Best Golf Clubs 2025 - We Select Our Favorites

There are hundreds of golf clubs out there on the market right now. From the most technical clubs to the most forgiving, there is plenty to choose from but getting the right sticks for your needs as a golfer can be a particularly tricky decision. So what are the best golf clubs this year? Well, whereas in many sports you use just one implement for every shot, in golf you get to choose your different clubs to get you from tee to green on every hole. Finding those best clubs for your game will take a bit of time and thought as you work out the line-up that will give you your very best chance of shooting lower scores.

At Golf Monthly, we test and review hundreds of clubs every year from manufacturers right across the spectrum to pick out what we believe are the best golf drivers, to the best golf irons, to the best putters. This year, a whole range of cracking new golf clubs has been launched and we thought it would help you in your buying decision if we picked out some of our favorites should you be looking to upgrade. You'll also find links to reviews, videos and other buyer's guides in which we highlight more of the best golf clubs out there. Also for more club buying advice, take a look at our guides on the best golf club sets or best women's golf clubs.

Best Golf Clubs

Drivers

The driver is one of the hardest clubs in the bag to hit, so getting the right one can instill confidence on the tee that can filter down to the rest of your game. Brands are showing no sign of slowing down when it comes to driver head innovation and the technology being built into each club. While distance increases have slown down considerably due to the restrictions placed on manufacturers by the game's governing bodies, there are still notable gains being made in forgiveness and overall performance. So perhaps a new big stick might be just what you need to get your season off to a flier.

As mentioned, manufacturers are currently placing a big focus on forgiveness, which is vitally important when it comes to finding fairways. Depending on your skill levels, making sure your mis-hits don’t stray too far offline while also limiting the amount of distance you lose from poorly struck shots, can be the difference between a good score and a bad one. Below, we have picked a selection of our favorite drivers but, if you're looking for something a little more specific, check out our list of the most forgiving drivers, the best drivers for beginners and the best drivers for distance.

In 2022, TaylorMade made arguably the biggest impact in the driver scene, introducing users to the 'Carbonwood Age' of golf clubs through its excellent Stealth range of drivers. The year after, they then introduced the Stealth 2 and in 2024 came the Qi10, which was another step forward.

For 2025 we have the Qi35. We've chosen the standard model for this list as it suits the widest range of golfers. All heads in the new Qi35 range features two adjustable weights in the sole that can be switched so you can fine-tune your launch and spin, while brand new CG technology enhances performance. Visually, there's a high-tech matte finish that we think looks like the inside of a supercar.

In terms of the CG technology, essentially TaylorMade has made the CG in the face as low as possible, which increases what the brand is referring to as ‘the area of opportunity’. The belief is that the lower the CG, the better than chances of achieving optimal flight conditions.

In testing we noted that the feel off the face is slightly livelier than the previous Qi10, while there is a more high-pitched acoustic that creates a touch more of a firmer feel at impact - something we enjoyed.

We also loved the adjustability of this driver. In a neutral setting this is an incredibly stable, forgiving driver that will help you find the fairway. There is a setting that we like to call 'beast mode' whereby you adjust the weights which will drop rpm and increase overall distance output. The trade off is that your dispersion will suffer a little, although nowhere as much as you might imagine. Overall then there’s genuinely not much we don’t like about this driver.

• Read our full TaylorMade Qi35 Driver Review

The GT3 is the most adjustable of the new GT range from Titleist. This adjustability comes from a new weight track that sits much closer to the face than it did on its predecessor, the TSR3.

In testing, we used a Trackman 4 launch monitor and were able to achieve a 173 mph ball speed with the GT3, which was a definite improvement on previous iterations. Another plus was that we found it easy to shape and the forgiveness also jumped out as our tester Joe Ferguson noticed that it aided his usual low, heel miss nicely due to the ball speed that was retained.

Joe also noted solid improvements in acoustics, forgiveness, aerodynamics too, and when you add all of these minor improvements up, you have a big leap forward in our opinion.

Aesthetically, the GT3 has a refined look that the purists will love. It has a more pear-shaped visual when compared to the other two GT models, and Titleist has managed to seamlessly integrate the new polymer material into the head. The sections where polymer meets titanium have been filled and polished to keep that familiar, clean Titleist visual. All in all, a great driver.

