Where Should You Put a Golf Towel on Your Bag? Best Placement Guide

Where should you put a golf towel on your bag? It’s a small decision that can make your entire round more convenient.

I’m Daniel Brooks, and I prefer a simple setup that keeps my towel accessible without letting it swing into my legs or interfere with clubs. This guide covers attachment points, different bag styles, towel types, and practical fixes for common placement problems.

What Is the Best Place to Put a Golf Towel on Your Bag?

The best location is usually a dedicated towel ring near the upper side of your golf bag. This position offers convenient access while reducing contact with dirt and wet grass.

A golf towel is a cleaning accessory used to remove moisture, mud, sand, and grass from clubs and golf balls. Many golfers also use a separate clean towel for drying their hands and grips.

Use the Dedicated Towel Ring First

Most full-size golf bags provide at least one exterior accessory attachment. This might be a metal D-ring, plastic ring, or reinforced fabric loop.

Manufacturers place these attachments in different locations. Before clipping anything on, check that the ring is intended to carry accessories.

A dedicated towel ring has several practical advantages:

• Easy access: You can reach the towel between shots.
• Secure attachment: A compatible clip reduces the chance of losing it.
• Better organization: Your towel stays outside the pockets and club openings.
• Less interference: Proper placement keeps fabric away from important moving parts.

For most golfers, this should be the starting point. There’s little reason to create a complicated attachment system when the bag already has suitable hardware.

Choose the Side You Naturally Reach

A convenient towel shouldn’t require you to walk around your bag after every shot. Place it on the side you can reach when removing or returning a club.

For a right-handed golfer, that might be the right or left side, depending on the bag’s orientation. Your dominant hand alone doesn’t determine the ideal placement.

I like to test the location before heading to the first tee. I set the bag down, pull out a wedge, and reach toward the towel.

If the movement feels awkward, I move the clip. That small adjustment is easier than fighting the same setup for 18 holes.

How High Should a Golf Towel Hang?

The towel should remain above the ground when the bag sits in its normal playing position. There’s no universal required height because towels and bags vary.

A useful starting target is roughly 4–6 inches of ground clearance. Treat that as a practical guideline, not an official golf equipment standard.

Check clearance while the bag rests on its stand. An upright bag may hold the towel higher than a bag leaning toward the ground.

Section Takeaway: Start with a high, sturdy attachment point on the side you naturally reach. Ground clearance and easy access matter more than appearance.

Where Should You Hang a Towel on Different Golf Bags?

Your golf bag’s design affects where the towel should hang. A stand bag, cart bag, and lightweight carry bag don’t always share the same ideal attachment point.

Stand Bags: Near the Upper Side

For a stand bag, I recommend using a dedicated upper-side loop or towel ring. Keep it clear of the legs and their operating mechanism.

Stand bags lean forward when you deploy the legs. That change in angle can make a long towel brush against the grass.

Before walking onto the course, check three things:

• The towel doesn’t touch the ground when the stand legs open.
• The fabric doesn’t catch on the shoulder straps while carrying.
• The towel doesn’t cover the leg mechanism or interfere with club access.

A compact microfiber towel is convenient for walking rounds. It offers useful cleaning surface without adding much bulk.

Cart Bags: Use the Accessible Outside Edge

Cart bags generally remain upright on a riding cart or push cart. Their biggest placement problem is often the securing strap.

Attach your towel to an accessible outer side of the bag. Avoid a position where the cart strap presses directly against the fabric or clip.

For a riding cart, I prefer an upper attachment that faces the golfer after the bag is secured. It should remain reachable from beside the cart.

Push carts require a slightly different check. Make sure the towel stays clear of the wheels, frame joints, and any moving handle components.

Sunday Bags: Keep the Setup Lightweight

A Sunday bag is a slim, lightweight golf bag designed for carrying a smaller or simpler club setup. Some models have fewer accessory attachment points.

Use a secure loop near the upper handle if there isn’t a dedicated towel ring. Choose a small towel that won’t hang excessively low.

A heavy, wet towel can become awkward on a minimalist bag. I would rather carry one medium towel than overload a lightweight setup.

Staff Bags: Keep Accessories Organized

Staff bags often offer more exterior space and several accessory locations. That doesn’t mean every available ring is equally convenient.

Use an upper-side attachment that remains accessible when the bag is resting or being carried. Keep the towel away from pocket openings and club shafts.

Golf Towel Placement Comparison by Bag Type

Section Takeaway: Choose placement based on how your bag rests, moves, and attaches to a cart. Always test the towel with the bag in its actual playing position.

How Do You Attach a Golf Towel Securely?

The simplest method is to clip a towel’s metal grommet or sewn loop onto the bag’s dedicated accessory ring. A properly sized carabiner makes this connection easy.

Method 1: Attach With a Carabiner

A carabiner is a small clip with a spring-loaded gate. Many golf towels include one already.

