When you’re new to golf, there isn’t just one “right” way to buy clubs.
Some players want the simplest 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 into current-gen gear right from the start.
That’s why it makes sense to think about starting golf setups in three realistic ways:
- A budget, all-in-one option
- A middle of the road value build
- A current generation premium configuration
Important note:
All prices below reflect men’s golf clubs. I’m also working on separate guides for women golfers and juniors, where equipment options and prices can look very different. Stay tuned.
Initial budget setup
A boxed set as STIX Golf Perform gives you everything you need to play golf with one purchase. You don’t have to worry about splitting, mixing brands or if you forgot something important. You open the box and you’re ready to go.
From a performance standpoint, these clubs are built to play. They’re not chasing top-notch distance, but they’re surprisingly long and easy to hit. The ability to order the kit to the right length is a real advantage at this price and the clean, modern look makes them easy to buy.
I have played with STIX clubs as one scratch golfer. I wanted to see how they played and aren’t just “cheap starter clubs”. They are legitimate golf equipment that can get one started and stay on the bag longer than most people expect.
STIX Perform Budget Starter Kit (Men’s Price)
| Line item | What is included | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| STIX Perform Set 12-Club | Driver, 3-wood, 21° Hybrid, 5–PW, 52°, 56°, putter | 999 dollars |
| Golf bag | Added separately | 100 dollars |
| Total to start playing | Clubs + bag | 1099 dollars |
Middle of the road setup
For the middle-of-the-road setup, instead of buying everything in a box, you’re stockpiling clubs that mostly did well in testing, even if they’re not the newest versions. In many cases, you are sacrificing a little distance at the end or suitability to gain forgiveness, durability 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, this is not a solution. Standard specs coupled with forgiving designs still perform very well and the upside is clubs that can actually stay in the bag for a few years.
Value building in the middle of the road
| Club | pattern | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | Cleveland HiBore XL | 249 dollars |
| Freeway wood | Callaway Mavrik | 179 dollars |
| hybrid | TaylorMade SIM2 Max | 199 dollars |
| lattice | Tommy Armour (5-9, PW, AW) | 399 dollars |
| Wedge | Wilson Infinite 56° | 129 dollars |
| Putter | Wilson Infinite Buckingham | $129.99 |
| Golf bag | Dear Maxfli (STAND OR cart) | 189 dollars |
| Estimated total | ~$1574 |
Note: Expenses $350-$399 in a rising driver pushes the total closer $1700-1750 verse Cleveland HiBore XL it makes sense here mainly for the price. In testing, he finished next bottom of the overall driver rankingsbut remains a forgiving option at an affordable cost. If you want to spend more, options like TaylorMade SIM2 Max, Srixon ZX5 Mk II, Tour Edge E723, TaylorMade Qi10 OR PING G425 brings you closer to stronger overall performance while still staying below the full premium price.
Initial premium configuration
If you’re committed to the game and think you’ll stick around no matter what, the premium starter setup might make sense.
Using current generation 2025–2026 equipment gives you access to full fitment options and full spec availability.
The downside is the cost. Premium configurations are significantly more expensive, but they offer the most adjustability, the best accessibility custom axles and lie angles and clubs you won’t feel pressured to replace any time soon (at least for the purpose of upgrading technology). For beginners who plan lessons or play often, this approach may make sense if the budget allows.
2025–2026 TaylorMade Premium Construction
| Club | pattern | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | Qi4D | 649 dollars |
| Freeway wood | Qi4D Fairway | 349 dollars |
| hybrid | Qi4D hybrid | 299 dollars |
| lattice | Qi Max HL (5–PW, AW) | 1099 dollars |
| Sand wedge | Qi4 sand wedge | $142.99 |
| Putter | Spider Tour X | 349 dollars |
| Golf bag | FlexTech Crossover Support Bag | $299.99 |
| Estimated total | ~$3317 |
Tips to Save Money (Without Hurting Your Game)
When I evaluated each of these sets, I did so with just one fairway wood, one hybrid, and no lob wedge. These would be extras if you find yourself noticing them gaps in your game. Here are some tips to help you save money and make a quality set as a new golfer.
- Don’t overlook used clubs: If a friend has a set of irons that you’ve hit a few times and like, this 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 comes out.
- Buying a 2025 to 2026 driver can be a smart move: With the release of new devices, the prices of last year’s drivers drop quickly. You’re often getting brand new equipment at a significant discount that will still last you a long time.
- Start full, then build up slowly: This is one of my favorite approaches. Play a set of boxes like STIX for a year. If you find that the driver is blocking you, just replace the driver. Six months later, maybe add wedges. The mind-boggling improvements keep you from facing a big bill right away.
- Personalization matters, even for beginners: A reason I like it STIX is the ability to order the right length. This isn’t something that every starter set offers and can make a real difference early on if you don’t fit into the parameters of “standard length”.
- It is not necessary to purchase the complete kit to use STIX: An underrated benefit is that STIX also sells individual clubs. If you want to fill a gap with just irons, add wedges or splits to an inexpensive wood without jumping into the premium price, they’re a fairly priced option that easily blends into a mixed set.
There is more than one right way to start playing golf. Choose the path that suits your budget and level of commitment, and don’t feel like you have to do everything perfectly on Day One.
Post Beginner Golf Club Costs in 2026: Budget, Mid-Range, and Premium Options appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
