Best Golf Clubs For Intermediate Players 2026

Choosing the right golf clubs for your game can be very tricky considering how much choice there is on the market these days. If you’re a beginner, it’s actually more straightforward – you need clubs with game improvement features, as you'll find in our best golf clubs for high handicappers and best golf club sets for beginners guides. It's also easy for the scratch golfer and more accomplished ball strikers too, as you don't get to that level without knowing a lot about the tools of your trade and exactly what you need. Those players demand superior feel and workability and will be looking at similar clubs to those used by Tour Players. The 8-18 handicap category, however, comprises a wide range of abilities and is therefore the hardest to buy for.

If you're an 'intermediate player', you may find that one day you're going around in a few over and thinking you've cracked it, only to then shoot in the 90s next time out. Then there's the golfer who hits driver like a scratch player but putts like a beginner. He may have a handicap of 16 despite being a prime ball striker, while the reverse can also be true. For players in that mid-handicap range there is no hard and fast rule for buying clubs based on your handicap.

Generally speaking, however,the best golf clubs for intermediate players will offer a combination of feel, forgiveness and workability. Keep in mind that not all clubs in this category will suit the same level of player (even those with similar handicaps) but some models do actually have quite a broad appeal. So, based on our testing of what is on the market right now, let's take a closer look at some of the best golf clubs for intermediate players.

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Best Golf Clubs For Intermediate Players 2026

Drivers

Part of the GT family, which all feature Titleist’s new lightweight Proprietary Matrix Polymer in the crown section, the GT3 is the most adjustable of the driver options, using a new weight track that sits close to the face.

As for looks, the GT3 should appeal to Titleist devotees as well as those who like a clean crown. Despite the use of more than one material there are no joins to be seen, resulting in that classic Titleist appearance. At address the ‘pear shape’ will appeal to some, but less so to those who prefer a rounded head. As for the shelf appeal of the sole, we found it a little underwhelming but as it has no impact on performance it shouldn’t detract from this otherwise excellent product.

And when it comes to performance, the GT3 shines. There are notable improvements from previous iterations, which combined add up to a truly impressive driver. It’s easy to shape but also forgiving; on misses low on the face and off the heel it still delivered plenty of ball speed. We also felt that the feel and acoustics were a step up from older Titleist models, likely a product of the new crown material that’s a reported three times lighter than an all-titanium construction. It all adds up to what we feel is one of the best all-rounders on offer today.

• Read our full Titleist GT3 Driver Review

The G440 Max another model to consider for a wide range of golfers, including those towards the intermediate end of the spectrum, largely because it delivers good numbers with forgiveness.

It comprises a large 460cc head alongside a 29-gram, three-position adjustable back weight so you can dial in your ball flight to suit your needs. Ping also then made the decision to lower the centre of gravity, achieved by saving weight higher up on the head. The combination of a shallower face, a carbon crown and Ping’s ‘Free Hosel’ design all help save weight and put the CG in a place to optimize ball speed, spin rate and launch angle.

The results in my testing certainly delivered these results and importantly, Ping has made incremental improvements over the previous G430 model. The G440 gobbled up mishit nicely and really produced strong numbers which I've gone into more detail on in my review below. The launch angle was around a degree more compared to the G430 and I should mention the feel as well because the G440 feels smoother and more stable.

As for the looks, it’s likely to divide opinion, with the blue colourway a carryover from the older G range, and the sole aesthetics a little underwhelming. We do like the Carbonfly Wrap crown however, although the inclusion of the turbulators won’t please those who prefer a clean look at address.

• Read our full Ping G440 Max Driver Review

The TaylorMade Qi4D is basically designed around one primary goal: delivering speed off the tee, but starting with the looks I think it is a clear improvement over the previous Qi35 model.

But the main story to talk about here is the pursuit of speed, with a clear focus on aerodynamics. The idea is there is no limit on swing speed so if a driver can help you swing faster this will lead to more results off the tee and more distance. From my testing this does appear to work as well because I picked up around 1.5 mph of clubhead speed, which was more than any other driver I tested in the 2026 launch season. I got 2-3mph more ball speed which results in 5-8 yards additional carry, just from being able to move it faster.

