A caddy towel is a large, absorbent towel designed specifically for golfers to use while playing golf. Caddy towels are typically made of cotton or a cotton/polyester blend and feature a striped pattern along the edges. They are an essential item for any golfer’s equipment bag.
Caddy towels serve two main purposes for golfers:
- Cleaning golf clubs and equipment – The ribbed or waffled texture of caddy towels makes them ideal for wiping dirt, grass, and debris off golf clubs, balls, and other equipment during a round. The towels effectively get into grooves on clubfaces to clean out any gunk while the soft fabric prevents scratching or damage.
- Drying hands, grips, and equipment – Caddy towels soak up moisture well, allowing golfers to thoroughly dry equipment and hands between shots and holes. This helps maintain good grips and club control. The large size provides plenty of dry area even if part of the towel gets wet.
In addition to cleaning and drying, caddy towels are also handy for:
- Wiping sweat from face and hands on hot days
- Drying golf grips if they get damp from rain or moisture
- Brushing dew or grass off golf balls before shots
- General spills/messes during the round
The large size (usually around 22 x 44 inches), durable cotton fabric, and stripe design are signature features of the classic caddy golf towel. The stripes help the towels stand out in bags and when draped on a bag. The visible stripes also easily show dirt so golfers know when it’s time to wash.
Key Features and Uses of Caddy Towels
Caddy towels have some defining features that make them well-suited for golfers’ needs out on the course:
Absorbent Terry or Waffle Fabric
The majority of caddy towels use a looped terry fabric or a waffle pattern weave. Both styles provide extra surface area for excellent water absorption. The textures also help lift and capture dirt, grass, and debris from clubfaces.
Large Surface Area
With generous dimensions averaging 22 x 44 inches, caddy towels offer plenty of material for drying hands and equipment without saturating. The large size also allows hanging partially off a golf bag when not in use.
Durable Fabric
Top-quality caddy towels use cotton blended with polyester to create a soft yet durable, long-lasting fabric. They can withstand countless rounds of play and machine washes over time.
Lengthwise Stripes
The striped pattern running the length of caddy towels offers the following benefits:
- Provides visual texture to help with cleaning grooves
- Dark stripes contrast with dirt so you know when it’s dirty
- Allows easy identification when hanging on a golf bag
- Adds style and personalized look
The number of stripes complements the length, with 8 stripes being a popular configuration.
Hanging Loop
Most caddy towels have a built-in hanging loop on one corner. This allows easily draping over a golf bag for quick access and visibility.
Anti-microbial Treatments
Some high-end caddy towels infuse the fabric with an anti-microbial treatment. This prevents odors and stain-causing bacteria from accumulating in the damp towel over time and use. This helps the towels stay fresher longer.
Proper Use of Caddy Towels for Golf
Using caddy towels correctly is key to keeping equipment clean and functioning at their best:
For drying grips and equipment:
- Wipe down club grips before each shot to remove dampness and ensure good grip pressure
- Blot clubfaces after shots to remove dew or other moisture
- Dry golf balls if damp or wet before putting to maximize friction
For cleaning clubfaces:
- Wet one corner of the towel to use for removing dirt and debris
- Keep opposite end dry for gripping clubs and drying hands/equipment
- Gently rub dirty spots on the clubface with the wet end to lift away grass and mud. Don’t scrub hard enough to remove club grooves.
- Use a back-and-forth motion for stuck-on dirt
- Finish by blotting clubface with the dry end to remove moisture
For cleaning golf balls:
- Use wet towel end to wipe off any mud or grass stuck to the ball
- Finish by drying thoroughly with clean towel end
For drying hands and grips:
- Wipe hands before shots to get good grip with gloves
- Ensure grips are moisture-free before gripping clubs
To hang on golf bag:
- Drape over top divider section of golf bag using built-in loop
- Adjust position as needed between shots
Caring for caddy towels:
- Wash after every 2-3 uses using cold water and mild soap
- Air dry instead of machine drying to preserve fabric
- Store loosely rolled in golf bag to prevent mildew
Following these best practices allows golfers to maximize value from their caddy towels.
Key Takeaway: Always keep one end of caddy towel dry for equipment grips and hands. Wet opposite end only for cleaning clubfaces.
Types of Caddy Towels
While classic striped cotton towels are the standard, there are some variations when it comes to caddy towels:
Tour Caddy Towels
Tour caddy towels mimic what professionals use while competing. They meet exacting specifications for dimensions, materials, stripe configurations, and quality. Manyfeature tour logos and custom branding. These premium towels perform exceptionally but come at a higher price.
