Best Intermediate Golf Clubs 2025 (Tested and Reviewed)

Your golf experts: Jordan Fuller & John Marshall.
Updated July 30, 2025. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.

Once you’ve advanced beyond the beginner phase, selecting the right intermediate-level golf clubs is key to improving your skills and lowering your scores. 

The ideal intermediate club offers more playability and forgiveness while maintaining workability for shot shaping.

Factors like clubhead size, offset, shaft flex, and weight distribution all come into play when choosing game-improvement clubs tailored to mid-handicap golfers. 

Our guide to the best intermediate golf clubs compiles the top-rated options across drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, and wedges.

We’ll break down the standout technologies and features that make these golf clubs perfect for taking your game to the next level.

Sources researched
22
Sources researched
Customer reviews
19,205
Customer reviews
Hours spent testing
27
Hours spent testing
Products tested
21
Products tested

Best Intermediate Golf Clubs 2025

Best Intermediate Golf Drivers

Titleist GT3 Driver

Best Intermediate Driver

Titleist GT3 Driver 9 Loft MCA Tensei 1K Black 65 Stiff Right Hand
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

Specifications

  • Loft: 8°-11°
  • Lie: 57°
  • Length: 45.75″
  • Head Volume: 460cc
  • Swing Weight: D2

Pros

  • Adjustable options customize driver setup
  • Lighter weight boosts swing speed
  • Even miss-hits maintain ball speed
  • Tour-level driver with sophisticated head shape

Cons

  • Expensive compared to other drivers
  • Need time to master settings

We love how the Titleist GT3 Driver grows with your game rather than holding you back.

As an intermediate player, you’re probably frustrated when you know exactly what went wrong with a shot but can’t fix it with your current equipment. 

The GT3 changes that problem completely, delivering a world-class driver to your golf bag that can transform your game with a bit of patience..

The beauty of this driver lies in its adjustability, but it won’t leave you overwhelmed and paralyzed with choices.

The track system lets you easily move weight around to fix that persistent slice or add some draw bias when you need it. 

During our testing, we found ourselves actually looking forward to driver swings instead of just hitting and praying the ball would stay in bounds.

Dispersion is incredibly tight, and the feel is quite remarkable for a tour-level driver.

What impressed us most was how forgiving this driver remains even when you don’t catch it perfectly.

Those shots that would normally sail into the trees with other drivers? The GT3 keeps them playable, giving you second chances that can save multiple strokes per round. 

The sound at impact creates a muted, yet powerful sound without being harsh, and the lighter overall weight helped us generate more clubhead speed without swinging out of our shoes.

For intermediate golfers ready to invest in top-tier equipment that will improve with them, the GT3 delivers both immediate results and long-term adaptability.


Callaway Paradym Driver

Most Accurate Golf Driver

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: 9.5°, 10.5°, 12°
  • Lie: 57°
  • Length: 45.75″
  • Head Volume: 460 cc
  • Swing Weight: D3

Pros

  • Powerful construction delivers confidence on full-speed swings
  • High MOI with a very forgiving face
  • Low, deep CG boosts ball flight for extended carry

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer the softest, most sophisticated feel

Finding a driver that provides distance and forgiveness can be challenging for mid-handicap golfers, so we’re happy to report the Callaway Paradym offers the best of both worlds. 

As soon as we picked it up, we could feel the light carbon composite crown that helps move weight low and deep for a penetrating, high-launching ball flight.

The A.I.-designed face is optimized for speed across the entire hitting area, so off-center hits don’t lose as much distance. 

The adjustable hosel allows me to tweak loft, lie, and face angle to maximize carry distance and control.

Even on our worst swings, we could count on the Paradym keeping me in the short grass with exceptional distance and tight dispersion.

This driver is built for speed, so there’s a lack of feel and responsiveness that comes with the territory. But that shouldn’t deter you from enjoying this magnificently built driver.

