Best Golf Clubs 2026 - we select our favorite clubs in each category

Walking into a golf store today is like being a child in a sweetshop. The sheer number of clubs is overwhelming, with your head turned one way and then the other by eye-catching designs and promises of improving your game . Whether you’re looking for a buttery blade, a forgiving driver or the latest zero torque putter, you’re spoilt for choice. And while having lots of options is no bad thing, it can make finding the right clubs for you somewhat taxing. To help with this, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best golf clubs this year.

We test and review hundreds of clubs, from the best golf drivers, to the best golf irons, to the best putters. Each year sees new models and fresh iterations of existing clubs and we’ve selected our favorites here all with a view to assist you in selecting clubs that will help you to play better and lower your scores. We’ve chosen the best golf clubs from all the categories that make up your bag: drivers, fairways woods, hybrids, irons, wedges and putters. So regardless of if you’re shopping for a complete set of clubs or just need to update one or two of your sticks, then this guide should help you make a more informed decision.

Best Golf Clubs 2026

Drivers

The driver is one of the hardest clubs in the bag to hit, so getting the right one can instill confidence on the tee that can filter down to the rest of your game. Brands are showing no sign of slowing down when it comes to driver head innovation and the technology being built into each club. While distance increases have slown down considerably due to the restrictions placed on manufacturers by the game's governing bodies, there are still notable gains being made in forgiveness and overall performance. So perhaps a new big stick might be just what you need to get your season off to a flier.

As mentioned, manufacturers are currently placing a big focus on forgiveness, which is vitally important when it comes to finding fairways. Depending on your skill levels, making sure your mis-hits don’t stray too far offline while also limiting the amount of distance you lose from poorly struck shots, can be the difference between a good score and a bad one. Below, we have picked a selection of our favorite drivers but, if you're looking for something a little more specific, check out our list of the most forgiving drivers, the best drivers for beginners and the best drivers for distance.

To improve on its popular Qi35 franchise, TaylorMade opted for a full face lift rather than a mere nip and tuck. The result is the Qi4D family of drivers, which the brand says offers improved aerodynamics and feel, as well as a greater choice of shaft options.

Visually, the Qi4D differs from the Qi35 in a couple of ways in both the colors used and in the head profile in the playing position. The colorway is a little more understated, but it’s the shaping that really catches the eye. Gone is the large, round profile, replaced by something altogether more compact, and dare we say, traditional. It’s a shape that should appeal to the widest range of golfers.

The head shape isn’t just designed to look good at address. It’s designed to be as fast as possible, maximizing aerodynamic efficiency to achieve this aim. In testing we gained around 1.5 mph of clubhead speed over and above any other driver we’ve tested recently. Apparently this is also the case for two of the club’s highest profile advocates, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. For us, the extra speed resulted in 2-3 mph more ball speed, with equated to 5-8 yards more carry. Numbers not to be sniffed at.

That said, our favourite feature of the Qi4D driver was the feel. TaylorMade has managed to find a balance where we can describe impact as being both lively and soft, with an equally brilliant acoustic to match. Combined it makes for a significant upgrade in the playing experience between this model and the Qi35.

• Read our full TaylorMade Qi4D Driver Review

The GT3 is the most adjustable of the new GT range from Titleist. This adjustability comes from a new weight track that sits much closer to the face than it did on its predecessor, the TSR3.

In testing, we used a Trackman 4 launch monitor and were able to achieve a 173 mph ball speed with the GT3, which was a definite improvement on previous iterations. Another plus was that we found it easy to shape and the forgiveness also jumped out as our tester Joe Ferguson noticed that it aided his usual low, heel miss nicely due to the ball speed that was retained.

Joe also noted solid improvements in acoustics, forgiveness, aerodynamics too, and when you add all of these minor improvements up, you have a big leap forward in our opinion.

Aesthetically, the GT3 has a refined look that the purists will love. It has a more pear-shaped visual when compared to the other two GT models, and Titleist has managed to seamlessly integrate the new polymer material into the head. The sections where polymer meets titanium have been filled and polished to keep that familiar, clean Titleist visual. All in all, a great driver.

• Read our full Titleist GT3 Driver review

Given that the G430 Max 10K was so accomplished, it made Ping’s job in creating the G440 K, that much harder. But the Arizona-based brand has just about pulled it off.

Visually, the new driver is every bit as appealing as the older model from both the playing position and with regards to its shelf appeal. The rounder 460cc head is shaped to inspire confidence at address.

As you’d expect the tech story is one of speed and forgiveness. It’s a headline act that while not new is appealing to plenty of golfers. After all, who doesn’t want to hit it further and straighter? To help with its aims Ping has added an adjustable 32 gram back weight (4h heavier than the G430 Max 10K) , making it the brand’s highest-MOI adjustable driver yet. You also get Dual Carbonfly Wrap and Free-Hosel tech, which saves weight and as a result allows the CG to sit lower and deeper.