However my favorite aspect was feel, which is spot on. It was beautifully balanced between lively and soft, whilst the acoustics were excellent as well, sitting perfectly in that middle ground, neither high-pitched and ‘clangy’ nor dull and muted.

Overall I think the Qi4D is a clear upgrade on the previous Qi35 range, delivering more clubhead speed and I am confident many golfers can get speed gains out of this driver as well. Then when you add the stunning looks and feel, it is hard to beat.

• Read our full TaylorMade Qi4D Driver Review

The ZXi is the ‘standard’ model, and builds on the existing ZX7 Mk II driver. So what’s new? Well the ZXi is clean it appearance, and I particularly liked the tinted textures on the crown, helping to elevate the entire package. Add the improvements at address, then this really is a premium looking model.

Fortunately the ZXi also adds some improvements in performance, too. The new i-Flex face tech results in a powerful feel off the clubface but does so accompanied by some more refined acoustics. If the ZX7 Mk II was a little loud for your tastes, then you’ll likely appreciate the more muted sounds of the ZXi.

As you’d expect, the driver offers some adjustability via two sole weights, and these successfully allowed me to fine tune the ZX1 to suit my playing characteristics. The result was bags of control with plenty of forgiveness, too. Off-center strikes weren’t punished severely, with my ball speed numbers remaining high, which will be particularly advantageous to intermediate players.

• Read our full Srixon ZXi Driver Review

Suitable for the widest range of golfers, the Quantum Max is engineered for speed and consistency, utilizing the same ‘Tri-Force Face’ as its tour-inspired siblings. In testing it definitely delivered for me in several ways.

Starting with the looks the overall shaping I liked, as it sat square and gave confidence behind the ball. Then the hitting performance was outstanding as well. Ball speeds were high, and its consistency means it will suit a wide range of golfers, whilst the forgiveness across the face was noticeable as well.

The feel is exceptionally powerful, but crucially remains so even when struck away from the center, like you would expect among the most forgiving drivers. It delivers a solid, satisfying acoustic across the face that instills much confidence. Additionally you can customize the head with a moveable 10g weight for shot shape, and the OptiFit Hosel adds another layer of customization, offering eight total configurations for loft and lie.

Overall the Callaway Quantum Max is a powerful, reliable, and highly forgiving driver that will undoubtedly help many golfers top end of the bag.

• Read our full Callaway Quantum Max Driver Review

Fairways

Moving to fairway woods now and one of my absolute top picks from testing was the Cobra Optm X. Built with a multi-material construction featuring a lightweight matte black carbon crown and a Titanium frame, the club introduces Cobra's new 'POI' (Point of Inertia) concept.

This technology aims to minimize gear effect and tighten dispersion by allowing the clubhead to rotate more naturally with the golfer's swing, making it a highly reliable all-rounder for players of varying skill levels.

I must admit in testing I was blown away by the ball speeds to the point where they were identical to the LS model but had more forgiveness in terms of launch. The slightly shallower face height and mid-CG location, supported by adjustable 3g and 17g weights, helped generate a stable ball flight with roughly 300 rpm more spin than the LS which will benefit those who don't swing out of their shoes like the pros by providing more forgiveness.

This fairway wood also looks superb, with a larger, more appealing footprint than other models. Admittedly if you play in the wind a lot the higher launch may be a little tricky to justify but otherwise I think the Optm X is a gem that successfully bridges the gap between elite performance and everyday playability.

• Read our full Cobra Optm X Fairway Wood Review

Not only did I include the G440 driver above but the fairway wood had to as well, which is no mean feat given how much I loved the previous G430 design. But there are several clear improvements in my opinion, starting with the looks. Chief among which was the Carbonfly Wrap which has previously been reserved for LST models, and the new blue and black finish which I think will be more popular than the yellow of the G430 line.

