If you have been on any golf retailer sites, it should be reasonably clear that golf clubs can be very expensive. However, believe it or not, this doesn't have to be the case because there are high-quality clubs out there which won't break the bank.
This is where this guide comes in! Firstly, we have done a lot of thorough testing to see which are the best golf clubs money can buy for less than $500. Why this number you may ask? Well, it's primarily down to the fact that it is more realistic for most golfers to have that kind of money to spend on golf clubs compared to $1000 and above.
We also chose this number because, across all sections of clubs, from package sets, to drivers, to irons, $500 is a price for which you can still get very, very good models. If we went any lower in price, we would find it harder to recommend a good set of irons for example, because the cheaper you go in that section, the more likely the performance will diminish.
Below, we have taken a look through the best models for under $500 but, if you are looking for a specific aspect, why not also check out our best budget drivers, best budget irons, or even the best cheap putters.
Quick List
A fantastic set that offers up surprisingly good performance for what is a small price tag. You won't find much better around this price.
This is great value and expansive offering for beginner golfers. In testing the driver, hybrids and irons were super forgiving and offer plenty of distance.
An impressive set that will definitely suit the golfer beginning his/her journey, with the modest price tag giving you an awful lot for your money.
An excellent all rounder that provides a good blend of distance and forgiveness. Add to that the aspirational aesthetics and powerful feel.
The Dynapower Carbon is a tech-advanced, visually appealing driver that, well fitted, should perform admirably against what’s in your bag.
The G430 Max is a long yet easy-to-use fairway wood and will be many golfers favorite thanks to its versatility and high launch characteristics.
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Surprisingly forgiving for such a compact hybrid, the Titleist TSR3 is also powerful and versatile. An excellent option for those confident enough to opt for a slimmed down model.
Smoother looking crown creates a better look at address and the revised sole enables the ZX Mk II hybrid to be very versatile. The high toe and squarer face create a neutral playing hybrid.
This is an affordable, user-friendly iron aimed at the mid-to-high handicapper seeking an easier way to hit more greens. It may not be super long, but it is consistent and during testing proved to be one of the more accurate irons.
A mightily impressive lightweight iron set that is easy to launch and forgiving off center. Users should look up to see a high and consistent draw-biased ball flight while enjoying a springy, stable feel off the face.
A brilliantly balanced wedge that has a high centre of gravity for easy trajectory and distance control. The raised micro-ribs positioned between the grooves produce brilliant levels of spin, while the hi-toe shape delivers forgiveness.
These beautifully crafted wedges may be the best Mizuno has ever produced. The classic design of the S23 looks great both in the bag and at address. The innovative centralised sweet spot technology delivers a more consistent strike.
Odyssey’s distinctive new White Hot Versa line of putters has been designed with one primary goal in mind - easy alignment, and it achieves it with its eye-catching black and white block color scheme.
Putters are a very personal club and with the EV5, Evnroll has afforded golfers the opportunity to choose the visual cues and hosel design that works for them. Along with the excellent stability and feel.
Best Golf Clubs Under $500
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Package Sets
Starting with package sets under $500, our first selection is the MacGregor CG3000. The brand has a long and distinguished history in golf, and yet, its clubs don't cost a lot of money compared to others.
The CG3000 is an entry level set, with the 13° driver, low profile fairway and hybrid designed in such a way that they're easy to hit. Meanwhile, the irons (steel and graphite options are available) feature an undercut cavity to keep the centre of gravity low and deep, so golfers should find them easier to launch.
The irons do have a fairly thick top line but, having played a few rounds with them, we don't think they're too intrusive. They are forgiving as well, and they go the distance. You also get a mallet putter and a cart/stand bag, so there is great value on offer here.
- Read our full MacGregor CG3000 Package Set Review
Strata Men's Golf Package Set
One of the best golf club sets on the market, you get a lot for your money with the Strata Men's Golf Package Set. Firstly, there are 11 clubs to choose from, as well as a nine piece set, and both feature a range of irons and hybrids.
The number of clubs means you can add more to the set, such as a lob wedge or sand wedge, with the overall performance very impressive. The particular stand-out came in the driver and iron department, with both aspects providing plenty of forgiveness and confidence-inspiring looks when you take the address position.
Although the putter is perhaps the only downside, you do also get a lightweight stand bag to hold all of your clubs. Along with the accessibility, there are a lot of pockets available which means you can store your necessities.
- Read our full Strata Men's Golf Package Set Review
Wilson Prostaff SGI Package Set
Our final set in this guide is from Wilson, the Prostaff SGI, which is a set you should consider if you are new to the game. The clubs in the set are large and forgiving, whilst the heads inspire confidence via thick top lines.
We begin with the lower portion of the bag, with the putter feeling very solid off the face. There is also a handy alignment aid on top to help with accuracy and, moving up to the wedges, both have a wide sole to help get out of a range of different lies.