And it all works a treat. The G440 K is every bit as stable through impact as the previous model, which was one of the most stable drivers money could buy. But here you get a tad more adjustability thanks to the heavier back weight, which means you can dial in favoured shot shape more easily.

While some high MOI drivers don’t match up well with high swing speed players, we had no trouble. The club helped our mishits without creating too much spin, a factor that can see better players having to play with extremely low lofts to gain the benefit of a more forgiving driver. It certainly helps to broaden the appeal of G440 K. Ping also offers a High Launch model for golfers at the other end of the swing speed spectrum.

• Read our full Ping G440 K Driver Review

The Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond Max boasts a tour-inspired head shape with a slightly larger footprint, which Cobra says, results in more forgiveness. Like the standard Triple Diamond model, the Max features the same blend of ultra-thin Titanium, Poly Mesh, and Carbon Fiber construction but in a 460cc size. In essence it’s designed to deliver low spin and bags of speed but with greater stability through impact.

At address the larger footprint works, providing a boost of confidence without ever looking clunky. Visually, in both finish and coloring, it closely resembles the brand’s Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver, while the triangular address profile of the standard Triple Diamond model has been smoothed out a little, which should broaden its appeal.

In play, the strike is resoundingly powerful, with plenty of feedback; find the center of the face and you get to enjoy a dense, explosive sensation that has you coming back for more. And it doesn’t just sound powerful. Ball speed is incredibly high and supremely efficient.

The blend of Callway’s two-cog hosel adapter and an adjustable rear weight allows you to dial in your ball flight; it was easy to shift the 10-gram weight to the toe to negate a left miss, and the club achieves this without ever feeling unbalanced. And the purported extra forgiveness is there, without the club straying too far from the original. Spin rates are a little higher but in general the numbers we saw on our Foresight Sports GC3 monitor were similar - meaning a wider range of golfers can now enjoy a tour-inspired design but with the additional playability their game needs.

• Read our full Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond Max Review

Fairway Woods

The fairway wood has traditionally been one of the most difficult clubs in the bag to use, but it gets easier with each passing year as technology evolves. The modern fairway wood is one of the most versatile clubs you can buy. With enhanced materials and technologies, the best fairway woods can help you find distance and consistency from the tee. They are also playable from the short grass and can even be effective from the rough or around the greens.

So we've put together a selection of our favorites here, with each offering excellent all-round distance, forgiveness and feel. For more insights on the top models out there right now, you can check out our full list of the best fairway woods or, for something more specific, we've got several guides on the best fairway woods for high handicappers, most forgiving fairway woods and best fairway woods for mid handicappers.

The Optm X is designed with a broad appeal in mind, sitting as it does between the low spin (LS) model and the Max.

To achieve a high level of forgiveness, Cobra has opted for a multi-material construction alongside a carbon crown, titanium frame and its H.O.T. Face tech. The idea is to increase the club’s Point of Inertia (POI), which Cobra says “finetunes forgiveness into directional consistency” as a result. You also get some adjustability via 3g and 17g weights in the rear and in the toe, which are designed to add stability and increased forgiveness.

And it works. We achieved high ball speeds, matching those of the smaller LS model, but with much friendlier launch numbers. More spin and higher launch angle are a good match for many golfers, with the additional hang time especially beneficially of less-than-perfect strikes. In general, we experienced a high, stable ball flight throughout our testing period, while being able to shape the ball both ways and, by and large, control our trajectory; the high launch characteristics did make hitting the low stinger more challenging, given the ball's desire to climb high. The adjustable hosel does allow you to mitigate this somewhat if you’re heading for the links, or any course where wind is likely to be a factor.

In general, Cobra has achieved its aims with the Optm X delivering as a solid all-rounder and one of the best fairway woods released this year.

• Read our full Cobra Optm X Fairway Wood Review

The Quantum Max is positioned as a user-friendly fairway wood that delivers distance and forgiveness in equal measure.

Visually, we prefer the cleaner look of the Triple Diamond model. Here the design is a little busier both with regards to the face and the Callaway chevron on the crown. That said these might be helpful alignment aids for some. However, in the playing position the shallow face does appeal, especially if you like to hit your fairway woods off the deck. With the sole sitting nice and flush it really does give you the confidence that you can squeeze the ball from the turf.

During testing at the Golf Monthly Performance Lab the Quantum Max fairway wood impressed, with the carry numbers only a couple of yards short of the Triple Diamond model. Given the extra forgiveness you’re getting it’s a solid result. The consistency of the trajectory was just as pleasing, with high peak height numbers that suggest that hitting and holding the green with the club shouldn’t be a problem.

Part of this consistency is due to the new Speed Wave 2,0 weighting system that sits behind the face. Callaway says it’s positioned the tungsten weight low and forward in the head and certainly we could see it in effect when we hit it low on the face, with the launch remaining largely unaffected.

