Golf companies manufacture clubs for specific golfers. There are different types of golf club sets depending on your handicap level, and playing style.
As a golfer, your golf club set will be a companion on the course for a long time, so it pays to invest in a set of clubs that works for you.
In this article, we help you figure out the most important aspects of any good golf club sets, and give you a closer look at some of the most popular models currently on the market.
But before we get there, let's have a look at;
What You Need To Know About Golf Club Sets
What Exactly Is A Golf Club Set?
A golf club set is a golf bag including all the essential clubs you need to play a round of golf. They differ from individual golf clubs because all clubs are manufactured to complement each other. And when you are just starting or decide to step up your game, a golf club set can be one of the best investments you can make to enjoy your time on the course.
Why Do I Need All These Clubs?
A typical golf course is quite large, averaging 74 acres for a standard course and over 150 acres for tour courses. The course contains different terrain like hazards, greens, sand bunkers and more, which require you to overcome varying distances and challenges.
Are All Golf Club Sets The Same?
They may look similar, but golf club sets come with a variety of equipment including your clubs, accessories and a bag. You are only allowed to carry 14 clubs for an official round of golf so choosing which clubs to bring is very important.
Moreover, manufacturers design and construct clubs with specific player types in mind depending on their gender, height, handicap, skill level and club selection.
What Should I Consider When Buying A Complete Golf Club Set?
There are many factors you should think about when purchasing a golf club set, including
the clubs in your set
your handicap level
the accessories in your set
the investment value of your set
Why Should I Buy A Complete Set?
Buying a complete golf club set has many advantages to any golfer. You enjoy the economies of scale when you buy a complete set as opposed to individual clubs because a set is relatively cheaper compared to buying each club separately.
If you are a beginner, we recommend you start off with a complete set until you master your playing style. You are able to play, practice and master a particular set of clubs, which enables you to remain consistent and learn faster. With time, you figure out what you like or dislike about sets and particular clubs. As you upgrade, you will know what you prefer and what matches your playing style.
Pro golfers, however, do not need to have the same brand of clubs in their bags because of their level in the game. Many skilled golfers have mastered their playing styles and can play well with different types of clubs. This explains why tour players as Tiger Woods carry a TaylorMade M3 driver and a Scotty Cameron putter (source).
Buying a complete set also saves you money during maintenance. Manufacturers offer good warranties on their sets in case of breakage or damage. The maintenance costs of a set of similar clubs are relatively lower than of different club brands.
Should I Buy a New or Used Golf Club Set?
Since many beginners make many mistakes at their early stages, it hard to find a golf club set that is in the right condition. This does not mean that you can't get a used set that works well. Some used sets in good conditions can help you save a few bucks (source).
The downside of buying used clubs that they may be obsolete. An obsolete set means that there are better versions with latest technologies available. Playing with obsoletes denies you the chance to enjoy the features and technologies of new models.
We recommend that you get your own new set of golf clubs , especially if you are a beginner. You will be able to understand your playability more easily with a new set of clubs compared to an old one.
How Do I Take Good Care Of My Golf Club Set?
Golf equipment comes with a high investment value. Although the equipment in your set is built to last, improper use and storage can reduce the lifespan. If you take good care of the equipment in your set, it should serve you for a long time with minimal repairs (source).
Generally, golf manufacturers release new improved clubs every 3-4 years. You can keep your set for this long before new technology makes them obsolete.
The Best Golf Club Sets in 2021
You now have a better understanding of golf club sets and what to look out for when buying one.
With that in mind
Let's have a look at some of The Best Golf Clubs Sets in 2020 and their features.
Callaway Men's Strata Ultimate Complete (18-Piece) Golf Set (Best Golf Set/Editor's Pick)
The Callaway Men's Strata Ultimate Complete (18-Piece) Golf Set is simply one of the best golf sets in the median range.
The investment value may be in the median range but the Callaway Men's Strata Ultimate Complete (18-Piece) Golf Set comes with top quality features only found in premium options.
Features
The complete set comes with 12 clubs, 5 head covers, and 1 bag. The clubs featured in this complete set include a driver, 4 irons, 2 fairway woods, 2 wedges, 2 hybrids and a putter
These clubs offer forgiveness and excellent performance because of the low-back CG placement, balanced overall weight, and quality construction.
Driver
The available titanium driver’s weight is reduced to enable you to take the long shots with easily. It comes with a forged 460cc clubhead to offer you maximum ball impact, and forgiveness.
Hybrids
For increased accuracy and performance, Callaway has included hybrids two hybrids; a 4H and 5H in this set for players who find the irons or driver less comfortable. The graphite shaft construction allows you to take swings easily and powerfully without compromising on accuracy.
