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9 Best Golf Club Sets for Beginners, from First Timers to Rising Amateurs
Skip the garage sale hunting and buy new.
THERE COMES a time in every man's life when he discovers the glory of golf and chooses to dedicate his time and energy to getting better at the game. Some find the joy of hitting that little white ball early on, while others find it a bit further down the line. But for most of us, it's not so much a matter of "Will I ever find an interest in golf?" but rather when. And whether you got into golf because of your friends, your family, or by yourself (golfers born from the Pandemic raise a hand), your growing fondness for the links means you need a proper set of clubs.
Best Golf Clubs for Playing Multiple Times a Week
TaylorMade RBZ Speedlite Complete 13-Piece Set
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It's true you could go buy pre-owned clubs as your first beginner set, but these days golf brands are churning out shiny, high quality sets at affordable entry points. Customization is also better than ever, as several outfitters offer club length adjustments, different club combinations, and a selection of stylish golf bags to accompany them.
To give you an idea of what's on the market, we curated the best golf clubs sets for beginners that will get you properly outfitted for the course. Looking for a gift idea? These sets are perfect for the holidays and for birthdays too.
Stix Golf Casual Set (9-piece)
Stix Golf Casual Set (9-piece)
Pros
- Premium performance
- Sleek, modern style
- Solid price point
- Readily available for lefties and righties
Cons
- Will ship clubs only unless you bundle with golf bag
Minimalist in its club design, Sitx Golf eliminated the hassle of having to piece-meal a golf set together. In terms of performance, the clubs are on par with many of the top brands, plus they have a sleek all-black design that looks much better than the weird blends of chrome and neon one can come across. You're paying about a mid-tier price point for this set, but the overall value you'll get is worth the minor increase in your investment.
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| Total number of clubs | 9 |
|---|---|
| List of clubs included | Driver, 5w, 4h, 5i, 7i, 9i, PW, SW, Putter |
| Golf bag included? | Can purchase as add-on |
Callaway Men's Strata Intro Complete 9 Piece Set
Callaway Men's Strata Intro Complete 9 Piece Set
Pros
- Under $300
- Over 5,900 five-star Amazon reviews
- Comes with deluxe stand bag
- Clubs have a long lifespan for the price you pay
- Sleek design
Cons
- Will likely want to add in more irons over time
- Might want to replace driver or putter over time
This Strata set from Callaway is a perennial best-seller for a reason. For under $300 you get six essential clubs to take your game to the next level without having to worry about keeping tabs on all the others that go in-between. Sure you sacrifice not having an entire set of irons, but beginners do not need to worry about using the exact suggested iron on every shot—sticking to the 7i and 9i in the bag will help you stay competitive on the course while learning the game. With the set you also get a loaded golf bag that features a stand, five compartment pockets, a cooler pocket, and a rain hood.
Over 5,900 five-star Amazon reviews are attributed to this set, with many individuals praising the club's balance and overall value. We hold the same opinion to be true.
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| Total number of clubs | 6 |
|---|---|
| List of clubs included | Driver, 5h, 7i, 9i, SW, Putter |
| Golf bag included? | Yes |
TaylorMade RBZ Speedlite Complete 13-Piece Set
TaylorMade RBZ Speedlite Complete 13-Piece Set
Pros
- High performance
- Will be able to use clubs for years to come
- Appealing club and bag design
- Comes with an entire set of clubs to help you learn the game
Cons
- Requires significant investment
While the most expensive of the bunch, this TaylorMade set is certifiably legit. We're talking a beast of a driver with a 460cc titanium head, a beautiful set of high performance irons, and a stylish golf bag that will protect your investment admirably.
This is a set for those who are getting serious and playing several times per week. The entry in high, but when you consider the long lifespan of the clubs and golf bag, you'll find its a set you can grow into and not have to replace for years.
| Total number of clubs | 11 |
|---|---|
| List of clubs included | Driver, 5w, 5h, 4h, 6i, 7i, 8i, 9i, SW, PW, Putter |
| Golf bag included? | Yes |
PXG 0211 Z Tactical 10
PXG 0211 Z Tactical 10
Pros
- Forgiving irons
- Clubs are smooth and high performing
- Sharp all-black look
- Long lifespan
- Clubs held to high standards even for lifelong golfers
Cons
- Requires significant investment
- Bag sold separately
PXG clubs are a pretty penny even for experienced golfers, but when it comes to performance the brand makes some of the best irons in the game. The Tactical 10 set comes with six irons, all made to provide high loft and give you smooth shots on each attempt. They're also forgiving, which is great for those practicing consistency through playing a full 18. With the Tactical 10 you also get a driver, a putter, and two woods. You'll be on the hook for buying a golf bag separate, unfortunately.
Read more: Nick Jonas Releases PXG Golf Line
| Total number of clubs | 10 |
|---|---|
| List of clubs included | Driver, 5w, 3w, 6i, 7i, 8i, 9i, PW, SW, Putter |
| Golf bag included? | no |
Robin Golf The Essentials 9-Club Men's Set
Robin Golf The Essentials 9-Club Men's Set
Pros
- Clubs readily available for lefties and righties
- Comes with a quality golf bag
- Minimalist design
- Lightweight set and bag
Cons
- Will likely want to add an iron or wedge if you continue to play more
Launched during the start of the Pandemic, Robin Golf came right into the picture as the game boomed. The brand helps eliminates the confusion of buying clubs for new players and also helps cut costs by selling direct to consumer. The Essentials Set gives you high-performance clubs that are reliable and come in a sleek matte black design.
