How Do You Attach a Golf Towel to a Golf Bag? Easy Step-by-Step Guide

I’ve learned that a golf towel is only useful when I can grab it without searching through my bag. A loose towel can fall off, collect mud, or get trapped under a cart strap.

Fortunately, attaching one correctly takes little effort. I’ll show you the best methods for stand bags, cart bags, magnetic towels, and towels without clips.

How Do You Attach a Golf Towel to a Golf Bag Step by Step?

The easiest method is to connect a golf towel’s grommet to your bag’s accessory ring with a small carabiner. It’s secure, removable, and works with many common golf bag designs.

You don’t need special tools. Just a compatible towel, a sturdy clip, and a suitable attachment point.

Step 1: Find the Towel Ring on Your Golf Bag

Start by checking the upper sides of your golf bag. Many bags have a metal D-ring, plastic accessory ring, or reinforced fabric loop near the carry handle.

A D-ring is a D-shaped attachment point designed to hold accessories. It’s often used for towels, bag tags, and small gear clips.

• Stand bags: Check beside the handle, strap anchors, or upper accessory pockets.
• Cart bags: Look around the upper front or side panels.
• Sunday bags: Check the carrying handle and any reinforced accessory loops.
• Tour-style bags: Look for dedicated hardware around the top cuff or side pockets.

Don’t assume every ring is meant for accessories. Avoid anything connected to the stand’s moving parts or the bag’s main structural hardware.

Step 2: Identify Your Golf Towel’s Attachment Point

Most golf towels use a grommet, fabric loop, center opening, or magnetic connector. Identifying yours helps you choose the right attachment method.

A grommet is a reinforced hole, usually finished with a metal ring. It allows a clip to pass through without pulling directly against the towel fabric.

• Corner grommet: Works with carabiners, snap hooks, and split rings.
• Sewn fabric loop: Works with clips or secure loop-through attachments.
• Center slit: Allows the towel to hang over suitable club shafts or other stable supports.
• Built-in magnet: Attaches to compatible ferromagnetic metal surfaces.
• Plain towel: Needs a separate holder, clamp, or added fabric loop.

Step 3: Attach a Carabiner to the Towel

Open the carabiner’s spring-loaded gate. Slide the clip through your towel’s grommet or sewn loop, then let the gate close completely.

Choose a clip large enough to fit your bag’s accessory ring. A small accessory carabiner is usually sufficient for an ordinary golf towel.

I prefer clips with smooth edges. Rough hardware can catch the towel fabric and wear it down over time.

Step 4: Clip the Towel onto Your Golf Bag

Connect the carabiner to the bag’s towel ring. Check that the gate closes and the towel hangs freely.

Give the towel a gentle pull. The clip should stay attached while the towel moves without catching on nearby pockets.

If the towel twists around the clip, try a swivel-style towel holder. Its rotating joint can reduce twisting as you walk.

Step 5: Adjust the Height and Position

Your towel should hang high enough to avoid wet grass and muddy paths. It should also remain within easy reach when cleaning clubs.

With your bag standing normally, check these points:

• The bottom of the towel stays clear of the ground.
• The towel doesn’t block zippers or storage pockets.
• The fabric stays away from the stand legs and hinges.
• The attachment doesn’t interfere with your carrying strap.
• You can reach the towel without moving the bag.

Try lifting the bag and placing it back down. If the towel catches or swings excessively, move the clip higher or to another ring.

Section Takeaway: A grommet and carabiner provide a simple, reliable attachment. Secure the clip near the bag’s upper section and check that the towel hangs freely.

What Are the Best Ways to Attach a Golf Towel?

The best golf towel attachment depends on your towel design and how you play. Carabiners suit most golfers, while magnets and center-slit towels offer different advantages.

Method 1: Carabiner Clip and Grommet

This is my preferred all-around method for a standard golf towel. The closed clip keeps the towel attached when carrying or moving the bag.

It also makes removal easy after a wet round. You can unclip the towel and let it dry separately.

