Pros
- Clubs made by some of the best and biggest names in golf
- A full set with two hybrids makes these one of the most versatile in the bunch
- Technology designed to add distance and improve forgiveness no matter the lie
- Comes with an Odyssey mallet putter
Cons
- Is equally as expensive as many top-of-the-line sets
When it comes to the game of golf, not many brands can boast expertise in every single category. One that can though is Callaway. The brand behind elite golf balls, top-tier putters, golf bags, pro-worthy irons and drivers, Callaway is no slouch when it comes to making high-quality gear for beginners.
The 2026 XR lineup comes in a 13-piece set, which includes a mallet putter made by Odyssey and its DFX V-line Fang shape, which offers higher stability and more aggressive alignment aids—two elements you’re rarely going to find in an entry-level putter. The irons are classics, based on decades of stellar game-improvement technology, while the hybrids, 3 wood, and driver are modeled after one of golf’s most exciting new weapons of the past couple of years, the Paradym. T his year you also get an approach wedge. Add on the fact of its high-MOI V-Line putter and you get a set that dominates the short game. This set will set you back more than most, but don’t be surprised if you tote these clubs along with you for the next ten years.
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| Total Number of Clubs | 12 |
| Clubs Included | Driver, 3 Wood, 4 Hybrid, 5 Hybrid, 6i, 7i, 8i, 9i, PW, AW, SW, Putter |
| Golf Bag Included? | Yes |
Pros
- Under $500
- Comes with comfortable bag
- Durable clubs that will hold up over time
- Irons stand out in performance when you consider the price you pay
Cons
- Will likely want to upgrade the driver and putter as you play more
Though technically a slightly older legacy bundle, this platinum set features two premium features we love. The first are the irons. They’re well-built and just what you want out of a beginner iron, making them a solid set to build the base of your arsenal for years to come. Considered a game improvement set, they have a thinner top line and are more refined. The second is the golf bag: It’s highly comfortable thanks to the dual carrying strap and lightweight design, and comes with ample pocket space.
Wilson is a brand with immense golf pedigree—no player worth their salt will scoff at the brand’s gear, whether you’re shooting even par or twenty-over. The set is immensely affordable, so while it will probably long outlast your golf career, it won’t make you feel bad about upgrading once you start to improve.
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| Total Number of Clubs | 10 |
| Clubs Included | Driver, 5 Wood, 5 Hybrid, 6i, 7i, 8i, 9i, PW, SW, Putter |
| Golf Bag Included? | Yes |
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Pros
- An ultra-affordable price point
- Comes with all the clubs you need to get from tee to green
- Available left handed, right handed or right handed tall (+1”)
Cons
- An avid player will outgrow this set quickly
- Won’t last as long as a set with higher quality construction
For someone just getting into the game or hitting the range for the very first time, this set is great to start with. With every club you’ll need to get from the tee box to the green (and probably everywhere in between), this set won’t leave you without an option, no matter how wayward your shots get.
The set has a solid 4.3 out of 5 star rating on Amazon, with reviewers lauding the set’s value and high level of forgiveness. Odds are high you’ll want to upgrade sooner than later, but if you or someone you know likes to pick up new hobbies, this set will help decide if golf is a lifelong commitment or just a phase.
| Total Number of Clubs | 10 |
| Clubs Included | Driver, 3 Wood, Hybrid, 5i, 6i, 7i, 8i, 9i, PW, Putter |
| Golf Bag Included? | Yes |
Pros
- High quality set you won’t grow out of too quickly
- Modeled after sets used by real-world PGA pros
- Appealing club and bag design
Cons
- Requires significant investment
- Doesn’t include a 5-wood
While one of the most expensive of the bunch, this TaylorMade set is certifiably legit. We’re talking about a beast of a driver which features an adjustable driver, allowing you to change the loft and face angle as your swing evolves (something you hardly ever find on a complete set driver), a beautiful set of high-performance irons, and a stylish golf bag that will protect your investment with reassurance.
This is a set for those who are getting serious and playing several times per week. The barrier to entry is higher than the rest of the options on our list, but when you consider the pedigree of a brand like TaylorMade, you’ll find that the long lifespan of the clubs and golf bag make it a set you can grow into and not have to replace for years.