Irons
There are four irons, (6-iron through a 9-iron) in this set. They come with larger club heads to offer you forgiveness when you take long shots. The stainless steel construction allows you to have maximum control of your club when taking powerful shots.
Fairway Woods
The set comes with a 3 and 5-wood constructed with an aerodynamic design that gives you high trajectory shots. The woods come with an over-sized head and a reduced center of gravity which helps you to maintain accuracy on your shots.
Wedges
There are two wedges, a Sand and Pitching Wedge, to help you get your ball out of hazards easily. The high loft allows your balls to fly high easily and land gracefully on the green.
The option of two wedges boosts your performance when you encounter tall grass , sand bunkers and hazards.
Putter
The set comes with a weighted putter designed with a short, light shaft that allows you to have control of the club when putting your ball in the hole.
Stand Bag
Callaway presents the Men's Strata Ultimate Complete Golf Set with a good-looking, durable and lightweight stand bag designed to give you maximum comfort, usability and portability when moving on the golf course. The bag is designed with five pockets, a rain hood, a cooler pocket and backpack strips to enhance convenience and portability.
The Callaway Men's Strata Ultimate Complete (18-Piece) Golf Set is ideal for you if you…
are looking for a versatile set of clubs that will give you maximum comfort, while gradually improving your game.
want a medium-range priced set of clubs with the features of a premium set
are looking to purchase a set of clubs that will help you reach advanced levels faster and easily
want a complete set of clubs that will help you conquer challenging courses
simply want an overall top quality set of clubs
Pros
Comes as a complete set of club and accessories
Contains very comfortable and forgiving clubs
An ideal set for players of all levels looking for a high-quality set
Contains all the clubs you need for a complete round of golf
Extremely forgiving hybrids to replace the long irons
Versatile, durable and lightweight stand bag
Attractive design and outlook
Cons
Some players find the putter difficult to use
Not the ideal choice for beginners on a budget
Our Verdict
The Callaway Men's Strata Ultimate Complete (18-Piece) Golf Set is the ideal bag for low and medium handicap golfers looking for quality, durability and performance in a golf set. This mid-range priced set features clubs and accessories of a premium set. It contains all the clubs required for a round of golf. It’s design and construction also makes it the best-looking set in our review. These and many other features made the Callaway Men's Strata Ultimate Complete (18-Piece) Golf Set easily beat the rest and come out as the winner of our review.
Tour Edge HP25 Men’s Complete Golf Club Set, (Best Golf Set For The Value)
This set is constructed with performance enhancement in mind, for people looking to upgrade as golfers.
Features
The set comes complete with 12 clubs designed to offer you maximum comfort and accuracy, 4 headcovers for the hybrids and woods, and 1 bag. The clubs include 7 irons, a driver, hybrid, fairway wood, putter and wedge (source)
Driver
The driver, a 460cc titanium matrix iron comes with an enlarged clubhead designed to offer you maximum forgiveness on your long driving shots. It also allows you to take accurate shots with low chances of mishits. With the long shaft, you can take long shots with ease, which helps when distance is needed.
Hybrids
The Tour Edge HP25 Golf Set comes with a single hybrid in case the irons are less comfortable.
Fairway Woods
The set also comes with a single fairway woods that is designed to offer more accuracy and comfort on your launch shots. The aerodynamic design and low center of gravity amplify ball impact and your overall performance.
Irons
Tour Edge has included 7 irons with enlarged clubhead compared to other irons on the market. This gives you maximum forgiveness and impact on your shots. The stainless steel construction offers you durability and control on powerful shots.
Wedge
A sand wedge with a large clubface offers you a large sweet spot for accurate shots out of sand bunkers and on the green.
Putter
The set’s putter comes with a classic weight and design, which boosts accuracy and comfort when you are putting the ball in the hole.
Stand Bag
The set comes with a lightweight and durable stand bag with straps for easy portability. The bag is constructed with 5 pockets and an eight-way divider top for storage.
This set is ideal for you if you…
are looking for a performance enhancement set with a medium-range investment value
want a durable set of clubs with features that make your game easier
are looking for a set that will help you upgrade as a golfer
simply want a set with the most irons
Pros
Comes with the most number of clubs on the list
Durable construction of both clubs and accessories
Comprises an extremely forgiving hybrid
Durable and strong irons and wedges
The putter is easier to use compared to those on the list
Features a durable and lightweight stand bag
Cons
The long irons are not durable hence not ideal for powerful shots
Not ideal for a beginner because of the difficult irons
Our Verdict
The Tour Edge HP25 Men’s Complete Golf Club Set is definitely an ideal set for you if you are looking for a set that will help upgrade. It comes with the most number of irons in the list, making it an ideal set for medium and low handicap players looking to transition to an advanced level. If you are a beginner or amateur, this may not be the best set. This is because there too many irons in the set that may be difficult for beginners and high handicappers.