Best for: Walking golfers, stand bags, cart bags, and standard microfiber golf towels.

Method 2: Magnetic Golf Towel Attachment

Magnetic golf towels use a built-in magnet or a separate magnetic holder. They attach to compatible metal surfaces without requiring a traditional towel ring.

The main advantage is quick access. You can pull the towel free, clean a club, and return it to its attachment point.

However, magnets don’t stick to every golf bag component. Aluminum, many stainless steel grades, plastic, and fabric won’t provide a reliable magnetic connection.

• Test the magnetic attachment before starting your round.
• Choose a stable, accessible metal mounting point.
• Keep the magnet away from moving bag mechanisms.
• Check its hold before traveling over rough terrain.

A magnetic towel may detach if bumped or shaken. For longer walks, I favor a mechanical clip when I want maximum retention.

Method 3: Center-Slit Tour Towel

A center-slit towel has an opening through the middle. Golfers can drape it over a suitable club shaft or secure it using a compatible holder.

This design gives you plenty of cleaning surface. You can use different sections for damp cleaning and dry wiping.

It isn’t always the most secure option when moving your bag. A towel hanging loosely over a club can slip off during transport.

For a round on foot, I would use a secure attachment rather than rely on draping alone.

Method 4: Fabric Loop or Snap Hook

Some golf towels feature a sewn loop or built-in snap hook. These can connect directly to a bag ring without extra hardware.

Inspect the stitching before use. A weak fabric loop can tear when the towel catches on an obstacle.

Best for: Lightweight golf towels and golfers who prefer minimal accessories.

Golf Towel Attachment Methods Compared

For most beginners, I recommend a grommet towel with a carabiner. It doesn’t require magnetic hardware or a particular type of club shaft.

Section Takeaway: Choose a carabiner for secure everyday use, a magnet for fast removal, or a center-slit towel for convenient draping when the bag is stationary.

Where Should You Hang a Golf Towel on Your Bag?

The ideal location is near the upper side of your golf bag, close to the handle. This keeps the towel accessible while reducing the chance of dragging or snagging.

Placement matters just as much as the clip. A securely attached towel can still cause problems if it blocks the wrong area.

Best Placement on a Stand Bag

Stand bags have retractable legs, shoulder straps, and a compact body. Attach your towel where it won’t interfere with these parts.

I recommend checking the accessory ring beside the upper handle first. From there, the towel usually hangs close to the bag’s side.

• Keep the towel away from the stand leg hinges.
• Avoid covering the shoulder strap adjustment hardware.
• Check that the towel doesn’t rub against your clothing while walking.
• Make sure it clears the ground when the stand legs open.

The last point is easy to overlook. A towel that hangs clear while the bag stands upright may touch the grass when the stand deploys.

Best Placement on a Cart Bag

Cart bags often have larger side pockets and several accessory attachment points. Position your towel where you can reach it from your usual seat or standing position.

Before tightening the cart strap, check where the towel hangs. Avoid mounting it directly beneath the strap or behind the cart’s support frame.

If your bag has two suitable rings, choose the one facing your normal access side. This can save repeated reaching across the cart.

Best Placement on a Push Cart

Push carts offer another possible attachment location. Some have hooks or accessory holders suitable for towels.

A cart-mounted towel can work well when you clean your clubs beside the cart. Make sure it stays clear of the wheels and folding joints.

Don’t attach a towel to a moving wheel assembly. Even loose fabric can become tangled in rotating parts.

Should the Towel Hang on the Left or Right Side?

There is no universal side that suits every golfer. I suggest choosing the side you naturally reach toward after a shot.

A right-handed golfer may prefer the right side, but bag orientation can change that. Test both sides before settling on one.

The key is accessibility. You should be able to clean a wedge without moving the bag or opening a pocket.

More Learn

Where Should You Put a Golf Towel on Your Bag? Best Placement Guide → Where Should a Golf Towel Hang on a Golf Bag? The Complete Guide →

How Do You Attach a Golf Towel Without a Ring or Clip?

