What Towel Do PGA Players Use? A Guide to Tour-Style Golf Towels

Ever noticed the oversized towel hanging from a PGA Tour caddie’s bag? There’s a practical reason for it. The right golf towel helps keep clubfaces clean, grips dry, and equipment ready for the next shot.

In this guide, I’ll explain which towels professionals use, why waffle-weave microfiber is so popular, and how to choose a setup that works for your own rounds. I’ll also compare towel materials, sizes, and features so you can spend wisely in 2026.

What towels do PGA Tour players use?

PGA Tour players use a variety of golf towels, but large waffle-weave microfiber towels and traditional terry towels are common choices. The exact brand depends on personal preference, equipment partnerships, and sponsorship arrangements.

There’s no single towel that every professional golfer uses. However, the designs seen around tour bags share several practical features: absorbent fabric, enough surface area for cleaning clubs, and convenient attachment to a golf bag.

Players Towel and other tour-associated brands

Players Towel is a recognized golf towel brand associated with professional players and caddies. Its range includes waffle-weave microfiber towels, including a full-size model measuring 22 × 40 inches.

The company reports that its towels have been carried by professionals across more than 50 tour wins. That makes it a relevant option for golfers who want a tour-inspired design, although professional use alone doesn’t prove that one towel performs better than every competitor.

Club Glove and traditional caddie towels

Club Glove is another name associated with golf travel and tour equipment. Golfers looking for a traditional caddie towel should focus on practical features such as fabric texture, absorbency, durability, and size rather than assuming that every professional uses the same model.

You’ll also see towels bearing tournament, sponsor, golf-club, and equipment-brand logos. A logo may identify a sponsorship or personal preference, but it doesn’t necessarily reveal the towel’s exact fabric or construction.

Why the towel matters more than the logo

For most golfers, cleaning performance matters more than a famous name. A towel that lifts grass from iron grooves and keeps a putter grip dry is more useful than an expensive towel that looks impressive but doesn’t suit your routine.

• For club cleaning: Look for a textured, absorbent surface.
• For wet weather: Choose enough fabric to maintain separate wet and dry areas.
• For walking golfers: Consider a lightweight towel with a secure clip.
• For a premium appearance: Consider embroidery or a custom design without sacrificing practical features.

Section takeaway: Professionals use different towel brands, but the most useful features remain consistent: absorbency, textured fabric, sufficient size, and easy access throughout the round.

Why do professionals prefer waffle-weave towels?

A waffle-weave golf towel has a raised, grid-like texture that helps catch dirt, grass, and moisture during cleaning. Microfiber versions combine that texture with fine synthetic fibers designed to absorb water and pick up debris.

For golfers who clean their clubs after shots, this construction offers a useful balance of cleaning ability, water retention, and manageable drying time. It’s one reason textured microfiber towels remain a popular tour-style choice.

How waffle-weave microfiber works

Microfiber uses very fine synthetic fibers, commonly polyester and polyamide blends, to collect moisture and fine debris. The waffle pattern creates a textured surface that helps the fabric reach into the grooves of an iron or wedge.

Those grooves matter. They help manage the interaction between the clubface and the ball, particularly when you’re hitting shots that need controlled spin.

• Iron faces: Remove grass and dirt that accumulate during approach shots.
• Wedges: Clean the grooves after bunker shots and short-game practice.
• Golf balls: Wipe away mud and grass when cleaning is permitted under the applicable rules.
• Hands and equipment: Use a separate dry section to remove moisture without transferring dirt.

Why clean grooves matter for golf shots

Clean clubfaces help you make more consistent contact with the ball. Dirt, grass, and moisture can change the interaction between the clubface and ball, affecting spin and control, especially on shots where you need precision.

A towel won’t correct a poor swing path, an unsuitable club, or inconsistent strike quality. It does help eliminate one avoidable source of variation.

For additional equipment guidance, the United States Golf Association provides official information about golf equipment and the Rules of Golf. Understanding the rules also helps you know when and how to clean your ball during play.

Microfiber versus cotton terry cloth

Microfiber and cotton both have a place in a golf bag. The better option depends on whether you prioritize textured club cleaning, traditional softness, or simple moisture absorption.

Microfiber is often the more practical choice for players who clean their irons and wedges frequently. Terry cloth can work well for hands, general wiping, and golfers who prefer a familiar cotton texture.

Section takeaway: Waffle-weave microfiber is a strong all-around choice for cleaning clubs because its textured surface combines practical debris removal with water absorption.

Which golf towel material and size is best?

The best golf towel is large enough for your cleaning routine without dragging on the ground or becoming awkward to carry. For many recreational golfers, a microfiber towel around 16 × 24 inches is a useful starting point, while a 22 × 40-inch tour towel provides more working space.

There isn’t one ideal size for every bag. Stand bags, riding carts, walking rounds, and wet conditions can all influence your choice.