Callaway Men’s Strata (12-Piece) Complete Golf Set (Best Golf Set For Beginners)
The Callaway Men’s Strata (12-Piece) Complete Golf Set is a set of quality clubs with a relatively lower price tag compared to other similar options on the market. This makes it the best choice for beginners and high handicappers who aren’t looking to spend too much on a set of clubs.
It contains all the clubs you require for a round of golf, and come with high quality features.
Features
The set comes with 12 pieces: 9 clubs, 2 head covers, 1 stand gag. The clubs consist of 4 irons, a driver, a 3-fairway wood, a 5-hybrid, a pitching wedge and a mallet putter.
Driver
The driver is a 460 cc-forged club that comes with an enlarged clubhead and sweet spot, which gives you maximum forgiveness as you rip your ball off the tee.
The sweet spot reduces your chances of mishits while maximizing on accuracy. The titanium construction and elongated shaft allows you to take powerful shots with ease.
Hybrid
A 5-hybrid is included to boost your performance on the green when the irons and driver feel less comfortable.
Fairway Woods
The fairway woods is designed with an aerodynamic head shape to give you maximum forgiveness and long high-flying shots.
Irons
The 6-9-Irons with stainless steel construction guarantee you maximum control and forgiveness on the long and powerful shots.
Wedge
A pitching wedge has been included with a large sweet spot to enable you to hit balls out of hazards easily.
Putter
A T-shaped mallet putter allows you to have remarkable accuracy when putting the ball in the hole. The putter is the best for beginners since it offers more forgiveness compared to a typical blade putter.
Stand Bag
The set comes with a good-looking, durable and lightweight stand bag. It is designed to give you maximum comfort, usability and portability on the course. The bag is designed with five pockets, a rain hood, cooler pocket and backpack strips to enhance convenience and portability.
This is the best set for you if you..
are a beginner looking for the most forgiving set of clubs in a set
want a top quality set with a relatively low investment value
are looking for a set that will help you improve your game easily
simply looking for an all-rounded set with an affordable price tag
Pros
Premium quality set of clubs with a low investment value
Comes with durable clubs and accessories
Contains the essential clubs you require to start learning golf
A set with extremely forgiving clubs for beginners
Comes with a beautiful, durable and lightweight stand bag.
Cons
Some beginners may feel intimidated by the many number of clubs
Our Verdict
The Callaway Men’s Strata (12-Piece) Complete Golf Set is a top-quality set with an affordable investment value. The included clubs offer optimal accuracy, comfort and forgiveness, making it the ideal budget choice for beginners and high handicappers. You get all the essential clubs you need in a bag that is durable, lightweight and attractive.
If you are looking for a set to start learning golf with and grow into advanced stages, the Callaway Men’s Strata (12-Piece) Complete Golf Set is the ideal set.
TaylorMade M2 Combo Golf Set (Best Golf Set For The Money)
If the investment value is not a major point of consideration when getting a set, then the flagship M2 irons, wedges, and hybrids are the ideal choice. Although the set lacks a driver and fairway woods, the available clubs are top quality (source).
If your budget allows you to include the missing woods and driver to your set, you won’t be disappointed. The entire set comes with some of the longest and most forgiving clubs on the market. This makes the set ideal if you are looking for distance, comfort and accuracy on the course.
Features
The M2 Combo Golf Set is available in three options where you get two hybrids and six irons/wedges at the same price. As a top-of-the-line flagship club, the Combo Set comes with 8 of some of the best clubs available today.
Irons
The M2 irons come with a huge clubface that features the company’s newest Speed Pocket. The pocket allows the face to flex more, which enables you to produce excellent ball speed even on your mishits.
Wedges
TaylorMade offers the set with two wedges, a pitching wedge and an approach or gap wedge. The wedges are versatile and designed to offer you a combination of forgiveness and distance.
Hybrids
Unlike other options that come with a composite steel and carbon clubhead, the M2 hybrids feature a stainless steel clubhead with a taller face. They also feature an adjustable hosel, which makes them versatile. Like the irons, the hybrids are designed to offer you maximum forgiveness while guaranteeing you mid-low spin and increased distance.
The M2 Combo Golf Set, however, doesn’t come with a bag like other options in our review.
