Compared to team sports such as basketball or soccer, a round of golf is an expensive endeavor. However, an astute purchasing strategy can help you find a suitable set of golf clubs in your price range. In this post, I explain how much you can expect to pay for a good set of clubs.
Your skill level and personal preference are factors that guide your decisions. However, it ultimately comes down to your budget. I have laid out a guide that gives you an idea of how much you can expect to pay for a set of clubs, depending on your needs.
How Much Does a Good Set of Golf Clubs Cost?
Beginners (New vs Used)
As a beginner, you need to fill your bag from scratch. The easiest approach is to acquire a complete set. This saves you the hassle of individually sourcing each individual club, but it has its downsides. Complete golf club sets contain stock shafts and lofts, which may not suit your swing.
In addition, full sets contain a limited selection of golf clubs. A titanium driver typically heads up the bag, followed by 3-wood. Some packages also include a 5-wood, but it is more common to see a 4 and 5-hybrid.
An entire golf club set ranges in price. It depends on the composition of the bag, and the brand. For example, a new Callaway Strata 12-piece set fetches $370, while the 16-piece edition runs for $580.
Conversely, a second-hand golf club set can run between $250 to $600. It depends on the condition of the golf clubs, their brand, and the number of pieces in the set.
Mid Handicapper (New vs Used)
Intermediate golfers should possess a complete club set at this stage. Therefore, if you change equipment, you may do so at various stages. For example, you may start with a new set of irons. Then wedges, woods, and a putter.
Purchasing clubs individually may lead to a higher overall cost. However, it gives you the freedom to acquire the optimal specs for your golf swing.
Let me break down the cost of a new set of clubs before diving into pre-owned options. A new golf driver.
A brand new driver for mid-handicap golfers costs between $350 to $600, while a fairway wood fetches $180 to $280 per unit. Furthermore, a hybrid is priced between $150 to $300 an item, while a set of irons is between $380 to $1000.
A pitching, sand, or lob wedge, sets beginners back $80 to $230, depending on the brand and quality. Finally, a new putter runs anywhere from $100 to $250. Therefore, an average set will cost an intermediate golfer between $1300 and $2000.
Conversely, the table below highlights the breakdown of costs for each type of club. Contrary to a new set, a pre-owned collection runs between $680 and $1500
| Club | Price (New) | Price (Pre-owned) |
| Driver | $350 – $600 | $80 – $300 |
| Fairway Wood | $180 – $280 | $70 – $250 |
| Hybrids | $150 – $300 | $50 – $250 |
| Iron Set | $380 – $1000 | $360 – $760 |
| Wedges | $80 – $230 | $30 – $180 |
| Putter | $100 – $250 | $90 – $200 |
Advanced (New vs Used)
The price of a hybrid club, driver, and fairway wood is the same as the intermediate equivalent. Where the prices change is with the irons. Superior golfers typically prefer the forged design and soft feel of blades. These irons promote maximum workability and spin for control on approach.
Blades are also known as muscle back irons as they do not contain a cavity. Therefore, they provide less forgiveness than game improvement irons due to a reduced sweet spot. These irons are forged from a single piece of steel, requiring precise workmanship.
Moreover, forged irons are more expensive compared to the technology-packed game improvement clubs. Therefore, you can expect to fork out between $1300 to $2000 for a set of irons, which include a gap and pitching wedge.
Based on our chart below, a new set of clubs for low handicaps total between $2500 and $3500. On the contrary, you can prepare to spend $1400 to $2700 for a set of pre-owned golf clubs.
| Club | Price (New) | Price (Pre-owned) |
| Driver | $350 – $600 | $80 – $300 |
| Fairway Wood | $180 – $280 | $70 – $250 |
| Hybrids | $150 – $300 | $50 – $250 |
| Iron Set | $1300 – $2000 | $1000 – $1500 |
| Wedges | $80 – $230 | $30 – $180 |
| Putter | $150 – $300 | $100 – $200 |
Breakdown by Club and Skill Level
Driver
Beginner
The Callaway Big Bertha B21 is a suitable driver for high handicap golfers searching for forgiveness and consistency off the tee. The engineers placed the center of gravity (CG) low and forward to reduce backspin rpm and prompt a high launching ball.
