Callaway · Golf Balls & Equipment
Callaway Men's Apex Tour Shamrock Golf Glove
Lower PFAS risk; basic leather glove without water-repellent coating finish.
Basic leather and synthetic leather construction without specialty coatings. Callaway makes no PFAS claims for standard gloves.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Leather and synthetic leather glove
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Heavy metals
Leather tanning traditionally uses chromium salts; residual chromium or cadmium in dyes is regulated in many jurisdictions but not independently tested on most golf gloves. Direct skin contact is brief and localized, reducing systemic absorption risk.
Source, FDA ↗Azo dyes in colored leather or synthetic backing
The Shamrock colorway suggests synthetic dyes in the leather finish. Azo dyes are restricted in apparel in the EU and North America, but enforcement and testing for small glove items remains inconsistent; no public recall or concern specific to Callaway gloves exists.
Allergic contact dermatitis from leather tanning agents or dyes
Chromium, nickel, or formaldehyde-release tanning agents used in leather processing can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Risk is individual and applies to most leather gloves; those with known leather sensitivity should test on forearm first or choose hypoallergenic alternatives.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Polyurethane degradation and off-gassing
The synthetic leather backing is likely polyurethane, which can off-gas volatile organics when new or in heat. Golf gloves are worn briefly outdoors in well-ventilated environments, minimizing inhalation risk. No recall or reported issue for Callaway gloves exists.
Microplastic shedding from synthetic backing
The polyester or polyurethane synthetic backing can shed microfibers over time, especially with friction. Golf gloves see moderate wear and are not washed frequently, so environmental shedding is minimal. No specific data on Callaway glove microplastic release exists.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Apex Tour Shamrock is constructed from leather (likely sheepskin or goat leather on the palm) with synthetic leather backing, typical for mid-range golf gloves. Leather is a processed animal hide tanned with chromium salts or vegetable tannins; the synthetic component is usually polyurethane or polyester blends. The dye finish on leather can theoretically contain heavy metals or azo dyes, but golf gloves, unlike apparel worn against large skin areas, present minimal absorption risk due to localized, brief contact and the glove's barrier function.
The brand's record and disclosure
Callaway is a major golf equipment manufacturer with no public PFAS stance disclosed for this product line. The company has not faced reported recalls or safety controversies specific to glove chemical content. Callaway does not routinely publish material safety or chemical certifications for golf gloves, which is standard industry-wide; transparency in this category remains limited across brands.
How it compares in its category
Golf gloves are a low-concern product category compared to heavy-use cookware or textiles in constant contact with skin. The Apex Tour sits in the mid-market tier (below premium leather, above budget synthetic); premium golf gloves may use higher-grade leather tanning but carry similar hazard profiles. Most golf gloves, including this one, avoid flame retardant treatments because they are not regulated as flame-resistant apparel and are worn for short durations in outdoor settings.
If you buy it
Wear the glove dry and store in a cool place away from direct heat or sunlight, which can degrade synthetic components and cause dye bleeding. Wash by hand with mild soap and cool water if needed; avoid hot water and machine washing, which can shrink leather and compromise stitching. Replace when the palm shows visible wear, thinning, or loss of grip; a well-maintained glove typically lasts one season of regular play. Do not store in sealed plastic bags, as moisture can promote mold on leather.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Callaway has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More golf balls & equipment grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.