Best Golf Clubs for the Money 2024

Your golf experts: Jordan Fuller & John Marshall.
Updated April 8, 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.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the different types of clubs, not to mention the hundreds of other manufacturers and price ranges you’ll find. 

And you don’t want to pull the trigger and spend the money only to find that you paid too much for expensive clubs that aren’t right for you.

This article will help you figure out the best deals on the best clubs for each facet of the game of golf.

Sources researched
25
Sources researched
Customer reviews
11,378
Customer reviews
Hours spent testing
39
Hours spent testing
Products tested
19
Products tested
Product Name
Best Driver for the Money
Best Irons for the Money
Our Rating
Ranked #1
Ranked #2
Ranked #3
Thumbnail
Callaway Golf Men's Strata Complete 12 Piece Package Set (Right Hand, Steel), Blue
Callaway Golf Paradym AI Smoke Max Driver (Right Hand, 10.5 Degree, Ladies)
DARKSPEED Iron Set
Our Grade
Rating 98 / 100
Rating 97 / 100
Rating 96 / 100
Feature 1
Loft: 10.5°-44°
Loft: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Loft: 18.5°- 42°
Feature 2
Length: 35”-45”
Lie: 58°
Lie: 62°-65°
3
Lie: 56°-64°
Shaft Length: 45.75″
Shaft Length: 36”-39.25”
4
Swing Weight: D1, D2
Swing Weight: D2
Swing Weight: D1, D1.5
Best Golf Club Set
Our Rating
Ranked #1
Thumbnail
Callaway Golf Men's Strata Complete 12 Piece Package Set (Right Hand, Steel), Blue
Our Grade
Rating 98 / 100
Feature 1
Loft: 10.5°-44°
Feature 2
Length: 35”-45”
3
Lie: 56°-64°
4
Swing Weight: D1, D2
Best Driver for the Money
Our Rating
Ranked #2
Thumbnail
Callaway Golf Paradym AI Smoke Max Driver (Right Hand, 10.5 Degree, Ladies)
Our Grade
Rating 97 / 100
Feature 1
Loft: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Feature 2
Lie: 58°
3
Shaft Length: 45.75″
4
Swing Weight: D2
Best Irons for the Money
Product Name
Our Rating
Ranked #3
Thumbnail
DARKSPEED Iron Set
Our Grade
Rating 96 / 100
Feature 1
Loft: 18.5°- 42°
Feature 2
Lie: 62°-65°
3
Shaft Length: 36”-39.25”
4
Swing Weight: D1, D1.5

Last updated on 2024-04-10. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.

Best Golf Clubs for the Money 2024

Golf Club Sets

Callaway Strata Complete Golf Set

Best Complete Set for the Money

Callaway Golf Men's Strata Complete 12 Piece Package Set (Right Hand, Steel), Blue
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Loft: 10.5°-44°
  • Length: 35”-45”
  • Lie: 56°-64°
  • Swing Weight: D1, D2

PROS

  • Exceptional foundation set with room to grow
  • Woods produce solid distance and accuracy
  • Irons offer dynamic forgiveness

CONS

  • You’ll need to add additional wedges
  • Could use putter upgrade

I recommend the Callaway Strata Complete Set if you’re looking for a complete set from a reputable company that won’t crush your wallet but still delivers outstanding performance.

Featuring nine clubs, including a driver, fairway wood, hybrid, five irons, and a putter, the Strata offers an excellent foundational starter kit for golfers on a budget that want to purchase a no-hassle entry set into playing golf.

If you want to save time, a complete set like the Callaway Strata delivers a full complement of golf clubs to help you learn the game at a premium value.

And we also love that you can add clubs to this set fairly easily, allowing you to customize your collection at your own pace and budget.

The Callaway Strata set offers a 460cc driver, oversized 3-wood, a high-launch 5-wood, and five perimeter-weighted irons that provide forgiveness that helps keep your shot along the target line without losing ball speed.

The gooseneck blade-style putter doesn’t have an insert to increase the touch of your putts, so you may look to replace it along the way, but if you are starting, the flat stick won’t prevent you from learning distance control.

The set also includes a high-quality stand bag with plenty of storage pockets. The bag features a cooler pocket, rain hood, and strap system that evenly distributes the weight across your shoulders.

Great for beginning golfers, or golfers that want a cohesive set from the same manufacturer, the Callaway Strata Complete Set delivers exceptional value with the ability to round out the collection the way you want.


MacGregor CG3000 Package Set

Best Budget Golf Clubs Set for High Handicappers

MacGregor Golf CG3000 Golf Clubs Set with Bag, Mens Right Hand, All Graphite
Check Price on Amazon

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Loft: 13°-44°
  • Length: 35”-45”
  • Lie: 57°-60°
  • Swing Weight: D1, D2, D3

PROS

  • 460cc driver delivers high launch with extended carry
  • Perimeter-weighted irons offer impressive forgiveness
  • Well-made stand bag with several pockets for all accessories

CONS

  • Irons are heavier than hollow body models
  • Putter doesn’t have a soft insert along the face

If you are looking for a complete set on a budget, the MacGregor Golf CG3000 golf set delivers a comprehensive collection that will help you attack the course straight from the box.