It is worth acknowledging that when it came to testing, whilst the speed numbers were high and consistent, the G440 did lag slightly behind competitors in terms of carry distance. This is likely due to the fairly low launch and high spin this wood promotes but it is worth saying further that these ball speed numbers were very consistent across the face which means the G440 is a forgiving model for a good range of golfers in my opinion.

Finally one thing that Ping has certainly got right with the G440 Max fairway is the fact it is offered in a 4-wood (17°), a loft that I feel a lot of amateur golfers who struggle with launch and carry could benefit from.

• Read our full Ping G440 Max Fairway Wood Review

2026 saw the introduction of the Quantum family which boasts a new looks but the same quality performance of previous Callaway models. The Max version of the Quantum is designed with a shallow face and a footprint that inspires confidence and successfully balances high-end ball speed with impressive forgiveness.

The biggest tech change this year comes in the form of the "Step Sole Design," which enhances turf interaction and allows the club to glide through various lies. In fact I found this to help when I tested this club out of the rough as well, cutting through the first cut and making it really easy to advance the ball down the hole. I also found the tungsten weighting and 'Speed Wave 2.0' technology helped my launch and forgiveness on low strikes on the face.

As for looks, we think they may divide opinion - a slightly "busier" crown and face graphics will not be for everyone and might put off traditionalists, but they do serve as an aid for correctly setting the ball up in the middle of the face at address. In short the Callaway Quantum Max is a fairway wood that I think will appeal to the masses due to the fact that it offers a little bit of everything.

• Read our full Callaway Quantum Max Fairway Wood Review

Next up I have included the TaylorMade Qi4D Max fairway wood which I am confident will suit players from the high handicap level, to intermediate players. Why? Well its massive footprint and shallow face profile are intended to inspire confidence at address, whilst the boffins at the TaylorMade factory have pushed weight to the perimeter which, coupled with an 8 gram rear weight, has moved the center of gravity low and deep which boosts MOI and creates a stable, high-launching platform.

In terms of my hitting experience in testing I was not disappointed as a result. I was met with a towering ball flight and lots of spin, which despite giving less carry than other models, I was still getting tight dispersion and a steeper descent angle.

Visually, the club sits square and unmissable behind the ball, aided by a silver alignment strip at the top of the face. While the larger head size can make it slightly more challenging to cut through thick rough compared to more compact designs, its performance from the fairway and tee is top-tier for the average player. Overall I think the Qi4D Max hits the sweet spot and means it is an option as one of the best fairway woods for mid handicappers as well.

• Read our full TaylorMade Qi4D Max Fairway Wood Review

Hybrids

I’ve selected the G440 as a worthy addition in this guide for intermediate players because of a blend of performance attributes.

Visually, while the confidence-inspiring shape of the club is similar to the previous G430, the G440 has a new rounded sole design, which allows it to sit flush to the ground in the playing position; it’s an attribute that should appeal to players of all levels. Of course we also have the blue and black finish which I think more golfers will like compared to the previous yellow and grey finish but this is a subjective point.

During testing, the level of forgiveness stood out. On poorer strikes, my hitting data remained solid, without too much of a drop off in ball speed and carry from my flushed shots. It’s undoubtedly one of the most forgiving hybrids I’ve used as a result.

Out on the course the G440 proved to be extremely versatile, working a treat from the tee, the fairway and the rough. If you’re looking to switch to a hybrid because your long irons restrict your options, then this club should be a great fit, exemplifying the hybrid’s reputation as a club for most situations.

• Read our full Ping G440 Hybrid Review

Another top hybrid to consider is the Callaway Quantum Max OS, a model which certainly delivered in testing especially across a wide range of lies.

Thanks to Callaway’s Step Sole technology, the club responded positively to every lie I found myself in during testing. From the fairway turf interaction was superb, so too from dodgy lies and from the rough. Typically the result was a nice, high ball flight that allowed me to hold the green, even from a good distance out. Admittedly, when I did my indoor testing on a launch monitor the numbers didn't seem to stand out compared to the competition, but out on the course the OS really performed for me.