Check our full Callaway Paradym Driver Review


TaylorMade Stealth Driver

Best Distance Golf Driver

TaylorMade Stealth Driver
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: 460 cc
  • Swing Weight: D4/D5

Pros

  • Rear weight delivers a low center of gravity for a high launch
  • Impressive forgiveness with Twist Face feature
  • Lightweight feel with an exceptional swing speed

Cons

  • Expensive option for casual golfers

TaylorMade’s Stealth looks like a Formula 1 race car in the golf bag, and we’re happy to report that if you are looking for F1 speed, this driver brings it with flair.

The innovative driver has all the bells and whistles that can improve an intermediate golfer’s game, including higher launch, more ball speed, and exceptional forgiveness.

Across the board, during our time with the Stealth, we were blown away by the driver’s sleek power to the golf ball.

TaylorMade has included a rear stationary weight that anchors the driver as the club reaches the ball. The weight helps create a low center of gravity that easily lifts the shot to extend distance.

Great for mid handicappers looking to upgrade, the Stealth driver utilizes the company’s patented Twist Face technology to reduce side spin for more distance control and accuracy on the fairway.

Easily one of the best golf clubs for intermediate golfers, the TaylorMade Stealth offers the complete package for improving your golf game off the tee box.

Here’s our in-depth TaylorMade Stealth Driver Review


Best Intermediate Golf Irons

TaylorMade 2025 P790 Iron

Best Players Distance Iron

TaylorMade Golf 2025 P790 Irons 4-PW Steel Shaft Extra Stiff Right Handed
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

Specifications (4-PW)

  • Loft: 20.5°-43°
  • Lie: 61°-64°
  • Shaft Length: 37.5″-39.5″
  • Swing Weight: D1

Pros

  • Much bigger sweet spot means more forgiveness on bad hits
  • Optimized for consistent distance gaps between clubs
  • Looks sleek and confidence-inspiring at address
  • Impressive distance without sacrificing accuracy

Cons

  • Strong lofts could cause some trouble with wedge choice
  • Premium price point for the intermediate market

The P790 irons from TaylorMade are the iron set that finally makes sense for golfers caught between game-improvement irons and true players’ irons.

We’ve all been there as your swing gets more consistent, but your chunky cavity backs make you feel like you’re not progressing.

The P790s solve this identity crisis beautifully with a sleek, superb all-around iron set..

These irons give you serious distance without the wild dispersion that often comes with distance-focused clubs.

When we tested the 7-iron, we consistently picked up 6 to 10 yards compared to traditional cavity backs, but more importantly, our misses stayed much closer to the target. 

The expanded sweet spot means those slightly thin or heavy strikes that used to leave you 20 yards short now produce results you can actually work with.

Ball speed works well with the dispersion on off-center strikes that leak toward the toe.

The look of the P790s is what really builds confidence though. They sit behind the ball like a proper iron should, featuring clean lines, moderate offset, and a profile that says you know what you’re doing.

Yet underneath that sleek appearance, there’s plenty of forgiveness working in your favor.

We particularly appreciated how consistent the distance gapping felt throughout the set.

No more wondering whether to take the 6 or 7-iron, each club delivers predictable yardages that make golf course management much easier.

The 790s have long been popular among intermediate golfers, but this year’s edition truly takes the cake as one of the best in the intermediate golf club market.


Ping i530 Iron

Most Forgiving Players Distance Iron

Ping i530 Iron

Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

Specifications (4-PW)

  • Loft: 20°-43°
  • Lie: 60.5°-64°
  • Shaft Length: 37.5″-39.5″
  • Swing Weight: D1

Pros

  • Looks like a traditional blade, but plays much easier
  • Fast ball speeds even on toe/heel strikes
  • Different groove patterns help control spin for each club
  • Very forgiving despite the compact appearance

Cons

  • One of the more expensive iron sets available
  • Lower spin might make it harder to stop balls on greens

Sometimes you want to look like you belong on the PGA Tour, even if your scorecard suggests otherwise.