We already mentioned how the design of the club encourages you to hit it off the turf with confidence, and this is aided further by the Step Sole design. We found that the club really does glide through the grass, including the rough, with ease.

In general, the Callaway Quantum Max is one for the masses, a highly competent all-rounder that should see its way in the bag of many golfers.

• Read our full Callaway Quantum Max Fairway Wood Review

The Qi4d effectively replaces the popular Qi35 fairway wood and like the driver has big shoes to fill.

It passes the first test with flying colors - this is simply a stunning looking golf club. The darker carbon crown is a winner in our books and has the added bonus of making the face look a little more lofted than it is at address. The sole is just as classy, with its gloss black finish completing the premium look.

In the playing position the club scores highly, too. The shape is refined, with a slightly flatter lie angle than the Qi35, while the graphics on the crown really help to frame the ball nicely. It makes for a confidence-inspiring look, which should fit the eye of many.

Naturally there’s lots of tech in play here, not least the updated Speed Pocket. It’s a slot that sits behind the face that’s designed to add ball speed while keeping the spin rate down when you don’t flush it. You also get the brand’s Twist Face design, which is there to straighten out the ball flight on off-center strikes. Last, but not least, TaylorMade has added an 8g weight at the rear of the head alongside a 4° loft sleeve to allow you to tinker away to achieve your desired ball flight; you can buy an aftermarket weight kit that will allow you to adjust the club’s CG as well.

In play, it all comes together to create some impressive numbers. During testing out ball speeds were high, which combined with ideal spin numbers to produce an average carry of 260 yards with the 3-wood. Vitally peak height number of over 100ft means that taking on par-5s in two and holding the green is definitely an option!

Off the tee the ball flight is best described as penetrating, which adds some versatility to the club, making it a great option on tighter driver holes or when the driver is too much club.

• Read our full Taylormade Qi4D Fairway Wood Review

Hybrids

Matching the correct hybrid to your game can transform your scoring – but there is a lot to consider before committing to buying a brand new hybrid. Also known as a rescue or recovery wood, using a hybrid is often more appealing than a long iron, thanks to the extra forgiveness on offer and a more confidence-inspiring head.

Depending on the lie, they can provide a superb option on longer par 3s, are fantastic for low shots out of the trees and under the wind and are also an innovative option to play on the fringes around the greens from bare lies. In short, a hybrid is perhaps one of the most versatile clubs you can put in your bag.

Below, we've picked out a selection of our favorite hybrid golf clubs that you can buy right now. While you're here you should also take a look at our full list on the best golf hybrids. And if you're after something more specific, check out our guides on the most forgiving hybrids, the best hybrids for high handicappers and the best hybrids for seniors.

The UW 25 follows Callaway’s Apex UW, which was seen in many tour bags. Fortunately it proved to be a worthwhile update.

Aesthetically it’s hard to fault. The carbon gloss crown is matched to a silver satin face, which has the effect of highlighting the loft on the face. As a result you’re given all the confidence you require to feel like you can nip the ball off the turf with ease. Shape-wise it sits somewhere between a large hybrid and compact fairway wood, which again really works from the playing position.

Out on the course the club’s good looks are quickly matched by its performance. This is a seriously versatile hybrid. We weren’t surprised that we could hit high, soft-landing shots with the club due to its low CG. However we were impressed at just how easy it was to hit low, boring shots from the tee box, aided in no small part by the clever sole design that promotes excellent turf interaction. It proved equally adept from tricky lies, be it deep rough or hardpan fairways.

For us, the UW 25 filled the gap between our 3-wood and 4-iron nicely, while providing the ability to work the ball as we wish. If you’re looking to reorganize the top end of your bag and need a hybrid that will work across different playing conditions, then this should be on your list.

• Read our full Callaway Apex UW 25 Hybrid Review

Of the three new GT hybrid heads from Titleist, we believe that the GT2 is the club that will suit the majority of golfers. It combines generous ball speed and distance with forgiveness in a mid-sized footprint, making it an excellent all-round club.

The first thing we noticed in testing was how it sat behind the ball. We loved the look at address, largely thanks to the refined sole plate which allows the leading edge to sit flush to the ground. This also helps with turf interaction as well, which really promotes confidence, especially given the larger head size. We also liked the full face white grooves as it gives the impression that you can see more of the face, which further promotes confidence over the ball.

In terms of performance, the GT2 produced good results from different lies, from the rough and even from the occasional bunker, but it was the performance from fairways that really grabbed our attention and made it stand out from the crowd. It also stands out thanks to its adjustability, which is crucial in delivering a specific ball flight (tee shots) or carry number (approach shots).

Overall this club delivered in every facet of the hybrid game and if you are in the market for a new one this year, then the GT2 is well worth considering.

