Play a Round or Three With These Golf Club Sets

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Playing a round of golf can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. Most of the time, your shots go where you expect them to. Sometimes you hit a shot that’s repulsive and embarrassing. And, occasionally, you hit something worth bragging about, which keeps you coming back for another round. Even if you can’t break 100, 18 holes with a bunch of friends and a cooler full of frosty drinks is a foolproof recipe for a good time.

Whether you're just getting into the sport or looking to upgrade your old set, getting a set of clubs that match your size, level of experience, and style of play will feel much more comfortable than that one-size-fits-all set you rent from the clubhouse. It could drastically improve your game, too.

For more invested players who plan to play regularly, a set of irons is a great place to start when putting together your own set of top-of-the-line clubs. Either way, we’ve highlighted the best golf club sets to help you step up your game.

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The Best Golf Club Sets

What to Consider When Shopping for a New Set of Golf Clubs

Do You Want a Complete Set or Just Irons?

A complete set of golf clubs has everything you need — a driver, wood(s), irons, wedge(s), a putter, and oftentimes a bag. A full set is great for new players who want to unbox their clubs and hit the course.

Though there’s some room for customization in a set of golf clubs, there’s a core group of eight to 10 clubs that everyone needs. A complete golf club set usually includes all of them, but here’s a list, so you can make sure.

• Between four to six irons for shots between 100-250 yards, depending on your distance. Some sets replace the 4- and 5-irons with a versatile hybrid club, which is easier for beginners to use well.

• One to two fairways woods, which are ideal for long shots from the fairway, rough, or off the tee when a driver is too much club.

• A driver, the largest club that you’ll use to tee off at the start of most holes.

• One to three wedges, like a pitching wedge (PW) or sand wedge (SW), ideal for short approach shots closer to the green.

• A putter for the final tap.

That said, buying a complete set of clubs is quite literally the starting point for new golfers. Many top club manufacturers, including Titleist, Cleveland, and Srixon don’t sell their best clubs in complete sets. When you’re ready to invest in a set of high-end clubs–think $1,500 to $3,000–you will want to put it together piece by piece.

If you’re planning to build a complete set of clubs from scratch, you should start by buying a set of irons. Since you buy them as a group, they’re a solid foundation for a new set of clubs selected from scratch. Once you have the irons, picking a couple of woods and wedges feels a lot less daunting.

We’ve included both complete sets and irons on this list, so there are interesting options for all kinds of players.

Handicap (Picking Irons)

To pick the right set of clubs, you need to be honest with yourself about your skill level. Many golf clubs are designed to help players with different aspects of their game. Broadly speaking, manufacturers and pros recommend different types of irons based on your swing and “handicap.” (The other essential clubs, like your putter and driver, are more universal.)

A handicap is a numeric rating that represents a golfer’s ability based on their achieved scores relative to par (generally 72) and to course difficulty. Lower handicaps equate to better skills and fewer strokes, while higher handicaps signal a less experienced golfer and higher score. For example, a golfer with a handicap of 2 averages 2 strokes over par, while a golfer with a handicap of 19 shoots a much higher score.

Players irons are made for low-handicap golfers who typically score under 80 on 18 holes. These clubs offer better control and pinpoint accuracy, but provide very little margin for error.

“Game-improvement irons” are made for middle-handicap golfers who typically shoot in the low 80s to mid 90s. These clubs have a weight, shape, and size that improves distance, plus a larger sweet spot on the club head for less-skilled players.

“Super game-improvement irons” are for high handicap golfers who shoot 90 or higher every round. They feature extra-large club faces and larger sweet spots to help players accurately hit the ball more often, and a wider sole that glides easily through the turf. Though they’re very helpful for new players, skilled golfers usually move to Game-Improvement and Player irons for more precise control.

As you dive deeper into the world of golf gear, pros have divided clubs into even more categories. When buying a complete golf club set, which are usually made for beginners, or picking out a set of irons for your first custom set, these are the ones you need to know.