The Ping i530s are perfect for intermediate golfers who’ve outgrown the chunky look of game-improvement irons but aren’t quite ready for true blades.

What Ping has accomplished here feels almost like magic as these irons look every bit as clean and sophisticated as tour-level blades, yet they’re surprisingly forgiving when you don’t strike them perfectly. 

We spent several rounds testing them and consistently found ourselves attempting more aggressive pin attacks because we knew the irons would help rather than punish slight off-center strikes.

The different groove patterns make a noticeable difference in how each iron performs.

We found the longer irons make it easier to get the ball airborne, while the shorter irons provide enough spin control for precise approach shots.

This attention to detail means you’re not fighting your equipment with each club working optimally for its intended purpose.

For golfers ready to step up their intermediate equipment without sacrificing performance, the i530s deliver the best of both worlds. They’ll make you feel like a better player while helping you become one.


TaylorMade Stealth Irons

Best Overall Intermediate Irons

TaylorMade Golf STEALTH IRON SET MENS LEFT HAND 4-PW, AW STEEL REGULAR
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

Specifications (4-PW)

  • Loft: 18.5°-43°
  • Lie: 61.5°-64.5°
  • Shaft Length: 35.75”-39.125”
  • Swing Weight: D1

Pros

  • Impressive forgiveness across the entire face
  • Wonderful feel and responsiveness
  • Exceptional length with mid-irons

Cons

  • Shaped similarly to blade irons

The TaylorMade Stealth irons are as impressive as the driver and woods, delivering a dynamic complete set of golf clubs for intermediate players.

With a stable feel and balance, the Stealth irons offer the high launch and spin rates intermediate golfers want from our golf club sets.

TaylorMade has discontinued the Speed Bridge Technology of its SIM Max series and replaced it with the innovative Cap-Back Design.

The design offers wraparound construction that stiffens the head to provide more energy to the ball at impact.

During our testing, our golfers noted that the Stealth irons felt more stable and stronger than the SIM Max irons.

We also loved how powerful the face of the long irons in this set catapulted the ball with a high arc that lands softly on the green with plenty of spin.

Easily our top choice among top intermediate irons, the TaylorMade Stealth complete set of irons produces the distance and accuracy your game needs to reach that next level.

Check our in-depth TaylorMade Stealth Irons review


Best Intermediate Fairway Woods

Srixon ZXi Fairway Wood

Best Intermediate Fairway Wood

Srixon ZXi Fairway 3 Wood, 15.0 Regular, Right Hand
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

Specifications

  • Loft: 15°, 18°, 21°
  • Shaft Length: 42″-43″
  • Head Size: 175cc-185cc
  • Swing Weight: D3

Pros

  • Fastest ball speeds you’ll find in this category
  • Adjustable so you can fine-tune your ball flight
  • Lighter club head launches the ball higher and easier
  • Works great from tee, fairway, or rough

Cons

  • Only one model might not fit everyone’s preferences
  • The crown design isn’t everyone’s favorite

Rather than offering multiple fairway wood models that leave you guessing which one to buy, Srixon created one exceptional club that handles every situation you’ll face. 

We love this approach and the resulting ZXi Fairway because it eliminates the decision paralysis that often plagues intermediate golfers when building their bag.

This fairway wood became our go-to club for those awkward 200-220 yard shots where the driver feels like too much and a long iron isn’t quite enough.

The adjustability lets you dial in the exact trajectory you need with higher launch generating softer landings into greens, or lower for punch shots under trees. 

During testing, we found ourselves reaching for it in situations where we’d previously been stuck between clubs.

The versatility really shines from different lies. Whether you’re on a perfect tee, hitting from the fairway, or dealing with light rough, the ZXi delivers consistent results.

The lighter weight makes it easier to generate speed, while the enhanced sweet spot keeps launch high and contact solid.

