Best Golf Club Sets for Beginners 2023

It’s an important step to choose the best golf club sets for beginners. Because they have to be designed a certain way!

Believe me, you’ll have plenty of time for using the latest, most advanced golf gear. And when you do, that is when you have really honed your golfing skills, techniques, and experience, the same brands that are now offering slow-swing-speed-friendly golf clubs will present to you Tour-grade alternatives as well.

But for now, let me guide you through the process of purchasing just the golf club set your ‘starter’ style of play deserves.

Callaway Golf Men's Strata Complete Set
Top Pick
Callaway Golf Men’s Strata Complete Set
9.8

Aerodynamic head shaping and a higher loft – this combo really works for beginners by providing an easy-to-hit experience.

TaylorMade RBZ Speedlite Complete Set
Best Premium Choice
TaylorMade RBZ Speedlite Complete Set
9.6

The set encapsulates some of the longest hitting clubs to upgrade tee box performance and stabilize the swing.

WILSON Men's Complete Golf Club Package Sets
Best Budget
WILSON Men’s Complete Golf Club Package Sets
9.6

The never-undervalued large sweet spot with aerodynamic head makes sure beginners, even when they mis-hit, max out distance potential.

Callaway Women's Strata Complete Golf Set
Best for Women’s Beginner
Callaway Women’s Strata Complete Golf Set
9.6

Callaway STRATA in Ladies-flex, thus easy-to-hit, lightweight golf clubs for control as much as distance and forgiveness.

Cobra Golf XL Speed Complete Set
Best for Seniors
Cobra Golf XL Speed Complete Set
9.5

How about lightweight golf clubs even with large, forgiving heads on driver, woods, and irons perfect for the regular beginner?

Wilson Golf Profile SGI Women's Complete Golf Set
Wilson Golf Profile SGI Women’s Complete Golf Set
9.5

Wilson’s masterful game improvement technology is added for adding overall forgiveness and producing better launching tendencies.

Precise M5 Men's Complete Golf Set
Precise M5 Men’s Complete Golf Set
9.5

Great, unbeatable quality for the price you pay, Precise M5 is all about distance and forgiveness that learners demand the most.

Precise M3 Men's Complete Golf Clubs Package Set
Precise M3 Men’s Complete Golf Clubs Package Set
9.5

Precise M3 is the epitome of performance and value along with long, straight distances that beginners and high handicappers genuinely appreciate.

MacGregor Premium Golf Clubs Set
MacGregor Premium Golf Clubs Set
9.2

For the greatest energy transfer to the ball, this is the ultimate high-MOI golf club set suitable for beginner to intermediate golfers.

What Makes a Good Set of Golf Clubs for Beginners?

  • First and foremost, the set should have all the necessary golf clubs – driver, fairway woods, hybrid, irons (at least 6-iron to 9-iron) and a putter. This complete set should cover your entire game from the tee to the green.
  • Secondly, the golf clubs themselves ought to be light in weight as most beginners don’t have the power yet to generate higher clubhead speed. Heavier clubs are reserved for more advanced, fast-speed players.
  • Thirdly, it’s also better for beginner golfers to use oversized clubheads with a massive sweet spot. This ensures more ‘mis-hit’ forgiveness. That means even if you miss the center of the clubface, which is something most beginners do, your shot will still travel straight and long.
  • Fourthly, irons with perimeter weighting or a cavity-back design create the much-needed extra stability and offer explosive distances off the clubface.
  • Finally, it’s important that the grip size is perfect for your hands. Otherwise, your swing has to bear the brunt for it; it’s bound to become inconsistent and inaccurate.

All in all, these are the most important factors when looking for a golf club set for beginners. Golf clubs, the right, most fitting set of golf clubs provide tons of support and assistance during gameplay that new players absolutely need in order to hit straighter, longer, and more controlled shots.

