Best Intermediate Golf Clubs (Our Top Picks for 2024)

Your golf experts: Jordan Fuller & John Marshall.
Updated June 22, 2024. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.

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 clubs perfect for taking your game to the next level.

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Products tested

Best Intermediate Golf Clubs 2024

Best Golf Drivers

Callaway Paradym Driver

Most Accurate Golf Driver

Callaway Golf 2023 Paradym Driver (Left Hand, Hzrdus Black 60G Shaft, Stiff Flex, 9 Degrees Loft)
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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

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
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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

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


Titleist TSR2 Driver

Most Forgiving Golf Driver

Titleist TSR2 Driver 10 Tensei Blue 55 Regular
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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

The Titleist TSR2 Driver is specifically built for intermediate golfers looking to increase forgiveness without losing a yard of distance on our drives.

Under those two guidelines, we wholly endorsed the 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. We 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


Ping G425 Max Driver

Best Value Golf Driver

PING Golf G425 Max 9° Driver Alta CB 55 Slate Regular
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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

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, our innovations show that the company is still pushing the envelope to improve the intermediate golfer.

During our time with the G425 Max Driver, we 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.


Best Golf Irons

TaylorMade Stealth Irons

Best Overall Intermediate Irons

TaylorMade Stealth Iron Set Mens Lefthanded
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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

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


Callaway Mavrik Irons

Best Distance Iron Set

Callaway Golf Mavrik 22 Iron Set
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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

Callaway’s 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 our eyes.

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 between the Mavrik sets aren’t considerable from year to year, the newer version definitely played the longest when compared to last year’s edition.


Ping G425 Irons

Most Forgiving Golf Iron Set

Ping G425 Irons

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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

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.

We 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.


Best Fairway Woods

Cobra Aerojet Fairway Wood

Most Accurate Fairway Wood

Aerojet Fairway
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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

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
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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

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


TaylorMade Stealth Fairway Wood

Best Distance Fairway Wood

Taylormade Stealth Steel Fairway #3 Righthanded
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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

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 our in-depth TaylorMade Stealth Fairwaywood review


Callaway Rogue ST Max Fairway Wood

Most Forgiving Fairway Wood

Callaway Golf 2022 Rogue ST Max Fairway Wood (Left Hand, Cypher 50G Shaft, Light Flex, 3 Wood)
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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

The Callaway Rogue ST Max 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 we 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, we noted long distance and exceptional forgiveness when strikes leaked toward the toe.

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

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


Best Hybrid Golf Clubs

Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Hybrid

Most Accurate Hybrid

CG LauncherXLHalo Hyb3 18 R RH
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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

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.


TaylorMade Stealth Rescue

Best Overall Hybrid Golf Club

TaylorMade Stealth Rescue Lefthanded
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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

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 us 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.


Ping G425 Hybrid

Most Forgiving Hybrid

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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 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.


Callaway Mavrik Hybrid

Best Value Hybrid

Callaway WD LH MAVRIK 22 HY 3H GR REG
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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

The Callaway 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, we 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.


Best Golf Wedges

Titleist Vokey SM9 Tour Chrome Wedge

Best Overall Golf Wedge

Titleist Vokey Design SM9 Tour Chrome Wedge 60.08M
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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

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
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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

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 our in-depth Callaway JAWS MD5 Wedge review


Cleveland CBX2 Black Satin Wedge

Best Value Golf Wedge

Cleveland CBX2 BKS 56 ST LH
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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

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 our in-depth Cleveland CBX2 Wedge review


Best Golf Putters

Ping 2023 Mundy Putter

Most Accurate Putter

Ping 2023 Mundy Putter

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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
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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

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.


Odyssey White Hot Rossie S Putter

Best Mallet Putter

Odyssey Men's Right Putter White Hot Og Rossie Short Slant (Mallet Type, 33 Inches, Stroke LAB Shaft)
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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

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 we noted during our 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.


How We Tested the Golf Clubs

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

Since most mid-handicappers hope to jump to the single-digit handicap level, these 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 with the help of a launch monitor to track and accumulate necessary data.

Since each golf club category—drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and putters—needs specific testing, we look for important 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 course. In all our testing, we used the same golf ball throughout our data collection period to normalize our readings and ensure the data was relatively close for comparison.

After testing, we go category by category, poring over data and our evaluations to find the best three pieces of golf gear to help intermediate golfers improve their game.

We then classify each club by how they 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 out of impulse, thinking that a new club will make them automatically better. In reality, a new club doesn’t always translate to better performance.

When doing your research on upgrading to a new golf club, take the time to look at what you currently play and where your deficiencies are 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 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 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

With any club purchase, especially when looking at 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 greatest flaws in these two categories.

For the intermediate player that 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 that 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes the best golf clubs for an average golfer?

When it comes to who produces the best golf clubs for average golfers, the winner is TaylorMade. With this level of golfer, the clubs need to enhance the game through distance, accuracy, and quality.

Across the board, TaylorMade has produced some of the best golf clubs for improvement, most notably with their Stealth line of woods and irons.

What are the most forgiving clubs in golf?

When it comes to forgiveness, Ping clubs routinely outshine their competition.

Intermediate golfers need clubs that help redirect their off-center strikes, and Ping’s long history of creating clubs that minimize side spin for better accuracy put them on top of the list.


Conclusion

Our collection of the best intermediate golf clubs delivers several outstanding selections that can vastly improve your game by boosting distance, control, and accuracy.

Callaway’s delightful Paradym driver delivers exceptional distance and accuracy, a lethal combination to help you attack the fairways.

And once you find yourself in the short grass, TaylorMade’s Stealth irons and Rescue hybrid are outstanding intermediate golf clubs that provide launch, forgiveness, and spin for stopping those entry shots cold on the greens.

Around the greens, we highly recommend Titleist’s Vokey SM9 Tour Chrome wedges. They offer spin and dynamic control to reduce your number of strokes around the putting surface.

Finally, once it’s time to put the ball in the hole, Scotty Cameron’s immaculately crafted Special Select Newport 2 provides the best all-around experience for a putter on the market today.

These clubs can dramatically improve your game, making them worth your consideration if you want to shave strokes from your handicap.

Are you aiming to be a pro? Check our guide on How to Become a Professional Golfer.

Must read: How to Choose Golf Clubs