Should You Use a Wet or Dry Golf Towel?

A golf towel can be used wet or dry, but each serves a different purpose. A damp section is useful for cleaning dirt, grass, and mud from clubfaces, grooves, and golf balls, while a dry section removes the moisture left after cleaning. A practical approach is to keep part of the towel damp and part of it dry.

1. Use the Damp Section for Cleaning

A damp towel makes it easier to remove dirt and grass from the clubface and grooves, especially after shots from wet or muddy turf. The towel only needs to be damp rather than soaked. The same section can also be used to clean dirt from a golf ball.

2. Use the Dry Section for Drying

After cleaning, use the dry part of the towel to remove the remaining moisture from the clubface or golf ball. Keeping a dry section available is also useful for wiping grips and hands when needed.

3. One Towel or Two?

A larger towel can be partly damp and partly dry, allowing one towel to handle both cleaning and drying. Another option is to carry two smaller towels—one damp and one dry. Both methods work; the choice mainly depends on personal preference and playing conditions.

4. What About Rainy Days?

In wet conditions, keeping a towel completely dry becomes more difficult. Protect the dry section as much as possible so it remains available for grips and hands, while the damp or exposed section can be used for cleaning clubs and balls.

Final Thoughts

A golf towel does not need to be completely wet or completely dry. The simplest method is to use a damp section for cleaning and keep another section dry for drying. Whether you use one larger towel or two smaller towels depends on how you prefer to manage them during a round.