Updated August 22, 2024. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
Adding a new golf club to your set can absolutely change your game for the better.
You’ll hit more greens if you buy a new driver and add 20 yards of distance. A new putter can help you sink more mid-range putts. Ultimately, these new clubs help lower your scores and only cost you a little money.
For our best golf clubs on the market review, we’ll look at the top selections within each category, giving you an honest look at what makes these drivers, fairway woods, golf irons, wedges, and putters great for your game.
Table of Contents
Best Golf Clubs 2024
Here are the top 10 best golf clubs that made it to our list:
Best Golf Drivers
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus+ Driver
Best Golf Driver with Adjustable Features
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications
- Loft: 8°-10.5°
- Lie: 54-58°
- Shaft Length: 45.75”
- Swing Weight: D4
Pros
- Carbon Twist Face offers premium forgiveness
- Adjustable hosel and weighting offer total customization
- Exceptional distance and accuracy with tight dispersion
Cons
- Ideal for only serious golfers with high price point
TaylorMade’s dynamic Stealth 2 Plus+ driver delivers outstanding all-around performance with innovative features that places this golf club among the best ever built for the tee box.
What we really love about the Stealth 2 Plus+ driver is the adjustable features. Not only can we adjust the loft and lie angle, but we can utilize the sliding weight behind the face.
As a result, we can craft the shot shape of our drives to our specifications, which helps our dispersion and placement on the fairway.
Great for golfers of all skill levels, the driver offers an excellent combination of distance and accuracy, helping you place your drive in the right position for attacking the pin.
Check our full TaylorMade Stealth 2 Driver Review
Callaway Paradym Driver
Best Distance Golf Driver
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications
- Loft: 9°-12°
- Lie: 57°
- Shaft Length: 45.75”
- Swing Weight: D3
Pros
- Excellent distance with muscular power
- Tighter dispersion with low spin off tee box
- Adjustable sole weighting helps craft the ideal shot shape
Cons
- Places distance ahead of feel and responsiveness
Callaway’s Paradym driver offers a sleek appearance and several of the company’s most popular features to produce far-reaching drives.
After a few swings with the Paradym driver, we were floored by the club’s solid feel and jaw-dropping distance numbers.
It might not reach the level of feel we’re hoping to get with our driver, but it’s very hard to deny that the Paradym delivers length, dispersion, and extended carry with a high, soaring launch.
Great for mid handicappers that want more muscle off the tee box, the Paradym’s adjustable features also set it apart from comparable drivers, making it a golf club that can absolutely transform your game.
Check our full Callaway Paradym Driver Review
Best Fairway Woods and Hybrid
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus+ Fairway Wood
Best Adjustable Features Fairway Wood
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications
- Loft: 15°-18°
- Lie: 57-61.5°
- Shaft Length: 42.25”-43.25”
- Swing Weight: D3
Pros
- 50-gram sliding weight offers customized shot height
- Lightweight feel generates impressive distance
- Incredibly stable through impact with high launch
Cons
- Must be a serious golfer to justify the high price
TaylorMade’s exquisite fairway wood, the Stealth 2 Plus+, offers a unique 50-gram movable weight behind the face for total control.
Much like the driver that shares its name, we love the adjustability of the Stealth 2 Plus+ fairway.
We can tinker with the loft, offset, and move the 50-gram sliding weight to produce the launch and trajectory we want. The weight also creates an easy way to reduce or add spin to the club.
If you are looking for a more stable alternative to a driver, you can lower the loft of this wood to mimic a mini-driver.
Check our full TaylorMade Stealth 2 Fairway Review
Ping G430 Max Fairway Wood
Most Forgiving Fairway Wood
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications
- Loft: 15°-24°
- Lie: 58°
- Shaft Length: 41.5”-43”
- Swing Weight: D1
Pros
- Eight different hosel positions offer precise shot shape
- Impressive feel with consistent flight
- Low CG delivers higher launch with extended carry
Cons
- Doesn’t have adjustable weighting for more customization
Ping’s powerful G430 Max fairway wood is also on the list due to its exceptional craftsmanship and dynamic performance. The wood provides first-rate forgiveness alongside its high, smooth launch that is easy to create for golfers of all skill levels.
We genuinely liked how the wood performs on off-center strikes. We found the G430 Max expertly minimized side spin to keep our shots along the intended target line with maximum ball speed. It is definitely one of the most forgiving golf clubs available.
Available in four different lofts, you can also mix and match the G430 Max fairway woods that work best for your game.
Check our full Ping G430 Fairway Wood Review
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Rescue
Best All-Around Hybrid
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications
- Loft: 19°-31°
- Lie: 60°-62°
- Shaft Length: 38.75”-40.75”
- Swing Weight: D3
Pros
- Streamlined aerodynamic head generates ball speed
- Twist Face technology offers superb forgiveness
- Thru-Slot Speed Pocket produces low penetrating flight
Cons
- No adjustable features to add customized shot shaping
When it comes to hybrids, TaylorMade’s Stealth 2 Rescue tops the list due to its sleek, aerodynamic head shape plus its ability to lift the ball into the air with maximum velocity.