Best Golf Clubs For Beginners & High Handicappers

1. Callaway Golf Men’s Strata Complete Set (Best Golf Club set For Beginner)

Callaway Golf Men's Strata Complete Set
Pros
  • Very large, very forgiving sweet spot on the woods
  • Perimeter-weighted irons/wedges valued for accuracy
  • Mallet putter improves long-putt stability
  • High-quality, lightweight stand bag with lots of pockets
Cons
  • Slightly heavy putter
  • Grips may feel a tad rough/firm
  • No sand wedge included

My driver, wood, irons, wedges, and also golf balls are ALL Callaway. Naturally, it’s because the brand has earned a prominent place in the golf industry. And that has been made possible through Callaway manufacturing both Tour-level and beginner-level equipment for golfers. For the latter, I know of no other set as affordable, forgiving, and even high-performing as Callaway Strata.

This 12-piece set includes a driver, 3-wood, 5-hybrid, 6-iron, 7-iron, 8-iron, 9-iron, pitching wedge, and a mallet putter. All of which are crafted to hit solid, successful shots even if your strike is off-center. And if you want more than just 12 pieces, then maybe go for Callaway Strata 16-piece or 18-piece sets (although these two options are higher priced).

The oversized 460cc head of the golf driver is known to bomb off the tee even with a not-so-perfect swing speed or off-center hit. The low profile of the fairway wood is also very useful in terms of its compensatory power (even this one’s aerodynamic clubhead shaping is forgiving, so your shots can fly high and long).

With one hybrid (5-hybrid), you don’t have to rely on long irons for hitting all varieties of shots more confidently. Just so you know, the large sole of the hybrid adds a more fairway-wood-like feel and appearance.

As for the irons, these are cavity-back for easier control. The perimeter weighting is such that it gets the golf ball to reach your target with all the accuracy and power you desire.

And then finally you have the pitching wedge, which can be used instead of the 9-iron for navigating the greens with more fruition.

Oh and the mallet putter you instantly know is built for precision with its accuracy-boosting alignment. A full swing with this putter and it still survives – now that’s the mark of a good putter and golf brand indeed. [Read full reviews here]

>> Click here to buy now

2. Precise M5 Men’s Complete Golf Clubs

Precise M5 Men's Complete Golf Clubs Package Set
Pros
  • +1 inch longer for taller golfers
  • 460cc driver best for slow swingers/beginners
  • Cavity-back irons hit the ball higher, straighter, longer
  • Very durable, very spacious stand bag
Cons
  • Mallet putter, hence a bit too heavy/bulky
  • Sadly, no sand wedge

If you’re only just learning to play golf, Precise M5 is another very practical choice. Plus, its +1” size certainly proves that standard golf clubs are not very well suited for players 6-feet or taller since you have to literally always hunch over when using them. Each and every club here is built to improve your strokes and, ultimately, your final score.

The golf club set includes an oversized 460cc titanium driver with a large sweet spot and fixed hosel. The former means your off-center shots still get to travel long and straight. As for the fixed hosel, the lack of adjustability here definitely makes things less complicated. Plus, a fixed hosel implies additional stability.

Moving on to the other woods, one is a 3-wood and then there’s also a 21-degree hybrid. The fairway wood gets you through tight fairways while the hybrid produces the easy, high lift needed for the golf ball to land softly.

Moving on to the cavity-back irons, the set includes 5-9 irons along with a pitching wedge. Cavity-back equals game improvement irons. The wide sole improves turf interaction and then the clubhead keeping low on chip/pitch shots gives you outstanding distance control and instant forward roll.

Just like the Callaway Strata set above, Precise M5 also has a mallet putter. This means the same pros and cons concerning the putter – too bulky and large but a wide clubface for generating a solid roll. Better performance and stability on longer putts for sure!