For intermediate players who want one fairway wood that can handle multiple roles in their bag, the ZXi proves that sometimes one great club beats three mediocre ones.


Cobra Aerojet Fairway Wood

Most Accurate Fairway Wood

Aerojet Fairway
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

Specifications

  • Loft: 15-21°
  • Shaft Length: 42”-43”
  • Head Size: 158cc-168cc
  • Swing Weight: D3

Pros

  • Lightweight and fast for maximum distance
  • Wide profile offers a forgiving sweet spot
  • Creates quick, high launch with long carry distance

Cons

  • No adjustable sliding weight for further customization

The Cobra Aerojet fairway woods live up to their billing as some of the fastest fairway woods on the market. 

The Aerojet woods feature a compact, sleek 175cc clubhead shape that looks sharp at address and inspires confidence.

The sleek carbon crown and titanium body work together to lower and deepen the CG for high launch and low spin, even on mishits. 

We tested the 15° 3-wood and were blown away by the ball speed and distance we could generate, even on off-center hits.

Thanks to the PWR-COR weighting system, the club felt light yet stable through impact, with great sound and feel. 

While pros may prefer a smaller, more workable fairway wood, mid to high handicappers will appreciate the optimized launch conditions and forgiveness packed into the Aerojet fairway. 

If you struggle with consistency and distance with traditional fairway woods, Cobra’s Aerojet line deserves your consideration.

Check our full Cobra Aerojet Fairway Review


Titleist TSR2 Fairway Wood

Best Overall Fairway Wood

Titleist TSR2 Fairway Wood 15 Tensei Blue 65 Stiff
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

Specifications

  • Loft: 15-21°
  • Shaft Length: 41.25”-43.25”
  • Lie Angle: 56.5°-58°
  • Swing Weight: D2

Pros

  • Sleek club head ramps up ball speed
  • Low CG effortlessly lifts the ball for a higher launch
  • Pleasing sound coupled with an exceptional feel

Cons

  • Costs as much as a driver

Out of the many intermediate golf clubs we evaluated, we kept returning to the Titleist TSR series of clubs, especially this dynamic fairway wood.

The ball jumps from the face of the TSR2 Fairway, producing majestic shots that rival your best drives.

The best golf club on the market if you are looking for an alternative club to hit off the tee, the TSR2 Fairway delivers screaming power at impact with pleasing sound and a top-tier feel.

When it comes to forgiveness, the TSR2 doesn’t disappoint, reducing shot-killing side spin, allowing you to hit more fairways or reach the green on long par 5s easily.

Also great for tall intermediate golfers, the TSR2 utilizes a golfer’s size to leverage more power to the point of impact. As a result, golfers can expect distance with tight shot dispersion.

One of the easiest choices we had to make, we universally loved the production of the TSR2 Fairway.

Check our hands-on Titleist TSR Fairway Woods review


Best Intermediate Hybrid Golf Clubs

TaylorMade Qi35 Hybrid

Best Intermediate Hybrid

TaylorMade Golf Qi35 Rescue #2-17 Degree Kaili Blue Stiff Right Hand
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

Specifications

  • Loft: 17°, 19°, 22°, 25°
  • Lie: 58°-60°
  • Shaft Length: 39″-40.5″
  • Swing Weight: D1

Pros

  • More penetrating ball flight, like better players prefer
  • Corrects your mishits to keep shots straighter
  • Adjustable loft helps you dial in perfect distances
  • Looks compact and confidence-inspiring

Cons

  • No longer makes a tour-level version for low handicaps
  • Slight draw tendency might not suit all golfers

Every intermediate golfer should have at least one hybrid in their bag, and the Qi35 makes the strongest case for why this theory is true.

We’ve tested dozens of hybrids, but few combine the forgiveness intermediate players need with the ball flight characteristics better players prefer.

The game-changing feature is how this hybrid corrects your mistakes through it’s outstanding forgiveness. 

Those slightly off-center strikes that used to send your ball sailing into trouble? 