Add in the Ai-Optimized Face and the large profile - the OS stands for oversize - and you have a hybrid that boosts confidence at address and then doubles down during the strike, offering plenty of forgiveness on heel and toe strikes. If you’re switching to a hybrid for some added reassurance then you’ll get that it spades with this club, making it one of the best ybrids for high handicappers that’ve tested in a while.

• Read our full Callaway Quantum Max OS Hybrid Review

If you like the visuals of the Qi4D drivers and fairway woods then the hybrid will fit your eye. Like the entire range it’s clean and stylish with plenty of refinement, from the combination of the steel body and the carbon fiber crown to the subtle use of branding; in my opinion it’s probably the best looking hybrid available right now.

Of course performance cannot be limited to just the aesthetic and thankfully I had no such concerns here after my testing. I must admit it was outstanding off the tee in particular, delivering impressive carry and distance numbers whilst also maintaining a penetrating ball flight. It didn't seem to balloon at all which can often be an issue with higher launching, higher-spinning hybrids.

Additionally, from the fairway I was able to produce enough spin to generate a ball flight conducive to attacking pins and holding greens, even when playing conditions were on the firmer side. In fact, the only knock on the Qi4D is its performance from the rough, where it got outperformed by the larger footprint of the Max.

• Read our full TaylorMade Qi4D Hybrid Review

Irons

TaylorMade made some smart, subtle but serious improvement to their latest version of the P790 iron following the success of their previous iteration. Just like it's predecessor, this in a fantastic iron that will suit a wide range of players and is a contender for one of the best golf irons at the moment.

I think the looks are fantastic, but that opinion may not be shared by all, especially the higher handicappers. The slightly thinned-out topline and overall cleaner, neater look moves this iron visually towards the ‘better player’ realm and may prove intimidating for those seeking forgiveness. However I would say these sit between the best irons for low handicappers and the best distance irons in terms of size, but I am happy to say there is absolutely no drop off in forgiveness or feel on mishits either.

Next, during testing I went back and forth between this version and the 2023 version of the P790 and the difference in feel is very notable. That sensation of speed and power remains as potent as ever but at the same time TaylorMade has managed to somehow soften and tame the feel without compromising any ball speed. As a result, these are irons that sit alongside the best compact mid-handicap irons for feel.

• Read our full TaylorMade 2025 P790 Iron Review

The T250 irons are a new addition to Titleist's T Series iron family, a model specifically crafted for golfers seeking serious distance out of their irons without compromising on looks - which is a sentence that suits a good number of golfers in my opinion.

The speed on offer comes thanks partly to the new forged L-Face with a V-taper design, which has been introduced to create greater ball speed across the entire face and increase launch on low-face strikes, which is a predominant miss for many players who will be shopping in this market. In addition, improved Max Impact Technology allows for more consistent carry distances and a tighter dispersion per Titleist, a claim that held up during my testing. The stronger lofts combined with the technology provided some exceptional ball speed numbers and pretty explosive distance.

Finally whilst the level of performance here is obviously worth shouting about, for me the main headline is the stunning looks on offer. It's a genuinely clean, modern, minimalist design that oozes quality, and I believe will appeal to a wide range of discerning golfers.

• Read our full Titleist T250 Iron Review

The 3DP X iron is a technological breakthrough that utilizes advanced 3D printing and a "Direct Metal Laser Sintering" process to create an internal lattice structure. Now this sounds very fancy, but it allows for optimized weight distribution and high stability through the swing to maximize forgiveness. The results in testing were phenomenal as well, especially with the soft feel off the face, literally anywhere on the face. The internal lattice supports a thin face that generates impressive ball speeds and carry distances, making it one of the most forgiving irons currently on the market.

Looks-wise, these irons look superb and mask the game-improvement capabilities into an iron that looks like a low-handicapper's blade, which will therefore suit an intermediate golfers bag no doubt.

