Best Golf Towels 2026: Top 6 Picks (Magnetic, Waffle & Microfiber)
In a hurry? After testing dozens of golf towels, my top pick is the STICKIT Magnetic Towel. The industrial-strength magnet keeps it attached at cart speeds, the waffle weave microfiber cleans beautifully, and you’ll never fumble with clips again. For budget-conscious golfers, the Mile High Life Tri-Fold delivers solid performance under $10.
Look, I get it—a golf towel seems like the most boring piece of equipment in your bag. But after years of dealing with soggy, hard-to-reach towels that somehow always end up on the cart floor, I’ve become a bit of a towel snob. The right towel makes a difference, especially when you’re trying to clean mud off your wedge face mid-round.
I’ve tested magnetic towels, traditional clip-ons, waffle weaves, and budget options to find the best golf towels for 2026. Here’s what actually works.
Quick Comparison: Best Golf Towels 2026
| Towel | Price | Type | Attachment | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STICKIT Magnetic | ~$25 | Microfiber Waffle | Magnetic | Overall Best |
| Aiming Fluid Magna-Anchor | ~$28 | Microfiber w/ Scrub Pad | Magnetic | Heavy Cleaning |
| Ghost Golf Greenside | ~$20 | Microfiber Waffle | Magnetic | Value Magnetic |
| Callaway Trifold | ~$18 | Cotton Blend | Clip/Grommet | Brand Loyalists |
| Greens Towel | ~$8 | Microfiber | Carabiner | Pocket Carry |
| Mile High Life Tri-Fold | ~$9 | Microfiber Waffle | Carabiner | Budget Pick |
Understanding Golf Towel Materials: Microfiber vs Cotton
Before diving into specific towels, let’s talk materials. This matters more than you might think.
Microfiber has largely replaced cotton as the go-to material for golf towels, and for good reason. The synthetic fibers create microscopic hooks that grab dirt, grass, and moisture more effectively than cotton. Microfiber also dries faster—crucial when you’re playing in the morning dew or after rain.
Cotton still has its fans. It’s softer on the hands and some golfers prefer the traditional feel. But cotton holds moisture longer, gets heavy when wet, and doesn’t clean club faces as effectively. For most golfers, microfiber is the better choice.
Waffle weave is a texture pattern (usually in microfiber) with small pockets that trap dirt and debris. Those little squares act like tiny scrubbers, making it easier to clean grooves without aggressive rubbing. If you’re serious about equipment care, waffle weave is worth seeking out.
Attachment Types: Magnetic vs Clip vs Grommet
Magnetic attachment is the game-changer of recent years. Industrial-strength magnets let you slap your towel onto the cart frame, your club, or any metal surface. No fumbling with clips, no threading through grommets. Just touch and stick. The downside? They can sometimes attach where you don’t want them (like to your iron heads in the bag).
Carabiner clips are the traditional choice. Reliable, cheap, and they work on any bag or cart. The downside is they require two hands to operate and can snag on things.
Grommets (the metal-reinforced holes) work with bag hooks but limit your placement options. They’re falling out of favor as magnetic options improve.
1. STICKIT Magnetic Towel – Best Overall
STICKIT was one of the first companies to nail the magnetic golf towel concept, and they’re still leading the pack. The industrial-strength magnet is rated for 45+ mph—meaning it won’t fly off your cart on the way to the next hole.
What I Like:
- Deep waffle pockets genuinely clean better than flat microfiber
- Magnet is strong enough to hold through bumpy cart paths
- Premium feel—doesn’t look or feel cheap
- Available in multiple colors including a sharp grey option
What Could Be Better:
- Price point is higher than non-magnetic options
- Can accidentally stick to clubs in your bag
- Standard size might feel small for some golfers
Verdict: If you’re tired of dealing with clips and want the convenience of magnetic attachment, STICKIT is the gold standard. The waffle weave microfiber actually works, and the build quality justifies the premium price.
2. Aiming Fluid Magna-Anchor Golf Towel – Best for Heavy Cleaning
Aiming Fluid took the magnetic towel concept and added a 3-stage cleaning system. You get the microfiber towel, a built-in scrub pad for stubborn debris, and a wash pocket for wet cleaning. It’s overkill for casual rounds, but serious players will appreciate the versatility.
What I Like:
- 3-stage system handles everything from light dust to caked mud
- Magna-Anchor magnet is tested to 45+ mph
- Wash pocket keeps one section damp for wet cleaning
- Available in “Stubby” (16×24″) and “The 40″ (16×40”) sizes
What Could Be Better:
- Most expensive option on this list
- Scrub pad can feel harsh if you’re not careful
- Slightly bulkier due to the multi-zone design
Verdict: If you play in wet conditions, have a tendency to hit from the rough, or just want the most versatile towel available, Aiming Fluid delivers. The price is steep, but the functionality is unmatched.