Sizing & Flex

Ideally, everyone should go to a pro shop and can get a custom club fitting to find out exactly what size clubs they need. Realistically, though, not everyone needs (or can afford) custom clubs, which is why all clubs come in a standard size, designed for players between 5-feet 7-inches and 6 feet tall. Many manufacturers sell their sets in multiple sizes, like a "short" or "small" option, with shafts that are an inch shorter, and a "tall" or "long" option, with shafts that are an inch longer.

Having clubs made for your height and build directly affects your swing. Using clubs that are too short or too long feels uncomfortable, and can lead you to develop bad habits over time. For example, tall players using short clubs tend to hunch over the ball, which can lead to poor ball flight and inconsistent swings with a closed clubface. Short players with long clubs will stand farther away, and may have trouble with finding their swing and hitting the ball accurately.

Bags

If you buy a complete set, it usually comes with a bag for your clubs. Golf bags come in two main styles–Cart bags and stand bags. Cart bags, as the name suggests, are made for players who always use a golf cart: They’re large and offer extra organization for balls, tees, shoes, gear and, yes, cold beverages. All that extra room makes them too heavy to carry from hole to hole, though, and they take up more space at home.

Stand bags are more versatile for the average golfer and more commonly included with complete sets. Stand bags are lighter and have a pair of extending legs so the bag can stand upright on its own. They're easier to carry from your vehicle to the clubhouse, to the driving range, and when walking the course.

How We Selected The Best Golf Club Sets

To select the best golf club sets, I tested a small selection of golf club sets on courses around Colorado, St. Louis, and Florida. I also researched popular club sets and irons in popular golf publications, such as Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. In addition, I studied new offerings from well-respected brands, and read reviews from current golf pros.

RBZ Speedlite Complete 13-Piece Set

TaylorMade didn’t offer a complete set until recently, and we are pretty darn excited about this kit. The RBZ Speedlite complete set features modern technology and style, with a design that helps mid- and high-handicap golfers maximize distance, accuracy, and playability.

The titanium driver is one of the most advanced drivers we have seen in a complete set. It features TaylorMade’s ‘Speed Pocket’ design, which adds a small slot in the sole of the club to allow for greater flexibility and increased swing speed.

The driver features an adjustable loft sleeve that allows golfers to customize the loft and face angle to their swing. The 3- and 5-woods also have the sleeve, but with a shallower profile and lower center of gravity for higher launch angle on fairway shots.

The RBZ irons (6-PW) feature a progressive design with a larger sweet spot in the long irons, and a more compact head in the short ones. The irons also feature a “speed bridge” design that connects the topline and sole of the club to increase stability, while improving sound and feel.

This set includes hybrid 4- and 5-irons, which TaylorMade calls ‘Rescue’ clubs. They’re designed to be easy to hit and versatile from a variety of lies. The sand wedge provides consistent spin and control on approach shots and around the green. And the putter has a modern mallet shape for improved feel and accuracy.

All in all, the TaylorMade RBZ Speedlite is one of the most versatile and helpful golf club sets I've seen. It’s a little pricey for beginners, but it’ll put you on the path to a low handicap in no time.

V2 Complete 14-Club Set

Stix is a newer golf brand with a simple mission – Make high-quality clubs with current technology, sleek styling, and a minimalist design, with a reasonable price tag for the modern amateur golfer. The brand's woods, irons, and wedges will shave strokes off nearly anyone's score — me included.

Every Stix iron and wedge is cavity-backed and oversized, giving you more surface area for better ball contact. They feature a sleek finish with a premium “diamond-like coating,” which is the highest-quality synthetic diamond coating available for black clubs.

Stix Golf drivers and woods are designed with a large sweet spot that helps golfers hit the ball further and straighter. They are made from titanium, steel, and carbon fiber, to deliver the ideal balance of strength and flexibility.

The driver features a low center of gravity, which helps to reduce spin and increase the launch angle for maximum distance. The woods also feature a low-profile design that makes them easier to hit from a variety of lies.

These irons helped me — a below-average player — bomb more tee shots down the middle, land the ball on the green from up to 175 yards out (rather than missing left or right), and straight-up have a better time.

Stix also sells smaller sets with 9- or 11-club sets, or irons, wedges, and even individual clubs for custom bags.