This full set retails under $350 for graphite shafts, an incredible value compared to other brand-name complete sets. 

The set includes a 460cc titanium driver, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, a putter, and a dependable stand bag, everything you’ll need to play a full round immediately.

The irons have a large sweet spot that makes it easy to get clean, crisp contact with long distance, even for high handicap players.

While they may not offer the same technology and feel like more expensive, well-known club sets, the CG3000s deliver solid performance and playability. We were impressed by the quality of the set in relation to the price.

For golfers looking for solid golf equipment without breaking the bank, the CG3000 complete set is the best budget golf clubs option.


Golf Drivers

Callaway Paradym AI Smoke Max Driver

Best Driver for the Money

Callaway Golf Paradym AI Smoke Max Driver (Right Hand, 10.5 Degree, Ladies)
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Loft: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
  • Lie: 58°
  • Shaft Length: 45.75”
  • Flex: Lite, Regular, Stiff, X-Stiff
  • Swing Weight: D2
  • Shaft Type: Project X Cypher 2.0 40g (Light), MCA Tensei AV Blue 50g (Reg, Stiff), 60g (Stiff, X-Stiff)
  • Grip Type: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 – 50-gram
  • Price: $599.99

PROS

  • Large sweet spot
  • Powerful distance
  • Incredibly stable through impact

CONS

  • Higher price point than most drivers
  • Ideal only for mid and high handicappers

Callaway’s brawny Paradym Ai Smoke Max Driver offers golfers a nice combination of strength and sophistication for their money.

It has a sliding weight and loft sleeve to dial in perfect customization, and the driver also features a broad, balanced face that’s very forgiving.

What I want in a driver when it comes to customization is here with the Paradym Ai Smoke Max model.

The sliding weight in the rear of the clubhead doesn’t just offer three settings but allows for a subtle fade or draw correction to help me straighten out our drives on the course.

The 8-position loft sleeve also works wonderfully to flatten the lie and adjust the loft on the face.

Callaway claims the Paradym Ai Smoke Driver gets more distance from your off-center strikes than any driver on the market.

After launching a few dozen drives, We could immediately see the forgiveness the driver provided our miss-hits.

Not only do the drives stay relatively close to our target line, but they also maintain the ball speed we need for our desired distance.

While we believe low handicappers could greatly benefit from this driver, ideally, mid and high handicappers will benefit most from playing with the Paradym Ai Smoke Max Driver.

Check our full Callaway Paradym AI Smoke Drivers Review


TaylorMade Stealth Driver

Best Driver for Under $500

Taylormade Golf Stealth Driver 9.0 Righthanded
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Loft: 9.5°, 10.5°, 12°
  • Lie: 56°-60°
  • Length: 45.75″
  • Head Volume: 460cc
  • Swing Weight: D3/D4

PROS

  • Sledgehammer distance with impressive forgiveness
  • 12-position loft sleeve provides ultimate control
  • Three different versions, including draw bias and a pro model

CONS

  • Only Stealth Plus has an adjustable weighting
  • Doesn’t offer colossal discount compared to other models

The TaylorMade Stealth driver is a top-performing club that offers a combination of distance, accuracy, and control. The club’s sleek and stylish design will turn heads on the golf course.

The highlight of the Stealth driver is its Speed Bridge technology, which helps to stabilize the club head and increase ball speed. The technology produces longer drives with a straighter flight path.

The driver also carries a low center of gravity, promoting a higher launch angle and lower spin for optimal distance.

In addition, the club offers exceptional adjustability, with a 12-position loft sleeve that allows for fine-tuning of the launch angle and spin.

If you want more adjustability, the Stealth Plus driver features a moveable weight system that allows for optimal weight distribution and swing weight.

I noticed the driver’s superb feel and responsiveness during our testing.

Also, the sound at impact is satisfying, delivering a pure reaction pleasing to the ears. The club is also easy to align, which is helpful for those who have difficulty finding the sweet spot at address.

Overall, the TaylorMade Stealth driver stands apart from its competitors because of the club’s sleek design and advanced technology.

Although the Stealth’s design targets advanced golfers, TaylorMade offers other versions, such as the Stealth HD and Stealth Plus, to make it a terrific option for golfers of all skill levels.

If you are looking for a driver that will last several years at a price below $500, the TaylorMade Stealth delivers impressive performance with excellent value.

Check our in-depth TaylorMade Stealth Driver Review


Callaway Paradym Driver

Best Distance Driver for Low Handicappers on a Budget

Callaway Golf 2023 Paradym Driver (Left Hand, Hzrdus Black 60G Shaft, Stiff Flex, 9 Degrees Loft)
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Loft: 9°-12°
  • Length: 45.75”
  • Lie: 60°
  • Head Size: 460cc
  • Swing Weight: D3

PROS

  • Exceptional distance with high launch
  • Dynamic forgiveness on off-center strikes
  • Sliding weight helps customize the shot shape

CONS

  • Produces more spin than Callaway’s low-spin drivers
  • Doesn’t have a smooth, sleek design; rather clunky

The Callaway Paradym driver provides exceptional value for serious golfers looking to boost their overall distance and improve their accuracy off the tee box. 

Priced at around $600, this driver offers fantastic performance and playability at an affordable price point, considering the outstanding playability the club provides golfers. 