Featuring a 10.5° driver, three wood, hybrid, 6-iron to sand wedge and an excellent putter to match, the cost is another plus as it comes in at an attractive price point, something which will appeal to those who are new to the game of golf.
- Read our full Wilson Prostaff SGI Package Set Review
Drivers
Mizuno has introduced an array of new features to maximise the potential of the ST-Z 230, with the development coming in the shape of a new CORTECH Chamber that encases a stainless-steel weight with elastomeric TPU. In testing, and through impact, it delivered a very powerful, lively sensation.
Distance-wise, it was extremely solid, with a high launch and ample spin putting it in a comfortable window during testing. What really stood out though, to us, was the playability, even on off-centre strikes it still had that high launch and a good amount of distance. Certainly, this puts it in the most forgiving driver category.
Aesthetically, we also loved the way the ST-Z 230 looks, with the Mizuno-blue finish on the sole (which highlights the CORTECH Chamber), making it look high-tech and premium. This only adds to the shelf appeal and the performance on offer.
- Read our full Mizuno ST-Z 230 Driver Review
Wilson Dynapower Carbon Driver
The new Dynapower driver is one of the most adjustable drivers ever created by Wilson and is available in both Carbon and Titanium head options. The carbon model is designed for the slightly better player - we’ve even seen it in the hands of new signing Kevin Kisner out on Tour - and features, as the name suggests, sizeable carbon fiber panels on the sole and crown to make the weighting of the head more efficient.
Although it was slightly shorter than other premium models on the market, such as the TaylorMade Stealth 2 and Callaway Paradym, it was only marginal. However, this driver is built more to help those who hook the ball and, in our testing, it certainly delivered on its promise of a neutral to slight fade shot shape bias, toning down our tester's draw shape nicely.
There really is a lot to like about the Wilson Dynapower Carbon driver - it's comfortably among the best Wilson golf clubs you can buy and, with a fitting, we believe you will be able eke out the full potential of this club, with the appealing price tag making it excellent value for money.
- Read our full Wilson Dynapower Carbon Driver Review
Fairways
Ping have loaded the new G430 fairway wood range with technology, with a Carbonfly Wrap visible across the top of the crown from head to toe. It's designed to save weight (10g) and lower the centre of gravity for less spin and more ball speed, with the aesthetic also including dark grey and neon green to give this, what we think, is a premium and modern look.
In testing, it was clear that the G430 Max was designed with those who want to get the ball airborne in mind, with the fairway wood one of the best for high handicappers. This was proved in our testing, as thinly-struck shots popped up and flew just shy of an optimum peak ball flight, rather than coming out low and not achieving good carry.
Overall, Ping has continued to impress us with their ability to create a fairway wood that continues to deliver exceptional forgiveness, yet see ball speeds that creep up to match some of the longer fairway woods in the game. The sleek look of the G430 Max fairway makes it even more appealing to hit and is certainly one of the best fairway woods available this year, at a good price point.
- Read our full Ping G430 Max Fairway Review
Hybrids
For those in search of a compact hybrid, Titleist has launched a moveable-weight TSR3 model that the brand says should: “Give you more control over every shot.” In testing, the performance certainly backed up this statement, with the TSR3 producing an impressively strong ball flight.
It's worth noting that there are other TSR options within the range, but all feature classic Titleist shaping and simple, gloss-black styling aesthetics. Certainly, when struck, we noticed the lower-pitched sound and more powerful feel through impact, with it providing ample distance for a hybrid golf club.
Where it stands out though is with the moveable weight system in the sole. We found that it was sleek and easy to use and noticeably changed our ball flight when moved around. In the neutral set up, it was easy to turn the hybrid over but, when positioned in the toe, we were able to work the ball both ways.
- Read our full Titleist TSR3 Hybrid Review
Srixon ZX Mk II Hybrid
The Srixon ZX Mk II hybrid has taken the best bits from the previous Srixon ZX hybrid and tweaked them a little. The footprint and head shape are still pretty much the same, but the step crown has gone, leaving a smooth head which we thought looks much cleaner at address.
In testing, we thought this was one of the best hybrid golf clubs for higher handicappers who are looking for more distance, with the face angle sitting a little squarer. What's more, Srixon have added the Rebound Frame on the inside of the head which stiffens the structure to improve ball speed.
The final point is the versatility that it offers. With plenty of loft options available, there should be a model for everybody and, with the forgiving performance being backed-up by distance, it is certainly one of the most forgiving hybrids we have seen so far in 2023.
- Read our full Srixon ZX Mk II Hybrid Review
Irons
Cleveland are known for producing some of the best golf wedges on the market, but they also know a thing or two about forgiving irons, with their Launcher XL arguably one of the most forgiving irons that money can buy.
