Clip-On Golf Towel vs Normal Golf Towel: Which Is Better for Your Game?

Golf towels may seem like minor accessories, but they play a huge role in maintaining performance on the course. Whether you’re cleaning clubs, drying hands, or wiping down golf balls, having a reliable towel makes every shot smoother. Among the various types available, the two most common are the clip-on golf towel and the normal golf towel.

While both serve the same basic purpose, their design, convenience, and usage differ greatly. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences, compare benefits, and help you choose the best option based on how and where you play.

What Is a Clip-On Golf Towel?

A clip-on golf towel is designed for convenience. It comes with a built-in carabiner, hook, or swivel clip that allows you to easily attach it to your golf bag, trolley, or belt loop. The main goal is quick access — so you can wipe your club, hand, or ball after every shot without needing to dig through your bag.

Key Features

• Compact design – usually smaller and tri-folded for easy handling.
• Built-in clip or hook – keeps the towel attached securely.
• Lightweight microfiber material – dries quickly and resists odour.
• Easy removal for washing – simply unclip and toss in the wash.

A great example is the Callaway Tri-Fold Clip Golf Towel, a popular choice for golfers who value simplicity. Its microfiber build absorbs moisture efficiently, and its metal clip keeps it firmly attached during play.

What Is a Normal Golf Towel?

A normal golf towel (sometimes called a “tour towel”) is larger and doesn’t typically include a built-in clip. Instead, it might have a grommet hole for optional attachment or be simply draped over clubs in your bag. This style prioritises size and absorbency over compactness.

Key Features

• Full-size or caddy-style towel (typically 16–40 inches long).
• High absorbency for deep cleaning of clubs and golf balls.
• Durable materials such as thick cotton or terry cloth.
• Often dual-purpose – one side damp for clubs, one side dry for hands.

The Titleist Players Golf Towel is a perfect example of a premium normal towel. It’s extra-long, ultra-absorbent, and made for players who want tour-grade gear.

Benefits of a Clip-On Golf Towel

1. Convenience and Easy Access

The greatest benefit of a clip on golf towel is convenience. Since it hangs from your bag or belt, you can grab it instantly between shots. It saves time, keeps your bag organised, and ensures you’re never scrambling for a towel mid-round.

2. Compact and Lightweight

These towels are smaller and lighter, making them ideal for walking golfers or those who prefer minimalist gear. The TaylorMade Microfiber Clip-On Towel is a great example — small enough not to interfere with play but efficient enough for routine cleaning.

3. Low Maintenance

Microfiber clip-on towels dry quickly and resist mould or mildew, making them easy to maintain. After each round, just unclip, wash, and hang to dry.

4. Best For Casual Golfers

A clip-on golf towel is perfect for beginners or social golfers who don’t need large, professional-grade towels. It’s practical, simple, and keeps the essentials close by.

Benefits of a Normal Golf Towel

1. Superior Cleaning Power

A normal golf towel offers more surface area, allowing you to clean clubs, balls, and grips more thoroughly. It’s especially useful in wet or muddy conditions where extra fabric helps keep equipment spotless.

2. Dual-Sided Functionality

Many golfers use one end of a large towel wet (for cleaning clubs) and the other dry (for drying hands or grips). This versatility makes it indispensable for players who play in all types of weather.

3. Professional Appearance

There’s a reason professionals use large, normal golf towels on tour. Towels like the Titleist Tour Players Towel or the Ping Tour Cotton Towel look sharp and signal that you take your game seriously.

4. Best For Competitive Players

If you play weekly or participate in competitions, a normal golf towel will serve you better. It provides reliability, deeper cleaning, and enough fabric to last multiple rounds before needing a wash.

The Best of Both Worlds

Many experienced golfers actually carry both types of towels for versatility:

• A clip-on golf towel for on-the-go cleaning and quick access.
• A normal golf towel (or caddy towel) for heavy-duty cleaning after the round or during wet weather.

For example, pairing a Callaway Tri-Fold Clip Towel with a Titleist Players Golf Towel covers every need — one small, quick-dry towel for daily use and one larger, absorbent towel for professional cleaning.

Maintenance Tips for Any Golf Towel

No matter which type you use, keeping your golf towel clean ensures it lasts longer and performs better.

• Wash weekly if you play often, using mild detergent.
• Avoid fabric softener — it reduces absorbency.
• Air dry when possible to prevent odour buildup.
• Keep one side damp, one dry during play for maximum efficiency.

Final Thoughts: Which Towel Should You Choose?

If your golf game is casual, simple, and focused on convenience, a clip-on golf towel is your best option. It’s compact, tidy, and always within reach. But if you’re a dedicated or competitive player who values deep cleaning, all-weather performance, and a professional look, a normal golf towel (like the Titleist or Ping models) will serve you better.

In truth, most golfers benefit from having both — one for quick wipes and one for full cleaning. No matter your style or skill level, a quality golf towel is an accessory you’ll use every single round, making it a small but powerful investment in better performance.

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!