As soon as we got the Paradym to the range, we could immediately see and feel the distance and forgiveness that makes Callaway drivers so popular.

The Jailbreak AI technology is designed for high ball speeds across the face, while the aerodynamic carbon crown contributes to the impressive distance. 

The adjustable hosel and sliding rear weight also allowed me to optimize launch conditions, which is great for golfers who want customized shot shape. 

For golfers seeking premium technology and distance without the premium price tag, the value-driven Callaway Paradym driver delivers impressive performance that belies its lower cost.

It’s an excellent option for budget-conscious players looking to gain an edge on the golf course.

Read our full Callaway Paradym Driver Review


PXG 0211 Driver

Best Value Golf Driver

PXG 2022 0211 RH 10.5 Driver - R
Check Price on Amazon

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Loft: 9.5°, 10.5°, 12°
  • Lie: 59°
  • Length: 45.5″
  • Head Volume: 460cc
  • Swing Weight: D2

PROS

  • More ball speed translates into increased distance
  • Less backspin provides more accuracy
  • High-speed face offers high-grade forgiveness

CONS

  • Lack of adjustable weighting
  • It needs a better grip from the factory

If you are looking for a top-shelf driver at half the cost of new drivers, the PXG 0211 offers first-rate craftsmanship with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from an elite driver.

Available in 9-, 10.5-, and 12-degree loft, the PXG 0211 offers high-quality performance that boosts distance, minimizes spin, and offers the adjustability to help you craft the perfect drive for your game.

PXG took their updated version of the 0211 and pushed it to provide more distance and carry than previous models.

The PXG 0211 Driver delivers on its promise by increasing ball speed with far less backspin.

By reducing backspin and adding ball speed, PXG has made the 0211 its fastest driver in company history. As a result, amateurs can enjoy better accuracy without sacrificing a yard of distance.

During our testing, each handicap level of our testing group raved about the stability and effortless power of the PXG 0211. The ball jumps off the face of this PXG driver with exceptional ball speed that translates into far-reaching distance.

I also enjoyed the clean lift from the tee box, helping improve your overall carry to maximize distance.

If I had a complaint to focus upon, it would come from the thin grip. If you like a thicker grip on your driver, chances are you’ll need to replace this one after testing it out at your home club.

Great for mid handicappers but capable of helping all skill levels, the PXG 0211 driver produces the accuracy and distance that can lower overall scores.


Golf Irons

Cobra DarkSpeed Irons

Best Irons for the Money

DARKSPEED Iron Set
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

SPECIFICATIONS (4-PW)

  • Loft: 18.5°- 42°
  • Lie: 62°-65°
  • Shaft Length: 36”-39.25”
  • Flex: Regular, Stiff
  • Swing Weight: D1, D1.5
  • Shaft Type: KBS Tour Lite
  • Grip Type: Lamkin Crossline Black
  • Price: $999.99

PROS

  • Thick topline promotes confidence
  • Wide hitting area offers forgiveness
  • Lightweight and agile game-improvement irons

CONS

  • Lacks consistent gapping
  • Can produce those unpredictable game-improvement smash shots

Cobra’s DarkSpeed Irons offer hollow-body construction to boost ball speed and distance, a nice combination for an iron set that won’t crush your budget.

For under $1000, the DarkSpeed Irons look incredible and feel even better.

With a firm feel, we loved how these irons powered the ball with high spin rates to help me hold the green. The scoring irons are softer, helping you find the right touch by hitting those important entry shots.

Trajectory stayed consistent, even on our miss-hits. The balanced design also keeps the face square through impact to improve accuracy.

This set qualifies as a game-improvement set, so you can expect some problems with yardage gapping and the occasional flier that soars far beyond your expected distance.

But the DarkSpeed Irons offer pure distance with a high, straight ball flight for golfers who need more production from their iron set.

An outstanding value at its price point, the Cobra DarkSpeed Irons won’t break the bank, but they will dramatically improve your performance from inside 200 yards.

Check our Cobra DarkSpeed Irons Review


Callaway Rogue ST Max Irons

Best Irons for Less than $1000

Callaway Golf Rogue ST Max Iron Set (Right Hand, Steel Shaft, Regular Flex, 5 Iron - PW, Set of 6 Clubs)
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

SPECIFICATIONS (4-PW)

  • Loft: 20°-41°
  • Lie: 60.5°-64°
  • Shaft Length: 35.75”-38.875”
  • Swing Weight: D0

PROS

  • Ball launches off the club face with exceptional speed
  • Short irons in set deliver high spin with boosted accuracy
  • Clean turf interaction with rounded sole

CONS

  • Not ideal for advanced golfers
  • More expensive than run-of-the-mill sets

The Callaway Rogue ST Max Irons is a solid set of golf clubs that offer a combination of distance, accuracy, and forgiveness. The golf clubs feature a sleek and stylish design that will turn heads on the golf course.

One of the standout features of the Rogue ST Max set is the incredible distance. The golf clubs feature Callaway’s 360 Face Cup technology, which helps to increase ball speed and distance on off-center hits.

The advanced technology, combined with the clubs’ lightweight construction, allows golfers to generate more distance on their shots.