• Read our full Titleist GT2 Hybrid Review

If you read our G430 hybrid review you will have seen the high regard we held it in, so we had high hopes for the G440 in 2025, to see how it compared and if it had been improved.

In terms of the aesthetics, not much has changed as the footprint is still fairly large, which is good for inspiring confidence over the ball. The colors have changed from black and yellow to a blue and black finish, which is a slight negative for us as we prefer the 2023 look, but this is subjective and many will prefer the blue. The G440 does have a new rounded sole design which sits flush to the ground, a design element that we really like.

We tested this club thoroughly both indoors and outdoors and we were extremely impressed with the results. The numbers were where it should be and we were particularly enamoured by how versatile the club was out on the course. The performance off the tee, from the fairway and especially out of the rough was genuinely excellent.

The most impressive thing about this club is that versatility and its ability to perform well in any situation. It boasts many of the characteristics of some of the most forgiving hybrids while still delivering enough playability for those who like to shape their shots. The larger footprint will inspire confidence to those who need it, but players will still appreciate how it sits at address and golfers of all skill levels can massively benefit from the performance on offer here.

• Read our full Ping G440 Hybrid Review

Like the Quantum Max driver and fairway woods, the hybrids are designed to deliver plenty of speed, an easy launch and all-round playability.

The OS model provides a significantly larger footprint than the regular Max model, which gives it a more confidence-inspiring shape both at address but also in the bag. However, if you tend to prefer more compact hybrids, don’t stop reading just yet.

Testing alongside the Max the models provided us with similar numbers except when it came to dispersion. The OS model was notably more consistent, making it one of the most forgiving hybrids we’ve reviewed in a while.

With its slight draw bias, the Max OS produced a controlled and consistent ball flight matched to the appealing sound and feel we’ve come to expect from Callaway hybrids. Notably the high ball flight wasn’t overtly affected on thin strikes, evidence, we expect, of the Speed Wave 2.0 tech that places the weight low and forward in the head to help with launch. As a result going for the green in two was encouraged, confident that we could hold the playing surface.

The refined Step Sole design aims to reduce resistance through the turf and it works. Turf interaction was excellent when hitting approach shots but also aided bump and run shots, which we like to play with the hybrid for certain lies.

Ultimately the OS left us impressed and we’d suggest that mid or even low handicappers shouldn’t necessarily be put off by its ‘game improvement’ characteristics.

• Read our full Callaway Quantum Max OS Hybrid Review

Irons

Getting the best golf irons to suit your game can make all the difference to your on-course performance. Good iron play will give you scoring opportunities and the potential to knock strokes off your handicap. Whatever style you’re looking for, you going to want to feel comfortable and confident with the irons you choose. A set of irons is one of the most expensive purchases in golf and it can be a minefield trying to make the right decision.

We've picked out some of our favorites but you can also check out our full guide of the best golf irons for some more excellent options. If you’re an improving player, you should probably look towards the best game improvement irons, or some of the most forgiving irons on the market to help your iron play.

It’s easy to make a strong case for the 3DPX as the best iron of the year. Cobra has expertly blended modern technology with refined looks to create something of a modern masterpiece. The only downside is the price - this is a seriously expensive set of irons, thanks, we’re sure. To have to recoup the R&D costs of producing a 3D printed iron.

Let's start with the looks. The overall aesthetic is minimalist, giving the 3DP X a player’s iron vibe, but there’s also the exposed lattice structure that lets you know that there’s some interesting tech tucked away inside the clean and classic exterior. As far as shelf appeal goes, it’s a winner. But vitally from the playing position it also makes for a fantastic looking club. The head shape inspires confidence but is unobtrusive.

And it’s that 3D printed lattice structure that’s really the star of the show. It enabled Cobra to reduce the overall weight of the clubhead so it can distribute it to provide plenty of forgiveness, with tungsten weighting at both the heel and the hosel. The one-piece construction, along with a thin face, also helps to make sure that all that forgiveness is matched by an impressive feel at impact. On both fronts Cobra has hit a home run.

During testing we were blown away by just how forgiving this club is, while at the same time delivering a feeling that’s nothing short of sensational. Off-center strikes still felt sublimely soft, with the ball speed and carry numbers remaining impressively high. It adds up to a game-improvement iron of which we haven’t seen the like of before. If this sounds like hyperbole then we can only suggest trying a set for size - this is a club that can work for a wide range of golfers and skill levels.

• Read our full Cobra 3DP X Irons Review

Like the 3DP X, the new G740 from Ping is a game-improvement iron that focuses on distance and forgiveness. Here, it’s a little more obvious with a discernible long blade length, wide sole and cavity back. However Ping has delivered all these design elements with panache. Compared to the outgoing G730 this is a far superior looking club. Gone is the chrome finish and large logos that, frankly, looked a little cheap, replaced with a more sophisticated approach to both the finish and the graphics.