This set is the best set for you if you…
Are willing to get a premium set of clubs with a high investment value
Want a set that guarantees your performance, forgiveness, playability and accuracy
Pros
Premium quality set with a high investment value
Comprises the most comfortable, forgiving, accurate and durable clubs on the list
The irons are the most comfortable of any set in our list
Lightweight clubs that are easy to swing and make powerful shots
Cons
Comes with a high investment value
Not Ideal for beginners and amateurs
Our Verdict
The TaylorMade M2 Combo Golf Set is the ideal set in terms of performance, forgiveness, accuracy and durability. It is simply the best set but the investment value is quite high. The construction, design and features of the clubs make this premium quality set come with a high investment value. For golfers who can afford it, the M2 Combo Golf Set is a worthy set.
Callaway Women's Strata Ultimate Complete (16-Piece) Golf Set (Best Golf Set For Women)
For women players looking for a high quality set at an affordable investment value, the Callaway Women's Strata Ultimate Complete (16-Piece) Golf Set is the ideal set. The set is designed and constructed with today’s women player in mind.
Features
The clubs are lightweight and designed to offer accuracy, comfort and more forgiveness than most other female set available on the market. The set features 16 pieces including 11 clubs (a driver, fairway wood, 2 hybrids, 4 irons, 2 wedges, and a putter), 4 headcovers and a stand bag.
Driver
The driver is full titanium, lightweight with an enlarged clubhead that gives you a large sweet spot and more forgiveness. The balanced weight and shaft length allows ladies to take powerful shots off the with ease.
Fairway Wood
A 3-wood fairway woods comes with a large aerodynamic head to enhance accuracy on your high-flying shots. The long shaft and overall balanced weight allow you to gain distance easily from powerful shots on the course.
Irons
There are two mid (6,7-irons) and short (8, 9-irons) with stainless steel construction to offer you more control over your shots. There are no long irons included, which makes the set versatile and easy to use for beginner and amateur women alike.
Hybrids
For women who find the irons difficult to use, there are two hybrids, a 4H&5H, designed to offer extreme accuracy, forgiveness, comfort and playability on a variety of shots.
Wedges. A pitching and sand wedge are included in the set to enable you and are designed to offer comfort when taking difficult shots off hazards.
Putter
There is a high-quality putter with a precise face milling design that boosts your accuracy. The weight balance allows you to have control and helps you sink more putts.
Stand Bag
The set comes with a good-looking, durable and lightweight stand bag. It is designed to give you maximum comfort, usability and portability on the course. The bag is designed with five pockets, a rain hood, a cooler pocket and backpack strips to enhance convenience and portability.
This is your ideal bag if you…
are looking for performance, quality and forgiveness in a women’s set
want a set with premium golf clubs at a median price range
simply want an overall great set as a woman
Pros
Extremely forgiving set of clubs for women golfers of all handicap levels
Clubs feature strong, durable and lightweight construction
The hybrids and fairway woods offer a large sweet spot for accurate shots
Comes with all the essential clubs you would need as woman golfer
Comprises a durable and light stand bag to store all your equipment
Cons
The set is best suited for women who are 6-feet and taller
High investment value
Our Verdict
The Callaway Women's Strata Ultimate Complete (16-Piece) Golf Set is a premium set with an affordable investment value. The included clubs offer optimal accuracy, comfort and forgiveness, making it the ideal budget choice for women of all handicap levels. The clubs are durable and come in a beautiful, lightweight stand bag.
If you are looking for a versatile set of clubs with all the features of a premium set, the Callaway Women's Strata Ultimate Complete (16-Piece) Golf Set is worth it.
Wilson Golf Men's 2017 Ultra Complete Package Set (Most Affordable Golf Set)
The Wilson Golf Men's 2017 Ultra Complete Set’s main highlight is the fact that it comes with the lowest investment value in our review. Its price is considerably lower than even our top beginners pick, the Callaway Men’s Strata (12-Piece) Complete Golf Set.
Despite the low investment value, this set comes with good-quality clubs that are designed with beginners, amateurs and high-handicappers in mind. It is a worthy set for beginners with no intentions of investing a high amount on their first set of clubs.
Features
The complete package comes with ten clubs including with 4 irons, a driver, a fairway wood, a hybrid, a pitching wedge and a heel-to-toe putter. You also get three headcovers for the driver, wood and hybrid, and a stand bag.
Driver
The driver and woods are constructed with an elongated and lightweight graphite shaft, which allows you to take long shots easily and accurately. The driver features a 460cc clubhead to offer you a large sweet spot and balanced weight but with less forgiveness compared to the other drivers on our review.