Golf towel comparison: materials and dimensions

The following comparison uses representative sizes and common material characteristics. Dimensions describe available product formats, not a universal PGA Tour specification.

Should you choose a large tour towel?

A large towel gives you room to maintain a damp cleaning area and a dry section for grips. It also provides more clean fabric when your clubs become muddy during a wet round.

However, a large towel can hang close to the ground on a small stand bag. If you regularly carry your clubs, check the towel’s length when attached to your bag rather than choosing by dimensions alone.

What features should you check before buying?

• Fabric texture: Choose waffle-weave microfiber for regular clubface cleaning.
• Absorbency: Make sure the towel can hold enough water for your preferred cleaning method.
• Attachment: Look for a sturdy grommet, carabiner, or suitable alternative.
• Weight: A lighter towel is easier to manage on a walking round.
• Washability: Check the care label before buying a premium or embroidered design.
• Price: Compare construction and useful features rather than paying extra for branding alone.

Section takeaway: Start with a 16 × 24-inch microfiber towel if you want a compact everyday option. Choose a larger 22 × 40-inch model if you value extra cleaning space and separate wet and dry zones.

More Learn

What Towels Do Caddies Use? A Golfer’s Guide to Tour-Style Golf Towels → What Towels Do Golf Pros Use? A Complete Guide to Tour-Style Golf Towels →

How do PGA players and caddies use their towels?

Professional golfers and caddies use towels as part of a consistent equipment-cleaning routine. The goal is to keep clubfaces free of debris, protect grips from excess moisture, and make equipment ready for the next shot.

A practical setup for an amateur can follow the same principles without copying every detail of a professional’s routine.

The wet-and-dry towel method

One useful approach is to divide a large towel into damp and dry sections. The damp section loosens dirt from clubheads, while the dry section removes remaining moisture and helps keep grips comfortable.

1. Prepare the towel: Lightly dampen one section before your round, leaving the remaining fabric dry.
2. Clean the clubface: Wipe away loose grass and dirt after the shot.
3. Clear the grooves: Use the textured fabric to remove debris, adding a suitable groove brush when necessary.
4. Dry the club: Use a dry section to remove excess moisture when conditions call for it.
5. Check the grip: Keep the handle dry enough for a secure, comfortable hold.

Always follow the club manufacturer’s care guidance, and avoid soaking clubheads or leaving moisture on metal surfaces for extended periods.

Why caddies carry larger towels

A caddie’s towel may need to clean several clubs throughout a round. A larger format provides more usable fabric, which helps maintain separate cleaning areas as one section becomes dirty or wet.

Caddies also need quick access to equipment while managing club selection, yardages, course conditions, and player preferences. A towel clipped to an accessible part of the bag supports that routine.

What changes in rain or humid conditions?

Wet weather makes grip management particularly important. A towel that starts the round dry may become saturated quickly, so carrying a second towel can be more useful than relying on one large towel.

• Dry towel: Reserve it for grips, hands, and equipment that needs to stay dry.
• Cleaning towel: Use a damp or designated cleaning section for clubheads and balls.
• Spare towel: Keep it protected inside a bag pocket until needed.

Humidity can also slow drying. After your round, remove damp towels from enclosed pockets and allow them to dry completely before storing them.

Can you clean your golf ball whenever you want?

No. The Rules of Golf restrict when players may clean a ball during play, with specific exceptions. You can generally clean a ball after lifting it on the putting green, but you should not assume the same permission applies everywhere on the course.

Check the R&A’s official Rules of Golf resources if you’re unsure about a particular situation. A good towel routine should always follow the applicable rules.

Section takeaway: The most useful professional habit is consistency. Keep a designated cleaning area, protect your grips, and carry a spare when weather makes drying difficult.

Which tour-style golf towels should you consider?

The best tour-style towel depends on your budget, playing conditions, and how you carry your clubs. In 2026, golfers can choose from branded microfiber towels, traditional terry towels, compact designs, and premium personalized options.

Rather than treating a professional endorsement as a guarantee, compare the specific product’s fabric, dimensions, attachment system, and care requirements.

1. Players Towel: a large, personalized microfiber option

Players Towel offers waffle-weave microfiber models, including a 22 × 40-inch Tour Towel. Its products suit golfers who want a large cleaning surface with a choice of colors, graphics, or personalization.

Choose this style if you like the appearance of tour-inspired equipment and want enough fabric to separate damp and dry areas. Check the current product listing for available sizes and prices before ordering.

2. Club Glove-style caddie towel: a practical equipment choice

A traditional caddie towel is worth considering if you prefer a straightforward design built around repeated club cleaning. Look for a useful size, durable fabric, and an attachment that works with your existing bag.

Confirm the exact model’s material and dimensions before buying. Brand recognition alone doesn’t establish whether a particular towel uses microfiber, cotton, or a specific weave.