>> Click here to buy now

3. Wilson Men’s and Teen Complete Golf Set

Wilson Men's and Teen Complete Golf Set
Pros
  • Larger clubheads suitable for less skilled golfers
  • Steeper loft angles add more forgiveness on mis-hits
  • Precision-engineered cavity-back irons for straighter shots
  • Lightweight carry bag with self-activating stand
Cons
  • No sand wedge
  • Putter shaft too long
  • Not a very long-lasting golf bag

Now let’s allow Wilson to make its case. This complete golf set consists of a driver, 3-wood, 5-hybrid, 6-9 irons, pitching wedge, and putter. Along with a lightweight golf carry bag that is designed with adjustable, comfortable shoulder straps and a rugged top handle.

This bag also has an automatic stand in case you want to set it down safely without damaging your golf clubs or the bag.

The oversized clubhead size, 460cc, means a large enough sweet spot to take your drives longer and straighter, even when mis-hit. Then comes the aerodynamic design that also boosts clubhead speed and distance.

Straighter and longer shots are actually a very natural part of the experience of using these Wilson beginner-friendly golf clubs. Even the cavity-back irons, with their deep, undercut frame, are proof of that.

As for greenside performance, more importantly for greenside control, the scoring clubs included in the set get the job done just about in the best possible manner.  And I believe it’s all because of the low weighting of these golf clubs.

With low weighting, that means when the weight of the club has been reduced, you can use this low weighting itself to swing faster without having to actually “swing faster.”

The entire set is incredibly forgiving, which is precisely what makes it such a suitable option for both golfers getting back to playing and golfers just starting to play. The irons and woods are the best for distance, although the hybrid might take a while to get used to, and finally, the wedge has the perfect loft for gaining control over accuracy and consistency. [Read our full Review]

>> Click here to buy now

4. Callaway Strata Women’s Golf Packaged Set

STRATA Women's Golf Packaged Sets
Pros
  • Lightweight graphite shafts suitable for slow swingers
  • Easy-to-hit woods with large clubheads
  • Shot control maximized with stainless steel irons
  • Lightweight, sturdy stand bag with many compartments
Cons
  • Putter weight is slightly heavy
  • Irons are not the easiest to hit

The female version of the Callaway Strata reviewed at the beginning of this section – Callaway Strata Women’s Golf Packaged Set. It consists of 11 pieces – there’s the driver, 5-wood, 5-hybrid, 7-9 irons, sand wedge, and putter. But you certainly can get the 16-piece set also if you like to play with more hybrids and woods in your bag.

Obviously, headcovers and a stand bag are included. The whole set is crafted for maximizing performance from the tee to the green!

The forged driver is lightweight even with an oversized 460cc clubhead. All because of the titanium material construction of course! So this particular golf club is easy to hit plus it takes the golf ball FAR.

Even the fairway wood and hybrid are easier to hit. The former has aerodynamic clubhead shaping, so high-flying shots can go long too. And as for the hybrid, you can easily use this one instead of long irons, no matter what type of shot or lie you’re playing.

Forgiveness is a huge part of the stainless steel irons as well, despite the slightly heavier weight of these clubs. You can look forward to the same kind of flawless performance even from the mallet putter, although this too is slightly heavier. Nonetheless, the putter is built with good proportions, so it’s not at all difficult to swing for beginners.

>> Click here to buy now

5. Cobra Golf 2019 Men’s XL Speed Complete Golf Set

Cobra Golf 2019 Men's XL Speed Complete Golf Set
Pros
  • Very forgiving clubs with back/heel weighting
  • Cavity-back irons with wider bottom also excuse mis-hits
  • Attention-grabbing ‘metallic’ sound
  • Pitching and sand wedges keep short game accurate
Cons
  • No club number on hybrid, labeled only by degree
  • Headcovers included do not fit properly

If what’s happening is that you’re transitioning from beginner to intermediate, then too these Cobra XL Speed golf clubs are just the right level of forgiving for you. The complete set is game-changing in a lot of ways. For example, the oversized titanium driver features back/heel weighting to achieve your target distance even when you strike off-center.

