What Makes a Good Disc Golf Towel — Complete Guide + Top Picks
When conditions get sloppy, a good disc golf towel becomes one of your most trusted tools. But not all towels are created equal. In this article, we’ll cover:
- Use cases and why a towel matters
- Key features to look for
- Pros & cons of microfiber vs. cotton
- Recommended towels (with strengths/weaknesses)
- Tips for tournament play and backups
Why You Need a Disc Golf Towel
A disc golf towel is much more than just a cloth to wipe your disc — it’s a crucial part of your gear. Here’s when you’ll use it:
- Dewy Grass: Early morning rounds often mean wet grass, which leaves discs slick even if they never touch water.
- Mud and Dirt: Tree kicks or skips into muddy terrain can coat your disc in grime. A towel gets it playable again.
- Water Hazards: Discs landing in streams or ponds need to be dried quickly.
- Rain or Snow: A towel helps maintain grip and performance in wet weather.
- Dusty Conditions: On dry, dusty courses, a towel helps remove dust that interferes with grip.
Key Features of a Good Disc Golf Towel
- Attachment Mechanism: Grommet, clip, or carabiner keeps your towel secure and off the ground.
- Proper Length: Towels should be long enough to use but short enough not to drag — dragging towels just absorb more moisture from the ground.
- Absorbent Material: Microfiber, especially waffle weave, is ideal for disc drying and debris removal.
- Fast Drying: You want a towel that doesn’t stay soaked the entire round.
- Durable and Washable: It should hold up to repeated use and washing.
Microfiber vs. Cotton — What’s Better?
Here’s a quick comparison based on this guide from The GOAT Towel:
| Feature | Microfiber | Cotton |
|---|---|---|
| Absorbency | Very high, dries faster | Moderate, gets heavy when wet |
| Drying Time | Fast | Slow |
| Weight When Wet | Light | Heavy |
| Debris Resistance | Low lint, less debris pickup | Can trap fuzz, lint, and dirt |
| Durability | High | Wears out faster |
Winner: Microfiber (especially waffle weave) is ideal for most disc golf needs.
Top Recommended Disc Golf Towels
Cascadian DG Lie Towel
- Features a waffle weave ideal for drying wet discs.
- Also functions as a stance marker for legal foot placement.
- Compact size avoids dragging on the ground.
The GOAT Towel
- Premium dual-sided towel with waffle weave and smooth microfiber.
- Designed not to touch the ground when hanging.
- Highly absorbent, durable, and available in many designs.
- More expensive, but best-in-class performance.
Doomsday Discs Full-Color Towel
- Large, full-color waffle weave towel.
- Perfect for wrapping a disc entirely or drying multiple discs quickly.
- Needs to be managed carefully to avoid dragging on the ground.
Finish Line Towel
- Super lightweight and compact.
- Great for dry/dusty conditions or as a backup towel.
- Best for light-duty use, not ideal for rain or heavy mud.
Tournament Strategy: Managing Towels in Wet Conditions
- Bring Multiple Towels: One towel won’t cut it in rainy rounds. Pack extras.
- Keep Towels Dry: Store backup towels in plastic bags or waterproof pockets.
- Use a Rainfly and Umbrella: Protect your bag and towels from getting soaked.
- Designate Towels: Use one towel for heavy cleaning and another for final wiping before throws.
- Avoid Ground Contact: Ensure towels hang high enough to stay dry and clean.
Final Thoughts
A disc golf towel might seem like a small detail — but when conditions get tough, it’s your best friend on the course. Choose a towel that’s the right length, made of high-quality microfiber, and attachable to your bag. Consider having multiple types (one large, one compact, and one premium) for different weather and course conditions. Whether you’re drying dew, mud, or snow, a good towel can help you stay consistent and confident — every round.
Recommended Combo: Carry one premium towel like The GOAT, one small towel like the Finish Line Towel, and a backup like the Doomsday Full-Color or Cascadian DG Lie.