3. Titleist, PING, and TaylorMade: branded alternatives

Established golf equipment brands also sell towels designed for players who prefer matching accessories. The PGA TOUR Superstore’s golf-towel selection has included products such as the Titleist Players Terry Towel, PING Player Towel, and TaylorMade Tour Towel.

These examples illustrate the range of available designs, not a claim that all three are used by PGA Tour professionals. Check current availability and specifications because retail selections change.

Which towel should you buy for your playing style?

For more equipment inspiration, explore the PGA TOUR Superstore golf towel selection. Compare current product details before deciding which features justify the price.

Section takeaway: A large waffle-weave microfiber towel is a sensible first choice for golfers who want a tour-style setup. A compact towel or traditional terry model may be better if portability or softness matters more.

How do you clean and maintain a golf towel?

A golf towel works best when you wash it regularly and keep its cleaning surface free from accumulated dirt. Even premium microfiber loses usefulness when grease, detergent residue, or fabric softener coats the fibers.

Proper care also helps prevent unpleasant odors after hot, humid, or rainy rounds.

How often should you wash a golf towel?

Wash your towel whenever it becomes heavily soiled, develops an odor, or stops cleaning effectively. Golfers who play several times each week may need to wash their towels more often than occasional players.

• After a muddy round: Rinse or wash the towel promptly.
• After a wet round: Unclip it and let it dry fully before storing it.
• After regular use: Inspect the fabric for persistent stains, residue, or damage.

How should you wash microfiber towels?

Follow the manufacturer’s care label first. Many microfiber golf towels tolerate a gentle machine wash, but water temperature and drying instructions can vary by fabric and decoration.

1. Shake off loose dirt and grass outdoors.
2. Wash the towel with compatible laundry rather than heavily lint-producing fabrics.
3. Use a suitable detergent and avoid fabric softener unless the manufacturer explicitly recommends it.
4. Dry according to the care label, using a low-temperature setting when permitted.
5. Store the towel only after it has dried completely.

Fabric softener can leave a coating on microfiber that reduces absorbency. Avoid bleach or aggressive cleaning products unless the manufacturer’s instructions confirm they are safe.

When should you replace your golf towel?

Replace a towel when its fabric becomes damaged, its attachment hardware no longer holds securely, or it consistently fails to clean and absorb moisture after proper washing.

You don’t need to replace a towel just because it has faded or lost its showroom appearance. A well-maintained towel can remain useful as long as the fabric and attachment still do their jobs.

Section takeaway: Regular washing, complete drying, and proper storage will help maintain your towel’s cleaning performance and extend its useful life.

Frequently asked questions

What towel does Rory McIlroy use?

There isn’t a consistently verified public specification identifying the exact towel model Rory McIlroy currently uses in every round. Professional players may change towels according to sponsorships and preferences, so choose a product based on its confirmed features rather than assuming a particular model is his permanent choice.

Do PGA Tour players use microfiber towels?

Yes, microfiber towels are a common option in professional golf, particularly textured waffle-weave designs used for club cleaning. However, professional golfers and caddies use different brands and materials, including terry-style towels, so microfiber isn’t a universal requirement.

What size golf towel do the pros use?

Large towels around 20 × 40 inches are a familiar tour-style format, although sizes vary between players, caddies, and brands. A 22 × 40-inch model provides generous cleaning space, while a 16 × 24-inch towel is often easier to manage on a recreational golfer’s bag.

Is a waffle-weave golf towel better than a cotton towel?

A waffle-weave microfiber towel is often better suited to frequent clubface and groove cleaning because its textured synthetic fibers help lift dirt and absorb moisture. Cotton terry towels remain useful for general wiping and hands, so the best option depends on your intended use.

Why do golfers keep one side of their towel wet?

A damp section helps loosen dirt and grass from clubfaces, while a separate dry section removes excess moisture. This arrangement reduces the chance of transferring water onto grips and gives golfers a repeatable cleaning routine throughout the round.

Can I use a regular household towel for golf?

Yes, a clean household towel can work for basic wiping, particularly if it’s absorbent and easy to wash. However, a purpose-built golf towel may offer a more useful texture, a compact attachment system, and a size suited to cleaning clubs during play.

How many golf towels should I carry?

One towel is enough for many dry rounds, provided you maintain clean and dry sections. Two towels are more practical in rainy or humid conditions because you can dedicate one to club cleaning and reserve the other for grips, hands, and equipment that must stay dry.

Final takeaway: Choose the towel that keeps your clubs ready

So, what towel do PGA players use? Many rely on large, absorbent golf towels, often with waffle-weave microfiber construction, while individual brands and materials vary across the tour.

If you’re building your own setup, start with a durable microfiber towel, choose a size that suits your bag, and keep separate wet and dry areas. You don’t need a professional’s exact brand to benefit from the same practical habits.

My recommendation is simple: prioritize cleaning performance, easy maintenance, and convenient access over the logo on the fabric. Keep your grooves clean, your grips dry, and your towel ready for the next shot.