The Qi35 automatically straightens them out, keeping you in play and giving you birdie chances instead of scrambling for bogey.

We found ourselves being more aggressive on approach shots because we trusted the club to help rather than hurt.

The lower ball flight might take some adjustment if you’re used to sky-high hybrids, but the penetrating trajectory works better in wind and gives you more distance.

The compact look builds confidence at address as it doesn’t look like a rescue club for players who can’t hit long irons.

With the adjustable loft system, you can fine-tune the distances to fill gaps in your set perfectly. We particularly appreciated how easy it was to dial in the exact yardage needed to complement our iron distances.

While the mild draw bias helps golfers who struggle with slices, it may require adjustment for players who prefer working the ball both directions.

The versatility of various lies and conditions makes it an excellent long iron replacement for intermediate golfers.

Check our full TaylorMade Qi35 Hybrid Review


Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Hybrid

Most Accurate Hybrid

CG LauncherXLHalo Hyb3 18 R RH
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

Specifications

  • Loft: 18°-27°
  • Lie: 60.5°-62°
  • Shaft Length: 39”-40.5”
  • Swing Weight: D1

Pros

  • Excellent value, great for golfers on a budget
  • Easy, effortless launch with tall shot arc
  • Larger club head delivers smooth power to the golf ball

Cons

  • Lacks any adjustable features

Cleveland’s Launcher XL Halo hybrids are designed for golfers seeking extra forgiveness and high launch.

As someone who likes hybrids that deliver effortless power, we were drawn to the oversized, confidence-inspiring shape with a large footprint that keeps the club stable through impact.

The Halo hybrid uses Cleveland’s Launcher Cup Face technology, which adds more flex around the clubface’s perimeter for increased ball speed and forgiveness on off-center hits.

We hit high, towering shots that stopped quickly on the green, even when we didn’t make perfect contact. The light, stable shaft helped me square up the face consistently.

While lower handicappers may prefer a lower, more penetrating ball flight, the high launch and forgiving nature of the Halo make it ideal for mid to high handicappers looking for an easy-to-hit, versatile option to replace their long irons.


Ping G425 Hybrid

Most Forgiving Hybrid

Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

Specifications

  • Loft: 17°-34°
  • Shaft Length: 38.25”-40.75”
  • Lie Angle: 57°-58.5°
  • Swing Weight: D1

Pros

  • Deep CG produces high arcing shots
  • Adjustable hosel offers customized shot shape
  • High MOI minimizes side spin

Cons

  • Groove contrast on the face is distracting at the address

Golf clubs like the Ping G425 Hybrid scream upgrade for intermediate players looking for high-quality golf clubs to add to their lightweight stand bag.

With a clean look at the ball at address, the G425 hybrid offers smooth power that effortlessly lifts the ball from either the tee or fairway.

During our testing, we noted that this is one of the most forgiving hybrids for intermediate players looking to add consistency to their game.

Remarkably, every shot with this hybrid seems the same, and that’s a very good thing for golfers trying to lower their handicap.

Another outstanding addition to the Ping family, the G425 hybrid won’t let you down no matter where you use it on the golf course.


Best Intermediate Golf Wedges

Ping S159 Wedge

Best Intermediate Wedge

Ping S159 Wedge

Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

Specifications

  • Loft: 46°-62°
  • Lie: 64°
  • Shaft Length: 35″-35.75″
  • Swing Weight: D3

Pros

  • Clean, professional appearance builds confidence
  • Different groove patterns optimized for each loft
  • Six different sole grinds to match your swing
  • Performs consistently in all weather conditions

Cons

  • Firmer feel takes some getting used to
  • Less forgiving than beginner-friendly wedges

Wedge play often separates intermediate golfers from beginner golfers more than any other club category.

The S159 wedges help bridge that gap by giving you tour-level performance in a package that’s still manageable for developing short games.

What we love most about these wedges is how they teach you proper technique while still being forgiving enough for real-world play.

