Best Golf Club Sets For Beginners 2024

If you're new to the game finding the right set of golf clubs to start your journey can be a daunting task. To make the task of buying your first set as easy as possible, we've tested lots of models and put together this guide on the best golf club sets for beginners to guide you through the process and allow you to purchase your first set with confidence. Before you go through this, we've put together a great guide on how to choose golf clubs for beginners, which will walk you through what type of clubs to buy, whether you need them custom fitted and how much you should look to spend.

VIDEO: We run through the best golf clubs sets for beginners

The best golf club sets are designed for new players and all the clubs in the bag will provide plenty of forgiveness. They also tend to have thicker top lines, so when you look down on the ball they will give you more confidence. Most of these golf club sets will feature all the clubs you need to get going: a driver; a fairway wood; a hybrid club; a set or half set of irons and a putter.

Within this list we've included package sets from a range of prices but, regardless of price, all of the featured beginner sets will be a sound investment that will last you for as long as you need. If you'd rather buy your clubs separately, and spend a bit more money in the process, check out our guides on the best golf irons for beginners or the best game improvement irons to find clubs that can take you to the next level. 

The Quick List

Best Golf Club Sets For Beginners

Top pick

Starting at the top of the list is the XR Package set from Callaway which sits towards the premium end of the package set market. But what makes them our top selection for beginners? Well, Callaway have made these clubs extremely confidence-inspiring at address, with all the clubs in the set making it as easy as possible to launch into the air.

The driver is 10.5˚ which, although it is slightly lower lofted than other drivers available in the best golf sets, is more premium looking, with the matte black crown really looking good. It also looked extremely generous down behind the ball as well and sits slightly closed to help players battle the annoying slice. The other woods in the set retained the generous confidence inspiring footprint down behind the ball, whilst we found them easy to flight too which many slower swing players and beginners will benefit from.

In the irons, the shape is unmistakably Callaway - there is a fairly rounded toe area and the topline is thick enough to inspire confidence without being too bulky and uninviting. It's a similar story with the putter which, in a black and white combination really stands out at address. What we love most about the putter is, again, how generous the head size is and there is also plenty of alignment help to be had. The final part of the package to mention is the bag which looks great in the blue, black and red finish. In short this package set ticks all the boxes for beginners.

• Read our full Callaway XR Package Set Review

Best set choice

This set is at the lower end of the price scale but still delivers a lot of bang for your buck. It's ideal for the new golfer who just wants to get out there and play, as the only essentials that you don't get with the Strata 11-piece set is a dozen balls and a bag of tees. It really is a full set, as you get a driver, fairway wood, two hybrids, irons 6-PW, putter and a stand bag. 

In testing we were pleasantly surprised at how this set performed. We found all of the clubs to be easy to hit and forgiving, and whilst they don't have the same premium look as Callaway's top end products, you can't argue with the performance on offer. The driver is excellent and offers a lot of forgiveness. A lot of the face is visible at address which when combined with the large head makes it an appealing club to look down on, especially for beginners. The sound of the driver impressed us a lot. With cheaper drivers the sound can often be quite severe but we found the acoustics on this to be surprisingly pleasant.

The irons were the most impressive part of the set though. The topline is nice and thick which inspires confidence at address for beginners, while the generous amount of offset should suit those who tend to slice their irons. They come with a regular flex as standard (there isn't a stiff option available), so this is the perfect set up for beginners.

It isn't quite a full set so there's room to increase it up to the 14 club maximum, specifically in the wedges department. One negative would be that the putter does not match up to the quality of the rest of the set, so we would advise replacing it with one of the best cheap putters on the market to complete what is otherwise an excellent value set.

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

Best mass appeal

If you're looking for a smart, aspirational look in your clubs then this set certainly delivers. All of the clubs in this set look great, while we were suitably impressed with the performance too as we found the clubs to be easy to launch and very forgiving, two aspects which beginners will love. 

The grey finish on the crown of the metalwoods blends nicely with the small flash of green throughout to really gives a premium look. We did feel that the sound is a little louder than some of the best TaylorMade drivers, but the higher pitched contact sound is not likely to put any golfer off using it. 

The irons feature a topline that strikes the perfect balance between being thick enough to inspire confidence at address without being too clunky and uninviting. The feel off the face is consistently solid throughout the irons and although they might not feel as buttery smooth as some of the best golf irons on the market, the feel doesn’t fall away too much when you don’t hit the very centre of the face. 

The hybrids look very generous at address - there is plenty of room between heel and toe - which can really help players in an area of the bag that is notoriously hard to master. 