1. Locate the attachment ring. Find the towel ring or reinforced accessory loop on your golf bag.
2. Inspect the clip. Check that the gate opens and closes without sticking.
3. Connect the towel. Pass the clip through the towel’s grommet or attached loop.
4. Secure it to the bag. Clip the towel onto the accessory ring and ensure the gate closes completely.
5. Test the position. Give the towel a gentle pull and check for nearby obstructions.

This is my preferred everyday method because it’s easy to adjust. You can remove the towel for washing without changing the rest of the bag’s setup.

Method 2: Use a Sewn Fabric Loop

Some towels have a fabric hanging loop rather than a metal eyelet. These can attach through a suitable ring or with a separate clip.

Feed the loop through the ring, then pass the towel through its own loop to create a secure hitch. Confirm the loop is strong enough before carrying the bag.

This method eliminates the need for a separate carabiner. However, it can take longer to remove when you want to clean the towel.

Method 3: Hang a Caddy Towel Over an Attachment

A caddy towel is typically a longer towel designed to hang or drape over golf equipment. Some have a center opening or slit.

Depending on its design, you can hang it over a secure club-free support or thread an attachment through the opening. Keep it away from delicate club finishes and moving hardware.

I prefer an arrangement that lets me lift the towel off easily. That becomes useful when cleaning a ball near the putting green.

What If Your Golf Bag Has No Towel Ring?

You can still attach a golf towel without a dedicated ring. The key is finding a strong, stationary anchor point.

• Reinforced carry handle: Attach a fabric loop or suitable carabiner without obstructing your grip.
• Accessory webbing: Use a compatible clip on securely stitched webbing.
• Removable strap attachment: Use a purpose-built accessory holder where it won’t interfere with the strap.
• Push-cart accessory hook: Use a rated, stable hook that stays clear of the wheels.

Avoid attaching the towel to fragile zipper pulls, thin decorative stitching, or stand-leg joints. These aren’t reliable substitutes for load-bearing accessory hardware.

Section Takeaway: Use the simplest secure connection available. A dedicated ring and properly closed carabiner will suit most golf bags.

More Learn

Can You Put Golf Towels in the Dryer? → Where Should a Golf Towel Hang on a Golf Bag? The Complete Guide →

Does the Type of Golf Towel Change Its Placement?

Yes. A golf towel’s length, material, and attachment design can affect where it hangs comfortably.

Microfiber Golf Towels

Microfiber towels are popular because their fine synthetic fibers can pick up dirt and absorb moisture. They also come in compact sizes.

These towels work well clipped near the upper side of a bag. A shorter microfiber towel is particularly convenient when walking.

Keep one section clean if you use the same towel throughout the round. A towel covered in bunker sand shouldn’t be rubbed across clean grips.

Cotton Golf Towels

Cotton towels often offer a soft, familiar feel and a generous cleaning surface. Larger versions can become heavy when wet.

I would attach a large cotton towel higher on the bag to reduce dragging. Folding it over can also shorten the hanging length.

If the towel has no grommet, use a secure loop or appropriate towel holder. Avoid loosely draping it where it could fall between clubs.

Magnetic Golf Towels

A magnetic golf towel uses a built-in magnet or magnetic attachment to connect with compatible metal equipment. It can be convenient for quick removal.

However, a magnet won’t attach securely to every metal surface. Aluminum and many stainless-steel components may not provide the magnetic attraction you expect.

Use a compatible magnetic attachment or manufacturer-recommended mounting point. Test the hold before moving your bag or cart.

Magnetic towels can be especially convenient on a compatible push cart. They aren’t automatically the best option for every stand bag.

Long Caddy Towels

Long towels offer more surface area for separating damp and dry portions. That extra length also makes them more likely to touch the ground.

Hang them from a high, stable attachment and adjust the fold. If the fabric blocks club access, move it to an outside edge.

Which Golf Towel Style Works Best?

Section Takeaway: Match the attachment point to your towel’s length and hardware. A convenient towel should stay secure without dragging or obstructing your clubs.

Where Should You Keep Wet and Dry Golf Towels?

Keep a damp cleaning towel outside your bag and separate from the towel used for hands and grips. This prevents transferring dirt and moisture onto surfaces you want dry.

The Two-Towel Setup

I recommend separating cleaning duties when course conditions are muddy or wet. It keeps your setup organized without requiring complicated equipment.

• Damp cleaning towel: Keep it on an exterior ring for removing grass, mud, and dirt from clubheads.
• Dry towel: Store it on another clean, accessible attachment or in a breathable, suitable location protected from dirt.

A damp towel is useful for cleaning grooves on wedges and irons. Drying the clubface afterward helps remove remaining moisture.

For advice on keeping your equipment in playing condition, the PGA Tour and Golf Digest offer broader golf equipment and playing resources.