And you know what, since the brand is Cobra, you also don’t have to be suspicious or unsure about the feel and quality of these starter, easy-to-hit golf clubs.

You know quality is the very essence of this product when even the golf bag that’s included, which is a premium cart bag by the way, is practically designed (14-way top, 7 zippered compartments, valuables pocket, large-sized insulated pocket, and more).

Moving on to the fairway woods, even these feature back/heel weighting to make your shots soar higher and longer, no matter the lie. And with two hybrids at your disposal, also back/heel weighted, you get to improve greenside stopping power.

Now it would be a huge disappointment if the irons did not have a cavity-back design. But that is clearly not the case with Cobra XL Speed irons. This cavity-back construction with perimeter weighting ensures that off-center shots also go longer and straighter.

Lastly, you get both pitching wedge and sand wedge. With PW, producing enough distance and spin becomes possible, along with exercising greater short game control. And SW is obviously the most reliable golf club when it comes to getting out of sand bunkers. It’s got that perfect loft and bounce to make your way out of difficult sand traps.

>> Click here to buy now

6. Wilson Golf Ladies Profile SGI Complete Set

Wilson Golf- Ladies Profile SGI Complete Set with Cart Bag
Pros
  • High-loft driver promotes a faster swing speed
  • Cavity-back irons with low CG boost shot accuracy
  • Improve greenside control with Easy Launch sand wedge
  • Anti-slip rubberized grips and lightweight cart bag
Cons
  • The bag has no stand

Until you can start breaking 100 on the golf course regularly, Wilson Ladies Profile SGI is just what you need. In my opinion, these golf clubs are equipped with technology that golfing pros used at one point. Even the quality has a very competitive edge. And why wouldn’t it when the brand is none other than Wilson!

Now let me tell you what you get – a high-lofted, oversized driver, fairway wood, hybrid, perimeter weighted 6-9 irons, easy-launch sand wedge, and pitching wedge of course. And super game improvement technology is a part of every golf club, so female beginner golfers can enhance their performance even with their slower swing speed.

The perimeter weighted, cavity-back composition of the irons pledge accuracy whereas the aggressive design overall focuses more on control and distance. In terms of distance, the high lofts with enhanced sweet spots are so perfectly slow-swing-speed-matched that worrying about long, high ball flight is not a concern for you, a beginner, at all.

>> Click here to buy now

7. Precise M3 Men’s Complete Golf Clubs Package Set

Precise M3 Men's Complete Golf Clubs Package Set
Pros
  • Easy-to-hit golf clubs with good grips
  • Max. forgiveness, straighter shots with perimeter weighting
  • High lofts and wide hitting surface built for distance
  • Petite-sized set with stand bag
Cons
  • Slightly heavy putter
  • Sand wedge isn’t included
  • Not the most durable

Precise M5 has been reviewed as the best golf club set for tall golfers while this one, the M3 set, is a fitting choice for petite players. That means if M5 was +1”, M3 is -1”. Precise M3 is also a complete set of beginner-friendly golf clubs that have advanced aerodynamics built right into them just to make them a whole lot more forgiving. Straighter shots are a given then!

Right from the driver all the way to the putter – all clubs are the easiest to hit even when you want longer carry distances and a straighter ball flight.

Starting from the woods, the first on the list is the oversized 460cc driver with a higher 10.5-degree loft. And then you have equally forgiving fairway wood and hybrid.

The wood certainly excels at carrying the ball higher because of its wide hitting surface and low profile. And then the hybrid, with its rounded sole and slim profile, glides very, very smoothly over grass for solid ball contact.

And it’s always such a relief, if you’re a beginner, to know that the irons are all cavity-backed. Because with that type of construction, the sweet spot is larger and you also get perimeter weighting. Translation – higher, straighter, longer iron shots. Even the feel of these irons is pleasantly surprising.