Overall we found all of the clubs in this set to be easy to launch and very forgiving, two aspects which beginners will love. So for golfers who don't want to go to the trouble of being fitted for clubs but who want a quality set that will perform and look good, the TaylorMade RBZ SpeedLite is a good choice. One thing to note though is that the bag is designed for use on a cart and isn't ideal for carrying, so that's something to consider.

• Read our full TaylorMade RBZ SpeedLite Package Set Review

Best bag

Much like other package sets in this list, the Cobra Fly XL set looks the part and we were thoroughly impressed with how good these clubs looked when taking them out of the wrapper. Cobra are known for their value and, with the Fly XL set, they have continued this theme throughout.

So what is included in the set? Well along with 10 golf clubs, there is a really sturdy, lightweight stand bag with a 5-way divider, fleece-lined valuables pocket and a matching rain hood for those who like to play come rain or shine. What's more, Cobra offer both a stand bag and cart bag version, depending on your preference.

Performance-wise, Cobra have thought about the target market for this set, with the set itself featuring a 5-wood instead of a 3. You may wonder why, but the extra loft on the face will benefit most golfers opting to purchase this set that lack swing speed or ball-striking prowess. Importantly, all the clubs have been designed with forgiveness in mind, and the irons could even give some of the most forgiving irons a run for their money.

• Read our full Cobra Fly XL Package Set Review

Best forgiveness

There are two main things that new golfers tend to need more than anything else; forgiveness when you don't hit it out of the middle of the club face, and help getting the ball in the air. This Wilson set will provide both.

This set comes with a 10.5° driver, a three wood, a hybrid, a 6-iron to sand wedge and also features an excellent putter. Other sets may come with more clubs (this is a 10 piece set), but the advantage here is that you can add extra clubs as your game improves and you figure out what your needs are. That might be an extra hybrid or perhaps more variety in the wedges.

The sweet spots on these clubs are large and forgiving which really helps the golfer who struggles to consistently find the middle. Additionally, each club frames the ball in such a way it inspires confidence and the irons feature a low centre of gravity for high launch. This makes them ideal for the golfer that finds it difficult getting the ball airborne, especially with the mid-long irons.

At the higher end of the set, the wide sole of the sand wedge will provide good assistance in escaping bunkers, which is an area of the game where beginners can really struggle. In our experience the best golf club sets for beginners need not always be the most expensive ones, and this set is proof of that. As you can probably tell, we are big fans of this set.

• Read our full Wilson Prostaff SGI Package Set Review

Best looking

When it comes to looks, this set from Stix Golf absolutely knocks it right down the middle of the fairway. Every club in the bag looks premium and we were extremely impressed with the performance on offer too.

Unlike some of the other sets in this list, this is a complete set that contains 14 clubs from driver through to putter. It's a fairly standard set up that includes a driver; 3- and 5-woods; 4 hybrid; 5-iron through to pitching wedge; three wedges (52° 56° and 60°) and a putter. Everything the beginner golfer needs, plus this set set is of such a high standard that even when your game improves you won't 'grow out of it' as it were. With some beginners sets they quickly become unsuitable as your skill level increases, but we think the performance from the Stix Golf Complete Set will suits golfers of a fairly broad spectrum of ability.

In our testing the star performer was undoubtedly the driver. It looks fantastic and it produced a nice aggressive, high ball flight without spinning up and losing distance, which is something you will occasionally find with package set drivers. This actually felt and performed like one of the premium models in our best golf drivers guide. 

The fairway woods also performed well and we really enjoyed the irons as well. They continue the sleek look and hot feel, with the black finish really setting it apart from the rest. We found them to be quite firm through the ball while producing a strong ball flight. The wedges have more of a specialist design to them and the lofts are well-spaced and should help golfers with a vast array of different shots around the greens. Completing the set is a mallet putter, which again we were very happy with. The only thing to be wary of here is that the black finish can get easily scuffed over time. 

• Read our full Stix Golf Complete Set Review

Best cheap set

For golfers just getting started in the game and who don't want to spend a lot of money on their first set, the Inesis 100 Package Set is an idea choice as it offers excellent value for money and provides everything a new golfer needs.

It features 10 clubs including a driver, fairway wood, hybrid, 6-9 irons, a pitching wedge, sand wedge plus a mallet putter.

Firstly, we found the metalwoods in the set to be very nice to hit. They felt lively off the face and produce a higher pitch impact sound which for slightly slower swinging players is not a bad thing as it might prevent them from trying to swing too hard. Throughout the package we were impressed with the amount of distance and height on offer but there's also a lot of forgiveness too.

