Best Intermediate Golf Clubs (Our Top Picks for 2023)

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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

Review

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

As soon as I picked it up, I 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 my worst swings, I 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 my full Callaway Paradym Driver Review

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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

Review

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, our testers 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 players, the TaylorMade Stealth offers the complete package for improving your golf game off the tee box.

Here’s my in-depth TaylorMade Stealth Driver Review

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Specifications

• Loft: 8°-11°
• Lie: 58.5°
• Length: 45.75″
• Head Volume: 460 cc
• Swing Weight: D3/D4/D5

Pros

• Offers across-the-board precision and control
• Marvelous ball speed with extended carry distance
• Large, inviting sweet spot keeps the ball in the fairway

Cons

• High price point due to technology

Titleist’s latest driver, the TSR2, is specifically built for intermediate golfers looking to increase forgiveness without losing a yard of distance on their drives. Under those two guidelines, our testers wholly endorsed the new TSR2 for its impressive results.

Not only has Titleist improved the aerodynamics of the TSR2 to increase swing speed, but the company also constructed an entirely new face to increase forgiveness across the entire hitting surface.

During our testing, we loved the improvement that the TSR2 showed over Titleist’s older model line, the TSi series.

Not only is the TSR2 more accommodating on mis-hits, but the distance gaps between the two Titleist driver models make the TSR series more attractive to the intermediate golfer.

When it comes to appearance, the slim look of the TSR2 provides confidence at address. Our testers felt this driver brought muscle with class when playing off the tee boxes.

The redesigned driver, a total winner in our book, helps you maintain ball speed, keep the ball straight toward your target line, and amps up the clubhead speed for maximum distance.

Check our in-depth Titleist TSR2 Driver Review

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Specifications

• Loft: 9.5°, 10.5°, 12°
• Lie: 58.5°
• Length: 45.75″
• Head Volume: 460 cc
• Swing Weight: D3

Pros

• High MOI with exceptional accuracy
• Internal ribbing provides a premium feel
• Adjustable hosel and weighting offer complete control

Cons

• Ping’s unique appearance can turn away some golfers

Review

Ping’s G425 Max Driver offers exceptional ball speed and total control on the tee box for intermediate golfers. Along with a great feel and damped vibration, nothing feels better than hitting a golf ball on its sweet spot.

While Ping has been making high-quality clubs for many decades, their latest innovations show that the company is still pushing the envelope to improve the intermediate golfer.

During our time with the G425 Max Driver, our testers noted that it delivered consistent ball speed for optimal carry distance on swing after swing.

It produces a smooth approach into the golf ball without losing an MPH of speed, helping you reach maximum swing speed before impact.

The resulting shots are high, long, and forgiving with reduced side spin for optimized accuracy.

If you are struggling with a slice, not only is the G425 Max Driver incredibly fun to play, but with the flip of the rear weight to the draw bias setting, you can create the ideal shot shape for your drive that reaches more fairways with a tighter shot dispersion.

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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

Review

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 their golf club sets.

TaylorMade has thrown out the Speed Bridge Technology of their 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. Our testers 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 the top choice among our testers for top intermediate irons, the TaylorMade Stealth complete set of irons produces the distance and accuracy your game needs to reach that next level.

Check my in-depth TaylorMade Stealth Irons review

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Specifications (4-PW)

• Loft: 18°-41°
• Lie: 60.5°-64°
• Length: 35.75″-38.875″
• Weight: D2

Pros

• Low, deep CG that launches the ball high
• Impressive distance that adds length to the mid-range game
• Outstanding feel, even on off-center strikes

Cons

• Clean, plain appearance might not be as flashy for some players

Review

Callaway’s latest update to their Mavrik iron series offers golfers a considerable improvement over previous models.

All of the bells and whistles found in last year’s complete golf set are here in the 2022 version, but the new set provides a few surprises that open the eyes of our testers.

With this club set, Callaway boosted the launch with their tungsten core behind the face. During our time with this club set, we experienced extended carry that added length to each shot.

While the distance gaps aren’t considerable from year to year with the Mavrik set, the newest version definitely played the longest when comparing and contrasting to last year’s edition.