In addition to the distance, the Rogue ST Max irons also provide amateurs with exacting precision. The golf clubs feature an innovative weighting system that lowers and deepens the center of gravity to increase stability on shots.

We felt that we hit more consistent and accurate shots, even on less-than-perfect swings with the Callaway iron set.

Another great feature of the Rogue ST Max irons that we noticed is the high level of forgiveness each iron provides.

The ST Max irons have a wide sole design that helps to reduce drag and improve turf interaction. The wide, rounded soles minimized the ill effects of off-center hits and improved overall forgiveness on shots.

The golf clubs also offer a great feel and sound, thanks to their Urethane Microspheres technology, which helps to dampen vibrations and increase overall feel across the entire set.

We also loved the sound the irons delivered when we purely struck the ball.

Best for mid-handicappers looking to take their game to the next level, the Callaway Rogue ST Max irons deliver exceptional value to golfers looking to upgrade their set for under $1000.

Check our in-depth Callaway Rogue ST Max Irons Review


Srixon ZX7 MKII Irons

Best Value Irons for Mid Handicappers

SRX ZX7 MkII Irn 4-P ST S LH
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

SPECIFICATIONS (4-PW)

  • Loft: 22°-46°
  • Length: 35.5”-38.5”
  • Lie: 60.5°-63.5°
  • Swing Weight: D3

PROS

  • Tour-inspired iron shape for mid handicappers
  • Impressive turf interaction with a clean entry for ball-first contact
  • High launch with high spin, helping you hold more greens

CONS

  • Not ideal for casual golfers
  • Thinner iron body than most game-improvement iron

Srixon’s ZX7 MK II irons are a superb option for mid handicap golfers seeking enhanced playability and forgiveness without sacrificing the forged feel or shot-shaping ability. 

We found the ZX7 MK IIs to be some of the most playable and forgiving irons we’ve tried. While still maintaining a soft, forged feel, the irons gave me the control we needed to work the ball.

The redesigned sole improves turf interaction, resulting in more consistent shots, even when we don’t make perfect contact. 

The irons also feature optimized weighting that lowers the center of gravity, increasing the MOI to provide more stability and forgiveness on off-center strikes.

While aimed at better players, we found the ZX7 MK IIs offer ample forgiveness and playability to benefit mid handicappers struggling with consistency. 

Their blend of forged feel, precise control, and forgiving performance makes the Srixon ZX7 MK II irons an excellent value for mid handicappers seeking improved shotmaking skills with enhanced results.


Lazrus Premium Golf Irons

Best Value Irons for the Money

LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons Individual or Golf Irons Set for Men (4,5,6,7,8,9,PW) or Driving Irons (2&3) Right or Left Hand Steel Shaft Regular Flex Golf Clubs (RH 1,2,3 Set 3pcs)
Check Price on Amazon

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Specs: (4-PW)
  • Loft: 22°-45°
  • Lie: 61°-64°
  • Length: 35.5″-39.5″
  • Weight: D1

PROS

  • Solid forgiveness with perimeter weighting
  • Provides mid-range distance with muscle
  • Excellent backspin rate with shorter irons

CONS

  • Plays heavier than top-end irons
  • Made solely for high handicappers and beginner golfers

The Lazrus Premium Golf Irons are a budget-friendly set of golf clubs that offer great value for their low price.

Designed for high handicappers and beginning golfers, the Lazrus set offers weekend warriors well-built perimeter-weighted irons that produce accuracy and enhance forgiveness.

Even though these irons are significantly cheaper than many premium sets you’d find on the market, they still deliver solid performance, making them an excellent option for golfers on a budget.

As we tested the Lazrus irons, we first focused on the distance numbers. Although the set does offer a heavier feel than higher-end irons, we didn’t see a dramatic decrease in distance.

Yes, you’ll find more length with more expensive irons, but the differences won’t hurt your game.

During our testing, We also were pleased to find that the Lazrus Premium Golf irons offered a good balance of power and control.

The set features a lightweight design that helps to increase club head speed and generate more length on shots. The golf clubs also utilize a low center of gravity that improves launch and maximizes overall distance.

Accuracy is another benefit of playing the Lazrus irons. We enjoyed how the wide sole design minimized the punishment of off-center hits and improved our overall accuracy.

The irons’ design relies heavily on the balance provided by the perimeter weighting surrounding the face, helping to improve stability and increase accuracy on shots.

The Lazrus Premium Golf Irons, built with the value-seeking high handicapper in mind, provide golfers with a solid set of golf clubs that offer excellent value for their low cost.

Read our full Lazrus Golf Irons Review


Golf Putters

Odyssey Ai-One Milled Two T CH Putter

Best Putter For the Money

Odyssey Golf AI-ONE Milled Putter (34 Inches, Two T (Crank Hosel), Right Hand)
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Head: Blade
  • Loft: 3 degrees
  • Length: 33-35 inches
  • Head Weight: 355 grams
  • Toe Hang: 45°
  • Shaft Type: Odyssey Stroke Lab 90
  • Grip: Odyssey Ai-ONE
  • Price: $449.99

PROS

  • High-grade milling increases feel
  • Excellent alignment guide for better accuracy
  • Soft insert helps with touch and ball speed

CONS

  • Offers a darker PVD finish

Odyssey’s Ai-ONE Milled putter series is quite an achievement, especially its Two T model. The blade putter oozes sophistication and style with the performance to back it up.