Fairway Wood and Hybrid
Wilson’s, however, compensates with a decent 3-wood fairway wood for the value. A 4-iron hybrid replaces the 4-iron, which is often difficult to use. It comes with an enlarged head designed with the low-back center of gravity that allows you to play comfortably.
Irons
The set comes with 6- to 9-irons with stainless steel construction and a decent grip so that you can take powerful shots comfortably. It also includes a pitching wedge and heel-toe putter designed to offer you accuracy and comfort on the green. There is no sand wedge included so you might have to add one to your cart.
Wedge
A pitching wedge has been included with a large sweet spot to enable you to hit balls out of hazards easily.
Stand Bag
The Wilson Golf Men's Golf Set features a versatile and durable stand bag available in either black or yellow colors. For easy portability, the bag comes with lightweight construction and a pair of the strap. The pockets are, however, less compared to the Callaway Men’s Strata (12-Piece) Complete Golf Set.
This is the best set for you if you…
are a beginner or amateur on a budget looking for good clubs
want a low investment set that will boost your game easily
Pros
Low investment value
Good quality clubs that offer you performance and durability
Comprises a forgiving hybrid to replace difficult irons
Strong irons that can withstand powerful shots
Cons
This is not a top quality set hence the low investment value
Our Verdict
The Wilson Golf Men's 2017 Ultra Complete Set comes with the lowest investment value in our list. The clubs are good quality and offer forgiveness that beginners can benefit from.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal golf club set for me?
Golf club sets are peculiar in many ways, so are people. Because of their variance, there is no club set that we can easily define as being ideal for you. Your ideal set should be the one that offers the clubs, accessories and price that match your gender, skill level, budget and preference as a player.
What common mistake do people make when buying golf club sets?
The most common mistake people make is to buy sets that are longer than they can handle. Long clubs are difficult to use and affect your posture, stance, accuracy and shot power. A poor stance makes you take off-center hits, which reduce accuracy and distance.
When buying a golf club set, ensure that the clubs are right for your height, handicap level and playing style. You can have your set customized to match all your preferences at your local golf shop.
How long will my set last?
The quality of the set determines how long it will last. Premium quality clubs last longer than standard quality sets. Most sets are designed to last between 7-10 depending on how they are used. You will, however, most certainly not use your set for this long since manufacturers design and make new models every couple of years.
When can I change my set?
You don’t need to replace your set of clubs unless they are worn out or you have outgrown them. Outgrowing your club is simply becoming a better player who needs a more advanced club to play. You can replace the set by selling it and upgrading to a new set that matches your skills.
Generally, you will require to change your set every three years before they become obsolete. This is because manufacturers produce clubs with the latest technology and better features every couple of years.
Can men use golf sets for women?
Golf sets are designed for either men or women players. The specifications and features differ and are meant to benefit every player accordingly.
Women are generally shorter and smaller in stature and manufacturers design their clubs with these factors in mind. Most women clubs, for example, come with graphite shafts to help women achieve maximum distance. Men’s club are either steel or graphite since men are stronger than women.
There are also many difference on how women and men play, which is why we recommend that you get the set designed for your gender.
The Bottom Line
Callaway Men's Strata Ultimate Complete (18-Piece) Golf Set may come with a medium range investment value but it easily offers the best value compared to all the other reviewed sets. The set is designed to offer you maximum forgiveness, playability and quality construction. The clubs come with an ultra-weight construction for the graphite option, durable construction and an eye-catching overall outlook.
Here is why the Callaway Men's Strata Ultimate Complete (18-Piece) Golf Set stands out from the rest. It...
guarantees performance, forgiveness and accuracy on the course
comes with a set of clubs with features of a premium/high-end set
has a medium-range investment value
comprises an extra hybrid that enhances you performance
offers all the clubs you need for a complete round of golf
comes with an attractive, durable and lightweight standbag
Whether you are an occasional player or a beginner looking for a medium range priced set, the Callaway Men's Strata Ultimate Complete (18-Piece) Golf Set will match your preferences. If you are a beginner capable of getting a medium range set, this is the ideal set. Although it may come with too many clubs that you don’t necessarily require, having it can help you advance quickly as a golfer.
Medium and low handicap players can also benefit from the Strata Ultimate Complete (18-Piece) Golf Set if you want to advance more in your skills. In fact this is the ideal set for medium handicap players looking to advance further.
In order to enjoy the game and advance fast as a player, you need to select your set of clubs carefully. If you buy the wrong set, your game becomes frustrating and difficult, which eventually makes you hate the game. However, if you choose the right set of clubs you are bound to enjoy the game and advance quickly as a golfer.