Specifications (4-PW)

• Loft: 20.5°-44.5°
• Lie Angle: 60.5°-64°
• Shaft Length: 35.5”-38.875”
• Weight: D0, D2

Pros

• Well balanced, outstanding forgiveness
• Robust iron set, an impressive distance
• Excellent spin rates for shot-stopping power

Cons

• Funky appearance but is a dynamic performer

Review

Ping’s exciting G425 iron set allows intermediate players to hit straighter shots with more velocity. The hydropearl finish also pops on this golf club set, making it one of the sharpest sets you can have in your stand bag on the golf course.

When it comes to practical play, the G425 collection offers a nice medley of sophisticated design and raw power. We love the Ping club because of its craftsmanship, something on full display with the G425 irons.

Our testers loved the flexibility of these irons, as they provide workability rarely seen with golf club sets for intermediate golfers.

If you are looking for a dynamic intermediate golf club set, the Ping G425 irons have you covered, boasting shotmaking that produces more distance and forgiveness on every swing.

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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

Review

Cobra’s new 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. 

I tested the 15° 3-wood and was blown away by the ball speed and distance I 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 new Aerojet line deserves your consideration.

Check my full Cobra Aerojet Fairway Review

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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

Review

Out of the many intermediate golf clubs we evaluated, our testers 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 our testers had to make, they universally loved the production of the TSR2 Fairway.

Check my hands-on Titleist TSR Fairway Woods review

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Specifications

• Loft: 15-24°
• Shaft Length: 41.25”-43.25”
• Lie Angle: 58°-60.5°
• Swing Weight: D3

Pros

• Incredible feel and sound on pure strikes
• Far-reaching distance with high forgiveness
• Low profile gets under the ball for extended carry

Cons

• Lacks adjustable hosel

Review

Shaped like a supersonic jet, the TaylorMade Stealth Fairway Wood is good enough to replace the driver for most intermediate golfers.

Delivering a host of impressive benefits, including more distance, tight accuracy, and top-tier forgiveness, the Stealth Fairway is in the business of getting the ball into the air and down toward your target.

Everything you’ll find on the Stealth driver, you’ll find here with the fairway wood. Twist Face, V-Steel Sole, and the high-grade Carbon crown offer marvelous turf interaction and the ability to redirect off-center contact.

Although it would be great to see some adjustability with the Stealth Fairway, it remains challenging to find much to fault with this great golf club.

Check my in-depth TaylorMade Stealth Fairwaywood review

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Specifications

• Loft: 15-24°
• Shaft Length: 41.25”-43.25”
• Lie Angle: 56°-59°
• Swing Weight: D3, D4, D5

Pros

• Powerful fairway wood produces long distance
• Sturdy, balanced club head offers high MOI
• Compact shape increases swing speed

Cons

• Does have a clunky appearance

Review

Callaway’s latest golf club series, the Rogue ST Max, also includes a very capable hybrid that offers stable power to the ball. Featuring a compact head, the Rogue ST does have one of the lowest profiles our testers have ever seen in a fairway wood.

That low profile makes getting under the ball incredibly easy for intermediate golfers. Along with the higher launch provided by the long hitting area, our testers noted long distance and exceptional forgiveness when strikes leaked toward the toe.

While our testers weren’t a fan of the Rogue ST Max’s clunky color scheme and sole design, they had trouble finding anything else that bothered them about this exceptional fairway wood.

Here’s my in-depth Callaway Rogue ST Max Fairway Wood review

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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

Review

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, I was drawn to the oversized, confidence-inspiring shape with a large footprint that keeps the club stable through impact.

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

I hit high, towering shots that stopped quickly on the green, even when I 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.

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Specifications

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

Pros

• Lightweight crown offers more swing speed
• Smooth turf interaction, doesn’t snag in the grass
• Great off the tee, terrific accuracy

Cons

• No adjustable features

Review

Another winner from TaylorMade, the Stealth hybrid wins our award for the top hybrid for intermediate golfers.

This golf club offers the same power and versatility that you’ll find with any of the Stealth clubs, although this hybrid works exceptionally well as a bridge to close the distance gaps between your irons and fairway woods.