Sim2 Max Irons

TaylorMade is the go-to club brand for some of golf’s biggest names, including Tiger Woods and Rory McIllroy. While Tiger plays the more advanced P7TW irons and Rory plays P730 irons, these SIM2 Max Irons were made to make the average amateur player feel like the G.O.A.T. every time they hit the links.

The SIM2 Max line has some of TaylorMade's longest, highest, and straightest-hitting irons. They feature a “Thru-Slot Speed Pocket,” which localizes face flexibility and delivers more energy from the clubhead to the ball. Its lower center of gravity evenly distributes weight and launches the ball higher and faster.

It also features TaylorMade’s new “Echo damping system,” which combines a softer polymer blend and multiple contact points across the face to minimize vibrations that could send less-than-perfect shots off-track.

The SIM2 Max irons are perfect for mid- and high-handicappers who want maximum forgiveness and distance. When I tested them, they helped me slice less, lose fewer balls, and reach more greens in regulation. These irons make TaylorMade’s highly respected brand and quality somewhat reachable for golfers of all abilities.

Great Big Bertha

Big Bertha is quite possibly the most well-known name in golf clubs, dating back to when Callaway first introduced the driver in 1991. Since then, the brand’s flagship lineup has evolved, and continues to lead the league.

These super game-improvement irons feature an oversized clubhead with one of the biggest sweet spots around, so they’re nearly impossible to miss-hit with inconsistent swings. The forged titanium face and body is strong and lightweight for quicker ball speed and maximum distance.

Callway’s “Tungsten Speed Cartridge” weighting system covers the back half of the club and creates a lower center of gravity, which helps you get more lift from the rough.

While the price is… daunting… the Big Berthas are loaded with advanced technology that keeps learning golfers coming back for more, including Callaway's Suspended Energy Core. This allows for a thinner face and more ball speed. The 360 Face Cup delivers a more consistent and responsive feel at impact.

Plus, these clubs are backed by Callaway’s strong reputation of excellence. Golf is all about having fun (or, at least, attempting to). So if you can get past the sticker shock, why not invest in a set of irons that gives you the best shot at scoring low?

T100 Irons

Tour staff and golf pros, from Justin Thomas to Jordan Spieth, love these forged irons from Titleist. They are known as some of the straightest hitting irons in the game, which explains their loyal following.

Like all players irons, these clubs have a compact club face with a clean, thin, minimalist style. They have a seamless striking surface, a uniform leading edge, and improved spin capabilities, allowing golfers to shot-shape and stop the ball right next to the pin.

All T-Series irons feature a tungsten insert that’s attached to the club’s forged steel body to enhance power. If you aspire to play like the pros, these are the clubs that should fill your bag.

Pro 225 Iron Set

If you want irons with a legendary feel and incomparable feedback, these Mizuno Irons are a modern take on a classic, time-tested style. Made for middle- to low-handicap golfers who shoot under 90 on 18 holes, Mizuno's new Pro 225 line is made from forged steel, layered with soft copper plating below the nickel chrome finish for a more responsive feel, and finished with brushed satin for reduced glare.

The club face delivers a smooth feel at impact. The above-average size–compared to a players iron, at least–helps minimize errant shots, without the feeling like you're swinging a snow shovel.

This set includes six irons and two wedges (4-PW) for right around $1,500, which positions them competitively against iron sets from other top brands.

Strata 16-Piece Complete Golf Set

The Strata complete set is the perfect entry-level golf club set for someone who needs all the essentials in an affordable, ready-to-swing package. Complete with a lightweight stand bag, this set includes a driver, a 3-wood, a 5-hybrid, six irons, a pitching wedge, and a putter.

The titanium driver has a large clubhead and sweet spot that, like higher-priced clubs, helps you get more distance and forgiveness off the tee. The 5-hybrid iron provides a great alternative to those pesky long irons that many player’s struggle to hit from the fairway.

There’s no ground-breaking technology here, but it’s a great set for beginners and casual golfers. Strata also makes an 18-piece set that adds a 5-wood (and head cover) to the 16-piece set for a bit more versatility, and a set designed for women.

Profile Platinum Women’s Complete Set

Value shoppers and weekend warriors will be pleasantly surprised by Wilson’s 10-club Profile Platinum golf set. The clubs are designed specifically for women, with a higher-lofted driver and irons with a lower center of gravity for greater launch trajectory and maximum distance. It’s a lightweight, price-conscious package, loaded with more performance features than Wilson's standard Profile series set.