Oh and the mallet-style putter may be heavy and all but just when you witness how magically it improves stability on your longer putts, despite the extra weight, this particular problem ceases to be a problem.

>> Click here to buy now

8. TaylorMade RBZ Speedlite Complete Set

RBZ Speedlite Complete 13-Piece Set
Pros
  • High-MOI clubhead with Speed Pocket flexibility
  • Lightweight design with low CG for higher launch
  • Perimeter weighted irons add playability
  • Classic-shaped wedge improves greenside control/spin
  • Mallet putter with Pure Roll technology
  • Lightweight cart bag with 8 pockets
Cons
  • Slightly off-balance, heavy putter
  • Head-heavy bag design, not easy to carry

How can any beginner-friendly recommendation be complete without TaylorMade!

So here’s the most suitable golf club set for just about ANY beginner golfer – TaylorMade RBZ Speedlite. Agreed that it costs a HUGE sum of money, but then you should consider buying this particular set only if you have no budget constraints.

The 13-piece golf club set is inclusive of a driver, 3-wood, 5-wood, 4-hybrid, 5-hybrid, 6-9 irons, pitching wedge, sand wedge, and putter. Naturally, the driver features an oversized 460cc titanium clubhead with aerodynamic shaping. But what’s unique in the case of TaylorMade is that they have also added Speed Pocket into the mix.

With Speed Pocket, which combines with the low center of gravity placement, forgiveness receives a boost. And then the woods as well are designed to be highly forgiving on off-center shots.

Once the rescue clubs also earn the title of being the easiest to hit for beginners, you move on to the cavity-back irons with perimeter weighting. These too resist the twisting action on mis-hits. And more twist-resistance equals longer, straighter shots the most effortlessly.

Any traditional golf club set for beginners includes both pitching wedge as well as sand wedge. So, in that sense, TaylorMade RBZ Speedlite is a traditional set that improves your short game consistency, control, and overall performance.

>> Click here to buy now

9. MacGregor Golf DCT3000 Premium Mens Golf Clubs Set

MacGregor Golf DCT3000 Premium Mens Golf Clubs Set
Pros
  • Premium set of golf clubs with cart bag
  • Oversized driver clubhead forgives mis-hits each time
  • High MOI woods/hybrids – easy to hit
  • Cavity-back irons also have a large sweet spot
  • Putter also with high MOI for better roll
Cons
  • Only pitching wedge, no sand wedge
  • Slightly heavy weight on golf clubs

MacGregor, an American classic, golf clubs are a great choice for mid-range players. And these are premium quality clubs that feature some of the latest game improvement technology and advanced materials.

For example, its high MOI, high loft 460cc titanium driver is all about maximizing forgiveness on mis-hits.

Then another very impressive characteristic is found in the fairway wood – a combination of high MOI and shallow clubface. Both of these traits get the golf ball to launch higher and travel straighter, even when you can’t get to the sweet spot in terms of contact.

As for the “rescue” golf clubs, these hybrids (3-hybrid and 4-hybrid) can be played by any kind of beginner the most easily. After all, they do rescue one from using long irons that even better golfers find very challenging to hit.

And I’m sure you’ll appreciate the entire construction of the stainless steel irons too. I mean of course they’re perimeter weighted and cavity-backed for extreme forgiveness and explosive distance. But to achieve the same, even the clubhead size is larger.

The final piece of the puzzle, although making your way through this MacGregor golf club set is not puzzling in any way at all, is the putter. With its high MOI design, the putter as well brings to the table more stability and speed transfer.