Example: Peter Millar Tour Caddy Towel
Personalized Caddy Towels
Some companies offer custom embroidered caddy towels featuring a golfer’s name, initials, or monogram. Personalized towels make great branded gifts for golf lovers or special events.
Example: Custom Monogrammed Caddy Towel
Microfiber Caddy Towels
Microfiber features extremely fine synthetic fibers that offer enhanced cleaning and absorption compared to cotton. These ultra-plush towels dry hands and clubs quickly. Graphics are often printed rather than striped.
Example: Caddy Daddy Microfiber Golf Towel
Waffle Weave Towels
Waffle weave towels have a grid pattern that creates ridges and valleys across the entire towel surface to clean deep in clubface grooves.
Example: Cleveland Golf Waffle Pattern Golf Towel
What to Look for When Buying a Caddy Towel
Focus on the following criteria when selecting golf caddy towels:
- Fabric quality – 100% cotton or cotton/polyester blend; minimum 400 GSM rating
- Absorbency – Terrycloth or waffle texture best
- Durability – Reinforced edges and seams; branded towels rated for many washes
- Size – Standard 22 x 44 inches
- Functional features – Built-in grommet/loop, stripe pattern
- Ease of care – Machine washable
Buying from reputable golf brands like Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade or golf specialty stores ensures getting a long-lasting, high-performing caddy towel.
Caring for Caddy Towels
Caddy towels need proper ongoing care to keep them fresh and maximize longevity:
Frequent Washing
Wash after every 2-3 rounds to prevent bacterial odors and stains from sweat, dirt, and grime.
Gentle Cycle
Use a delicate or gentle wash cycle along with cold water to preserve fabrics. Avoid bleach.
Air Dry
Tumble drying can cause cotton fibers to break down faster. Hang dry only.
Proper Storage
Before storing in a golf bag, ensure towel is completely dry to prevent mildew. Keep loosely rolled, not tightly folded.
Key Takeaway: Store caddy towel separately if golf bag will sit for weeks during winter or off-season.
History of the Golf Caddy Towel
The earliest caddy towels simply reused old bath towels or random scraps of fabric. Caddies needed some means to care for clubs for the golfers who hired them. Eventually golf equipment companies saw a market for branded towels made specifically for golfers.
The 1950s saw the first towels purpose-made for golfers come onto the scene. These featured the absorbed terrycloth and striped patterns still used today. As more players took up the game worldwide, having a dedicated “caddy towel” became essential in every golfer’s bag.
Professional tournaments drove widespread adoption of the now-iconic striped golf towel. Fans noticed the towels prominently displayed on pros’ bags. Seeing all the ways touring pros used their towels on the course made recreational players realize having a quality towel improved performance.
Today caddy towels are a staple item manufactured by leading golf brands like Titleist, Callaway, Srixon and more. Advances in fabric technology and customization allow players to choose towels matching their personal style. And the classic striped caddy towel remains a timeless icon of the game.
FAQs
What are golf towels made of?
Most quality caddy towels use either 100% cotton or a cotton/polyester blend fabric. Main exceptions are microfiber towels made from synthetic fibers.
What does the stripe pattern mean on caddy towels?
Beyond style, the stripes going lengthwise on classic golf towels serve practical purposes like absorbency, visibility, and gauge dirt. The number of stripes varies by brand.
What is the slit on golf towels for?
The lengthwise slit allows easily slipping the towel onto the ring for attaching to a golf bag. This keeps the towel visible and accessible.
How do you attach a caddy towel to a golf bag?
Use the built-in grommet or loop on the corner of the towel to hang on the ring near the top opening of the golf bag. Position towel for easy access between shots.
How do you wash a golf towel?
Machine wash golf towels in cold water using a delicate cycle and mild detergent. Do not use bleach. Then air dry instead of putting towels in the dryer to preserve the fabrics.
Why can’t you put golf towels in the dryer?
The heat and tumbling inside dryers causes cotton fibers to break down faster. Air drying prevents damage so towels stay thicker and more absorbent.
Conclusion
A dedicated golf caddy towel is a versatile piece of equipment no golfer should be without. The absorbent fabric, generously sized dimensions, and handy features allow keeping gear clean and dry for better performance on the course.
Caddy towels also provide convenience for wiping hands, sweat, and grips while bringing personalized style to your golf bag setup. Taking proper care means a high-quality caddy towel will provide many seasons of useful service. Given the affordable prices, keep extras on hand so you never tee off without this golfing staple.
