When you’re new to golf, there isn’t just one “right” way to buy clubs.
Some players want the simplest possible entry point. Others want something that feels a little more serious without spending a fortune. And some already know they’re committed and want to get fitted into current-generation equipment from the start.
That’s why it makes sense to think about beginner golf setups in three realistic lanes:
- A budget, all-in-one option
- A middle-of-the-road value build
- A premium, current-generation setup
Important note:
All pricing below reflects men’s golf clubs. I’m also working on separate guides for women golfers and juniors where equipment options and pricing can look very different. Stay tuned.
Budget beginner setup
A boxed set like the STIX Golf Perform gives you everything you need to play golf in one purchase. You’re not worrying about gapping, mixing brands or whether you forgot something important. You open the box and you’re ready to go.
From a performance standpoint, these clubs are built to be playable. They’re not chasing top-end distance but they’re surprisingly long and easy to hit. The ability to order the set in the correct length is a real advantage at this price and the clean, modern look makes them easy to purchase.
I’ve played with STIX clubs as a scratch golfer. I wanted to see how they played and they’re not just “cheap beginner clubs.” They’re legitimate golf equipment that can get someone started and stay in the bag longer than most people expect.
STIX Perform budget starter kit (Men’s pricing)
| Line item | What’s included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| STIX Perform 12-Club Set | Driver, 3-wood, 21° hybrid, 5–PW, 52°, 56°, putter | $999 |
| Golf bag | Added separately | $100 |
| Total to start playing | Clubs + bag | $1,099 |
Middle-of-the-road setup
For the middle-of-the-road setup, instead of buying everything in one box, you’re piecing together clubs that mostly did well in testing, even if they’re not the newest releases. In many cases, you’re sacrificing a little top-end distance or adjustability to gain forgiveness, consistency and a much better price.
One thing to keep in mind at this level is availability. Many strong values come from older models or leftover inventory which means custom orders may be limited or unavailable. For most beginners, that’s not a dealbreaker. Standard specs paired with forgiving designs still work very well and the upside is clubs that can realistically stay in the bag for several years.
Middle-of-the-road value build
| Club | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | Cleveland HiBore XL | $249 |
| Fairway wood | Callaway Mavrik | $179 |
| Hybrid | TaylorMade SIM2 Max | $199 |
| Irons | Tommy Armour (5–9, PW, AW) | $399 |
| Wedge | Wilson Infinite 56° | $129 |
| Putter | Wilson Infinite Buckingham | $129.99 |
| Golf bag | Maxfli Honors (stand or cart) | $189 |
| Estimated total | ~$1,574 |
Note: Spending $350–$399 on a step-up driver pushes the total closer to the $1,700–$1,750 range. The Cleveland HiBore XL makes sense here mainly on price. In testing, it finished near the bottom of the driver rankings overall, but it remains a forgiving option at an accessible cost. If you want to spend more, options like the TaylorMade SIM2 Max, Srixon ZX5 Mk II, Tour Edge E723, TaylorMade Qi10 or PING G425 move you closer to stronger overall performance while still staying below full premium pricing.
Premium beginner setup
If you’re committed to the game and think you are going to stick around no matter what, the premium beginner setup can make sense.
Using current-generation 2025–2026 equipment gives you access to full fitting options and complete spec availability.
The downside is cost. Premium setups are significantly more expensive but they offer the most adjustability, the best access to custom shafts and lie angles, and clubs you won’t feel pressured to replace any time soon (at least for the purpose of improving technology). For beginners planning lessons or playing frequently, this approach can make sense if the budget allows.
Premium 2025–2026 TaylorMade build
| Club | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | Qi4D | $649 |
| Fairway wood | Qi4D Fairway | $349 |
| Hybrid | Qi4D Hybrid | $299 |
| Irons | Qi Max HL (5–PW, AW) | $1,099 |
| Sand wedge | Qi4 Sand Wedge | $142.99 |
| Putter | Spider Tour X | $349 |
| Golf bag | FlexTech Crossover Stand Bag | $299.99 |
| Estimated total | ~$3,317 |
Tips to save money (Without hurting your game)
When I priced each of these sets, I did it with just one fairway wood, one hybrid and without the lob wedge. Those would be add-ons if you find you are noticing gaps in your game. Here are a few tips to help you save some money and still put together a quality set as a new golfer.
- Don’t overlook used clubs: If a friend has a set of irons you’ve hit a few times and liked, that can be a great place to start, especially if they’re not a new release. Golf clubs don’t stop working just because a new model came out.
- Buying a 2025 driver in 2026 can be a smart move: As new equipment is released, prices on last year’s drivers drop quickly. You’re often getting brand-new gear at a meaningful discount that will still last you a long time.
- Start complete, then upgrade slowly: This is one of my favorite approaches. Play a boxed set like STIX for a year. If you realize the driver is holding you back, replace just the driver. Six months later, maybe add wedges. Staggering upgrades keep you from dealing with a big bill all at once.
- Customization matters, even for beginners: One reason I like STIX is the ability to order the correct length. That’s not something every beginner set offers and it can make a real difference early on if you don’t fit within the parameters of “standard length.”
- You don’t have to buy the full set to use STIX: One underrated benefit is that STIX also sells individual clubs. If you want to fill a gap with just irons, add wedges or slot in a fairway wood without jumping to premium pricing, they’re a fair-price option that blends easily into a mixed set.
There’s more than one right way to start playing golf. Pick the path that fits your budget and your commitment level, and don’t feel like you have to get everything perfect on Day One.
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