If your golf bag has no dedicated towel ring, use a reinforced handle loop or an aftermarket towel holder. You can also add a removable strap-based attachment.

A missing ring isn’t a reason to leave your towel loose. Just avoid improvised mounting points that can tear or damage the bag.

Use a Handle-Mounted Strap

A short hook-and-loop strap can provide a temporary attachment point around a suitable carrying handle. Connect the towel’s clip to the strap’s accessory ring.

Make sure the added strap doesn’t interfere with your grip or the bag’s weight-bearing hardware. It should hold the towel only.

Use a Golf Towel Clamp

If your towel has no grommet, a purpose-made towel clamp is useful. The clamp grips the fabric and connects to a clip or carabiner.

Look for smooth, wide gripping surfaces. A narrow or sharp clamp may damage microfiber loops.

Add a Sewn Fabric Loop

A plain towel can become a golf bag towel with a small sewn fabric loop. Attach the loop near one corner using durable stitching.

This avoids cutting into the towel fabric. You can then connect the new loop to a small carabiner.

Can You Make a Hole in a Regular Towel?

You can install a proper grommet in some towels, but simply cutting a hole is a poor long-term solution. Unreinforced fabric may fray or tear under the towel’s weight.

For expensive microfiber towels, I prefer a clip-on holder or sewn loop. Both avoid creating an exposed hole.

Also avoid hanging towels from lightweight zipper pulls. Those parts are generally designed to open pockets, not carry external accessories.

How Do You Keep a Golf Towel Secure and Clean During a Round?

A secure attachment is only half the job. Your towel also needs to stay useful through muddy shots, damp grass, and changing weather.

During a round, I like keeping separate cleaning and drying surfaces. A wet section handles dirt, while a dry section protects my grips from unnecessary moisture.

Use Separate Wet and Dry Areas

A lightly damp towel can help lift dirt from clubfaces and grooves. A dry section then removes leftover moisture.

The PGA of America provides broader instruction and equipment guidance, but the towel routine itself can stay simple.

• Damp section: Wipe away loose dirt, grass, and mud.
• Dry section: Dry the clubface, grip, and hands.
• Separate cloth: Consider one for sweat or personal use.
• After the round: Remove heavily soiled towels for washing.

A large towel makes separating wet and dry sections easier. With smaller towels, carrying two can be more practical.

Choose the Right Golf Towel Material

Microfiber and cotton are both common golf towel materials. Their feel, absorbency, and drying behavior differ depending on construction.

Microfiber waffle towels are popular for club cleaning because the textured surface helps lift dirt. Cotton terry towels offer a softer, familiar feel.

• Microfiber waffle: Useful for lifting loose debris from clubheads and grooves.
• Cotton terry: Comfortable for wiping hands and general moisture.
• Large tour towel: Offers extra surface area for separate wet and dry zones.
• Compact golf towel: Takes less space and may suit lightweight carry bags.

Check the Towel After Wet Weather

Rain can saturate a towel quickly. When that happens, replace it with a dry spare if you have one.

Don’t leave a damp towel folded inside a closed bag for days. Wash it according to its care label and let it dry completely.

For broader information on playing conditions and golf equipment, the R&A is another established golf authority.

Inspect the Clip Before Each Round

A quick equipment check can prevent losing your towel during play. Pay attention to the clip’s spring gate and the towel’s reinforced attachment point.

• Confirm the carabiner closes fully.
• Check the grommet for looseness or sharp edges.
• Inspect fabric loops for broken stitching.
• Make sure the bag’s accessory ring remains secure.
• Remove dirt that prevents the clip from closing.

Section Takeaway: Keep the towel high, secure, and easy to clean. Separate damp club-cleaning areas from dry grip-wiping areas whenever possible.

What Golf Towel Attachment Mistakes Should You Avoid?

The most common mistakes involve attaching a towel too low, using weak hardware, or placing it near moving equipment. Most are easy to correct before teeing off.