Highlighted by the Ai-ONE Milled titanium insert, the Two T CH offers a classic look with all the benefits of modern technology.

The insert creates a consistent roll and remarkably reduces the bouncing and hopping that plagues so many modern-day flatsticks.

The Two T CH also carries two interchangeable front weights to help you find the heft and feel that you want from your putter.

We like a lighter putter as we find it promotes more connection with our arms, so we went for the 5-gram weights for our Two T putter. The lighter weight helps me find consistent roll on putts over 20 feet.

Not everyone is crazy about the darker PVD finish, especially compared to the brilliant chrome that Tommy Cameron typically utilizes.

Still, if you don’t mind something new, these putters are simply gorgeous to look at on the course.

A wonderfully constructed putter that we absolutely adored, the Odyssesy Ai-ONE Milled Two T CH Putter delivers premium performance for the money.

Read our complete Odyssesy Ai-ONE Milled Putters Review


Wilson Staff Model TM22 Putter

Best Mallet Putter for the Money

Wilson Staff Model Putter TM22 - Right Hand, 34'
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Head: Mallet
  • Loft: 3 degrees
  • Length: 34, 35 inches
  • Head Weight: 355 grams

PROS

  • Wide and clear alignment guide
  • Very forgiving on the off-center strikes
  • Balanced weighting helps stabilize your stroke

CONS

  • Smaller head requires precise contact
  • Classic silver finish doesn’t pop

The Wilson Staff TM22 Putter is an outstanding value mallet putter that provides amateurs with high-grade precision and an improved feel for high and mid handicappers.

The TM22’s mallet design utilizes its larger head and increased weighting to improve stability and help increase accuracy.

You can also choose from the modified mallet MT22 edition and BL22 blade-style putter of this same style from Wilson.

During our testing, the larger head and balanced weighting of the golf club head helped to keep putts on a more consistent path throughout our stroke, which led to more accurate and consistent putting.

Another benefit of the TM22 putter is its improved alignment features. The putter has a distinctive black line on the top of the clubhead that helps the golfer align the clubface to the target more quickly.

The alignment guide allows for a more accurate and consistent aim, leading to better results on the green.

After our time with the Wilson Staff TM22 Putter, we concluded the flat stick delivers high performance that can lower the number of putts golfers take each round.

The mallet design also provides improved stability and precise alignment that can improve your putting experience, primarily if you currently use a lesser putter.

For a higher-end model, the TM22 delivers outstanding value for beginning golfers or players that want to upgrade their putter on a budget.


Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 4

Best Blade Putter for the Money

Cleveland Golf HB Soft #4 34'
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Head: Blade
  • Loft: 3 degrees
  • Length: 34-35 inches
  • Head Weight: 345 grams

PROS

  • Clean milled face with plenty of softness
  • Great for golfers preferring an arc stroke
  • Putts don’t pop or bounce, provide a clean roll

CONS

  • Won’t turn heads, classic look
  • Needs a bigger grip, may have to replace

The Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 4 Putter provides a delightful value for golfers looking for a blade-style putter that offers softness with an enhanced feel.

The Soft 4 provides golfers a streamlined head with a broad, forgiving sweet spot that is lethal from longer distances.

First and foremost, it is challenging to find a putter at this level of craftsmanship for less than $150. Still, Cleveland has met the challenge with an outstanding addition to the Huntington Beach brand.

One of the key advantages of playing with a blade putter like the Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 4 is its increased feel.

The club’s smaller head and lightweight feel allow for a more natural feel throughout the stroke, leading to better touch and control on the green.

The soft milled face insert on the putter head provides an excellent feel and responsiveness at impact, providing a smooth and softer touch that helps improve the greens’ consistency and accuracy.

I definitely enjoyed the versatility of this Cleveland putter.

The Soft 4 utilizes its classic design and shape, along with that soft milled face, to provide an all-around crisp putting performance that had them sinking putts from various distances.

Coupled with its attractive price, the Soft 4 uses its sleek and simple design to unleash a more accurate stroke, which can lead to a more natural and fluid putting motion, especially if you prefer an arcing path to the golf ball.


Fairway Woods

TaylorMade Qi10 Fairway Wood

Best Fairway Wood for the Money

TaylorMade Golf Qi10 Fairway 3 Wood Regular Right Handed
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Loft: 15°, 18°, 21°, 24°
  • Lie: 58.5°-60°
  • Shaft Length: 41.25”-43.25”
  • Swing Weight: D3
  • Shaft Type: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue FW 5 (A, Regular, Stiff)
  • Grip Type: Golf Pride Z Black/Blue – 52 grams
  • Price: $349.99

PROS

  • Stable, reliable ball flight
  • High launch with exceptional distance
  • Very forgiving face with a wide profile

CONS

  • No adjustability
  • Only for mid and high handicappers

TaylorMade’s delightful Qi10 Fairway offers several loft options to help you bridge the yardage gap between your driver and irons.

With a sleek, intimidating low profile, the Qi10 Fairway offers a full array of benefits for your money, including distance, accuracy, and easy launch.

