Writing about golf equipment can be the greatest side hustle ever. It might not change the universe, but it’s fun … so I got that.
Which is beautiful.
That said, the year 2025 hardware was quite attractive. I was lucky enough to play fantastically the player’s distance iron from PINGA innovative wonder from COBRAa driver who it looked like a dorito and clubs from an OEM that had not released a new legal iron this century.
I also get to test clubs from major OEMs and small direct-to-consumer brands. Hell, I even got to try one illegal driver (aka not conforming)..
Yes, 2025 was fun. And since we’re at the end of the year, I’d like to share with you, my dear friends, perhaps the single biggest thing I’ve learned since last January 1st.
If you know your specs, there is no shortage of equipment with which you can play good golf.
And it doesn’t have to cost a lot.
There is a lot of value to be had there
Complaining about the high cost of golf equipment has become a blood sport. No one likes to spend $600 on a new driver or $1,500 on new irons.
The lesson here is simple: Don’t.
I spent the second half of the 2025 golf season playing with the Maxfli XC2 forged irons. They sold for $999 at launch. Today, you can score a set at DICK’s or Golf Galaxy for $799.98. This is DTC level pricing, but you can try them on a bay and, swallowadapt.
The new one Ben Hogan Fort Worth UK/CB handcuffs are also quite special. I played one of my best rounds of the year with those babies in the bag along with the young Hogan PTx hybrid and fairway wood.
The new one Takomo Ignis D1 driver It’s a great value at $319, but MacGregor Tourney Max at $249 it’s even better.
Will you customize, maximize and optimize? Maybe not. But you can play really good golf with them, and you won’t have to sneak anything past the House Ways and Means Committee to get them.
What are your goals?
If you absolutely want to squeeze every possible half-range of bearing and every rpm of rotation, a custom fit is the way to go. However, once you have your specs, the world is your oyster.
Let’s say you’re fitted for the TaylorMade P790. As long as the iron type (ie, the player’s distance) is consistent, the fit should apply to almost anything. MacGregor can custom build you a set of his own outstanding MACSPD handcuffs – among the most accurate golfer’s distance irons we’ve ever tested – to the same specifications. You’ll pay a ton less and get a great set of irons.
whether Under 70 699 Pro V3 is more your style, company owner Jason Hiland’s team will walk you through the phone to make sure you get exactly what you want.
Takomo, Maltby, Haywood … you name it. The list of clubs you can play good golf with is longer than ever.
Beware of golden handcuffs
Like any other consumer, I value security and trust. Common OEMs have both of these. A driver from any OEM, from Callaway to Wilson, is a safe choice. You can demo them, adapt and believe that there is a real company behind it all.
This security and confidence comes at a price, and most players are more than willing to pay that price. That, my friends, is what we call golden handcuffs. If you need that security and confidence, you’ll have to pay the freight.
The biggest lesson of 2025, however, is that there is a silver key to unlock those golden shackles. It may require a little more work on your part, but it can be more than worth it.
Truly, there has never been a better time to be a golf consumer.
Happy New Year, y’all!
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