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| Total Number of Clubs | 10 |
| Clubs Included | Driver, 3 Wood, 4 Hybrid, 6i, 7i, 8i, 9i, PW, SW, Putter |
| Golf Bag Included? | Yes |
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Pros
- Available for left and right hand
- Solid price point when you consider total value
- Irons come with steel or graphite shafts
- Sleek, modern style that won a Red Dot Award in 2022
Cons
- The included bag could be sturdier
Picking up on the game quicker than you thought? You can skip the early stages and go for a complete set that allows you to learn how to optimize your shot-making skills. The Stix Perform Set is a complete 12-club set that will provide you with all the tools you need, all for under $1,000.
The Perform Set is the brand’s first set with the option for irons with a steel shaft, a boon for mid-high handicap players whose higher swing speeds may be a bit too much for the extra flex of graphite. Clubs that benefit from the flex (the driver, 3 wood, and 4 hybrid) still come standard with graphite, but having the choice when selecting irons is going to greatly increase the amount of time you’ll stick with your Stix.
In my testing, I took the Stix out for a couple dozen rounds, walking and riding in a cart. The set is very manageable size-wise. The bag is light enough for comfortable wear but big enough to stay secure when strapped to the back of a golf cart. They’re some of the most forgiving clubs I’ve played and are well-built, resulting in improved distance and fewer mishits. My favorite club was the 4 iron hybrid—I’ve never hit a hybrid so well.
| Total Number of Clubs | 12 |
| Clubs Included | Driver, 3 Wood, 4 Hybrid, 6i, 7i, 8i, 9i, PW, 52° Wedge, 56° Wedge, 60° Wedge, Putter |
| Golf Bag Included? | Yes |
Pros
- High quality cart bag is spacious and durable
- Multiple hybrids improve distance and versatility in the mid-range game
- Cobra is one of the top names in golf equipment
Cons
- Bag is not made for walking
- Still on the pricey side.
Another set from one of the most prestigious equipment brands in golf, the Cobra Fly XL set is the ideal set for someone who knows they’re going to be consistently hitting the golf course in a golf cart. The cart bag is big, sturdy, and spacious, while the wide range of clubs gives you options in every part of the course.
The Cobra brand is well-recognized, and these striking clubs will fit in with any other sets on the course, ensuring that your skills do the talking, not your equipment. If your skills are lacking, that’s okay, too, because each club in this set is super forgiving thanks to excellent weight distribution and optimized shape, from the driver right down through the putter.
| Total Number of Clubs | 11 |
| Clubs Included | Driver, 3 Wood, 4 Hybrid, 5 Hybrid, 6i, 7i, 8i, 9i, PW, SW, Putter |
| Golf Bag Included? | Yes |
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Pros
- High-loft 16-degree driver
- Premium polymer-filled irons
- Hellcat ZT putter is gorgeous
Cons
- Most expensive set in our guide
- Some may not like the driver’s loft
- Only 9-club set
When you’re looking for a little more performance but still trying to stay affordable, PXG is a brand to look to. This Wildcat Bundle is an extremely versatile setup, which utilizes premium materials and the same tech found in the brand’s standalone clubs, all tuned for maximum forgiveness and easy launch—must-haves for beginners.
While it is a hefty investment, they’re the one-and-done purchase type, meaning that you won’t outgrow them anytime soon, and will last for years to come. These clubs are meant to bridge the gap from big box store generic clubs and a custom-fitted pro set, while providing a fairway friendly driver and the brand’s polymer cores for a softer feel and more distance. While it’s only a 9-club set, it has all the essentials you’ll need to make it up and down on any course.
| Total Number of Clubs | 9 |
| Clubs Included | Driver, 5 Wood, 6 Hybrid, 7i, 8i, 9i, PW, SW, Putter |
| Golf Bag Included? | Yes |
Jeff Turbett is a fitness and wellness writer who’s based in Miami, FL. His work has been featured in The Manual and FightCamp.
Will Porter is an LA-based freelance writer covering golf, tech, and travel. In addition to Men’s Health, his work has been published in GQ, Gear Patrol, The Strategist, and others. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him running the trails at Griffith Park or trying to catch every new movie in IMAX at the local movie theater.
Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear and tech. Baseball, surfing, and camping occupied most of his time growing up. He also trained in martial arts for 12 years and holds a third degree black belt. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He is also a Certified Beer Server and previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.