Once we got this fairway wood into our hands, we immediately noted how strong and sturdy the golf club had been constructed. And once we started hitting golf balls, we watched shot after shot soar into the air with ease.

Along with noting that our distance increased on the TrackMan with the Qi10 Fairway, we could easily see the plotting of our shots and their tighter dispersion.

The Qi10 Fairway utilizes the V-Steel sole to create pure turf interaction that doesn’t snag or stutter along the soil. The smooth, rounded sole creates that ball-first contact that all weekend warriors want from their fairway woods.

We wish the standard Qi10 Fairway had some adjustable options to help with customization.

Still, if you need a fairway wood that offers exquisite consistency and can last for many years, this TaylorMade model will not disappoint.

Here’s our honest TaylorMade Qi10 Fairway Wood Review


Callaway Mavrik 22 Wood

Best Fairway Wood for the Money

Callaway WD RH MAVRIK 22 3FW GR REG
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Loft: 15°-21°
  • Lie: 57.5°
  • Shaft Length: 42.75”
  • Swing Weight: D3

PROS

  • Pure feel at impact
  • Reduced sidespin improves accuracy
  • Rounded sole offers excellent turf interaction from the fairway

CONS

  • No adjustability
  • Low profile may cause beginning golfers to chunk shots

The Callaway Mavrik Fairway is a top-of-the-line hybrid that offers exceptional performance for golfers of all skill levels.

From the moment we took it out of the box, we could tell it was a well-designed and well-constructed piece of equipment.

The sleek and aerodynamic shape of the clubhead gives the fairway wood a modern and sophisticated look, and the premium materials used in its construction provide a solid and satisfying feel at impact.

During our time with the club, we noticed how easy it was to get the ball up in the air. The club’s low CG and high MOI (moment of inertia) make it incredibly forgiving and easy to hit, even on off-center strikes.

Another standout feature of the Mavrik Fairway is Jailbreak technology, which increases ball speed and distance.

The Jailbreak feature is achieved by stiffening the structure of the club head, reducing energy loss, and increasing the trampoline effect at impact.

It delivers powerful, penetrating ball flight that can help you gain extra yards off the tee and in the fairway.

The price is one of the most significant benefits of playing the Callaway Mavrik Wood.

For less than $200, the Mavrik Fairway delivers tour-quality performance for a fraction of the cost you’d expect from a golf club at this performance level.

I was very impressed with the Callaway Mavrik Fairway wood. It’s a high-performing, high-value golf club that can help golfers of all skill levels achieve better results on the course.

Check our full Callaway Mavrik Fairway Wood Review


Golf Wedges

Titleist Vokey SM10 Tour Chrome Wedge

Best Wedge for the Money

Titleist Vokey SM10 Tour Chrome Wedge

Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Loft: 46°-62°
  • Lie Angle: 64°
  • Shaft Length: 35”-35.75”
  • Shaft Type: True Temper Dynamic Gold S200, True Temper Dynamic Gold 105
  • Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360
  • Price: $189.99

PROS

  • Six different sole grind options
  • Maximum spin with total trajectory control
  • First-rate feel and responsiveness

CONS

  • So many choices to find right Vokey wedge for your game

The new Vokey SM10 Wedges from Titleist have hit the market, causing quite the fervor among amateurs and professionals alike.

The new wedges offer that classic Vokey design but with modern amenities that help players of all handicaps reach their maximum potential.

What’s staggering about these new Vokey wedges is the sheer volume of grind and loft options available.

You really need to know what type of shot you like to hit in all situations on the course. And while all those choices might seem like a burden, we felt like a kid in a candy store testing out these new wedges.

Not only do they provide exceptional response and feel, but the performance is just jaw-dropping. Variable spin rates depending on the grind and loft helped me find the right combination to create the ideal shots around the green.

And from the fairway, these SM10s are a real winner producing the length, height, and spin that kept the ball inside our target zone with far more frequency than our old wedges.

If you want the best wedges money can buy, the Titleist Vokey wedges and their new model, the SM10s, once again stand atop the list.

Check our full Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge Review


Cleveland CBX Full-Face Wedge

Best Value Wedge for the Money

Cleveland Golf CBX Full-Face 56 RH Black Satin
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Loft: 44°-60°
  • Lie: 64°
  • Shaft Length: 35”-35.75”
  • Swing Weight: D2, D3, D4

PROS

  • Sharp, deep grooves produce high spin rates
  • Great from rough and sand with clean entry and contact
  • Large sole offers dynamic turf interaction

CONS

  • Doesn’t offer a graphite shaft option
  • Bulkier body might turn away golfers that want traditional look

The Cleveland CBX Full Face Wedge offers impressive performance from all golf course areas, including the fairway, rough, and even out-of-the-sand.

A great value for beginning golfers and mid handicappers looking to fill out their wedge collection, the CBX Full Face is remarkably easy to hit in any situation.

One of the most striking features of the CBX Full Face wedge for me is its sizable sweet spot. Not only is the hitting area incredibly forgiving and easy to hit, but it won’t snag in heavy rough, or deeper sand.

The wide sole and high-toe profile is especially beneficial for golfers who struggle with getting their wedges to launch high and long.

