Best Golf Club Sets For Beginners 2025 - 12 top models tested and reviewed

Starting out in golf is tough. The game itself is challenging, which is obviously part of its appeal, but for beginners even choosing the right clubs to begin your golfing journey can be a difficult and sometimes overwhelming task. With so many brands and club types out there, it's easy to get confused. That’s why we recommend that new players begin with a package set.

To make your decision easier, we’ve compiled this guide featuring our favorite sets that we’ve personally tested. We’ve reviewed options across a variety of brands and price points to help you find the right fit. Before diving in, we’d also suggest reading our guide on how to choose golf clubs for beginners which explains which clubs you actually need, whether custom-fitting is necessary, and what kind of budget to expect.

The best golf club sets are designed for new players and all the clubs in the bag will provide plenty of forgiveness. These clubs will have slightly chunkier heads to inspire confidence, sporting thicker top lines and weighing less than regular clubs.

If you'd rather buy your clubs separately, and spend a bit more money in the process, check out our guides on the best golf irons for beginners or the best game improvement irons to find clubs that can take you to the next level.

The Quick List

Best Golf Club Sets For Beginners 2025

Top pick

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After just minutes of testing, we already knew the Callaway XR Package Set was one of the best golf club sets out there. The premium-feeling clubs really help inspire confidence at address and help get the ball airborne with ease, arguably the two most important aspects to a set of beginner clubs.

This is a set nearer the higher side of the price scale, hence their premium looks and feel, but you very much get what you pay for here. When you take these clubs out of the box, you can tell a lot of time and effort has gone into it. The driver is 10.5˚ (which is slightly lower lofted than other drivers available in package sets) and has a really premium look. It sits a little closed too, which will help slicers.

The fairway woods also provide a generous footprint down behind the ball and we found them very easy to flight. As for the irons, it's a similar story. You can tell by the fairly rounded toe area and the top-line that these are clearly a Callaway design.

I loved the putter during testing as well - the head shape is excellent and features helpful alignment features to give the best chance of success of the greens. Also included is a great-looking golf bag with plenty of style and storage on offer to round off what is a fantastic set of beginner golf clubs.

• Read our full Callaway XR Package Set Review

Best set choice

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If the Callaway set is out of your price bracket, then this Strata Men's Golf Package Set is a fine alternative at a significantly lower cost. For us this is one of the best cheap golf club sets money can buy as you get a considerable amount of bang for your buck!

The set is comprised of driver, fairway wood, two hybrids, 6-iron to pitching wedge, plus a putter and a stand bag. The forgiveness on offer with this set is second to none, which will please any new player of the game. Each club has been designed and manufactured with the rookie golfer in mind, allowing for high, easy launch and a confidence-inspiring look at address thanks to the thick top line, oversized heads and flexible regular shafts provided.

The one critique we have with this set is with the putter, an area of club sets that manufacturers all-to-often try and cut corners with to save a little money and increase those profit margins. This putter feels a little on the cheap side, but that shouldn't put you off buying the set - why not simply replace it with one of the best cheap putters on the market? Aside from that one small gripe, this is an excellent value option that new golfers will love.

• Read our full Strata Men's Golf Package Set Review

Best mass appeal

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TaylorMade are one of the leading brands when it comes to golf equipment, so any new golfer with even the most remote knowledge of the sport will naturally be drawn to a name they know. As a result, the RBZ SpeedLite set is on the premium side of the price scale, but does the performance of this set fit the price tag?

The 12-club line-up includes woods that feature a grey finish on the crown with small flashes of green that we absolutely love. As you would expect the irons have thick toplines which we think strike a perfect balance of inspiring confidence at address without being too clunky and uninviting. It's a similar story with the wedges and compact, mallet putter.

These clubs were dead easy to launch high into the air and provided loads of spin which is very helpful for approach shots. The one major criticism we had was the quality of the golf bag - although it catches the eye and looks great, we didn't feel it matched the quality of the golf clubs within it. This can be easily rectified by opting instead for one of the best cart bags.

• Read our full TaylorMade RBZ SpeedLite Package Set Review

Best forgiveness

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As mentioned numerous times above, there are two main things that new golfers need more than anything else; help getting the ball airborne and forgiveness when they don't hit it out of the middle of the club face. This Wilson set will provide both at an excellent price.

This set comes with a 10.5° driver, a three wood, a hybrid, a 6-iron to sand wedge and also features an impressive putter too. While other sets may come with more clubs (this is a 10 piece set), there is an advantage in having a few less as in reality you don't need 14 when you're just starting, but you can add specialist clubs as your game improves. Usually that would be an extra hybrid and more variety in the wedges.