• Read our full Titleist GT3 Driver review

According to Ping, the Max 10K is the straightest and highest MOI (moment of inertia) driver it has made to-date, eclipsing the 10,000g-cm2 combined moment of inertia threshold first surpassed by the G400 Max five years ago.

How has Ping achieved this? With a combination of things. Firstly, it features a significantly bigger footprint. There is also a fixed back weight as well as a Carbonfly wrap on the crown. The fixed back weight facilitates the high MOI as it drives mass down and away from the face, which increases forgiveness while also optimizing the center of gravity position. This in turn lowers spin and ensures ball speed preservation across the clubface for added distance.

In testing, the performance of the G430 Max 10K was off the charts! The stability and forgiveness of this driver alone is hugely impressive, but to provide this while also keeping the spin so low is genuinely remarkable. In testing, we found the ball speed numbers to be comparable to anything on the market, while the spin output stands up against any of the best low-spin drivers. This may be the most stable and forgiving driver head we have ever tested, so for it to also be one of the lowest spinning too is mightily impressive.

• Read our full Ping G430 Max 10K Driver Review

Callaway's 2025 offering is the Elyte range, of which the standard Elyte head is suited to the widest range of golfers, from low handicap players to Sunday hackers. The Elyte is an excellent 'all-rounder' that we found delivers slightly less spin than the standard models of its competitors. The increased levels of forgiveness and solid feel at impact will appeal to the masses and Callaway has done a good job improving on the excellent Paradym Ai Smoke range.

The Elyte boasts a new perimeter weighting system that allows golfers to fully customize where they place the movable 13g weight, which means you can promote or rectify a specific ball flight. This is especially handy if you need to dampen down a troublesome slice for example.

It was always going to be difficult to make a driver that was as pretty on the eye as the Paradym Smoke, and it's fair to say that this isn't the prettiest range of drivers Callaway have ever produced. However, while it isn't the most striking in terms of style, we found that the club sits nicely behind the ball at address and the shaping of the matte carbon fiber head inspires confidence over the ball.

The high launch and lower spin profile, coupled with aerodynamic improvements should provide a little extra yardage for most players and given the fantastic forgiveness on offer this is a great option for a wide range of golfers.

• Read our full Callaway Elyte Driver Review

Cobra drivers have been a long time favorite of ours due to the high quality coupled with affordable pricing. The 2024 Darkspeed drivers were excellent and the brand has built upon that with the DS-ADAPT family, new for 2025. We're focussing on the DS-ADAPT X, which is a versatile driver aimed at players of all levels and abilities.

The big story is customization, as the FutureFit33 adjustable hosel allows players to de-couple loft and lie angle for the first time ever. There are a whopping 33 unique individual settings available, which should keep even the most avid tinkerer happy. The main benefit of this is that it allows players to fine tune to whatever ball flight they want from their driver. This can often change depending on weather conditions or what type of golf course you are playing, so the extra options will appeal to the more conscientious golfer.

This wealth of customization options makes this a driver that can be optimized for any type of swing speed. The neutral setting of the X may be better suited to more moderate swing speeds, but those with higher swing speeds can benefit from the more aggressive spin profile that the customization allows.

We loved this driver in testing. It looks fantastic but also has exceptional feel and acoustics, two very important and under-appreciated aspects of a good driver.

• Read our full Cobra DS-ADAPT X Driver Review

Fairway Woods

The fairway wood has traditionally been one of the most difficult clubs in the bag to use, but it gets easier with each passing year as technology evolves. The modern fairway wood is one of the most versatile clubs you can buy. With enhanced materials and technologies, the best fairway woods can help you find distance and consistency from the tee. They are also playable from the short grass and can even be effective from the rough or around the greens.

So we've put together a selection of our favorites here, with each offering excellent all-round distance, forgiveness and feel. For more insights on the top models out there right now, you can check out our full list of the best fairway woods or, for something more specific, we've got several guides on the best fairway woods for high handicappers, most forgiving fairway woods and best fairway woods for mid handicappers.

One of the best fairway woods we've tested this year is the ZXi from Srixon. In fact it may actually be the best. We think it looks absolutely stunning in the black finish and although the head looks slightly smaller compared to others on this list (which won't be to everyone's taste) in our view it frames the ball beautifully at address. The top of the crown helps to align and square up that club face before the strike as well.