During our time with the CBX Full Face, we firmly believed that the wedge could improve the game of golfers looking to save strokes around the green.

Another standout feature worth mentioning of the CBX Full Face is its sharp grooves. These grooves offer an advanced design to increase spin and control on the ball, making it easier to hit precise shots and control the ball’s trajectory.

The precision-milled Tour Zip grooves allow for maximum surface roughness, which helps to generate more spin on the ball and improves stopping power on the greens.

The impressive spin rate can help golfers improve their accuracy with their wedges, especially from the fairway on approach shots.

Great for golfers that want a combination of value and high performance for their money, the Cleveland CBX Full Face wedge delivers spin, accuracy, and clean, crisp contact with confidence.


Golf Hybrids

Cobra DarkSpeed Hybrid

Best Golf Hybrid for the Money

Cobra Golf DARKSPEED Hybrid
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Loft: 17°, 19°, 21°, 24°
  • Lie: 57.5°, 58°, 58.5°, 59°
  • Shaft Length: 39.25”, 40”, 40.75”, 41.5”
  • Flex: A, Regular, Stiff
  • Swing Weight: D1, D0, C9
  • Shaft Type: KBS PGI 85 (80g) – Stiff Flex, KBS PGI 75 (70g) – Regular Flex, KBS PGI 65 (60g) – A Flex
  • Grip Type: Lamkin Crossline 58R – 48.5-gram
  • Price: $279.99

PROS

  • Punchy with energy to burn
  • Outstanding ball speed
  • Moves smoothly through any lie

CONS

  • More rectangular than modern hybrids
  • No adjustable loft sleeve

Cobra’s DarkSpeed hybrid provides confidence from the first swing. Its compact yet powerful profile generates outstanding ball speed and distance and remains highly accurate.

What we like most about Cobra hybrids, such as the DarkSpeed, is how they are a bit taller than other hybrids. While some golfers might say they are blockier than traditional hybrids, we feel this design produces more energy to the golf ball at impact.

As a result, the ball speed is very high helping you find more distance.

On the course, the DarkSpeed hybrid has style and substance to burn. It produces tour-level distance, and its accuracy is remarkably good.

Our dispersion remained tight no matter the type of swing we used with the DarkSpeed. Workability was also easy to pull off with this Cobra hybrid.

We love using the DarkSpeed hybrid off the tee box on tighter Par 4s or when facing a strong dogleg.

The accuracy can’t be beaten when compared to other new hybrids, making the DarkSpeed an easy choice for one of the best golf clubs you can buy for the money.

Read our honest Cobra DarkSpeed Hybrid Review


TaylorMade Stealth Rescue

Best Hybrid for the Money

TaylorMade Stealth Rescue Righthanded
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Loft: 19°-31°
  • Shaft Length: 38.75”-40.75”
  • Lie Angle: 60°-62°
  • Swing Weight: D3

PROS

  • Speed Pocket delivers impressive distance and feel
  • Outstanding responsiveness that helps you adjust your swing
  • Low CG boosts ball flight for extended carry

CONS

  • No adjustability prevents customization
  • Price rivals value drivers and fairway woods

Earlier in our list, we recommended the Stealth driver, and now we’d like to steer your attention to the dynamic Stealth Rescue hybrid. Built for speed, it features the same red and black color scheme that golfers, from professional to amateur, have enjoyed since its release.

One of the initial things we noticed when we started using the Stealth Rescue hybrid was how easy it was to get the ball up in the air.

The club’s low center of gravity and high MOI make it incredibly forgiving and easy to hit, even on off-center strikes.

The low, deep CG is essential for golfers who struggle with getting their hybrids to launch high and long, as the Stealth Rescue can help them achieve better results with less effort.

As with hybrids, you want clean turf interaction, and the Stealth Rescue offers premium turf interaction that slides easily along the grass to ensure the ball reaches the face without a problem.

This level of forgiveness is significant for golfers who struggle with getting their hybrids to launch high and long. We certainly believe the Stealth Rescue hybrid can help you achieve better ball flight results on the course.

For a price that rivals a top-tier fairway wood, the TaylorMade Stealth Rescue provides golfers with premium performance at a value and the versatility to work the ball from side to side with ease.


How to Choose the Best Golf Clubs for the Money

Craftsmanship – Will this golf club last through the season?

When buying a golf club, you need to know that it’s a reliable performer. It needs to be well-designed and put together solidly, with expert craftsmanship.

The grip should be appropriately aligned on the shaft, the clubhead should feel solidly attached to the shaft, and the paint should be properly applied and durable.

This list isn’t just the lowest-priced options out there. Sure, you want to save some money, but if the golf club breaks and you have to buy a new one, did you really save any money at all?

Performance – Does the golf club work?

We’ve been to a thousand different golf stores and pro shops and tried out golf clubs in every price range imaginable.

We’ve putted with $10 putters that performed brilliantly and rolled putts with $500 putters that felt like bricks.

We’ve hit drivers with $1,000 shafts that felt like concrete and drivers with cheap stock shafts that felt incredible. These are the exceptions, but they prove that price doesn’t automatically equal performance.

The bottom line is: does the golf club work? Spending more will usually mean getting a golf club built with better materials, but that’s not always the case.

Finding comparable performance for less money leaves you with more to spend on lessons and greens fees!

