After a long day on the course, the last thing you want is to pull out a smelly, damp towel next time you play. Proper storage after a round is simple if you know a few key steps. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, no matter what kind of towel you use or where you keep your gear.
Why Proper Storage Matters for Your Golf Towel
A wet towel left in a tightly packed golf bag or a sealed plastic bag is a perfect home for mold and bacteria. Within a few hours, the damp fabric starts to smell.
Over time, the fibers weaken, and the towel loses its ability to absorb water. That means you will need to replace it sooner. Good storage habits keep your towel fresh, clean, and ready for the next round.
Step 1: Immediate Post-Round Care
As soon as you finish your round, do not just stuff the towel into your bag. Take these quick steps:
- Shake off any loose dirt or grass clippings. You want to remove as much dry debris as possible before the towel sits wet.
- If the towel is muddy or covered in wet grass, rinse it with clean water. This prevents stains and keeps the fabric from grinding dirt into itself.
- Squeeze out as much water as you can. Twist the towel firmly (but not too hard if it is microfiber) to remove excess moisture. The drier it starts, the faster it will finish drying.
Step 2: Drying Your Towel Properly
The golden rule is: dry the towel completely before you store it. Here is how to do that based on your situation.
Air-Drying at Home
This is the best option. Spread the towel flat over a drying rack, a clothesline, or a clean railing. Do not fold it while it is still damp. Let air circulate on both sides. In a warm room, a cotton towel may take 4–6 hours to dry. Microfiber dries in about 2–3 hours.
Machine-Drying
If you need it dry fast, toss it in the dryer on low heat. For microfiber towels, never use high heat or fabric softener,those ruin the fibers. Cotton towels can handle medium heat. Always check the care label first.
Quick-Dry Hacks for the Car or Locker
If you cannot get home to dry it, hang the towel over the back of a car seat with the window cracked open. Or use a mesh laundry bag (the kind with lots of holes) and clip it onto your bag. Airflow is key. Do not leave it in a closed trunk. The heat and lack of air will start mildew within a few hours.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Storage Location
Once the towel is bone dry, you need to decide where to keep it until your next round. Here are the most common spots and what to watch out for.
| Location | Good For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Golf bag pocket | Convenience, always with you | Moisture builds up if the pocket is closed tightly. Use a mesh bag or leave the pocket unzipped slightly. |
| Car trunk | Always ready, no need to carry | Summer heat and humidity can cause smells. Store in a breathable container, not a plastic bin. |
| Home closet or drawer | Best for long-term freshness | Make sure it is fully dry. Add a small moisture absorber (like silica gel) if you live in a humid area. |
| Locker at the club | Secure and out of the way | Airflow is limited. Leave the locker door slightly open or use a hanging mesh bag. |
Step 4: Preventing Mildew and Odor Between Rounds
Even with perfect drying, towels can develop a musty smell over time. Here is how to keep that from happening.
- Wash your towel regularly. After every 2–3 rounds, put it in the washing machine with a mild detergent. Do not use bleach on colored towels.
- Add a cup of white vinegar or half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle every few washes. This kills bacteria and removes any lingering odor.
- Never leave a wet towel sitting in a pile of laundry. Wash it as soon as possible, or at least hang it to dry first.
- If you have separate towels for clubs and for your hands/face, keep them separate. The club towel gets dirtier and may need more frequent washing.
Step 5: Long-Term and Off-Season Storage
If you are not playing for a few months, you need to store your towels properly so they come out fresh when the season starts again.
- Wash and dry the towels completely. No exceptions.
- Fold them neatly and place them in a breathable storage bag or a cardboard box. Avoid plastic bags because they trap moisture.
- Add a moisture absorber (like a silica gel packet or a small charcoal bag) inside the storage container. This prevents dampness from the air.
- Keep the towels away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. Sunlight can fade colors and weaken fibers over time.
- Do not store them inside your golf bag if you are not using the bag for a long time. The bag itself can hold moisture, and the towel will pick it up.
Material-Specific Storage Guide
Different types of towels need slightly different care. Here is a quick guide.
| Towel Type | Drying Tips | Storage Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Microfiber | Air dry or tumble dry on low. No fabric softener. Do not wring too hard. | Store in a dry place. Avoid leaving it in a hot car for days. |
| Cotton | Air dry or tumble dry on medium. Can handle higher heat. | Make sure it is fully dry. Cotton holds moisture longer and mildews faster. |
| Hybrid (cotton/microfiber blend) | Follow the care label. Usually low heat only. | Same as microfiber—keep dry and away from heat. |
Myth vs. Reality: Common Towel Storage Mistakes
Many golfers pick up bad habits from friends or old habits. Here are the most common myths and the truth.
- Myth: “You can leave a wet towel in your bag overnight.”
Reality: Even a few hours in a sealed pocket can start mildew. Always dry it first. - Myth: “A carabiner clip is enough to dry it.”
Reality: The clip helps, but the towel needs to be spread out, not bunched up. Hanging a crumpled towel does not dry the inside folds. - Myth: “You can use a plastic bag to store a wet towel if you are in a hurry.”
Reality: A plastic bag traps all the moisture. Use a mesh bag instead, or at least lay the towel flat on a dry surface for a few minutes before putting it away.
Travel and Quick-Change Scenarios
Sometimes you play multiple rounds in a day, or you are traveling and cannot wash your towel right away. Here is what to do in those situations.
- Between rounds on the same day: After the first round, wring out the towel and hang it over a chair or the back of a cart seat while you eat lunch. By the time you tee off again, it will be mostly dry. If not, use a second towel.
- On a golf trip: Pack a small mesh laundry bag and a travel-size moisture absorber. After each round, shake out the towel, wring it, and put it in the mesh bag. Hang the bag in your hotel closet or bathroom. The airflow will keep it from smelling.
- If you have to store a damp towel in your car: Put it in a mesh bag and clip it to the headrest. Do not leave it in the glove box or trunk. If you have a sunroof, crack it open for ventilation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a plastic bag to store a wet towel?
No. A plastic bag traps moisture and speeds up mildew growth. Use a mesh bag or hang the towel to dry first.
How often should I wash my golf towel?
After every 2 to 3 rounds, or sooner if it gets muddy or smelly. A separate towel for clubs may need washing more often than one for hands.
What is the best way to dry a towel in a car?
Wring it out, then spread it flat over the back seat or hang it over a headrest. Crack the window for airflow. Do not leave it in a closed trunk.
Should I keep separate towels for clubs and for my hands?
Yes. The club towel picks up dirt, grass, and sometimes mud. Using it on your face or hands can transfer bacteria. Keep one for cleaning clubs and one for drying your hands or face.
Is it okay to store a towel with a damp carabiner attached?
No. The carabiner itself can trap moisture and rust, and it can also keep the towel from drying in that spot. Remove the carabiner before drying, or at least let it dry separately.
How do I remove mildew smell from a golf towel?
Wash it with hot water and a cup of white vinegar. Then wash again with baking soda and detergent. If the smell remains, soak the towel in a mix of water and oxygen bleach for a few hours before washing again.