During our testing we were intrigued to discover that distance numbers have taken a significant jump when compared to the older ZX5 Mk II fairway wood. Pleasingly, this extra distance is also complimented with a really tight dispersion, similar to that when we tested the TaylorMade Qi35 fairway woods. Additionally we loved the feel of the club and noted that the change from a full titanium structure dampened the acoustics and vibration, which is pleasing. That said, while the sound is on the quiter end of the Srixon scale is is still much louder than the likes of the Callaway Elyte.

In short, we loved just about every element of this ZXi fairway wood and we believe it will be a serious contender in the metal-wood department this year.

• Read our full Srixon ZXi Fairway Review

Given how well the Qi10 fairway woods performed last year, we were keen to compare the performance of the new Qi35 models to see how they matched up. We were not disappointed.

The aesthetic changes implemented by TaylorMade made are led by the new carbon-fiber finish which looks fantastic. This is complimented nicely but the multi-material construction, which gives a really eye-catching look that certainly adds to the overall experience.

The standard head in the Qi35 range looks excellent behind the ball. It is confidence-inspiring without being so large that it will turn off better players. The head sits flush on the ground and is complimented by the fairly shallow face, while the detailing at the back of the crown really emphasizes the roundness of the head as well, which we loved.

The performance in testing produced very impressive numbers, especially in terms of ball speed, carry and spin. So there were improvements there, while the feel was the same muted, yet powerful sensation we loved from the Qi10 fairway wood range. In short, a great looking fairway wood that also delivers top quality performance in spades.

• Read our full Taylormade Qi35 Fairway Wood Review

Given the success of the Ping G430 fairway wood in 2024, it was going to take a Herculean effort from Ping to come up with something special enough to be a worthy successor. The G440 has a tough act to follow and while it is an excellent option, the only real advancement is in the looks, which is subjective anyway.

We do feel that Ping has made some tangible improvements to the aesthetic, mainly thanks to the new Carbonfly Wrap which is featured on all of the G440 family, drivers and woods. This is a big change as previously this Carbonfly Wrap was exclusive to the LST from the G430 range. We are less keen on the sole of the club which sports a black and blue colorway. This is a nod to the original G series family released almost a decade ago, and no doubt many will love that, especially as looks is such a subjective issue anyway.

Moving on to performance, and it was surprising to find that during testing our carry numbers were lagging short of other models we've tested this year, even though ball speed numbers remaining pretty high and consistent. This is likely due to the fairly low launch and high spin this wood promotes. The result of this was a fairly underwhelming carry average, which fell short of competitors like the TaylorMade Qi35 fairway wood and Callaway Elyte fairway wood. However we did love the 4-wood performance as it offered that higher flight which many golfers will enjoy.

Overall the G440 has kept much of what made the G430 so great but from our testing we struggled to find an area in which there were any clear improvements. Nevertheless, it still remains a great option to consider when shopping in the fairway woods market.

• Read our full Ping G440 Max Fairway Wood Review

The PXG Black Ops fairway wood offers close to a perfect combination of aesthetics, performance and playability and is one of the most under-rated clubs on the market. It ticks a lot of boxes, beginning with looks where it offers some serious shelf appeal thanks to the black and silver tones sitting alongside the carbon fiber crown. While beauty is of course in the eyes of the beholder, we feel that this is one of those clubs that delivers a real wow factor when you remove the headcover and look down on it.

In our testing the Black Ops performed just as well when struck from the deck as it did off the tee, which is testament to how forgiving and easy this club is to use. It's also a sign of the versatility of the club that makes it such a good choice for a wide variety of skill levels.

PXG have always been excellent when it comes to providing customisation options for their clubs and it's no different here. This fairway wood has three weight ports that can be chosen individually when custom-ordering the club, which should ensure that you get the exact ball flight you desire. Additionally, the Black Ops is comfortably one of the most forgiving fairway woods money can buy, whilst still providing a strong, powerful feel.

• Read our full PXG Black Ops Fairway Wood Review

Hybrids

Matching the correct hybrid to your game can transform your scoring – but there is a lot to consider before committing to buying a brand new hybrid. Also known as a rescue or recovery wood, using a hybrid is often more appealing than a long iron, thanks to the extra forgiveness on offer and a more confidence-inspiring head.