The first thing we noticed in testing is how big the sweet spots are - obviously this is a massive plus, allowing greater opportunity for the higher handicapper to get a good contact on the ball given the struggles of finding the center of the club face. Like all the best golf clubs for beginners, the clubs sit nicely at address to help inspire confidence before the swing. The CG of the irons is lower than usual which helps promote high launch, another feature that is very useful for inexperienced players - particularly with the longer irons. The wide sole on the sand wedge is another big plus in my eyes, providing assistance for those tricky bunker shots or tight lie chips from around the green. Overall this is a really well-rounded set that will compliment a beginners strengths and weaknesses very well.

• Read our full Wilson Prostaff SGI Package Set Review

Best value

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To begin with, the TE-400 from Tour Edge features 12 golf clubs that are tailored towards the upper end of the bag. For example, there is a driver, 3 and 5-wood, 4 and 5-hybrid, as well as 6-iron to sand wedge and a putter. Because there are two free spaces left to complete the full 14-club line-up, players may opt to add one or two more of the best wedges to the bag but, overall, there's a lot there for your money.

Performance-wise, the TE-400 felt solid at impact, was easy to launch, andwas extremely forgiving on mishits which is arguably the most important feature of a beginner set that is so crucial for beginners. All the clubs performed well, but the driver was the real standout, offering performance that exceeded expectations for its modest price tag.

On the aesthetics side, the fairway woods and putter aren’t going to win any beauty contests but they were solid nonetheless. The small ‘T’ logo on the crown feels noticeably misaligned, and the putter features some unnecessary colors and slightly sloppy paintwork. While the effort is evident, the design could have been executed more cleanly and we hope this is improved in future iterations.

• Read our full Tour Edge TE-400 Package Set Review

Best bag

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Cobra is a brand known for providing excellent performance with great value and, with the Fly XL set, they have continued this theme throughout.

We think Cobra are one of the most underrated brands in golf and they've delivered their usual high levels of performance and value for money with this Fly XL set - a 10 club configuration complimented by a sturdy, stylish lightweight stand bag. It also includes a fleece-lined pocket and a handy rain hood for when the heavens open midway through your round. We also really liked Cobra giving us the option to choose between a stand bag or cart bag when opting for this set - a choice rarely given to players shopping in this market.

When it comes to performance it was obvious in our testing that Cobra have thought a lot about the target market. The set features a 5-wood instead of the 3 that you find in most package sets. This is a smart move as the extra loft on the face of the 5-wood will benefit golfers who lack swing speed and/or ball-striking prowess. In other words, beginners. Our other big take away from testing is that all of the clubs have been designed with forgiveness in mind, and we would even say that the irons could give some of the most forgiving irons a run for their money.

• Read our full Cobra Fly XL Package Set Review

Best looking

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Vice Golf has traditionally been known for offering premium quality golf balls at an affordable price direct to the consumer and this extends to their package set offerings via the Boost Starter Set. It's a slick, sleek and premium feeling set for those looking an easy avenue into the confusing world of purchasing golf clubs.

The nine clubs included in this set look and feel top quality which is something we can't say about every package set I test. The driver, for example, feels and looks as if it would compete with some of the best drivers on the market. Admittedly, perhaps the 10 degrees of loft may be a little low for some beginners, but it is worth saying this is a driver players can continue to use as their skills develop, rather than outgrow it quickly. It is worth saying it is still an oversized, confidence-inspiring driver head as well.

We were particularly impressed with both the driver and the hybride during testing which both delivered excellent distance and a solid feel. The irons, ranging from 6-iron to sand wedge, looked and felt fantastic in hand. While off-center strikes produced a noticeable vibration, well-struck shots offered superb feedback and a high ball flight, perfect for those still mastering their swing.The set is rounded off by the putter and bag, both of which are excellent. Overall, this is a well-rounded set that performs beautifully and looks great.

• Read our full Vice Boost Starter Set Review

Best high flight

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Out of the box, the MacGregor CG4000 comes with everything you need to start your golfing journey, with a stylish green and black bag making way for 10 golf clubs and decent quality headcovers.

Although the feel isn't something to shout to the hills about, it's solid and consistent throughout the bag and the ease of use of each club, all the way from driver to wedge, is really commendable. The putter in particular drew my praise, providing excellent forgiveness. However, it doesn't come with a headcover, so I'd recommend picking one up to avoid it bashing against your irons as you carry the bag and getting chipped as a result.

In terms of clubs, you get a 460cc, 13-degree driver, an 18-degree fairway wood, and a 24-degree hybrid. Furthermore, there is a 6-iron through sand wedge and a putter. Like the Cobra set, you're given the rare choice of a stand or cart bag with this set, a really nice touch.

• Read our full MacGregor CG4000 Golf Club Set Review

Best for versatility

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Is this the most comprehensive package set we've ever seen? It could well be...