Hanging the Towel Too Low

A low towel may touch muddy ground when you set the bag down. Move the attachment higher or use a shorter towel.

Check the bag in its normal playing position, not just while holding it upright.

Using an Unsecured Clip

An open hook or worn spring gate can release a towel unexpectedly. Choose a properly closing carabiner or compatible snap hook.

Test it with a gentle pull before leaving the practice area.

Attaching the Towel to the Stand Mechanism

Stand legs move when the bag is placed down and lifted. Fabric or clips near their pivots can snag or obstruct normal movement.

Use a dedicated accessory ring instead. Don’t modify the stand assembly to create an attachment point.

Putting the Towel Under a Cart Strap

A cart strap can trap the towel, making it difficult to remove. The material may also stay damp where it is pressed against the bag.

Move the attachment to a free side of the bag before securing it to the cart.

Using a Magnet Without Testing the Surface

A magnetic towel holder needs compatible metal. A surface that looks metallic may not attract a magnet.

Always check that the towel stays attached before moving. If the connection is weak, use a mechanical clip instead.

Ignoring Towel Cleanliness

A dirty towel can transfer grit back onto your equipment. That defeats its purpose.

Remove visible debris before wiping clubfaces and grips. Follow the towel’s care instructions and replace it when it becomes worn.

I treat the towel like any other piece of equipment. A quick check before a round prevents small annoyances later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Attaching Golf Towels

1. What is the metal ring on a golf towel called?

The reinforced metal ring around a towel’s attachment hole is called a grommet or eyelet. It helps protect the fabric from tearing when a clip passes through it. You can attach a carabiner or suitable snap hook directly through the grommet.

2. Do all golf bags have a towel ring?

No. Many modern golf bags include a dedicated accessory ring, but some lightweight or older bags do not. If your bag lacks one, use a suitable reinforced loop or removable strap-mounted towel holder. Avoid fragile zipper pulls and moving mechanical parts.

3. How do you attach a magnetic golf towel?

Place the towel’s magnet against a compatible ferromagnetic surface or use its matching magnetic holder. Check that the connection is strong enough to support the towel. Magnetic attachment systems may release after a hard bump, so test yours before play.

4. Can you attach a regular towel to a golf bag?

Yes. A regular towel can be attached using a fabric-gripping towel holder or a securely sewn loop. You can also install a proper grommet if the fabric supports it. Avoid cutting an unreinforced hole, since it may tear with repeated use.

5. Is it better to hang a golf towel or keep it inside the bag?

Hanging a towel outside the bag usually provides faster access and better airflow. Keeping a clean, dry spare inside a pocket is also useful. I prefer an exterior towel for routine club cleaning and a separate spare for wet conditions.

6. Why do golfers hang towels over their clubs?

Some golfers use center-slit tour towels that drape over a club shaft. This keeps a large cleaning surface accessible without a clip. However, the towel can slide off when the club or bag moves, so a secure attachment is better during transport.

7. How many golf towels should you carry?

One towel can work if you keep distinct wet and dry sections. Two towels are useful when conditions are muddy or rainy. You can use one for cleaning clubs and another for drying grips, hands, and equipment without transferring dirt.

Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Attach Your Golf Towel

Attaching a golf towel doesn’t need to be complicated. For most golfers, a sturdy carabiner, reinforced grommet, and dedicated bag ring make a practical combination.

Place the towel high enough to stay clean and close enough to reach comfortably. Keep it clear of stand legs, carrying straps, and cart hardware.

As of 2026, magnetic holders and center-slit towels offer convenient alternatives, but a simple clip remains a dependable choice for everyday play.

Before your next round, spend a moment checking your towel’s position and attachment. It’s a small habit that makes keeping your clubs clean much easier.

My recommendation: Start with a microfiber golf towel and a secure carabiner clip. Once you’ve found the best position on your bag, you’ll barely need to think about it again.

For more practical golf equipment advice and playing tips, explore the latest resources from Golf Digest.