To begin with, at address, the iron is extremely long from heel to toe and, although that may not suit all, it will certainly inspire confidence as there is plenty of club available for the strike. Also, thanks to a V-Shaped sole, it interacts with the turf well and, in our testing, it encouraged us to attack the ball by hitting downward.
The feel at the point of strike is also notably satisfying - the ball fizzes off on a strong trajectory with notable stability. We really saw the forgiveness on off-centre strikes, as the flight kept its line well.
- Read our full Cleveland Launcher XL Iron Review
Cobra Air-X Irons
Lightweight and forgiving, these irons should help average golfers swing the club faster for longer carries, assisted by increased perimeter weighting of the heads themselves. In testing, this claim was certainly backed up, with the Air X an absolute pleasure to hit
Despite not being aimed at ‘stronger’ players, we were still able to strike long and accurate approach shots, with the flight of the ball extremely consistent. What's more, the stable feel off the face and the resulting ball flight will appeal to a wide range of golfers, especially those who struggle to get the ball airborne.
The last point is the aesthetics, which we were really impressed with. Featuring flashes of red which will pop off the shelf, there is a thick topline and wide sole, with the generous amount of offset helping those who slice the golf ball. What we really liked was how the amount of offset is progressive, so the short irons have less of it and therefore look better in the playing position.
- Read our full Cobra Air-X Irons Review
Wedges
The first thing we noticed is that this wedge, with its aged copper finish, looks incredible. Whether over the ball or just sitting in the bag, it's a feast for the eyes and will blend in with the Raw face as it rusts over time.
What's more, it possesses lots of technology, with the raised micro-ribs positioned between the grooves to add texture to the face for increased friction. In testing, this showed up perfectly as we were able to hit low, spinny chips, even with a lob wedge.
Finally, we were particularly impressed with the higher, full-face grooves allowing for more forgiveness and spin on off-centre strikes. The taller toe design, coupled with this extra relief, was particularly useful when faced with a short shot that requires the face to be open in the bunker or the rough.
- Read our full TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedge Review
Mizuno S23 Wedge
Mizuno is known for producing world-class forged golf clubs, and the S23 wedge is no exception. The Japanese manufacturer has designed a wedge which not only preforms exceptionally but also looks incredible. Feel is, for many golfers, as important as looks and performance and, with the S23, it is certainly not lacking in this department as, in testing, there was a buttery soft sensation created via the one-piece Grain Flow Forging process.
Featuring a centralised sweet spot, which has been incorporated to allow for longer impact time, we found the spin to be outstanding and, because the sweet spot is right in the centre of the club, it felt like we were delivering a more consistent strike because of how stable the head felt. This only added to the high overall spin rate.
Using the wedges over several rounds, there are very little signs of wear in both the white satin brush chrome and copper cobalt finishes. Certainly, the copper tackles glare well, whilst the white satin brush chrome transitions seamlessly with most irons so, really, the choice is yours, but neither will disappoint.
- Read our full Mizuno S23 Wedge Review
Putters
The Odyssey White Hot Versa 12 S putter features the brand's patented Versa alignment technology that has been created following feedback from short game coach, Phil Kenyon, as well as a number of the world's top professionals.
In short, this is a stunning compact mallet, boasting a cool black colorway that is contrasted by the White Hot insert on the face of the club. It has a mid-sized footprint which fills the void between blade and mallet perfectly, although we would personally say it's closer to a mallet style.
Finally, it's worth noting that the unusual shape won’t suit everyone’s taste, but the bigger head gave us a greater awareness of where putts were being struck. It’s bold and beautiful, placing it comfortably among the best Odyssey putters on the market.
- Read our full Odyssey White Hot Versa 12 S Putter Review
Evnroll EV5 2023 Putter
The EV5 provides plenty of options for those looking for a premium performing putter. Firstly, it has ‘3x3 versatility’, which refers to the fact that it is available in various color combinations via three rear interchangeable chassis designs. There is even a choice of six hosel options too, so every visual preference and stroke type is truly catered for. The impressive customization on offer sees this putter earn a spot in our 2023 Editor's Choice awards.
It has lots of technology on offer, as well as plenty of alignment help to get you rolling the ball on the correct line. Regardless of how you build your EV5 putter, it will feature the unique groove technology engineered to deliver uniform performance across the entire hitting area; something which was blatantly obvious in our testing.
When we got our hands on it, we noticed that the feel was soft but not too spongy. Also, it has markers so you can position your thumbs in the same place every time for consistency, with the addition of six weight ports and dynamic toe flow options providing plenty of forgiveness benefits.
- Read our full Evnroll EV5 2023 Putter Review
How we test golf clubs
Our testing for golf clubs is built upon a comprehensive process combined with 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 several different golf clubs. 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.
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