The Wildcat set is designed for beginners and those casual players who don't want to dedicate too much time towards the game, prioritizing the fun aspect of things. But what's also excellent about this set, which includes a driver, a 5-fairway wood, a 6-hybrid, a 7-iron through sand wedge (SW), and putter, is that each club can be bought individually. This means those who want to keep it simple can slowly build up their bag as their game improves, allowing for lots of purchasing (and playing) versatility.

Performance wise, throughout the bag I was seriously impressed. The driver has a deep face and 16 degrees of loft which made it so easy to launch and those with slower swing speeds will likely experience a high ball flight and peak height. In short it was very user-friendly, and this continued with the irons. They feature large head profiles, a low CG, and super wide soles that all add up to create high levels of forgiveness and ease of launch.

Aside from the unique driver, the putter may have been the highlight for me. The Black Hawk was a treat to test thanks to the milled pyramid face which really gave a good roll on the ball.

Finally there has been zero compromise on quality or design to hit a price point, which is absolutely reflected in the performance throughout here. Speaking of price point, it is worth saying the Wildcat is at the top end of the spectrum, but if you can afford it, you won't be disappointed.

• Read our full PXG Wildcat Package Set Review

Top women's pick

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We have already mentioned the Strata men's set above, but the women's option is equally as impressive if not more so. It comes with a 12° driver, fairway wood, 4 and 5 hybrids, 6-9 irons, PW, SW and a putter, as well as a nice stand bag.

These clubs look sensational. The irons have a glossy chrome finish and a distinctive shaped cavity back, wide soles and thick top lines that makes them very pleasing on the eye, both over the ball and in the bag. More importantly, they're also super easy to hit.

Our testing showed impressive results in terms of both distance and forgiveness. While the big-headed driver is not as advanced in terms of technology as some of the best drivers for women, we found that it was easy to use and performed well. We were also pleased with the performance of the other clubs in the set too, although if we have one slight gripe it would be that the blade putter is a strange choice for a package set as most beginners are better suited to a mallet putter. That being said, the putter itself is fine and does boast a very sleek aesthetic and handy alignment aid on its top line which did help us line up putts accurately. We just feel a mallet would be more suitable for the target market.

• Read our full Strata Women's Package Set Review

Best premium women's

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Similar to the Callaway XR Package Set for men, the Reva Package Set is one of the highest-quality women’s sets available. While it’s suitable for players of all skill levels, we think beginners, whether just starting out or still refining their game, will benefit the most.

The set includes a driver, three-wood, 5 and 6 hybrids, 7–9 irons, a pitching wedge and sand wedge as well as a putter. You also get a stylish cart bag and five headcovers, offering plenty of value in one package. We were impressed by this entire set during testing, but the driver was worth particular praise. It delivers a high launch and solid ball flight, paired with a powerful feel. The presence of the large, circular sweet spot on the face is incredibly confidence-boosting. The 3 wood and hybrids follow the same theme, helping beginners quickly build confidence with their fairway shots.

Moving down the bag and the large, oversized cavity back irons are designed to help on mis-hits and our testing confirmed this. We found them to be effortlessly light to swing and there was plenty of stability and forgiveness on offer. As impressive as the woods and irons are though, the thing that really makes this stand out as one of the best women’s golf sets is the putter, which includes the Stroke Lab shaft you find in the best Odyssey putters. The fang design, coupled with the Stroke Lab technology, is aimed to help you with tempo and consistency and we loved it, especially in the blue finish.

• Read our full Callaway Reva Ladies Package Set Review

Best value women's

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The best beginner golf clubs for ladies are often the ones that are easiest to hit. Golf can be a tough game to learn, so starting with clubs designed to support beginners can make a huge difference both early on and as you progress. This complete set includes everything you need - a driver, fairway wood, hybrid, 7 iron–SW, putter and an easy-to-use golf bag - it's a smart, well-rounded choice among women’s golf sets. The sky-blue colorway is also a refreshing alternative to the usual pink options on the market.

To put the clubs to the test, we asked our resident beginner Liv Wilford to try them out. She found the driver especially useful for improving her alignment and praised the 18° 3-wood for helping her achieve a high, effortless launch - a big win given her current nerves around fairway woods. Summing up her experience with the set, Liv said the MacGregor CG4000 “made my golf journey more enjoyable and accessible.”

Finally, it's worth commending the comfortable carry bag which features good quality straps which makes the walking experience a breeze, whilst the pockets deliver enough room for your accessories and extra layers to be brought out onto the golf course.