The feel and sound at impact are also an upgrade over the G730. There’s damping tech at play and it’s noticeable, with a softness that you don’t typically find in game-improvement irons. That’s not to say the sensation isn’’t powerful, it is, but it’s just delivered with a refinement that’s really pleasing.

Unsurprisingly given its cavity back design the club has a high MOI, which results in plenty of stability at strike. Coupled with the low CG and you get a ball that launches high and straight, even when you don’t find the center of the face. Given how strong the lofts are, the ease of launch is impressive. And a note to slicers: there’s bags of offset here, too, meaning the ball really doesn’t want to head right.

The aforementioned wide sole, with its dual camber, helps with turf interaction and assists on those occasions when you hit the big ball before the little ball.

If you’re already gaming the G730s then the difference in performance is negligible other than the improved feel. However if you’re looking for a new set of irons that place a premium on forgiveness then the G740 irons won’t let you down.

• Read full Ping G740 irons review

The Srixon ZXi7 iron builds on the previous ZX7 Mk II and in our view improves on it, particularly in terms of feel. The main technology story centered on improving said feel and it was a resounding success as far as we are concerned. The process was called ‘i-FORGED’ which is about selecting the right steel depending on the iron. The steel selected for this particular model is S15C, which is incredibly soft and this absolutely shone through in our testing.

The strike was buttery soft, giving good feedback as well, whilst the anti-vibration technology is excellent and adds to the luxurious feel. Pleasingly, Srixon has retained the things that worked in previous irons of this type, specifically the Tour V.T. sole which creates sublime turf interaction. We cannot stress enough how good the feel is with these irons.

We should also mention the looks, which are stylish and understated. The branding is minimal and overall we would describe it as very sophisticated aesthetic. Down behind the ball, however, is where they really begin to excel. Everything about these irons in the playing position looks great, and Srixon has knocked it out of the park with this iron.

• Read our full Srixon ZXi7 Irons Review

The Mizuno JPX 925 Forged is our top pick for mid handicap players. In other words, this iron will suit a wide range of players, especially those wanting an iron with good distance, but without compromising on feel. In our testing this hollow bodied player's distance iron delivered exceptional, premium feel, eye-catching looks and surprisingly good levels of forgiveness.

The distance gain is achieved thanks to the ‘Contour Elipse Face’ - which is essentially a multi-thickness face that has been engineered to optimize ball speed across the entire face, thereby ensuring consistent performance even on off-center strikes. The result is an iron that delivers exceptional ball speed as well as eye catching distance numbers, which surprised us to some extent given that the iron felt so soft and delicate at impact.

In terms of the visuals, when stood over the ball it looks like you're holding one of the best low handicap irons on the market, but looks great in the bag thanks to the traditional Mizuno satin chrome finish, which adds to the already sophisticated aesthetic.

• Read our full Mizuno JPX 925 Forged Iron Review

Next up I have picked the latest T150 iron from Titleist. Sitting between the T100 and T200 irons, the T150 has a wider sole and topline than the T100 and has a muscle channel behind the face which has been filled with a polymer for a lively feel and softer sound.

In my testing these irons fully delivered on their promise of elevated speed and consistency. I hit it noticeably further in testing, thanks in part of the stronger lofts particularly with long iron in hand. Turf interaction is also wonderful.

At impact they do feel slightly heavy to hit and yet the ball flight is strong and playable, whilst the head was very stable on off-center strikes.

The looks are the star of the show though - the classic, player-preferred shape remains but the slightly larger head size compared to the T100 will fill the player with confidence before they swing. This subtle increase in profile offers that little bit of visual reassurance than the T100 without compromising on the wonderfully clean aesthetic. From the playing position, the fairly minimal offset and crisp topline are exactly what you'd expect from a Titleist player's iron, a job well done.

• Read our full Titleist T150 Iron Review

The TaylorMade P7CB irons are one of the absolute best models on the market for a variety of reasons.

Firstly, the forgiveness is outstanding. TaylorMade put real impetus into their technology to produce maximum forgiveness while also delivering outstanding feel. Much of the head has been forged with an intense pressure that is more than the 'industry standard'. This is to improve the feel and consistency of the forging, while it is then milled out through the sole to create two pockets which have been filled with different materials. This has resulted in a top-notch sensation when striking the ball. In our testing we noted that the feel was soft, but not too soft, while it is also robust without being too harsh either. In short these irons are a genuine pleasure to hit.

Our flight windows were very consistent and manipulating ball flight was easy with the P7CB's too. We think they look amazing too, with the brushed satin finish oozing class, and we are big fans of the simple look at address as well.

In our view consistency is the number one demand of better players in their irons, and the P7CB delivers that in bucket loads.