The Stealth is highlighted with a lightweight carbon crown that generates a ton of swing speed, helping you crush the golf ball with minimal side spin.

Very forgiving, the Stealth also ranked very high with our testers when it came time to maintain ball speed on off-center strikes.

Easily one of the best golf clubs on the market for the mid-range game, the Stealth hybrid offers a pleasing sound and all-around performance.

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

Review

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, our players noted that this is one of the best golf clubs 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.

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Specifications

• Loft: 18°-23°
• Shaft Length: 39.5”-40.5”
• Lie Angle: 58°-59°
• Swing Weight: D2

Pros

• Outstanding production for cost
• Marvelous feel from sweet spot impact
• Smaller head offers more workability

Cons

• Rather plain in design and appearance

Review

Callaway’s latest Mavrik hybrid offers a host of benefits for intermediate golfers on a budget. The hybrid produces distance, accuracy, and easy launch that’s great for amateurs needing help from the fairway.

Even off the tee, the Mavrik hybrid excels, offering that mid-range distance that bridges the gap between your mid-irons and fairway woods. Of course, our testers loved the Jailbreak bars behind the sweet spot, increasing strength and enhancing feel.

While we were certainly impressed with this Callaway hybrid, we do have to admit that the design and appearance are rather plain when compared to the modern look of the Stealth and G425.

That said, if you want to add a reliable hybrid to your bag, you’ll find the Mavrik delivers a very solid performance.

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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

Review

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, the latest 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.

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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

Review

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, as well as 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 my in-depth Callaway JAWS MD5 Wedge review

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Specifications

• Loft: 46°-60°
• Lie: 64°
• Shaft Length: 35”-35.5”
• Swing Weight: D2, D3, D4

Pros

• Silky smooth from the rough
• Wide sole prevents chunking
• Great in the sand, effortlessly lifts the ball

Cons

• Large wedge offers less workability

Review

No list of the best wedges for intermediate golfers would be complete without the inclusion of the Cleveland CBX2 Black Satin Wedge.

Not only does the appearance of this CBX2 wedge sparkle in the stand bag or while playing, but the performance definitely lowers your scores.

The wedge offers a wide sole that helps intermediate players easily lift the ball from problem areas on the golf course, especially when using the sand wedge in this collection.

It delivers impressive distance from the fairway too if you need to reach the green from outside 100 yards.

Allowing you to save more pars from the worst trouble around the green, the CBX2 might not offer the flexibility of a Vokey wedge, but the consistency and reliability provided by this club cannot be denied.

Here’s my in-depth Cleveland CBX2 Wedge review

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

Review

The new PING Mundy mallet putter caught my eye as soon as I saw it, thanks to the unique angular design that frames the ball nicely at address. As someone who struggles with consistency on the greens, I was 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 I appreciated when I missed the sweet spot.

The white sightline contrasts well with the matte black finish to make alignment intuitive and accurate. I found my distance control improved as I grew accustomed to the clean top line and the softness provided by the compact insert.

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

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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

Review

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.

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Specifications

• Loft: 3°
• Lie: 70°
• Shaft Length: 33”-35”
• Offset: 3/4l shaft

Pros

• High MOI for reduced twisting
• White Hot insert delivers smooth, reliable contact
• Best for straight-back, straight-through putting stroke

Cons

• Larger mallet club head isn’t for everyone

Review

Odyssey’s popular White Hot series of putters offers intermediate golfers another winner with their mallet-style flatstick, the Rossie S. This classic putter combines balance and power, outstanding for dialing in those long distance lag putts that help you save par.

Along the face, Odyssey has included their patented White Hot insert of the Rossie S. The insert minimizes vibration, increases feel, and delivers reliable putting speed that helps you consistently find the cup from within 15 feet.

Another thing our testers noted during their time with the Rossie S is how beautiful the putter is in your golf bag. Odyssey has milled the surface to increase the feel and create one of the best-looking putters on the market.

Easily one of the most enjoyable mallet putters we’ve played with in recent memory, the Odyssey White Hot Rossie S delivers the performance to help reduce the dreaded three-putt.