Feel – The most elusive and toughest to define

OK, I’ll admit it: feel ultimately comes down to personal preference. Look at putters: some people swear by soft, rubbery inserts, while others can’t imagine anything but a solid block of steel.

The debate about forged irons vs. cast irons is decades old.

I love the buttery smooth feel of a purely-struck shot with forged iron, but others like to feel the ball hit the clubface and prefer a cast golf club.

A shaft might be perfect for me but too whippy for you, while what feels like an overly stiff telephone pole to me might be ideal for a faster swinger.

For this criteria, We’re going to give you our rating and give you an overall idea of how the golf club responds to a good swing or putting stroke.

While it’s hard to define “great feel,” we all know what bad feel is. So I’ll help you avoid those clubs.

Desirability – Is this an in-demand club?

The desirability of a golf club doesn’t affect its performance at all, but it still matters. Why? First off, there’s an active resale market for golf clubs. What works for you this week might feel all wrong in a month.

Some golfers will fight through this and try to rekindle confidence with an ill-performing club, but others will look to sell the golf club and replace it. This is much easier to do with a well-known, desirable golf brand.

And, let’s face it: we don’t usually play golf alone. While there’s something to be said for playing great with a set of ratty, no-name clubs, it can help your confidence to sport a bag full of golf clubs you know are in demand.

It’s a good feeling when a golf buddy looks at your driver and says, “Hey, let me try that thing out!”

Bang for the Buck – How good a value is this club?

If money were no object, you’d probably just go to a nearby golf professional, spend all day getting fitted for clubs, and walk away with a bag full of golf clubs that cost as much as a midsize car.

But for most of us, that’s not an option.

Each year, we have limited funds to put towards new golf equipment. It’s great if we have a driver that works and is still in good shape, but the grooves might be wearing down on your irons and wedges – and that can cause a seriously negative impact on your game.

Or you might have improved over the past year and feel like it’s time to upgrade your whole bag.

But when a driver alone can run over $500 before you even think about aftermarket shafts, you might find yourself with limited funds left over for a new putter, wedges, irons, fairway woods, balls, shoes, and so on.

So here we’re looking for bang for the buck: the best golf clubs at the best prices.


Questions & Answers

What are the best golf clubs for average golfers?

The best golf clubs for average golfers include the PXG 0211 driver, Callaway Mavrik fairway wood, the Lazrus Premium Golf irons, the Cleveland CBX Full-Face Wedge, and the Cleveland Huntington Soft 4 putter.

Each of these golf clubs offers anywhere from solid to superior performance at a price that budget-seeking golfers will love.

For average golfers playing less than ideal equipment, any of the listed golf clubs above will provide an instant upgrade to help lower their scores.

Regarding the woods and irons, each product maximizes distance and minimizes the embarrassment of off-center strikes. For the short game, the wedges and putter offer more stability by providing unmatched reliability.

What golf clubs do I need to get started?

If you’re just starting out, it can be hard to figure out what exactly you need. You know there are golf clubs and putters and you’ve heard of a driver, but are wedges and irons the same thing? They look pretty similar!

Here’s the basic rundown of an average golf bag with 14 clubs, which is the maximum amount allowed by the rules.

Driver – use this off the tee to hit the ball as far as you can. The largest clubhead, usually made of titanium and/or carbon fiber composite. They all come with graphite shafts nowadays.

Fairway wood – these can be used off the tee for more control, or on longer holes to hit your second shot or your approach to the green. Usually steel or composite, and graphite shafts are the norm.

Irons – these comprise the majority of the golf clubs in your bag. They come in a range of 1-iron to 9-iron, but for most players, you’ll only want 4 through 9 iron or 5 through 9 iron.

The 1-, 2-, and 3-irons are just too hard to hit for all but the most experienced players. You use irons to hit the ball to the green.

Wedges – these look just like irons but have more loft for hitting higher shots, for chipping around the green, and for hitting shots out of sand traps.

I recommend that players carry four wedges: pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge. Aside from the wedges mentioned here, we also recommend the Square Strike Wedge.

Most iron sets come with a pitching wedge, but you’ll generally buy gap through lob wedges separately. The lofts of these are typically: gap wedge – 52°, sand wedge – 56°, lob wedge – 60°.

Putter – the putter is used on the green to roll the ball into the hole. Putters have the widest variance in design of any club, and are the most likely golf club to be found at the bottom of a lake.


Conclusion

Our two favorite golf clubs for the money are the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Driver and the new Titleist Vokey SM10 Tour Chrome wedges.

The Paradym Ai Smoke Max Driver offers total customization, including a rear sliding weight and an 8-position loft sleeve to create the ideal ball flight for your game.

The powerful Ai Smart Face is very forgiving but packs enormous muscle onto every drive you hit during your round.

Once you are around the green, the Vokey SM10 wedges provide touch and control to help you save par.

Not only do you get the gorgeous classic Vokey design, but you also get maximum spin, perfect ball flight, and outstanding versatility no matter where your ball lands.

With multiple grinds, you can create a collection of golf clubs that are perfect for your short game.

Along with these two elite golf clubs, every club we’ve chosen for this best golf clubs for the money list provides durability and premium performance for your game.