• Read our full TaylorMade P7CB Iron Review

Wedges

If you are serious about improving your performance from 100 yards then the importance of getting a wedge for your swing cannot be understated. There are a few key things you should consider though. For example what bounce angle will suit your action, and which lofts you’ll need, something that may depend on how many wedges you want to carry.

You should also have a think about what finish you want on your wedge because most models these days come in satin, chrome, black or other finishes. Additionally with some of the models below you can create a custom wedge too. Below we've picked out three of our favorites out there currently, but you can also check out our full list of the best golf wedges. Alternatively, check out our guide on the most forgiving wedges, best sand wedges and best wedges for chipping, where we go into more detail on some specific types of wedges.

Given that the SM10 was the most played wedge on tour it’s understandable that Vokey has made only minor changes to the new SM11. That said, they are still notable.

The obvious difference is in how the club looks from an aesthetics standpoint. It’s a little cleaner with the banner strip a nod to previous Vokey WedgeWorks models. It’s a nice touch and makes for greater refinement on what was already a pretty stylish wedge, regardless of whether you opt for the Toru Chrome, Jet Black, Raw or Nickel finish.

Fortunately the profile looks pretty much unchanged and gives the SM11 the classic appearance that has helped to give Vokey wedges their enduring appeal. Another part of the attraction, of course, is their performance. And it’s here that a few tweaks have been made. The grooves are new, and now features a directional face texture that’s positioned toward the club’s leading edge. The idea is to increase friction and add volume, with the aim of not just imparting more spin but also to move moisture away from the face when playing from the rough or in wet conditions. Vokey has also changed the CG placement to be more consistent across the range of grind options.

Out on the course, the feel was reassuringly ‘Vokey’, but it was the control that really impressed us. The lower, flatter trajectory is the hallmark of a professional wedge game, and it’s one we enjoyed with the SM11. On the lower lofts you get an ideal transition from your short irons, while the higher lofts deliver a fizzing flight with plenty of check on the second bounce. Is it noticeably different from the SM10? The honest answer, for us, is no, but that doesn’t make the performance any less majestic.

• Read our full Titleist Vokey SM11 Wedge Review

Ping’s newest wedge is a real winner. It combines refined aesthetics with an appealingly compact head shape and nice, rounded toe. In the bag it looks great, while in the playing position it frames the ball well, albeit with a straighter leading edge than some may prefer.

Feel is king when it comes to wedges and Ping has employed a few techniques to ensure the S259 is a worthy successor to the S159. It’s equipped with precision-milled wheel-cut grooves which change their dimension depending on the loft; in total there are a mind-bending 25 loft and grind combinations, including a new W grind in both the 50° and 52° lofts. The groves are matched with a face blast to increase friction, while the investment-cast 8620 carbon steel is used to help deliver a feel at impact that’s best described as soft yet solid.

Fortunately all the tech combines to create plenty of spin and a nice, flat trajectory that pair together to create a repeatable ball flight that’s easy to control. If you’re interested in some numbers on a 50-yard pitch with the 54° model we had an average launch angle of 28.1°, and a peak height of 25 feet. That’s a tad higher than the Vokey SM11 but still flat enough to make it predictable; if you play in windy conditions these numbers should be to your liking.

All told, Ping has created a relevant upgrade to the S159, and for the better player this is a wedge that should have plenty of appeal.

• Read our full Ping S259 Wedge review

Mizuno is a brand that prides itself on the feel of its clubs. Specifically its irons, but also when it comes to wedges, as after all, good control around the green largely comes down to feel. There aren’t many brands out there that can replicate the sensation at impact that Mizuno offers, and the the Pro T-1 wedge certainly lives up to the Mizuno reputation.

The Pro T-1 wedge brings a refined new look, improving on the very impressive T24 wedge which was one of our favorites from 2024.

We tested the Mizuno Pro T-1 wedge in the Soft White Satin finish. This is our personal favourite but these wedges are also available in Ion Blue and Ion Black finishes, so there is a nice choice there.

A buttery soft feel comes from a 1025 Pure Select Mild Carbon Steel and copper underlay construction, and we noted a feedback level that was above most wedges we have tested over the past few years. The Pro T-1 is a blade so therefore not one of the most forgiving wedges on the market, and we did notice a drop off in ball speed on slight mishits, so if you regularly hit full shots with wedges and are perhaps not the most consistent ball striker, this is something you need to take into account. For the competent ball striker who likes the look and feel of the best golf blades or Mizuno irons and who is in the market for new wedges, then the Mizuno Pro T-1 may just be what you have been looking for.

• Read our full Mizuno Pro T-1 Wedge Review

TaylorMade is a brand better known for making some of the best drivers in golf, but its wedges are as good as anything out there too. The MG5 continues the trend of high performance in the brand's Milled Grind range, and the first thing I noticed was the head shaping refinement compared to the MG4. The leading edge has been rounded off a bit which now sits beautifully on the ground behind the ball and looks as though I can slide the club under the ball, whether I’m opening or closing the face.