At nearly $2,000 for a six-piece set, they are among the most expensive irons available and will almost certainly price out some golfers as a result. However, for those who can afford them, the 3DP X is one of the best irons I've tested thanks to the combination of stunning looks and world-class forgiveness.

• Read our full Cobra 3DP X Irons Review

The ZXi5 is the ‘mid cavity’ style iron of the ZX family and sits between the ZXi7 and ZXi4 irons. Srixon has designed the range to work as blended sets and thus has kept the shape and topline thickness pretty consistent throughout. It results in the ZXi5 looking a little less user-friendly that some may like, but I appreciated the compact head shape and the blending off the offset into the hosel to create a clean and sleek look. In fact from a shelf appeal point of view, the Mainframe tech that sits in the cavity is executed well and the overall aesthetic feels very premium.

But performance isn't just aesthetic. Aside from the impressive ball speed and distance output, the main thing that struck me about these irons was the sheer quality of their feel. The feel is so impressive, delivering a feeling of controlled power at impact, with minimal vibration. Combined with the intelligent design of the Tour V.T. Sole, and you get a club that’s a joy to play with.

In short, if you’re after an iron that combines a ‘player’s look’ without compromising on distance and forgiveness, then the ZXi5 irons are well worth closer inspection.

• Read our full Srixon ZXi5 Iron Review

Another worthy inclusion in this guide is the i540 iron from Ping which provided high ball speeds, comfortable launch and manageable spin rates throughout the set. How has this been achieved? Well there are a number of technologies involved including inR-Air Technology, which features an air bag positioned behind the face inside the cavity. Its purpose is to filter unwanted frequencies to improve sound and feel without limiting the face flex that helps generate distance.

Additionally the club has a forged steel face which is 9% thinner which thereofre allows it to flex more for ball speed and peak height performance.

Visually, the design is clean and sleek, offering subtle nods to the performance technology without looking overly busy. At address, it closely resembles the i530, although the topline appears slightly slimmer, a small change that better players will appreciate.

It looks great, it’s fast, and it is extremely consistent. It’s more high-quality engineering from Ping that will undoubtedly find its way into many bags this season.

• Read our full Ping i540 Iron Review

Wedges

I was a big fan of the SM10 wedge so was eager to see what was in store from the Titleist Vokey SM11 wedge, a model which will suit golfers from the Tour level to mid-handicappers.

It certainly makes a strong first impression when in your hand, with Titleist making some subtle but impactful changes to the aesthetic. The most obvious update is moving the ‘SM11’ branding from the back to the hosel, which really cleans up the look of the club. I also like the banner strip on the back which is a clear nod to previous Vokey WedgeWorks models.

With the SM11, Vokey engineers have centralized the CG to make it identical across all grinds within a given loft. Additionally the grooves have been overhauled whereby a new directional face texture angled towards the leading edge has been implemented to increase friction.

The results are outstanding. The feel off the face is exceptional and exactly what you want from a Vokey, whilst the flight control was top-notch too. From a spin perspective the check on the second bounce was aggressive and predictable, and with the new heat treatment applied to the heads, these SM11 wedges should be more durable as well. I will continue my testing to see if this is the case down the line but regardless the SM11 remains arguably the best wedge out right now.

• Read our full Titleist Vokey SM11 Wedge Review

Next up I have picked the Ping S259 wedge, which is a continuation of the high quality performance I got from the previous Ping S159 model. I liked the clean, modern aesthetic here, especially at address with the nicely compact head.

Technology-wise, Ping has utilized an investment-cast 8620 carbon steel head, which contributes to a soft-yet-solid feel at impact. The big story, however, is face technology. The S259 wedges feature wheel-cut grooves that are precision-milled to varying dimensions depending on the loft, and that makes a lot of sense considering the different speeds you will likely swing the different wedges at.

Therefore spin performance in my testing was impressive. Stopping power was aggressive which gave me more control to tight pins, and I enjoyed the controllable, and yet flatter flight than I was expecting.

Overall, I would say the Ping S259 is a worthy successor to the S159, and I think it could make its way into the bags of a wide range of golfers, given the strong performance I saw on the launch monitor and on the course.