Furthermore, the B21 driver features a draw bias profile built to limit left-to-right side spin for right-handers. As a result, your driver combats slices and promotes a straight flying golf ball.
Finally, an A. I designed Flash Face works to accelerate ball speed across the driver face. This helps you promote optimal velocity on all shots for added yardage off the tee.
Callaway lists the Big Bertha B21 driver at $350, making it a mid-priced driver.
Mid-Handicapper
A Cobra Speedzone Extreme driver contains a CNC Milled Infinity Face. It expands the active zone that produces rapid ball speed by 95%. This feature enhances your coefficient of restitution (C.O.R), which leads to faster ball velocity and farther distance off the tee.
In addition, an Aero-Zone Speedback shape promotes maximum clubhead speed, while low CG prompts high launching shots. Finally, a T-bar Steel structure increases stability for consistent ball speed and improves the moment of inertia (M.O.I). Ultimately this driver produces distance without sacrificing forgiveness.
Low-Handicapper
The new Callaway Rogue ST Max LS is built for superior golfers looking to work their shots and restrict backspin on tee shots. Despite a high MOI, that increases forgiveness, Callaway managed to ensure adequate workability.
Moreover, the A.I designed Jailbreak Speed Frame bolsters stability across the clubface to maximize ball speed throughout. Therefore you produce optimal distance and consistency on all shots. Lastly, an adjustable hosel enables you to alter the loft and lie of the clubface, leading to your desired launch.
Fairway Woods
Beginner
The TaylorMade SIM 2 Max produces maximum forgiveness, a high launch, and a mid-low spin off the clubface. This makes them an ideal companion for high handicappers desperate for consistency.
Multi-material construction pushes the CG low to encourage high launching shots. In addition, a Thru-Slot Speed Pocket accelerates ball speed.
Moreover, a C300 Twist Face restricts side spin to deliver straighter shots. Finally, these fairway woods are available in 15, 16.5, 18, and 24 degrees of loft.
Mid-Handicapper
The Cobra RADSPEED is an affordable fairway wood designed to maximize ball speed and forgiveness. Therefore, it suits mid-handicap golfers seeking additional yards without sacrificing forgiveness.
A CNC Milled Infinity Face enlarges the sweet spot of the fairway wood to maintain ball speed and reduce spin on all strikes. This leads to straight golf shots and ample distance.
Low-Handicapper
Callaway crafted the Epic Max to push the legal limits of ball speed. This is made possible by A.I Velocity Blades in conjunction with high strength maraging steel. Advanced players will appreciate the additional yards the Epic Max offers their long game.
An adjustable weight system enables you to alter the setup of the clubface. You can add extra weight to the back of the fairway wood for optimal forgiveness. Conversely, additional weight forward lowers your launch and spin for a piercing trajectory.
Hybrids
Beginner
The F9 Speedback possesses low CG and baffler technology. This partnership promotes a high launch, while baffler technology improves turf interaction. Superior turf interaction helps the sole glide swiftly across the turf to strike the ball cleanly from any lie.
In addition, this hybrid carries an enlarged clubhead which boosts MOI. That means it resists twisting during your swing to keep the clubface square at impact. This produces straight shots for improved accuracy.
In a nutshell, it launches high and straight and forgives you on mishits. Precisely the qualities beginners need from their hybrids.
Mid-Handicapper
The Taylormade SIM Max range makes another appearance on our list. This time it is the explosive, forgiving hybrid range.
Their regular flex custom graphite shafts are created for golfers with an average swing speed. Many mid-handicap golfers fall into this bracket.