The clean look at address makes you feel confident over the ball, while the different groove patterns actually help you understand how to control spin and trajectory. 

Each wedge in the set performs its specific job beautifully, from full shots to pitch shots and delicate chips around the green.

The grind options might seem overwhelming at first, but Ping’s fitting system makes it simple to find the right combination for your swing.

We found that using Ping’s properly fitted wedge system made a bigger difference in our short game than any amount of practice with ill-fitting clubs.

These wedges perform consistently in all conditions, especially when faced with wet grass, tight lies, and fluffy sand. These wedges will give you confidence to attack pins regardless of the situation. 

For intermediate players ready to take their short game seriously, the S159s provide the foundation for real improvement.


Titleist Vokey SM9 Tour Chrome Wedge

Best Overall Golf Wedge

Titleist Vokey Design SM9 Tour Chrome Wedge 60.08M
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

Specifications

  • Loft: 46°-62°
  • Lie: 64°
  • Shaft Length: 35”-35.75”
  • Swing Weight: D3, D5

Pros

  • Sophisticated shotmaking with high spin
  • Crisp, clean contact from any lie
  • Exceptional workability from the fairway

Cons

  • Tour wedge design might be tough to master

Many PGA Tour professionals carry our top choice for best wedge, the Titleist Vokey SM9, onto the golf course.

Featuring the high-grade craftsmanship that the Vokey wedges are known for, this edition offers a full-scale buffet of features to help you attack the green.

Whether you want to add a pitching wedge or sand wedge to your golf bag, the SM9 offers high spin, shotmaking versatility, and the total control you need to take your short game to the next level.

If something here can hold back an intermediate player, it is the wedge’s design.

As noted in the name, this is a tour wedge, so expect a lower range of forgiveness, but few wedges offer the production and results of the SM9 from Titleist.


Callaway JAWS MD5 Wedge

Best Spin Golf Wedge

Callaway Golf MD5 Jaws Wedge
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

Specifications

  • Loft: 50°-60°
  • Lie: 64°
  • Shaft Length: 35”-35.5”
  • Swing Weight: D0, D1

Pros

  • Several bounce and grind options
  • Razor sharp groove system produces high spin rates
  • Wide sole produces consistent, reliable contact

Cons

  • Clunky appearance with a strange color scheme

Callaway’s JAWS MD5 wedges offer a solid mixture of finesse and capable power around the greens.

Featuring the company’s patented Groove-in-Groove technology, the MD5 wedge grips and spins, making it the best wedges on the market.

During our time with the JAWS MD5, we were blown away by the spin created off the face of this wedge.

No matter the lie or situation, this wedge produces enough spin to stop the ball cold on the putting surface.

We tested the pitching wedge and sand wedge with this model, and with each we found that the performance is consistent across the board, a great sign if you are looking to put together a full set of wedges for your bag.

Here’s our in-depth Callaway JAWS MD5 Wedge review


Best Intermediate Golf Putters

Mizuno M.Craft X S6 Putter

Best Intermediate Mallet Putter

M Craft X S6
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

Specifications

  • Head Style: Fang Mallet
  • Length: 35″, 38″
  • Loft: 3°
  • Lie: 70°
  • Weight: Adjustable (7g, 14g, 21g options)

Pros

  • Completely customizable to match your putting style
  • Incredibly soft feel for better distance control
  • Stable like a mallet but feels like a blade
  • High-quality grip with classic styling

Cons

  • All the customization options can be overwhelming
  • Expensive when you factor in all the accessories

Putting often frustrates intermediate golfers more than any other part of their game. You can stripe your irons all day, but if you’re three-putting regularly, your scores won’t reflect your improved ball-striking. 

The M.Craft X S6 addresses this by letting you create a putter that works specifically with your stroke.

The customization options initially seemed excessive, but after spending time with different configurations, we realized how much putting is about feel and confidence.

Being able to adjust the weight, neck angle, and even the back shape means you can dial in exactly the roll and feel you need. 