While we prefer to use the Rescue from the short grass and light rough, it’s strong enough to hit the occasional drive when facing a tight fairway. The V-Steel sole generated world-class turf interaction that didn’t snag but moved effortlessly through the impact zone.
Although it doesn’t have adjustable features, the Stealth 2 Rescue qualifies as a mid-range weapon for mid-handicap golfers from 175 to 225 yards.
Check our full TaylorMade Stealth 2 Rescue Review
Best Golf Irons
Ping G430 Irons
Best Game Improvement Irons
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications (4-PW)
- Loft: 19°-41°
- Lie: 60.5°-64.1°
- Shaft Length: 35.5”-38.875”
- Swing Weight: D0, D0.5, D2
Pros
- Thin, hot face produces staggering ball speed
- Exceptional spin with high launch
- Lower, deeper CG boosts height with a steep landing angle
Cons
- Doesn’t offer the workability of forged irons
When it comes to the best game-improvement irons, the Ping G430 Max offers across the board improvement for mid to high handicappers. These forgiving irons deliver a boost of up to 10 yards to your overall distance and a lower, deeper CG that increases launch.
We enjoyed the forgiveness offered by these irons most of all. The G430 set minimized side spin but never lost ball speed helping maintain distance with every swing. We also found the scoring irons performed beautifully from inside 150 yards with spin.
The set also boasts a Hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish that dazzles in the golf bag, making it one of the better-looking iron sets on the market today. This iron set provides excellent forgiveness and distance, making it ideal for golfers seeking improved performance.
Check our full Ping G430 Irons Review
TaylorMade P770 Irons
Best Players Distance Irons
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications (4-PW)
- Loft: 22.5°-46°
- Lie: 61°-64°
- Shaft Length: 35.75”-38.5”
- Swing Weight: D2, D3
Pros
- Outstanding workability with a compact shape
- Forged hollow body construction offers a lightweight feel
- Top-tier ball speeds and distance with each iron in the set
Cons
- Not ideal for high handicappers and beginners
When it comes to the players distance category, the TaylorMade P770 offers workability with distance to burn. Boasting a classic forged appearance, the P770 irons offer a hollow body construction that keeps the blade light throughout the swing.
We placed the P770 irons on the list because of their ability to shape shots from all angles. We love a low penetrating flight that creates a steep landing angle, and the P770 set delivers precision with muscle on the links.
Great for mid and low handicappers, the P770 set provides solid overall performance with increased ball speed and length.
Check our full TaylorMade P770 Irons Review
Callaway Mavrik Irons
Best Value Irons for Golfers on a Budget
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications (4-PW)
- Loft: 19°-41°
- Lie: 60.5°-64.1°
- Shaft Length: 35.5”-38.875”
- Swing Weight: D0, D0.5, D2
Pros
- Excellent set with an affordable price point
- Impressive feel with outstanding forgiveness
- Fast, quick launch with extended carry
Cons
- Doesn’t offer workability or high spin for advanced golfers
The Mavrik irons from Callaway have recently been revamped to increase ball speeds and improve launch. These distance irons offer advantages over the previous models to help you improve your dispersion and make more pars.
The biggest reason we put the Mavrik irons on this list is their affordability and their relation to overall performance. These are game-improvement irons, so they’re just for mid and high handicappers.
But if you are on a budget or looking to upgrade and save some money for better woods, the Mavrik’s benefits on the course are outstanding.
Offering solid launch, high spin, and extended distance, the Callaway Mavrik irons are quite good for golfers who need a new set of irons.
Check our full Callaway Mavrik Irons Review
Best Golf Wedge
Titleist Vokey SM9 Tour Chrome Wedge
Best All-Around Wedge
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications (4-PW)
- Loft: 46°-60°
- Lie: 64°
- Shaft Length: 35”-35.75”
- Swing Weight: D3, D5
Pros
- Six different sole grinds offer total versatility
- Maximum spin from any lie or course condition
- Exceptional distance and trajectory control
Cons
- Not as forgiving as other wedges
Titleist’s impressive Vokey SM9 wedge offers total short game control. You can easily adjust the trajectory and distance of your shots with an enhanced spin that helps you hold the green.
The razor-sharp groove system also offers a dynamic feel, especially when the ball sits in the deeper rough and softer sand.
What we love about the Vokey wedges are the six different sole grinds that provide versatility for your short game. If you just want a multi-purpose wedge, the F-grind, the most popular offering from Vokey, delivers the best overall performance.