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| Total number of clubs | 9 |
|---|---|
| List of clubs included | Driver, FW, Hybrid, 5i, 7i, 9i, PW, SW, Putter |
| Golf bag included? | Yes |
Wilson Golf Profile SGI Complete Set
Wilson Golf Profile SGI Complete Set
Pros
- Under $500
- Comes with comfortable bag
- Durable clubs that will hold up over time
Cons
- Will likely want to upgrade clubs down the line as you play more
This Wilson set features two premium features we love. The first are the irons. They're accurate and balanced, making them a solid set to build the base of your arsenal for years to come. The second is the golf bag, it's highly comfortable thanks to the dual carrying strap and comes with ample pocket space.
| Total number of clubs | 10 |
|---|---|
| List of clubs included | Driver, 5w, 5h, 6, 7, 8, 9, PW, SW, Putter |
| Golf bag included? | Yes |
Cobra Golf F-Max Superlite Complete Set
Cobra Golf F-Max Superlite Complete Set
Pros
- Clubs are lightweight
- Driver has a lot of power potential
- Set comes with head covers
- Great for everyday play
Cons
- Golf bag the set comes with is not that great
Like the name suggests, these Cobra clubs are credited with being noticeably lighter than most clubs. There are a few qualms about the quality of the golf bag (or lack thereof) and the price point warrants a more serious investment, but if you're looking to bomb it down the fairway like Cobra user Bryson DeChambeau then you've come to the right set.
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| Total number of clubs | 11 |
|---|---|
| List of clubs included | Driver, 3w, 4h, 5h, 6i, 7i, 8i, 9i, PW, SW, Putter |
| Golf bag included? | Yes |
Wilson Golf Ultra Plus Package Set
Wilson Golf Ultra Plus Package Set
Pros
- Under $400
- Available in tall size
- Durable clubs that will hold up over time
Cons
- Bag is kind of bulky. Takes up space.
Another top seller from Amazon, this set from Wilson garners high praise for its club performance, its plush stand bag, and well-made head covers. Over 1,300 five-star Amazon reviews credit these bad boys as an excellent beginner set for the money. What's nice is the club set is available in tall sizes if you need to accommodate.
| Total number of clubs | 9 |
|---|---|
| List of clubs included | Driver, 3w, 5h, 6i, 7i, 8i, 9i, PW, Putter |
| Golf bag included? | Yes |
Stix Golf Complete Set (14-piece)
Stix Golf Complete Set (14-piece)
Pros
- Available for left and right hand
- Solid price point when you consider total value
- Sleek, modern style
Cons
- Will ship clubs only unless you bundle with golf bag
Playing multiple times a week? You can skip the early beginning stages and go for a complete set so you can start learning how to optimize your shots. The Stix Complete Set is a solid 14-club set that will provide you with all the tools you need—and for under $1,000, no less.
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| Total number of clubs | 14 |
|---|---|
| List of clubs included | Driver, 3w, 5w, 4h, 5i, 6i, 7i, 8i, 9i, PW, SW, Putter, 52 and 60 wedge |
| Golf bag included? | Can purchase as add-on |
Should I Buy Pre-Owned Golf Clubs?
There's nothing wrong with buying pre-owned clubs to serve as your first beginner set. Sometimes you can even buy really nice pre-owned clubs for a solid price. Yet the downside is, you guessed it, they were somebody else's. There's wear and tear on them.
Instead of buying pre-owned, opt for new. A new set will give you the proper tools to get acclimated on the course and really give you the opportunity to learn the game. Golf is a lot about feel. Your clubs should be your best friend out on the links, not some raggedy set who's best days are long gone.
Buying a new set also gives you something to build off of. As you get better you'll want to make upgrades. Maybe you want a more precise sand wedge or a driver with more power? What you'll do next is swap out single clubs one at a time until you find a set that fits your game to a T.
How To Find the Right Size of Golf Clubs
Beginners to golf do not need to go and get a custom fitting on their clubs, but if you have the money and want to go all in on your new hobby then we won't stop you. Really the main measurement you want to get right when buying is proper club sizing (not too tall or too short), and the good news is most of these clubs will have a solid fit for just starting out.
The only initial adjustments you need to make as a beginner is if you are tall or short. If you are over 6'2", consider sizing a half-inch or more length adjustment on your clubs. You can also just opt for a set that has a "Tall" set available. If you are under 5'5", you'll likely want a half-inch decrease in length adjustment.
If you like to go by feel, swinging your friends clubs or talking to a pro at your local course will help confirm the sizing you need. As you progress in your game sizing can be pinpointed down further to personalized club sizing, if you choose.
How We Selected
For the past two years, Men's Health gear editors and writers, including our gear and commerce editor John Thompson, have been testing several types of golf clubs to find the best sets for beginners to the game. To narrow down our favorites, we evaluated golf club sets based on durability, performance, and price point. We also considered golf club sets that had high praise from reviewers on e-commerce websites we trust.
John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.
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