Why Do You Need a Golf Towel? 6 Uses During a Round
A golf towel keeps dirt and moisture from moving between the clubface, ball, grips, hands and bag. The most useful setup keeps one area damp for cleaning and another area dry for finishing.
Six practical uses
1. Clean clubfaces
Remove grass, soil and sand after shots before debris dries into the grooves. A scrub surface can help with packed dirt; finish with a clean dry area.
2. Clean the golf ball
On the putting green, mark the ball before lifting it and clean it before replacement. Elsewhere, the Rules limit when a lifted ball may be cleaned.
3. Dry grips
Rain, dew and sweat reduce traction. Keep a separate dry section for grips rather than using the muddy club-cleaning area.
4. Dry hands and glove
A dry hand and glove improve control without adding grip pressure. Do not soak the entire towel if weather is uncertain.
5. Remove morning dew
Dew on a ball, clubface or putter can affect contact and transfer water to the grip and glove.
6. Manage rain
Use more than one towel in heavy rain: one sheltered dry towel for grips and hands, and another for clubs, balls and mud.
Wet towel or dry towel?
| Zone | Use |
|---|---|
| Damp cleaning zone | Loosen soil and wipe the clubface or a ball when cleaning is permitted |
| Scrub zone | Break up packed dirt that soft microfiber alone may slide over |
| Dry finishing zone | Remove remaining moisture from the face, ball, grips and hands |
The towel does not need to be completely wet. A small isolated wet area preserves more dry fabric for the back nine.
Where should the towel go?
Place it where the hand naturally reaches without searching. Common options include a bag loop and carabiner, exposed steel on a cart, a magnetic clubhead or a steel-core Landing Pad at the bag opening.
See golf towel placement options
Rules to remember when cleaning a ball
- On the putting green, mark before lifting and replace the ball on its original spot.
- A ball lifted from the putting green may be cleaned.
- Elsewhere, a lifted ball may usually be cleaned, but Rule 14.1c lists exceptions when it is lifted only for identification, damage inspection, interference or to determine whether relief is allowed.
- Do not rub a ball on the putting green to test the surface.
What to look for in a golf towel
- Enough surface area for separate dirty, wet and dry use
- A texture or scrub zone suited to the debris you encounter
- An attachment method that is easy to grab and return
- Wash instructions compatible with the fabric and hardware
- A size that does not drag or become cumbersome when wet
Ownership disclosure: Aiming Fluid Golf makes magnetic towels with a sewn-in magnet, scrub pad and isolated wash pocket. The Stubby has one wash pocket that also functions as the ball-cleaning pocket; The 40 has two wash pockets.
Compare Aiming Fluid magnetic towels · Learn how to wash a golf towel
Frequently asked questions
Should a golf towel be wet or dry?
Keep a small section damp for cleaning and preserve a separate dry area for grips, hands and finishing. In heavy rain, carry a second sheltered dry towel.
How many golf towels do you need?
One structured towel is enough in normal conditions. Two are useful in rain or when you want completely separate club-cleaning and grip-drying towels.
Can you clean a golf ball anywhere on the course?
No. The ball may be cleaned whenever it is lifted from the putting green, but restrictions apply to some lifts elsewhere. Check Rule 14.1c.
Why use a magnetic golf towel?
A magnet makes the towel faster to remove and return when a compatible steel target is available. It does not automatically improve the fabric’s cleaning performance.