The Inesis 100 irons are fantastic - smart and simple. Whenever we've tested Inesis equipment we've always been impressed with the quality of components and it's no different with this set; it feels like they've been well constructed. The irons come with a very long club head which gives them a forgiving look and feel. Beginners should get away with hitting the odd heel and toe shot here as there is lots of surface area to look down on which provides something of a safety net for golfers who are concerned about not finding the middle of the face. 

Surprisingly, the 22 degree hybrid was perhaps the star of this set. Hybrids are traditionally one of the weaker clubs in package sets but this one offered a great ball flight and was very easy to strike from a variety of lies. The bag did feel a little flimsy, especially the straps, and it could have done with a couple more pockets, but overall this package set is an excellent choice for anyone just starting out in the game and  looking to get their first set of clubs. 

• Read our full Inesis 100 Package Set Review

Best high flight

While it is clear as soon as you unpack it that is this not a premium set like some of those already mentioned, this MacGregor offering is hundreds of dollars cheaper than many of the products on this list, but we have to say we were surprised by just how good it was. MacGregor are no longer regarded as a premium brand in the modern golf game, but it does have a long and distinguished history. 

Just because its package sets aren't going to set you back an arm and a leg, it would be a mistake to assume that means they lack quality or innovation as that's far from the case.

The CG3000 is an entry level 10 club set aimed at new golfers. The 13° driver, fairway and hybrid are designed in such a way that they're easy to hit and to get into the air, while the irons (steel and graphite options are available) feature an undercut cavity to keep the centre of gravity low and deep, which again means that golfers should find them quite forgiving and easier to launch.

In testing, our reviewer described the driver as "fantastic" thanks to its solid feel and nice, high ball flight. The irons launched high and offered good levels of forgiveness. You also getting a mallet style putter which looks great and produced a nice feel, as well as a choice of either a premium stand or cart bag. 

It's also worth mentioning that - unlike most of the other options on this list - MacGregor offers 1" longer or shorter steel shaft options, making them an excellent choice for taller and shorter golfers.

• Read our full MacGregor CG3000 Golf Club Set Review

Best for dispersion

This package set made our 2022 Editor's Choice list and it's mightily impressive. The PXG 0211 Z set is very much in keeping with the PXG look and we think the black and white contrast really pops. It's one of the more expensive options on this list but it is very much a premium offering.

One of the best things about PXG is the customisations they offer and there are three options when buying these as a set. The 10 piece full bag costs $1695 and includes six hybrid irons (6-9 plus a pitching wedge and sand wedge), three woods (a 16° driver, 4 and 5 wood) plus a 0211 Hellcat Putter along with the PXG Bag and a hat. You can also buy just the three woods or six hybrid irons on their own for $795 each.

The driver really stood out for us in testing. While the loud sound might be off-putting for some, it looks fantastic with the black matte finish and small x for alignment. Behind the ball it just inspires confidence, and the forgiveness on offer stood out more than anything else. Even bad shots were not going too far offline as the tech in these clubs really helps new golfers. 

It was a similar case right throughout the bag. While hybrid irons won't be to everyone's taste, there is a significant performance benefit to be had there, especially for slower swingers of the club (seniors for example) or golfers who need help getting the ball airborne (newer golfers). They are easy to launch and produce a high ball flight, and the aesthetics of these clubs is something else.

All the claims and marketing literature says these clubs are designed for true beginners “because golf is tough enough” and we could absolutely see what they mean. If you don't mind spending a bit extra then these might be the ideal clubs for the beginner golfer.

• Read our full PXG 0211 Z Golf Club Set Review

Top women's pick

We have already spoken about the Strata men's set above, but the women's option is equally as impressive. It comes with a 12° driver, fairway wood, 4 and 5 hybrids, 6-9 irons, PW, SW and a putter, as well as a nice stand bag. 

Aesthetically, these clubs look fantastic, with a glossy chrome finish across the irons that reminded us of the Callaway Big Bertha irons. They feature the same distinctive shaped cavity back, wide soles and thick top lines which makes them very easy on the eye as well as being super easy to hit. 

In our testing we discovered that the clubs deliver excellent distance and forgiveness. The big-headed driver might not be as fancy in terms of technology as some of the best drivers for women, but we found the Strata driver really easy to use. It does exactly what it set out to achieve, which is to make tee shots fly straighter and further, particularly when put into the hands of the typical slower-swinging, less confident golfers. 

The putter is a blade which is a little bit of a strange choice as most beginners are better suited to a mallet putter, but it boasts a very sleek aesthetic and handy alignment line on its top line which will help with accuracy. The biggest selling point of this set though is the price. This entire set costs only a little more than some drivers do, so there is excellent value to be had for what is easily one of the best women's golf sets out there.