Can You Use Only One Golf Towel?

Absolutely. Many recreational golfers can manage with one good towel.

Use one small section for damp cleaning and another for drying. Keep the clean area away from mud and sand.

For a casual nine-hole round, I wouldn’t overcomplicate the setup. One securely attached microfiber towel is often enough.

What About Rainy or Muddy Rounds?

Wet weather makes towel positioning more important. A towel touching damp ground quickly becomes less useful.

Move the towel higher and protect the clean section from rain. Avoid sealing a wet towel inside a pocket for long periods.

After the round, remove it and let it dry completely before storage. Wash it according to the care label when dirt or odor builds up.

Section Takeaway: Separate dirty cleaning surfaces from clean drying surfaces. One towel can work, but two towels make that separation easier in wet conditions.

What Golf Towel Placement Mistakes Should You Avoid?

The most common problems are hanging the towel too low, using weak attachment points, and blocking equipment access. All three are easy to prevent.

Hanging the Towel Too Close to the Ground

This is one of the first things I check on a stand bag. A towel that looks fine upright can drag when the legs are deployed.

Raise the attachment, fold the towel shorter, or switch to a smaller design. Check the clearance again after repositioning.

Attaching It to a Zipper Pull

Zipper pulls aren’t designed to handle repeated pulling from a hanging towel. Constant movement can damage the pull or zipper track.

Use a reinforced accessory ring instead. It’s a better long-term attachment point.

Letting the Towel Block Pockets or Clubs

A towel shouldn’t cover the pocket you open most often. It also shouldn’t snag on your putter or wedge when you pull clubs out.

Keep the towel along the outside of the bag. Move it slightly if it blocks your normal routine.

Ignoring the Cart Strap

A cart strap can trap the towel against the bag. You may not notice until you need it during the round.

Attach the bag to the cart first, then confirm the towel remains accessible. Reposition it if the strap covers the clip.

Using an Unreliable Magnetic Attachment

A magnetic towel can fall when the cart hits bumps or the bag shifts. The attachment depends on magnet strength and surface compatibility.

Test the magnet on the intended surface before playing. Use a secure clip if the connection doesn’t hold reliably.

Forgetting Golf Course Etiquette

A golf towel should support your routine, not slow down play. Keep it close enough that you can clean your equipment promptly.

For general playing guidance, consult the USGA and The R&A. The Rules of Golf also govern when and how players may clean golf balls.

One example matters around the green. A ball lifted from the putting green may generally be cleaned, but different restrictions apply elsewhere.

Section Takeaway: Keep your towel secure, accessible, and away from moving equipment. Test its position before the round rather than correcting problems on every hole.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do professional golfers put their golf towels?

Professional golfers commonly use long caddy towels draped over or attached to their bags. The exact position varies with the bag, caddie’s preferences, and towel design. The goal is quick access for cleaning clubs and golf balls without interfering with equipment.

Should a golf towel go on the front or side of the bag?

The side is usually the better starting point because it keeps the towel accessible without covering club openings. However, the ideal position depends on how the bag sits on a cart or stand. Choose whichever exterior position stays unobstructed.

What is the ring on a golf bag for?

A ring near the upper exterior of a golf bag often serves as an accessory attachment point. Golfers commonly use these rings for towels, brushes, or small accessories. Check your bag’s design before attaching anything heavy or frequently pulled.

Can you hang a golf towel from your putter?

Some golfers temporarily drape a towel over a club, but this isn’t an ideal permanent storage method. Loose fabric can snag, fall, or interfere with club access. A dedicated ring or suitable towel holder generally provides a more secure solution.

Do you need a golf towel clip?

Not always. A golf towel with a sewn loop may attach directly to a suitable bag ring. However, a carabiner or purpose-built clip makes attaching and removing many towels easier. Choose hardware compatible with both your towel and bag.

Should you wet your golf towel before playing?

Lightly dampening part of a golf towel can make cleaning mud and grass from clubheads easier. Keep another section dry for removing moisture. Don’t soak the entire towel, especially if you also need it to dry your hands or grips.

How many golf towels should you carry?

One towel is usually sufficient for a recreational round if you separate clean and dirty sections. Two towels offer greater convenience in wet or muddy conditions. Carry a damp cleaning towel and a dry towel for hands, grips, and final drying.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Golf Towel Simple and Accessible

The best place for a golf towel is usually the upper-side towel ring on your bag. It’s easy to reach, keeps the towel organized, and avoids unnecessary interference.

For stand bags, pay attention to ground clearance. For cart bags, prioritize access around the securing strap.

My preferred approach is simple: start with the built-in ring, use a reliable clip, and test the towel with the bag in its playing position. Adjust it until it feels natural.

Before your next round, take a minute to check where your towel hangs. A small improvement in your bag setup can make cleaning clubs quicker and your on-course routine easier.