Every golfer knows the importance of keeping clubs, balls, and hands clean during a round. The golf towel is one of the most used yet underrated accessories in the game. But not all towels are the same — there’s a clear difference between a caddy golf towel and a normal golf towel. While both serve the same purpose, their design, size, and features make them better suited to different types of golfers. In this article, we’ll compare the two, highlight their strengths, and help you decide which one fits your game.
A caddy golf towel is the towel you’ll most often see on professional tours. Carried by caddies, it’s large, heavy-duty, and built for serious performance. Measuring anywhere from 40 to 60 inches in length, it’s big enough to handle multiple cleaning tasks throughout a round.
These towels are often dual-sided — one side is kept damp to clean mud and dirt from clubs and balls, while the other remains dry to wipe grips and hands. The absorbency is unmatched, often made from thick cotton or terry cloth, ensuring it stays effective over 18 or even 36 holes. For golfers who want professional-level gear, the caddy golf towel is the gold standard.
A normal golf towel is the compact version found on most recreational golfers’ bags. Typically 16–20 inches in size, these towels are lightweight, easy to attach, and perfect for quick cleaning jobs. Most come with a carabiner clip or hook to secure them to your golf bag.
Made from microfiber or cotton, a normal golf towel is great for wiping clubs, cleaning balls, or drying hands. While smaller and less absorbent than a caddy towel, it’s highly practical for casual players who don’t need heavy-duty cleaning throughout a full round.
1. Size
The most obvious difference is size. A caddy golf towel is significantly larger, offering multiple cleaning surfaces in one round. Normal towels are compact, making them less intrusive but also less versatile.
2. Design Features
Caddy towels often include dual zones — a wet side and a dry side. This is crucial for pros who want consistent cleaning and grip performance. Normal towels are usually single-sided, which keeps them lighter but limits functionality.
3. Material and Absorbency
A caddy golf towel is made from thick, absorbent materials like terry cloth or premium cotton blends. Normal towels are lighter microfiber or cotton, enough for casual cleaning but less durable over multiple rounds.
4. Purpose and Use
Caddy towels are designed for professionals and competitive golfers, where performance and reliability are critical. Normal golf towels are ideal for social golfers, beginners, or those who only play occasionally.
A caddy golf towel is best suited for:
If you play often and want maximum cleaning power, a caddy towel is worth the investment.
Who Should Use a Normal Golf Towel?
A normal golf towel is perfect for:
For most weekend golfers, a normal golf towel offers everything you need without being oversized.
| Feature | Caddy Golf Towel | Normal Golf Towel |
| Size | Large (40–60 inches, tour size) | Small to medium (16–20 inches) |
| Design | Often dual-sided (wet side & dry side) | Single layer, compact |
| Material | Heavy-duty cotton or microfiber, terry cloth blend | Lightweight microfiber or cotton |
| Purpose | Professional use, heavy cleaning, tournament play | Everyday casual use, light cleaning |
| Attachment | Carried by caddies or draped over clubs | Clip, hook, or carabiner for bag attachment |
| Absorbency | High absorbency, built for multiple rounds | Moderate absorbency, enough for casual rounds |
| Who It Suits | Low-handicap, competitive golfers, professionals | Beginners, social golfers, casual players |
Final Thoughts: Which Towel Is Right for You?
The choice between a caddy golf towel and a normal golf towel comes down to your playing style. If you play often, compete, or want professional-level performance, a caddy towel is the clear winner. If you’re a casual golfer who values convenience and simplicity, a normal towel is more than enough.
No matter which one you choose, remember that a golf towel is not just an accessory — it’s a vital tool that keeps your equipment clean, your hands dry, and your performance consistent.
Alex Smith is the Head PGA Pro at Online Golf Shop. With over 20 years of experience in the golf industry, Alex has a passion for helping golfers improve their game. He shares trusted and authentic advice through tips, tricks, and thorough product reviews—always based on his own experiences and insights. Alex also helps shape our product selection, making sure it’s tailored to every golfer’s needs, helping you find the right equipment and strategies to play your best golf!
Phone: 020 8064 0105