While any golfer can certainly benefit from playing with the SM9 wedges, low handicappers will find the golf clubs can revolutionize their scorecards.
Additionally, the SM9 wedges share many features with tour irons, offering high performance and exceptional feel suitable for top players and tour use.
Best Golf Putter
Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport 2 Putter
Best All-Around Putter
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications
- Loft: 3.5°
- Lie: 70°
- Shaft Length: 33”-35”
- Offset: Full shaft
Pros
- Dual milled face offers softness and feel
- Two customizable sole weights offer balance
- I-Beam plumbing neck provides a clean look at address
Cons
- Very expensive putter for the casual golfer
From the renowned Scotty Cameron comes the blade-style Newport 2 putter, an advanced flatstick that brings tour-level performance to the amateur world.
Along the face, Scotty has given the Newport 2 a dual milling that creates a better grip along the outer layer of the golf ball. As a result, putts roll smoother without popping up after impact.
The putter also delivers solid forgiveness on putts that impact toward the toe. By maintaining ball speed, the Newport 2 keeps the putt closer to the cup, a nice benefit on longer lag putts.
Although the Newport 2 comes with a hefty price tag, it remains one of the best putters created in recent memory and will definitely help you lower your scores over time.
How We Tested the Golf Clubs
We used a rigorous testing process to ensure the accuracy and relevance of our golf club reviews.
Our team selected different clubs —drivers, irons, wedges, putters, hybrids, and fairway woods. Each club was tested on distance, accuracy, forgiveness, and feel.
We conducted our tests on the driving range and the golf course, capturing performance metrics using launch monitors to measure ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and carry distance.
We also gathered subjective feedback from testers of all skill levels, providing a comprehensive understanding of how each club performs in real-life scenarios.
We tested the golf clubs in different weather conditions and on various surfaces, simulating real-life playing conditions.
The data was then meticulously compared to other clubs, ensuring that our findings provide golfers with a clear understanding of how each club stands in the market.
This comprehensive review process aims to provide unbiased, accurate, and actionable information to aid in making a buying decision.
How to Choose the Best Golf Club
There are generally three important components in a golf club: the head, shaft, and the grip.
Choosing The Right Grip
The grip is the part where you hold (grip) onto the club, generally goes over the last eight inches of the shaft.
The grip is usually made of rubber, and you may see golf clubs identified with Standard, Midsize, or Jumbo/Oversize grips.
You should select a grip based on the size of your hand.
Nowadays, grips come in various design and textures, as well as color, but the purpose remains one: to grip the golf club in the most stable way possible.
Picking The Right Shaft
The cylindrical shaft is commonly made of graphite or metal and is often deemed the most important part for club fitting, with its own reasons.
The length will vary depending on the installed head, but the main thing you should look for in a shaft is its flexibility.
A shaft can come in different flexes, so it can be stiffer or more flexible, which will cater to different speed and play style.
The levels of flexibility/stiffness are labeled by different letters:
- L stands for Ladies
- A or M stands for Senior Flex, often designated as AM, A/M, or Senior. Can also stand for Amateur
- R for Regular
- S denotes Stiff, also often designated as Firm
- X stands for Extra Stiff, also often called Tour
The biggest factor in determining which flex is best for you is your golf club speed, and admittedly, choosing the right flex for you might be the hardest task, and may involve a lot of trials and errors.
You might also consider consulting a professional fitter. Yet, the most common flex for women is L, and for men, it is R.
Choosing The Right Club Head
This is the part of the golf club hitting the ball, and is the main feature in selecting a club brand.
It is where manufacturers put their R&D into good use, and thus, each manufacturer has different technologies implemented.
The sought-after characters in a head will be different for each golf club type, so we will discuss more in each type section below. Additionally, understanding iron categories is crucial in choosing the right club head for your swing and game.
Types of Golf Clubs
The rules of golf limit you to carry a maximum number of 14 golf clubs, yet for a baseline, there are generally five types of golf clubs:
Drivers
Drivers have the largest head in the bag, and as the name suggests, they are mainly used off the tee box for your first shot, usually on a Par 4 or 5.
A driver is a low lofted club that golfers primarily use on the tee box. The driver has a large, rounded head with a face that carries a loft between 8-12 degrees.
When choosing drivers, it’s important to know that there are drivers for ladies and for men. You can choose from several golf brands such as TaylorMade, Cobra, and more.
Putters
With putters, the purpose of the golf clubs is clear: getting the ball into the hole. Thus, the emphasis of the design and technology involved are control and accuracy.
A putter is a golf club used exclusively on the green or just off the putting surface to roll the ball into the cup to finish the hole. Putters have a face with very little loft, around 3 degrees, to encourage forward roll toward the hole.
Irons
The largest group of golf clubs in a set is the irons. These golf clubs are made for mid-range shots from outside 200 yards to just off the green. With shafts shorter than woods, the irons have heads that are made from stainless steel.