Another key storyline with these wedges is the softness. They are softer than previous models because of they are forged from soft carbon steel. This is off the back of Tour feedback in which the basic rule was the softer the feeling, the more control a player had. As such the wedge has been designed this way and I immediately noticed this feeling when clipping shots away.

Additionally, to combat the extremely soft feeling forged head, TaylorMade has also introduced new Saw-Milled grooves, which push the groove design as close as possible to their legal limit. It is also worth noting the wedge comes in six different grind options as well so you can find the best model for your game.

• Read our full TaylorMade Milled Grind 5 Wedge Review

Putters

Widely renowned as the most important club in the bag, the putter is where countless shots can be saved. Finding the right one for you is therefore imperative and because there are so many options and styles to choose from. Many manufacturers are actually reducing the number of head shapes in their ranges and focusing on improved looks, feel and roll from their more compact collections.

Of course, there is still the choice to be made between different styles of putter – a blade, mid-mallet or mallet. Blade style putters tend to suit ‘feel’ players with a stronger arc to their putting stroke, moving up into mallets that suit golfers who require extra alignment assistance and/or have much less rotation in their putting stroke. We've picked out three of our favorite putters right now below and you can read our full guide to the best putters where we feature a whole range of putters from different styles and price points.

Additionally we have also created specific guides on the best mallet putters, the best women’s putters and if you are just starting up in the game, the best putters for beginners.

L.A.B. Golf remains one of the most interesting putter brands thanks to its continued development of the zero torque concept. Part of its evolution can be seen here, in the new DF3i. The original model was thrust into the limelight thanks to J.J. Spaun and his unforgettable putt to win the 2025 U.S Open at Oakmont but despite the California’s putting prowess the model did have a reputation for being a little soft and slow.

To address this L.A.B. has equipped the DF3i with a fly-milled stainless steel insert that’s bonded to a 6061 aircraft aluminum body, the same combination used in its Oz.1i putter. Of course you still get the large unorthodox mallet head and the patented Lie Angle Balance technology.

Armed with a custom sight dot to help with alignment, we took to the putting green. The stainless steel insert did its job, offering a firmer feel with the ball coming off the face notably faster than the previous model. The additional pop meant it’s now easier to judge distance, especially on those longer lag putts.

As ever the zero torque aspect makes life pretty straightforward on shorter putts, and inside 10 feet, and with minimal break, it impresses. Matched to a straight stroke the putter face doesn’t deviate; if you have difficulty attaining a stable face through impact then this putter should rectify that with some practice.

However, hard breaking putts or double-breakers proved a little more challenging because the stroke feels so straight. With a blade it’s easier to intuitively feed the ball into the break, but here the putter fights any rotation that you might creatively be trying to add. That said, there isn;t any putter that excels across the board and finding a comprise that works for you is really what’s required - with that in mind we’d recommend the DF3i to anyone who’s looking to become more consistent inside 15ft and struggles with getting the ball to the hole on long range efforts.

• Read our full L.A.B. Golf DF3i Putter Review

If a zero torque putter feels like too big a step then why not consider a low torque option? The Phantom 11R OC from Scotty Cameron is just that, and combines the benefits of a high-MOI mallet with the clean aesthetics you expect from the guru of putter designers.

From the playing position, the putter looks wonderful. The head shape builds confidence, while the single sight line keeps things uncluttered. Together we found it made for easy alignment, which resulted in the ability to start the ball on its intended target line with repetition.

The one-degree of shaft lean meant that we were still able to find a natural position, something which can be a little harder with zero torque putters. Here the hands are allowed to sit as you're accustomed to, with a clear view of the putter head’s topline.

Any concerns about a lack of feel that might arise from the low-torque tendencies are swiftly quashed. While the OC (Onset Center) shaft does a great job of stabilizing the putter head through impact it’s weighted in such a way that you still get plenty of feedback; the custom black shaft and a tapered Scotty Cameron Matador Mid grip play a significant part here, too, as does the chain-link milling pattern on the face, which delivered an exquisite soft-yet-solid feel at impact.

For us it added up to a putter that promotes reliable distance control, with the muted ‘click’ at impact the ideal partner to the Onset Center tech that keeps the head from twisting. Like any zero or low torque putter it does require some getting used to, especially if you’re coming from a blade which requires you to have some arc in your stroke. However, if you’re looking for more consistency on the greens then a switch to Phantom 11R OC, and the straight-back-and-through motion it encourages, should pay dividends.

• Read our full Scotty Cameron Phantom 11R OC putter Review

Over the years, TaylorMade has made lots of little tweaks and added plenty of wrinkles to its ever expanding range of Spider putters, and its latest offering includes a reboot of the original classic design - the Spider Tour. The Series features two classic head shapes as well as two new models. In addition to the Tour and Tour X, there is also a Tour V and Tour Z.