>> Click here to buy now

How to Choose The Best Golf Clubs for Beginners

Choosing the right golf clubs for a beginner can be quite daunting. After all, there are so many different types of clubs, varying levels of technology, and features – it’s hard to know what’s best for you as a novice golfer. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you choose the best golf clubs for beginners:

  • Drivers – Beginners should aim for a driver with as large of a head size as possible, preferably 460cc or larger. A larger head size is good for increased forgiveness and accuracy on off-center hits. The shaft should also be lightweight, allowing the player to swing with more control. Adjust loft and lie angle if necessary.
  • Fairway Woods – Fairway woods should be chosen with the same criteria in mind as drivers. The head size should also be large enough to hit and feel confident with, although not as large as the driver. Adjust loft angle and lie angle if necessary, and a shallow face to increase launch angles.
  • Irons – Irons should have a deeper cavity-back design, an expanded sweet spot, a wider sole, and perimeter weighting, as well as a slightly higher offset. Graphite shafts are ideal for beginners due to their lightweight construction and increased durability. In addition, regular flex is usually suitable for beginners due to their slow swing speeds.
  • Wedges – Beginning golfers should prioritize selecting a versatile wedge with full-face grooves and cavity back design. These features offer lots of control over short shots, bunker shots, and chip shots around the green. If possible, select a 56° sand wedge or one of the top gap wedges to help get started on those all important early stages.
  • Hybrids – Hybrids are great for beginners because they’re easier to hit than long irons, and will also launch higher. Look for hybrids with low a center of gravity, deep soles, and adjustable weights to dial in the right launch conditions.
  • Putter – Putters can be tricky to choose as there are many designs available. Beginners should choose a mallet putter with alignment aids and increased forgiveness. The shaft should have a light flex to aid in control during the swing. 
  • Price – Expect to spend at least $2,000 when purchasing individual golf clubs. A beginner set of golf clubs is usually much less expensive and can range from as little as $300-$500 depending on how much you’re willing to spend. There’s no need to buy expensive or “premium” golf clubs as, chances are, a beginner will damage the club during practice.

FAQs About Beginner Golf Club Sets

Should I Go For A Complete Set Or Separate Clubs?

Buying a complete golf set is ideal for beginning golfers. This type of set usually includes all the clubs you need to start playing golf. However, if you’re looking to upgrade or add more clubs as your skills improve, then buying separate clubs might be a better option. It allows you to select individual clubs based on your needs and your budget.

How Many Clubs Should a Beginner Carry?

Again, based on my experience as a golf instructor for beginners, I recommend carrying no more than 10 clubs in your bag. Although the USGA allows you to carry up to 14 clubs, it’s still not wise to do so since having too many clubs can be overwhelming and confusing for you as a beginner golfer.

So start with 10 clubs – driver, 3-wood, hybrid, 7-iron, PW, SW and a putter. You can always add more clubs as you progress in your golf game. That way you’ll know when to do so without making any mistakes.

How Much Should You Spend on a Beginner Set of Golf Clubs?

The cost of beginner golf clubs varies greatly depending on the quality and brand you choose. Generally, you can find a good set of beginner golf clubs for anywhere between $300-$500.

Some sets may be even cheaper while some may go higher than that. It all depends on what kind of features you’re looking for in your set and what your budget is.

The Wrap-Up!

With best golf club sets for beginners for beginners not just me, if you ask any golfer worth his/her salt, they’ll tell you that only highly forgiving clubs can hit a good amount of distance with a straight ball flight when your swing is only mediocre. This means beginner golfers are right about encouraged to keep practicing only if they use these forgiving golf clubs. Otherwise, there’s just no adrenaline rush!

And many factors go into making these sets “beginner-friendly” – such as lightweight graphite shafts, oversized clubheads, larger sweet spots, perimeter weighting, higher lofts, and more.

Photo of author

Jim Furyk

One of the PGA TOUR’s most recognizable and talented golfers, Jim Furyk was born on May 12, 1970 in West Chester, Pennsylvania. It seems like Furyk was born to play golf; his father Mike as an assistant pro at Edgmont Country club, and young Jim was raised into the game. Jim Furyk’s only golf instruction came from his father; and many note that might account for his unusual—yet effective—swing. In addition to Edgmont Country Club, Mike Furyk also served as head pro at Uniontown Country Club.

Leave a Comment