• Read our full MacGregor CG4000 Ladies Package Set Review

How we test

We take our testing very seriously here at Golf Monthly and golf club sets are no exception when it comes to our testing ethos and methodology. We want to find the best golf clubs in the game so we can pass on our experience and advice to you, in order to help you make the most informed decision you can when spending your money.

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All the package sets featured in this guide have been tried and tested by our review team, both on an indoor simulator to gauge performance metrics like carry distance, spin rates and launch angle, as well as out on the course. This is done to ensure the fairest test possible, putting each set through their paces in a range of different settings, conditions and contexts.

We take pride on in our reviews here at Golf Monthly because we have the goal of providing the best informed buying advice to our loyal readership. Our reviews are free from bias - no manufacturer gets preferential treatment over another, nor can a brand 'buy' a good review. Instead, we base our reviews off the thousands that have come beforehand and compare directly, which means if we give a good review it's because we really like a product!

How to choose

What comes in the set

A common misconception in golf is that we need all of the equipment we're allowed to have straight away, when in fact opting for less than the 14-club setup could prove beneficial in the short term, simplifying the game for beginners. Instead, you can build your bag one club at a time as you improve.

Or, of course, you can buy a complete set in a single purchase. If you choose the latter, it’s important to check exactly which clubs are included so you know you’re covered, and it’s often a good idea to pick up a set that comes with a bag as well.

When you’re just starting out, you don’t need a full 14-club setup. A basic package will give you everything you need to get going, and you can always add more specialist clubs, like additional wedges, later on as your skills develop.

Budget

If you’re just getting into golf or only manage a couple of rounds a year, we’d steer you away from premium sets that cost over $1,000. There are plenty of excellent, budget-friendly options that deliver great performance without the hefty price tag. However, if you’re already catching the golf bug or are lucky enough for budget not to be a big concern, investing in a higher-end set can absolutely be worth it. The key is to figure out where you sit on the price spectrum and choose accordingly.

Quality

Unfortunately, the quality of clubs included in some package sets can sometimes be a little below par (and not in a good way!). Unlike the models we picked above, many can be poorly made and have issues with the head, shaft or grip, or even all three. A low price can seem tempting, but if you end up replacing the clubs soon after because they break or don’t perform, you’ll actually spend more in the long run. That’s why we strongly recommend choosing well-respected golf brands, their clubs are built properly, engineered to last and designed to give beginners as much support as possible. In this market, Wilson, TaylorMade and Callaway stand out as especially reliable options.

Forgiveness

When choosing clubs as a beginner, the most important factor is forgiveness. Mishits, or the management of them, are the biggest challenges for new players. Beginner-friendly clubs address this by featuring larger heads and bigger sweet spots, making it easier to strike the ball cleanly. Clubs designed for low-handicap players are less forgiving and therefore won’t provide much help for someone just starting out.

For more beginner buying advice, check out our best drivers for beginners, and best putters for beginners.

FAQs

What is the exact price point for a good beginner set?

Pricing for beginner golf sets can vary widely. Some sets are designed to be budget-friendly, while others from well-known brands like TaylorMade or Callaway come with a higher price tag. Realistically, you can spend anywhere from $200 to $1,000. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so it’s important to decide your budget first and choose a set within that range.

For beginners, a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean better performance as you might not notice much difference on the course. The higher price typcially means there are more clubs included in a set rather than there being a clear discrepancy in performance. That said, some players may prefer investing a bit more for a set they feel proud of and excited to show off to friends.

What's the main difference between buying a set and buying clubs individually?

The biggest advantage of buying clubs individually is flexibility. Many professional golfers choose this route so they can mix and match clubs based on what they like in terms of look, feel, and performance.

For beginners, however, buying a complete set is usually the smarter option. It’s convenient, often more affordable, and provides everything you need in a single purchase which then helps make it an efficient way to get started without the hassle of choosing each club separately.

What clubs should be in a beginner set?

For beginners, simplicity is key and that extends to your clubs. and equipment setup Most quality beginner sets include a driver, a fairway wood or hybrid (sometimes both), half a set of irons (no need to overcomplicate this with all of the irons) with standard loft gaps, a wedge, and a putter. Typically, these sets come with 9 or 11 clubs, giving new players everything they need to get started. As skills improve, players can gradually learn which additional clubs to add to complete their bag.

Should a beginner get fitted?

At Golf Monthly we usually recommend most people get fitted for golf clubs these days but as far as beginner players go we think a better way to spend money is to invest in some lessons because this will allow them to get better faster. Once a beginner has started to improve, through personalized tuition or reading golf tips for beginners, and starts to see some success with their shots, then would be a good time to think about getting fitted for a proper set of clubs.

We hope you enjoyed this guide on the best golf club sets for beginners. Additionally, we also recommend checking out our guide on the best golf club sets for kids if you want to get your children into the game.