We found our distance control improved dramatically once we found the right weight configuration.

What impressed us most was how this putter combines the stability of a mallet with the feedback of a blade.

You get the forgiveness you need on off-center hits, but you can still feel exactly where you struck the ball. This feedback helps you improve your putting mechanics while the forgiveness keeps you from getting discouraged.

The soft feel at impact gives you much better control on long lag putts, while the stability helps you roll short putts on line consistently.

For intermediate golfers willing to invest in their putting game, the S6 offers a level of customization that can transform this crucial part of your game.


Ping 2023 Mundy Putter

Most Accurate Putter

Ping 2023 Mundy Putter

Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

Specifications

  • Head: Mallet
  • Loft: 3 degrees
  • Length: 33-35 inches
  • Head Weight: 355 grams

Pros

  • Beautifully designed with nice contrasting guideline
  • Smooth distance control with crisp forward roll
  • Soft insert delivers an exceptional feel

Cons

  • Larger head could turn away those preferring blade-style putter

The PING Mundy mallet putter caught our eye as soon as we saw it, thanks to the unique angular design that frames the ball nicely at address.

As someone who struggles with consistency on the greens, we were eager to test it out, and it didn’t disappoint.

This mallet’s smooth, stable stroke gave me quick confidence by providing solid speed and crisp forward roll.

The forged aluminum body combines with the custom sole weight to increase MOI and boost forgiveness, something we appreciated when we missed the sweet spot.

The white sightline contrasts well with the matte black finish to make alignment intuitive and accurate.

We found our distance control improved as we grew accustomed to the clean top line and the softness provided by the compact insert.

If you seek more consistency in your putting, we can attest that the Mundy delivers on all fronts.


Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2

Best Overall Golf Putter

Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Putter 2020 Right Newport 2 34
Check Price on Amazon

Specifications

  • Loft: 3.5°
  • Lie: 70°
  • Shaft Length: 33”-35”
  • Offset: Full shaft

Pros

  • Smooth, immediate forward roll
  • Exceptional balance during stroke
  • Completely milled face keeps off-center putts on line

Cons

  • Price that rivals the cost of most drivers

The Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2 putter offers the most complete and enjoyable putting experience for intermediate players.

With craftsmanship you can’t find anywhere, the Newport 2 offers a smooth, balanced stroke with an immediate forward roll that stays along the target line to help you sink more putts.

The designers have placed two weights along the bottom of the head to help stabilize the face and anchor your stroke with more precision and balance. The weights are interchangeable, allowing total control over the putter’s feel.

Yes, the putter comes with a high price tag, but that cost is backed up by performance. During our testing, we didn’t find another putter that matched the quality of the Newport 2 in terms of roll, accuracy, and distance control.

If you have experience playing golf, then you know the level of improvement good golf clubs can bring to your game.

After our time with the Newport 2, we believe that this exceptionally made putter can help reduce the number of putts per round dramatically.


How We Tested the Golf Clubs

When we first begin testing each section of golf clubs on this list, we realize we are looking for golf clubs that will improve the game of mid-handicappers.

Since most mid-handicappers hope to jump to the single-digit handicap level, these golf clubs have to provide an immediate benefit to fill a specific need, such as a wedge that produces more spin or a straighter and more forgiving driver.

With each group of clubs, we spent considerable time hitting golf balls, using a launch monitor to track and accumulate the necessary data.

Since each golf club category: drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and putters, needs specific testing, we look for critical data points such as total distance, spin rate, carry distance ,and launch angle.

After spending time indoors, we move outdoors to hit the range and the golf course.

Throughout our testing, we used the same golf ball consistently to normalize our readings and ensure the data were relatively close for comparison.

After testing, we categorize by category, poring over data and our evaluations to identify the top three pieces of golf gear that can help intermediate golfers improve their game.

We then classify each club by how it will help the golfer in areas such as distance, forgiveness, and accuracy.


