feels better than relying on water resistance alone.
- "Moisture-wicking" helps pull sweat off your skin while you play.
- "Quick dry" helps the fabric stop feeling soggy after sweat or light moisture.
- "Lightweight" and "breathable" claims matter because airflow is what keeps you comfortable between shots.
Golf is also simply being played a lot, which means more people are out in mixed conditions and need reliable apparel. The USGA reported more than 82 million scores posted domestically in 2025, highlighting continuing participation and play-volume trends. USGA
Comparison table
Key specs and carry capacity
| Product | Inseam | Pocket count | Notable pocket security | Notable waistband detail | Trade-offs / limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PULI Men's Golf Shorts 9 Inch Inseam Stretchy Water-Resistant with 5 Pockets for Travel Hiking Casual Business | 9 in | 5 | 1 zippered pocket | Stretch + tricot lining | Fewer pockets than 6-pocket |
| PULI Men's Golf Shorts 7 Inch Inseam Waterproof Quick Dry Lightweight Stretchy Dress Shorts with Pockets | 7 in | 6 | 2 hidden zipper pockets | Grip logos; high stretch | Shorter length not for all |
| PULI Men's Golf Shorts Dress Flat Front Hybrid 7 Inch Stretch Lightweight Quick Dry Chino Casual with Pockets | 7 in | 4 | Button back pockets | Elastic waistband | No zip security pocket |
Conclusion
If you want the most balanced everyday pick with secure storage and a classic golf length, start with the PULI 9-inch 5-pocket short. If pocket security is your top priority, especially for walking rounds, the PULI 7-inch option with two hidden side zipper pockets is the practical move. If you want a cleaner chino look that still reads like Performance Wear, the flat-front hybrid 7-inch short is the easiest "golf to casual" bridge.
FAQ
How water-resistant should golf shorts be for light rain?
For most golfers, water-resistant or water-repellent is enough for drizzle, wet grass, or a damp cart seat. The goal is to slow down soak-through so the fabric does not feel heavy and clingy during the back nine. If you play in steady rain, you will usually be happier with rain pants layered over shorts rather than relying on shorts alone. Water repellency also fades over time, so you should expect performance to drop with wear and washing.
What pockets are actually useful during a round?
The most useful setup is at least one zippered pocket for a phone or car key, plus two front pockets that are deep enough for tees and a glove. Back pockets work for a scorecard, but closures (button or snap) help if you sit in carts often or carry anything you do not want slipping out. Too many open pockets can create bounce and swing distraction, especially if you walk and keep heavier items on one side. If you carry a rangefinder, prioritize a pocket that keeps it snug and does not tilt outward when you bend.
Why do some shorts say waterproof but still feel like they can get damp?
Many "waterproof" claims in casual apparel refer to a fabric treatment that sheds water on the surface, not a fully sealed, seam-taped construction like dedicated rain gear. Shorts also have openings, pocket bags, and stitching that allow moisture to get in during longer exposure. So you might stay comfortable through light splashes or brief drizzle, but you should not expect the same performance as rain shells. A simple check is whether water beads up at first contact or darkens the fabric right away.
How do I keep my phone from sliding around in my pockets?
Use a zippered pocket whenever possible, because an open pocket can let the phone climb out when you sit or swing. Pocket position matters too: a side-seam zip pocket usually keeps the phone closer to your leg, which reduces slap and bounce on walking rounds. Keep heavier items in zip pockets and spread weight evenly, because loading one side can twist the waistband over 18 holes. If you notice bounce, remove bulky keys and carry a single key fob or slim key instead.
Are Eco-Friendly Apparel terms like OEKO-TEX Certified important for golf shorts?
They can be, but only if the product page specifically states OEKO-TEX Certified or similar standards for the exact garment, not just a general brand claim. Certifications matter most when you want added confidence about chemical safety and material handling, especially if you wear the shorts all day in warm conditions. If the certification is not listed, you can still make a practical, lower-impact choice by prioritizing durability and a Capsule Wardrobe approach so you buy fewer, better items. When in doubt, focus on fit, pocket security, and comfort first, because a short you do not wear is never the sustainable option.