Best Golf Towel Materials – Microfiber vs Cotton vs Terry Cloth

Every golfer knows that a clean clubface means better contact, more spin, and ultimately—better shots. But not all golf towels are created equal. The material of your towel can dramatically affect its absorbency, durability, and overall performance on the course. The three most common materials you’ll encounter are microfiber, cotton, and terry cloth. Understanding the strengths of each can help you choose the right towel to keep your gear—and your game—in top shape.

Why Your Golf Towel Material Matters

A golf towel isn’t just for show. It’s a functional piece of equipment used to wipe away moisture, grass, dirt, and sand from your clubs, balls, and even your hands. The right material will absorb quickly, clean effectively, and hold up round after round. The wrong one might smear dirt, stay soggy, or fall apart after a few uses. Let’s break down the three most popular types.

Microfiber Golf Towels: The Modern Golfer’s Choice

Microfiber has revolutionised golf towels and is now the top choice for players at every level. A Golf Towel Microfibre is made from ultra-fine synthetic fibres that are split into even smaller strands, creating a large surface area that excels at trapping moisture and debris.

Key Benefits:

• Super Absorbency: A high-quality Golf Towel Microfibre can hold several times its weight in water, making it incredibly efficient at drying grips and clubfaces.
• Superior Cleaning: The split fibres act like tiny scrapers, lifting dirt and grass out of club grooves without scratching the surface.
• Quick-Drying: Unlike cotton, microfiber dries rapidly, reducing the risk of mildew and odour buildup in your bag.
• Lightweight & Compact: A Golf Towel Microfibre is easy to carry and doesn’t add noticeable weight, making it ideal for walking rounds.

This makes a Golf Towel Microfibre especially useful in varied conditions—whether you’re dealing with morning dew, light rain, or sweaty hands.

Cotton Golf Towels: The Classic Favourite

Cotton has long been the traditional choice for golf towels. Made from natural fibres, it’s soft, highly absorbent, and often more affordable than high-tech alternatives.

Key Benefits:

• Softness: Cotton is gentle on club finishes and feels comfortable against the skin, making it good for wiping your face or hands.
• Durability: High-quality cotton towels can withstand frequent washing and maintain their texture over time.
• Absorbency: It soaks up moisture well, though it typically holds less water per square inch than microfiber.

The main drawback? Cotton tends to stay wet longer than microfiber, which can be a nuisance during rainy rounds or in humid climates.

Terry Cloth Golf Towels: Maximum Absorption

Terry cloth is cotton fabric characterised by looped piles on one or both sides, giving it a plush, thick texture. You might recognise it from the heavy-duty bath towels you use at home.

Key Benefits:

• Heavy-Duty Absorbency: The looped piles provide extra surface area, making terry cloth one of the most absorbent options available. It’s excellent for soaking up large amounts of water.
• Durability: Its thick weave is resilient and ideal for golfers who play frequently in wet conditions.
• Versatility: Its ruggedness makes it useful for drying off carts, bags, or even shoes.

However, this thickness comes at a cost: terry cloth towels are bulkier, heavier, and slower to dry than microfiber.

Which Material Is Right for You?

Your ideal golf towel depends on your typical playing conditions and personal preferences:

• For Performance & Practicality: Choose a Golf Towel Microfibre. Its cleaning power, light weight, and quick-drying traits make it the best all-around performer. A Golf Towel Microfibre is especially useful for players who walk the course or play in varied weather.
• For Comfort & Tradition: Go with cotton. It’s a reliable, soft, and cost-effective option that gets the job done without fuss.
• For Wet-Weather Play: Terry cloth is your best bet. If you frequently play in rain or high humidity, its superior absorption will keep your equipment dry.

Many golfers even use a combination—for example, a Golf Towel Microfibre for club cleaning and a small terry cloth towel for drying hands or grips.

The Final Verdict

While personal preference will always play a role, the Golf Towel Microfibre stands out as the best overall choice for today’s golfer. Its advanced cleaning ability, lightweight feel, and quick-drying properties make it a versatile and high-performing option in nearly any situation.

No matter which material you choose, investing in a quality golf towel is a small step that can lead to cleaner clubs, better shots, and a more enjoyable round. Keep your gear dry, your grips clean, and your confidence high with the right towel for your game.

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!