• Read our full Ping S259 Wedge Review

Featuring a more refined head shape compared to the previous MG4, the latest TaylorMade MG5 wedge looks fantastic. Specifically 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. It really does look inviting to use for a variety of shots.

Then when it came to my hitting experience it immediately became clear to me how soft these wedges are. Off the back of Tour feedback, the wedges have been constructed with a soft, carbon steel with the basic rule being - the softer a wedge, the more control a player has. I must say I notice it right away when clipping shots away. The ball feels as though it stays on the face forever, which helped improve my distance control when chipping and pitching.

Additionally there are Saw-Milled grooves which have steeper walls and sharper radii to help grip the ball and produce high levels of spin. I tested this on a launch monitor and the numbers certainly back this up.

• Read our full TaylorMade Milled Grind 5 Wedge Review

My top pick from Callaway at the moment is the Opus SP Wedge. The "SP" on the new wedges stands for Spin Pocket, a new two-piece construction that shifts the center of gravity a little higher in the head to produce a lower, more controlled ball flight while maintaining the high spin that was evident with the original Opus wedges.

From my testing, the wedge really shone in terms of feel. It was responsive and yet firm on both full shots and ones that required a bit more delicacy. On full shots the flight was slightly lower than I was expecting, but once I got used to this, I gained confidence and control.

Looks wise they are perhaps a bit fussy on the back for me, but this is such a subjective point. However from a head shape I loved it. Down behind the ball it is fairly compact and as a result a lot of professionals have put the SP straight into their bags.

Overall, I found the performance and the aesthetics of the Opus SP wedges rivaled a lot of the wedges I have tested recently, especially those considered the best wedges for chipping. The different grind options allow golfers to customize their wedge set-up depending on their attack angle and the turf they typically play on, and the two color finishes both look fantastic.

• Read our full Callaway Opus SP Wedge Review

Putters

You would undoubtedly have seen a lot of golfers at different levels dabbling with the DF3 putter shape of late and not to rest on their laurels, L.A.B. Golf have sought to improve it with the DF3i. Indeed the main criticism of the previous model was the ball came off the face a bit slow and soft for some golfers which is where this new design comes in.

With a new milled stainless-steel insert, the DF3i now offers a firmer feel and it felt faster off the face as well. This provided an extra pop, allowing me to have really impressive distance control when putting from longer range by not having to swing the putter back ludicrously far.

It was on shorter distances that the patented Lie Angle Balance technology truly performed as well. The notion of just aiming and rocking my shoulders when putting from 10ft and in was something I enjoyed and I saw great success on straighter putts. The putter simply wants to stay square and I felt simply putting with the ‘larger muscles’ was the best way I could complement it.

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

Scotty Cameron putters are some of the most sought after pieces of equipment in golf and with models like the 9.2R it isn't hard to see why. Designed with Tour feedback, it features a mallet shape with more rounded edges than we've seen previously in the Phantom line. In short, it looks absolutely outstanding.

The putter is ridiculously soft through impact as well thanks to a combination of a new full face insert, and the chain-link milling pattern across the face. It meant there was next to no vibration when putting and it rolled the ball beautifully as well. Not to mention the buttery-soft audible click at impact which I loved. I was so impressed with the feel and how it framed the ball at address, it’s a serious contender for my bag this season.

One of the most under-appreciated aspects when it comes to buying one of the best putters is the grip, and Scotty Cameron certainly hasn't overlooked this, providing a stock, pistol-style grip that sits in the hands very comfortably. It allowed my hands to sit very neutral throughout the stroke, and I think it looks great as well.

The elephant in the room is the price, it is as the top, top end of the spectrum but because of the overall performance, feel and aesthetic package, I think the cost does justify it to a degree.