The SIM Max V Steel Sole optimizes turf interaction to prevent the club from digging into the ground on the downswing. In addition, the C300 steel clubface encourages maximum ball speed, while Twist Face technology promotes straighter shots.
Low-Handicapper
PXG designed the 0211 Hybrid to work for golfers of all skill levels. However, the stiff shaft suits lower handicap golfers seeking a lower launch.
In addition, the HT1770 stainless steel clubface generates rapid ball speed across a larger area on the face for consistent yards.
A Railed Sole Geometry lowers the CG and increases MOI. Their partnership provides a high trajectory and a square clubface at impact for straight, long shots. Lastly, the Honeycomb TPE Insert ensures a smooth feeling by dampening vibrations.
Irons
Beginner
Hybrids are not every golfer’s cup of tea, but they offer exceptional forgiveness, which beginners need. My pick is the affordable, straight, and forgiving Powerbilt EX-550 irons.
My best buddy used Powerbilt irons growing up and became a scratch golfer. My point is that there is nothing wrong with this lesser-mentioned brand.
The EX-550 set consists of hybrids from your 4-iron to your pitching wedge. A sand wedge is included in the package, but it features a standard wedge construction. Their hollow-body design produces high MOI for straight, accurate shots.
Mid-Handicapper
The 0211 irons by PXG produce an exceptional coefficient of restitution, ensuring consistent ball speed on all strikes. This helps the average golfer maintain yardage, despite catching the ball in the heel or the toe.
In addition, an Angled Top Rail construction sets the CG near the center of the face to boost MOI. As a result, your irons work to square up through contact for straighter approach shots.
Low-Handicapper
Collin Morikawa and Tiger Woods are two names associated with the Taylormade P770 range. TaylorMade constructed these players’ irons to feature the traditional muscle-back look with a twist.
The engineers packed these irons with game improvement technology to optimize ball speed and enhance the feel. Plus, they offer superior golfers an element of forgiveness without hampering your ability to shape shots.
Wedges
Beginner
Wilson Harmonized wedges offer a simple, affordable design to improve the short game of high handicappers.
A versatile sole grind helps you open the clubface to get under the ball and launch it high. This trajectory enables you to stop the ball rapidly on the green and get up and down.
Moreover, a durable anti-glare finish increases your comfort and reduces distractions at address. Finally, the Harmonized collection contains a 52-degree gap wedge, a 56-degree sand wedge, and a 60-degree lob.
Mid-Handicapper
Mack Daddy 5 Jaws wedges present a remarkable balance of forgiveness, spin, and control. 5-sole grind options cater to every condition and angle of attack in golf. Plus, the head of each wedge is shaped to deliver a seamless transition from your 9-iron and pitching wedge to your gap, sand, and lob.
The engineers employed Groove-In-Groove Technology to create sharp edges for superior levels of spin. This promotes increased control around the green for improved chip and pitch results.
The Mack Daddy 5 Jaws wedges are constructed with 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, and 60 degrees of loft.
Low-Handicapper
The Vokey SM8 Tour Chrome wedges are an attractive range of clubs that generate exceptional spin and high MOI. Their design produces optimal feel and control for a superior greenside experience.
Spin Milled grooves steal the show and maximize backspin rpm to help you stop the ball rapidly near the cup. Plus, the presence of forward CG increases MOI to keep the clubhead square and stable through impact.
Putters
Beginner
Wilson manufactured the Harmonized M5 Jumbo to give beginners immediate forward roll, high MOI, and enlarged alignment aid. The combination of these features helps high handicappers produce consistent speed control and accuracy on all putts.
Mid-Handicapper
The famed Odyssey White Hot OG 2 Ball putter is a quality construction designed to deliver consistent topspin and forward roll on all strikes. In addition, the two-ball feature provides a robust alignment aid to keep you on target.
Low-Handicapper
Scotty Cameron created the Select Newport putter to produce exceptional feel, control, and forward roll for superior golfers. Plus, the blade construction provides a clean, classic look that traditionalists will appreciate.
Matt Stevens
Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.