How to Choose Golf Clubs for Intermediates

Benefit to Your Golf Game

The biggest mistake intermediate golfers make when buying new golf clubs is purchasing them out of impulse, thinking that a new club will automatically make them better.

In reality, a new club doesn’t always translate to better performance.

When researching the upgrade to a new golf club, take the time to assess your current equipment and identify areas where you need improvement in your golf game.

For example, let’s say you are struggling with your wedge play. Perhaps most of the wedges in your golf bag came from the clearance rack at your local big box store.

In that instance, you are probably having trouble generating spin.

A new wedge from the top manufacturers would greatly increase ball spin while improving forgiveness around the green. Simply put, the latest golf clubs would help you score better.

Quality of Golf Club

Budgetary restraints are common when buying new golf clubs for intermediate players. Usually, casual players put together their golf club set by purchasing piece by piece.

Regardless of how you start, as long as you plan to buy the best quality golf clubs you can find to fit your budget, you should have a nice, capable set at the end of the day.

Complete sets, while offering convenience, typically don’t approach the heights that many golfers can reach when putting together a set section by section.

For most students of the game, waiting to find the right driver, for example, works best because the fundamentals are still growing and by delaying the purchase, they maximize the benefit the driver can do for their distance and accuracy.

Distance and Accuracy are the Most Important

When purchasing a club, especially for drivers, fairway woods, and iron sets, distance and accuracy are the two most important factors for intermediate players.

The best golf club for your game often helps minimize your most significant flaws in these two categories.

For the intermediate player who typically slices the ball with the driver, finding a club with adjustable features to correct the side spin can significantly improve the quality of the shotmaking.

The same holds true with iron sets as golfers who lack accuracy when hitting approach shots will find a new iron set, particularly with the long irons, delivers exceptional control when landing on the greens.

Better accuracy typically means more distance because you are hitting the ball straighter with more speed.


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best intermediate golf clubs?

The Ping i530 irons represent the best of intermediate golf clubs, offering blade-style aesthetics with hidden hollow body construction. 

These irons feature forged maraging steel faces welded to stainless steel bodies, delivering exceptional ball speed and forgiveness.

The progressive groove system optimizes spin control throughout the set, while the compact profile appeals to improving players. 

With their clean lines and advanced technology, the i530s provide the perfect balance of performance and visual appeal that intermediate golfers need to lower their scores.

What is considered an intermediate golfer?

An intermediate golfer typically maintains a handicap between 10 and 20 and has moved beyond basic fundamentals to develop a more consistent swing. 

These players understand golf course management and strategy, can occasionally shape shots, and have reliable short games around 100 yards and in.

Intermediate golfers strike the ball reasonably well but still benefit from forgiving equipment. 

They’re transitioning from game-improvement clubs to more sophisticated offerings, seeking the perfect balance between forgiveness and workability as they continue improving their skills.

What are the best golf clubs for an average golfer?

Average golfers benefit most from clubs that maximize forgiveness while providing distance and consistency. 

Game-improvement irons with cavity backs, high-MOI drivers with adjustable features, and forgiving fairway woods work best.

Hybrids should replace long irons for easier launch, while wedges need sufficient bounce for various conditions. Putters with alignment aids and higher MOI help with consistency. 

The key is choosing clubs that minimize the penalty for off-center strikes while still providing the performance needed to enjoy the game and gradually improve scores.

What are the best golf clubs for a 15 handicap?

A 15 handicap golfer needs clubs that bridge game-improvement and players’ club categories. 

The TaylorMade P790 irons, with their hollow body construction and forgiving faces, work very well paired with a high-MOI driver like the Titleist GT3 for distance and accuracy. 

Srixon ZXi fairway woods provide versatility from various lies, while the TaylorMade Qi35 hybrids replace long irons with an easier-to-hit design.

Forgiving wedges with multiple bounce options and a high-MOI putter complete the ideal setup for consistent improvement and scoring.