The set includes an oversized driver for big distance, even on off-center tee shots, a fairway wood, and a forgiving 5-iron hybrid. The midsize 6-PW irons have a stainless steel shaft and club face, with weight distributed to the heel and toe for a faster downswing. And the putter has an alignment aid that gives you confidence when lining up your putt.

It also comes complete with a lightweight stand bag with multiple pockets, including a large garment pocket, accessory pocket, a cooler pocket, and a padded strap for comfortable carrying.

Air-X 12-Piece Complete Set

Cobra began making golf clubs in 1973, and has been an innovator in the global golf market since it was acquired by Puma in 2010. The Air-X 12-piece set is the brand's newest complete kit. It’s forgiving, stylish, and easy to launch for players with slower swing speeds. The set includes 11 clubs — a driver, one fairway wood, two hybrids, six irons, and a blade putter.

The large driver is designed to provide maximum distance and forgiveness, with a lightweight graphite shaft that promotes faster swings off the tee. Meanwhile, the two woods have a low profile and are lightweight for easy shots from the tee or fairway. Two hybrids replace the long irons, providing excellent versatility for shots from the fairway or deep rough.

You can also buy the Air-X irons set if you’re putting together your own bag. They’re designed for maximum forgiveness and accuracy, with a deep undercut cavity design and a wide sole that helps you get the ball airborne quickly.

The two wedges have a progressive sole design and a high-bounce grind that helps golfers get out of bunkers and rough easily. And the cart bag is easy to keep organized when you’re cruising out in the summer sun.

Golf Youth Profile JGI Set

Instead of scrambling to find a babysitter, bring your little ones with you to the course and teach them how to play. Wilson’s five-club Junior Profile JGI set is great for boys and girls, ages 8 to 11, who are just starting out and need a set that’s easy to use and built for them.

The set comes with a large titanium driver, a hybrid club, one iron, one wedge, a putter, and a lightweight kickstand carry bag with a rain hood.

All the clubs in the set are designed to be forgiving, with oversized clubheads that make it easy to get the ball in the air. The driver, fairway wood, and hybrid all feature low centers of gravity that help junior golfers launch the ball higher and farther. The irons and wedge have wide soles that help little golfers get the ball in the air in any situation. The putter has a milled face that provides excellent feedback and helps junior golfers develop a feel for the greens.

Lastly, it comes with a lightweight stand bag that’s designed to be easy to carry on the course. Instill the passion in your kids from a young age for a hobby that the two of you can enjoy together for years to come.

Golf Gear Q+A With Expert Andrew Bettlach

BP: When should I switch from a complete set to building my own set with individual clubs?

AB: I think a complete set is great for learners or casual golfers, since they tend to feature designs that help make it easy to play the game and learn the fundamentals. When you start to play more frequently–let’s say once a week–you’ll uncover strengths and weaknesses in your swing.

If you are committed for the long haul and are ready to make an investment, that’s when you get a custom fitting, then start buying individual clubs or an iron set.

To successfully make the change, you need to be honest with yourself about what you do well and what you don’t. Once you can see the path to becoming a better golfer, then you’re ready for more expensive, specialized clubs.

BP: What’s the first club I should upgrade?

AB: I upgraded my putter first and dedicated some time to practice, and it was the easiest way to shave strokes off my score. Even though putting isn’t my favorite part of the game, it’s a club you’ll use on literally every hole, and it’s responsible for more strokes than any other club.

That said, many players upgrade their driver first, because there’s nothing better than crushing your driver, and there may be a noticeable difference in driver design as you climb the ladder.

BP: When should I switch or replace my grips?

AB: As a rule of thumb, most pros and veteran players recommend replacing your grips after 40 rounds. Clubs in complete sets usually come with a standard non-slip grips, like the Golf Pride Tour Velvet, which will get the job done if you need a quick fix.

I personally prefer wrap grips, which are one of the most overlooked upgrades you can make to your clubs. In my experience, switching to grips that feel good in your hands will improve your performance on the links.

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