3. Ghost Golf Greenside Magnetic Towel – Best Value Magnetic
Ghost Golf has been making waves with their magnetic accessories, and their Greenside towel offers premium magnetic convenience at a more accessible price point. The 18″x18″ square design is compact but functional.
What I Like:
- Lower price than STICKIT while still magnetic
- Sleek silicone logo patch conceals the magnet nicely
- Machine washable with good durability
- Waffle weave pattern cleans grooves effectively
What Could Be Better:
- 18×18″ might be too small for some golfers
- Magnet not quite as strong as STICKIT
- Limited color selection
Verdict: Ghost Golf hits a sweet spot between price and functionality. If you want to try magnetic without going all-in on price, this is your entry point.
4. Callaway Trifold Towel – Best for Brand Loyalists
Sometimes you just want a towel from a brand you trust. Callaway’s trifold towel is a traditional cotton-blend option with clean branding and reliable performance. Nothing fancy, nothing revolutionary—just solid.
What I Like:
- Clean Callaway branding looks professional
- Soft cotton feel that some golfers prefer
- Trifold design provides multiple clean surfaces
- Trusted brand quality
What Could Be Better:
- Cotton dries slower than microfiber
- No magnetic option
- Doesn’t clean grooves as well as waffle weave
Verdict: If you’re a Callaway loyalist who wants matching gear, or you simply prefer the traditional cotton feel, this towel delivers exactly what you’d expect. Just know that microfiber alternatives will outperform it for cleaning.
5. Greens Towel – Best for Pocket Carry
The Greens Towel has a cult following among golfers who prefer to keep their towel in their back pocket rather than hanging from the bag. The 16×16″ size is intentionally compact, and the plush microfiber is soft enough for comfortable pocket carry.
What I Like:
- Perfect pocket size—16×16″ is the sweet spot
- Extremely affordable, especially in multi-packs
- Carabiner clip included for bag attachment
- Wide color selection
What Could Be Better:
- Not waffle weave—flat microfiber
- Too small for golfers who want full coverage
- No magnetic option
Verdict: If you’re a walking golfer who likes having your towel accessible on your person, Greens Towel is the move. The price is right, and the size is intentional.
6. Mile High Life Tri-Fold Golf Towel – Best Budget Option
Not everyone needs a $25 magnetic towel. The Mile High Life Tri-Fold delivers waffle weave microfiber performance at a budget-friendly price. It’s proof that you don’t have to spend big to get a quality golf towel.
What I Like:
- Waffle pattern microfiber at under $10—incredible value
- 16×24″ tri-fold size is generous
- Heavy-duty carabiner clip included
- Available in multiple colors
What Could Be Better:
- No magnetic attachment
- Build quality is good, not premium
- Carabiner can feel bulky
Verdict: This is my recommendation for golfers who want solid performance without the premium price tag. The waffle weave microfiber genuinely works, and you won’t feel bad if you lose it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash my golf towel?
After every 3-4 rounds, or sooner if it starts to smell. Machine wash on cold, tumble dry low or air dry. Avoid fabric softener—it can reduce absorbency.
Are magnetic golf towels worth it?
If you primarily ride in a cart, absolutely. The convenience of slapping your towel onto the cart frame without dealing with clips is genuinely game-changing. Walking golfers may not see as much benefit.
What size golf towel should I get?
Standard is around 16×24″. If you want something for your pocket, go with 16×16″. For maximum coverage, look at 16×40″ options. Most golfers are happy with the standard tri-fold size.
Can I use any towel as a golf towel?
Technically yes, but golf-specific towels have features like clips, grommets, or magnets that make them much more practical on the course. Plus, waffle weave microfiber genuinely cleans club faces better than a random gym towel.
Should I keep my towel wet or dry?
Keep one section slightly damp for cleaning dirt and debris, and another section dry for wiping down grips and balls. This is where the trifold design really shines—each fold can serve a different purpose.
Final Thoughts
After testing all these options, here’s my take: if budget isn’t a concern, go with the STICKIT Magnetic Towel. The magnetic convenience combined with quality waffle weave microfiber makes it the best overall choice.
If you want maximum cleaning versatility, the Aiming Fluid with its 3-stage system is unmatched. For golfers watching their wallet, the Mile High Life Tri-Fold punches way above its price point.
Whatever you choose, invest in a quality towel. Your clubs will thank you, and you’ll wonder why you spent years using that ratty old towel from your gym bag.