• Read our full Strata Women's Package Set Review

Best premium women's

At the higher end of the price scale sits the REVA set from Callaway, which is another package set that really blew us away in testing. This set includes a driver, three wood, 5 and 6 hybrids, 7-9 irons, a pitching and sand wedge, putter as well as a snazzy cart bag and five headcovers.

We especially loved the driver performance. It gave us everything we needed to see from it; a high launch and ball flight, powerful feel, pleasing acoustics and the big circular target-style sweet spot on the face looks impossible to miss. The three-wood and hybrids continued this theme as well.

The large, oversized cavity back irons are very forgiving and specifically designed to help on mishits and our testing seemed to prove this. The irons are effortlessly light to swing and easy to use thanks to the stability and forgiveness on offer. If we have one minor gripe it's that we would have preferred specialist wedges but in fairness the clubs included in this set do the job of a simple pitch or chip shot well enough, and the set is aimed at beginners after all.

In our view the thing that really makes this one of the best women’s golf sets is the Odyssey putter, which is really high end and includes the Stroke Lab shaft. The fang design, coupled with the Stroke Lab technology, is aimed to help you with tempo and consistency and our tester absolutely loved it, especially in the blue finish.

• Read our full Callaway Reva Ladies Package Set Review

Most stylish

Whether you are just starting out in the game or are a keen improver looking to upgrade your equipment, the Wilson Magnolia ladies golf set certainly fits the bill and in our view it ticks every box. This stylish-looking sets includes a driver, easy-to-hit 3-wood, 4, 5 and 6 hybrids, 7 iron through to sand wedge, plus a putter and a choice of a stand or cart bag. 

The high-lofted driver has an oversized head profile which is designed to instil confidence, forgiveness and produce maximum distance off the tee, whilst the fairway wood and hybrids feature a large sweet spot and low weighting to make shots easier to play from a variety of lies and to aid with launch. We tested the hybrids from lots of different positions on the course and found them to be very versatile from all sorts of lies, but particularly the rough. 

The irons are also easy to get airborne due to the oversized head and clever weighting. The metalwoods and irons are all fitted with decent lightweight graphite shafts that feel easy to swing. 

We loved the addition of a bespoke sand wedge too as this is something you rarely see in a package set but it's a great idea. Completing the set is a nice looking fang shaped mallet putter that is nicely balanced to promote a smooth, pendulum stroke. 

Overall, we really loved the design and styling of this set and were instantly impressed with how well the clubs performed through the bag, making this the perfect gift to get someone started in the game. 

• Read our full Wilson Magnolia Women’s Package Set Review

How we test

Golf club sets are no exception when it comes to our testing ethos and methodology because we want to find the best golf clubs in the game.

We put sets to the test out on the course and over a number of rounds to see how they perform on different courses and in varying conditions. It is only through using each club out on the course and at the range that you can get an idea of how well something is made and how it performs. 

Additionally we want to make very clear that no manufacturer can buy a good review because our testing team tells it how it is, and we often have to buy the sets ourselves to put them to the test. 

How to choose

If you are new to the game and you are unsure what you need to be looking for, then here is some insight into the factors you should be considering when buying new clubs.

What comes in the set

The great thing about golf is if you want to buy single golf clubs for your bag you can, but you can also get entire sets with one purchase too. When doing the latter, it is worth checking which clubs come as part of the set to make sure you have all bases covered, and it is also worth getting a bag with the set too. You do not need to buy a full set when you're just starting out, as you can always add more specialist clubs (wedges for example) at a later date when you have honed your skills a bit more.

Quality

A common problem for beginner sets can be quality. Unlike the models we picked above, many can be poorly made and have issues with the head, shaft or grip, or even all three. You might think you are picking up something for a great price, but if you have to quickly replace it because clubs are broken or just not delivering on performance, then you are actually losing money. Therefore we would strongly advise that going for brands that are well-respected in the game of golf because the products will have been made properly, and have also been designed to give as much help to beginners as possible. Wilson and Callaway are especially strong names in this particular market.

Budget

Obviously there are different sets at different price points so it is worth thinking about whether you want to spend more or less here. This point also links with what comes in the set because the sets that come with bags, headcovers and so on, usually come with a higher price, but may end up saving you money in the long run if you were to go out and buy those items separately. 

Forgiveness

The main factor when specifically looking at the clubs themselves is forgiveness. The most common problem for beginner players is mishit shots which limits distance and hinders accuracy. Beginner golf clubs are designed to have larger heads and sweet spots, and therefore more forgiveness to help players still make solid contact with the golf ball. A less forgiving club (those aimed at low handicap players for example) are not going to be much help to a new golfer.

FAQs

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

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