The ball flight of these irons is crucial for achieving the desired trajectory and consistency.
Iron play is a crucial part of shooting lower scores and holding any golfer’s game together.
These heads have wide soles along the bottom of the head that smoothly impacts the turf for clean contact on the ball. Short irons are designed for accuracy and spin control, while long irons are optimized for higher launch and forgiveness.
On the face of each iron there are grooves that impart spin and distance control on the golf ball. The face of the iron also has a sweet spot that produces the best contact.
Wedges
Wedges are shaped similar to irons but they have high loft along the face. The higher loft allows the ball to rise high in the air with enough spin to stop softly on the green.
Most golfers use their wedges from inside 150 yards and in trouble areas such as bunkers and high rough. The wide sole and large head of a wedge allows the golf club to easily slide under the golf balls to lift it from trouble.
Fairway Woods
These are shaped like a driver, but the golf club has more loft to make it easier to lift the golf ball from the fairway or tee box. These woods have narrow heads with a shallow profile that are not taller than the golf ball.
The large head also has an equally large rounded sole that smoothly glides along the turf to steady the golf club through the impact zone.
Hybrid Clubs
A hybrid club takes the shape of woods with the loft of an iron. A hybrid does not have the head size of a wood or driver, but its rounded and compact rear allows the golf club to have swing speed of an iron.
The hybrid’s face height is below the golf ball, making it easy to slide the golf club under the bottom half of the ball. While the hybrid might not present the shot height of a high iron, it does offer more distance with better quality of contact.
Must read: How to Choose Golf Clubs
Frequently Asked Questions
What golf clubs does Tiger Woods use?
Tiger Woods uses a full suite of TaylorMade golf clubs on the golf course, starting with the Stealth 2 Plus driver.
Tiger uses the SIM Titanium and M3 from TaylorMade for his fairway woods, two older models the avid golfer trusts on the links. The Cobra King Tour, known for its precision and control, is also favored by many professional golfers for its benefits.
Tiger uses his specially designed P.7TW forged irons from the company. Woods like raw wedges, so the Milled Grind 3 Raw finds a place in his bag.
The Scotty Cameron Newport 2 blade-style putter is the favorite flatstick of Woods on the putting surface, while he continues to use the Bridgestone Tour B X golf ball through his sponsorship deal with the manufacturer.
Recommended: What’s in Tiger Woods’ Bag?
What golf clubs does Rory McIlroy use?
Rory plays primarily with TaylorMade clubs, from the Stealth 2 Plus+ driver and fairway woods to his prototype Rors irons. Ping irons are also known for their exceptional performance and benefits, making them a popular choice among professional golfers.
For his short game, McIlroy uses the Titleist Vokey Design SM9 wedges. The Spider X Hydro Blast putter from TaylorMade helps Rory finish out holes along with the TP5x golf ball.
Recommended: What’s in Rory McIlroy’s Bag?
What clubs does Jordan Spieth use?
Jordan Spieth uses the TSR2 off the tee box for his driver while the TSR3 fairway wood fills out the woods in his bag. Titleist utilizes their partnership with the three-time major winner to fill out his golf bag.
Jordan also carries the TSi2 hybrid to hit mid-range shots, with the T100 irons filling out the distance golf clubs for his game.
For around the green, the Titleist Vokey SM9 Design wedges and Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2 putter round out the set.
The Titleist Pro V1x, with its enhanced spin, remains the choice of Jordan to navigate the golf course.
Suggested: What’s in Jordan Spieth’s Bag?
What clubs does Scottie Scheffler play?
Scottie Scheffler plays primarily with TaylorMade golf clubs on the PGA Tour but likes to mix and match his irons. Scheffler plays with the advanced and adjustable TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus+ for his driver and fairway wood.
Scheffler uses Srixon ZU85 forged irons with a few of the TaylorMade Tiger Woods-inspired P.7TW irons also in the bag.
For his short game, Scheffler utilizes Titleist Vokey SM8 wedges with a Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2 as his putter to finish out the hole.
The Dallas native also uses the Pro V1 from Titleist. The golf ball offers better distance and less spin compared to the Pro V1x.
Suggested: What’s in Scottie Scheffler’s Bag?
Conclusion
The best golf clubs on the market deliver an exciting array of clubs that improve distance, tighten accuracy, and increase shot height.
If you asked for one golf club that can revolutionize your game, I’d select the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus+ fairway wood.
Featuring a 50-gram sliding weight behind the face, the fairway wood offers an adjustable hosel to increase loft, so you can use the wood as a mini-driver off the tee box plus from the short grass on longer par 5s.
Regardless of whether you are a high handicapper or a scratch golfer, there’s a golf club on this list that can absolutely improve the area of your game that needs the most help.
Are you aiming to be a pro? Check our guide on How to Become a Professional Golfer.