• Read our full Scotty Cameron Phantom 9.2R Putter Review

Early zero-torque or toe-up models from each of the major manufacturers often required a significant and fairly unnatural forward press grip in order to sit square. Odyssey's new S2S Tri-Hot line has been introduced as a solution to this, and my favorite model from that line is the #7,

The #7 features a shaft that enters the head right above the topline. As such it sits perfectly flush to the ground and I didn't have to manipulate it at all which does differentiate it somewhat from other zero-torque putters. This really elevates the look here whilst the red and black finish pops beautifully as well. The "fangs" are already a superb alignment tool, but combined with the new cross-hair system, I found it very straightforward to set up to my intended target.

The feel is the other major story (and upgrade) over the previous Square 2 Square design, thanks to the same Ai-dual insert, which is made from a soft outer layer and firm inner layer. It resulted in a smooth, responsive roll in my testing.

Overall the S2S Tri-Hot #7 and the other putters in the lineup get a double thumbs up from me. I think it takes all the stability of zero torque and put it into a stunning package that feels more natural at address.

• Read our full Odyssey S2S Tri-Hot #7 Putter Review

For 2026, Bettinardi has refined its much-loved BB Series, and one of my favorites in the line is the BB49.

To start the looks definitely standout. The head is coated in what the brand calls a Savannah Blue finish which instantly reminded me of a satin oil can-style design. I thought it looked great and combined nicely with the light grey pistol grip to give a clean overall package. Setting the BB49 down behind the ball, I found it offered a confidence-inspiring look of a mallet, while allowing me to express enough creativity and feel, similar to that of a blade putter.

The standout technological upgrade for the 2026 BB series is the new VDF (Variable Depth Flymill) Face. I found this provided incredibly consistent ball speed and distance control, especially on those slightly off-center strikes. Additionally, because the putters are milled from a single block of 303 stainless steel, the feedback and impact feel is sensationally buttery with enough responsiveness to let you know exactly where you struck the ball.

• Read our full Bettinardi BB-49 Putter Review

How we test golf clubs

Our testing for golf clubs is based on a comprehensive process combined with the knowledge and expertise of the Golf Monthly test team. The process usually begins with us attending product launches to speak to developers to learn about the technology used in the new clubs.

Our club testing is headed up by several of our writers, each of which take different categories to focus on. This way they become experts in their particular fields. Drivers and irons are overseen by Staff Writer Joe Ferguson, a PGA Professional who has worked in the golf industry for nearly 20 years. Fairway woods, hybrids, wedges and putters are managed by Staff Writer Sam De'Ath, a professional who has competed on the EuroPro and Clutch Pro Tours.

When it comes to our actual testing, the first step is to hit the clubs in a controlled environment. This process has been revitalized with our new Performance Lab (pictured above) and Golf Monthly Review YouTube channel. Our new testing area is powered by Foresight Sports and features a GC3 launch monitor, as well the impressive Sim-In-A-Box simulator and FSX Pro software. We also have measuring devices and other pieces of equipment to make our testing process as thorough as ever. This area allows us to analyze new clubs in a controlled environment, enhancing the accuracy of our findings.

The next step in the process is outdoor testing. We believe that it is vitally important to do both indoor and outdoor testing so we will continue to test the clubs until they have been comprehensively put to the test in different conditions. It should also be stated here 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.

How to choose golf clubs

Buying golf clubs can be a tricky thing to get right for intermediate players looking to improve but who also need a little bit of forgiveness. Getting the right golf clubs for your needs as a player can be a daunting task. 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 before you head down to your club shop. For that reason, we've set out below some key points we think you should keep in mind if you're buying new clubs.

1. Price

Some clubs can be very expensive, particularly irons. While some of the best drivers on the market can come in at a pretty hefty price, it is always worth looking at purchasing a club that fits into your budget and skill set. You don't always need the most expensive option and there are some excellent budget options out there that will sit your needs. For that reason it's really important to think about the price point of the clubs you're buying. For some better value options, see our guide to the best budget golf clubs.

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. Mid-handicap players will need to think very clearly about this when they're picking up a new set of clubs, simply because you may want to get a club that has a lot of forgiveness but also offeers up lots of distance too.

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 to the best Ping Putters, best Titleist irons and best Callaway drivers.

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