The Spider Tour, with its iconic head, is the epitome of high-MOI performance and delivers stability, consistency and forgiveness. The X is the headshape used by Rory McIlroy and it combines the performance of a blade with the benefits of a mallet design.

Spider Tour Z is one of two new shapes in the Spider Tour Series. It features a wing-shaped back and low-profile design for a comfortable setup that precisely frames the ball. This mallet putter is strategically weighted to promote face rotation and a blade-like feel with maintained stability. Finally, the Spider Tour V, which is another new design that features a modern streamlined construction with a compact shape that makes it ideal for golfers seeking enhanced control.

• Read our full TaylorMade 2023 Spider Tour Putters Review

How we test golf clubs

We take product testing very seriously here at Golf Monthly and our testing for golf clubs process is comprehensive and based around the knowledge and expertise of the Golf Monthly test team. Our team usually attend product launches and then when it comes to our actual testing, we first try clubs in a controlled environment. This usually takes place on an indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, with premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor.

Next up is outdoor testing, which normally takes place at West Hill Golf Club. We think it is vitally important to do both and continue to test the clubs so they have been comprehensively put to the test in different conditions. It should also be mentioned that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review and we make our conclusions from the testing and our experiences. This is because we strive to give the best reviews possible so you can get a greater understanding of the clubs themselves.

What to consider when buying golf clubs

Buying golf clubs can sometimes be a tricky thing to get right. Clubs come in all shapes sizes and with a ton of technology. While we always recommend players get custom fitted for their clubs, sometimes it's good to have a bit of advice knowing what to look out for on your clubs before you head down to your club shop. For that reason, we've set out below a couple of key points you should keep in mind if you're thinking about picking up a new driver or putter.

1. Price

The first thing to note about any kind of golf club is that they can sometimes be expensive, particularly their irons. While some of the best drivers on the market can come in at some pretty hefty prices but it is always worth looking at purchasing a club that fits into your budget and skill sets. Make sure to assess what you're buying and your needs as a golfer before you invest and whether you can get another appropriate model elsewehere for cheaper.

2. Your experience level

Every golf club on the market right now is designed to cater to the needs of a particular player. From the best drivers for high-handicap golfers to the best game-improvement irons, each will cater to the needs of that player in their size, shape and technology on offer. For that reason, when buying any golf club you'll need to assess your experience level and aspirations as a player and attribute that to the club you're buying. For example, high-handicap players should look to buy more forgiving golf clubs, while experienced golfers may look to purchase clubs that offer a little more in terms of performance.

3. The clubs you already have

Take stock of the clubs you already have and the yardages they offer and try to fill the gaps in your bag that you might need. This is particularly important if you're buying a couple of new wedges or hybrids. You don't want to be purchasing the same club that you may have and be comfortable with, so try to ensure you have a good range of clubs.

4. Visuals

Aesthetics aren't the most important thing to consider, but they can play a big factor in helping boost your confidence on the course. Playing with a good-looking gear always helps to boost the mental side of your game and that in turn can help you score better. Certainly there are some stunning options from Callaway, Titleist and TaylorMade listed above on this list.

5. Adjustability settings

Particularly when it comes to your drivers and metal woods, being able to adjust and tinker with the clubs to ensure they perform to your needs is a really useful feature to look out for. Adjustable hosels and weighting settings allow you to alter the angle of attack and delivery the club head strikes the ball at, helping you to put different shapes and lofts on the golf ball. That can often be a great way to help alleviate a bad hook or slice too!

For more advice on some of the best golf clubs on the market, take a look at our guides on the best golf sets for beginners, best women's sets, and best golf sets for kids.

FAQs

Glossary

In golf there are a lot of terms that can be confusing, and there are also a fair number of acronyms as well so we have done a brief glossary here to help you decipher the phrases you may not understand above.

MOI - This means moment of inertia and in a golfing context this is a measurement of a club's resistance to twisting. When you strike the ball towards the toe of the club, the impact pushes against the toe of the face and that pushes it slightly open. The result is probably a block out of bounds to the right. Likewise in terms of the heel, the impact causes the face to close slightly. This is important because the higher the MOI the more forgiving the club head is in terms of its sweet spot and strikes away from it

Loft - This is a simple word relates to the angle created between the clubface and the ground. The more loft a golf club has the higher the ball will launch. This is why the driver always has the lowest loft, and wedges have the highest.

Grind - Wedge grind relates to the sole of the club, and the alteration or removal of material from it. This is to help improve contact with sand or turf.

Shaft flex - Flex relates to the shafts ability to bend when force is applied to it. Given how many people play golf at different ages and swing speeds, shaft flex's reflect this going from the ultra stiff models used by Tour professionals, to regular, senior and ladies shaft which flex a lot more because they aren't swinging as fast.