Depending on the lie, they can provide a superb option on longer par 3s, are fantastic for low shots out of the trees and under the wind and are also an innovative option to play on the fringes around the greens from bare lies. In short, a hybrid is perhaps one of the most versatile clubs you can put in your bag.

Below, we've picked out a selection of our favorite hybrid golf clubs that you can buy right now. While you're here you should also take a look at our full list on the best golf hybrids. And if you're after something more specific, check out our guides on the most forgiving hybrids, the best hybrids for high handicappers and the best hybrids for seniors.

The best hybrid on the market this year is in our view the Cobra DS-Adapt hybrid. It provides a perfect blend of looks and performance that makes it stand out ahead of the competition. The looks are sensational, both in your bag and when sat down behind the ball. We love the more compact-looking design, despite being slightly larger than the previous Darkspeed model, whilst the beautiful gloss and satin black tone colorway gives this club a modern and very premium look.

When it came to hitting performance during our product testing, this club was exceptional both off the tee and from the fairway. So if you’re looking for an alternative option from the tee on a tighter hole and you aren't confident in your fairway woods, this club is a great option. One slight negative is that performance from the rough wasn't quite as good due to the compact head, and we felt that it wasn't quite as easy to launch from the first cut. Feel-wise it is fairly solid which provided good amounts of feedback though.

We should also mention the FutureFit33 hosel which, as described above in the driver section, provides 33 different settings that allows the golfer to tinker with to dial in or correct a certain ball flight. The FutureFit33 hosel allows you to configure this club in anyway you please, meaning you really can make this club pretty much anything you want it to be - a high soft landing club, a powerful alternative from the tee or something in between.

• Read our full Cobra DS-ADAPT Hybrid Review

Next on the hybrid list we have the standard model in the Elyte range from Callaway, which the brand calls its most adjustable hybrid ever thanks to a 4-way Optifit hosel and two weight ports on the sole. These ports house 13g and 3g weights that allow you to tweak your club to suit your playing characteristics.

When we tested the club, we experimented with the weighting until we found the ideal setting, and once we had that right we were very impressed with the performance on offer. The new Ai10x face is a big plus. It boasts 10 times the amount of sweet spots positioned on the face compared to the Paradym Ai Smoke hybrids and that was certainly noticeable, especially on mishits. As expected the ball speed data dipped on these mishits but they weren't huge drops, which shows that the technology in the head is working. Because of this, we think the Elyte is comparable to to some of the most forgiving hybrids on the market. Additionally the face felt very lively and that feeling was backed up by the fast ball speed numbers in my testing.

If we wanted to be hyper-critical, we might suggest that the look of the club could be made a little more premium, but this is only a minor point and a subjective one as well. We think it could be improved a bit, but no doubt many golfers will love how it looks, especially down by the ball.

• Read our full Callaway Elyte Hybrid Review

Of the three new GT hybrid heads from Titleist, we believe that the GT2 is the club that will suit the majority of golfers. It combines generous ball speed and distance with forgiveness in a mid-sized footprint, making it an excellent all-round club.

The first thing we noticed in testing was how it sat behind the ball. We loved the look at address, largely thanks to the refined sole plate which allows the leading edge to sit flush to the ground. This also helps with turf interaction as well, which really promotes confidence, especially given the larger head size. We also liked the full face white grooves as it gives the impression that you can see more of the face, which further promotes confidence over the ball.

In terms of performance, the GT2 produced good results from different lies, from the rough and even from the occasional bunker, but it was the performance from fairways that really grabbed our attention and made it stand out from the crowd. It also stands out thanks to its adjustability, which is crucial in delivering a specific ball flight (tee shots) or carry number (approach shots).

Overall this club delivered in every facet of the hybrid game and if you are in the market for a new one this year, then the GT2 is well worth considering.

• Read our full Titleist GT2 Hybrid Review

If you read our G430 hybrid review you will have seen the high regard we held it in, so we had high hopes for the G440 in 2025, to see how it compared and if it had been improved.

In terms of the aesthetics, not much has changed as the footprint is still fairly large, which is good for inspiring confidence over the ball. The colors have changed from black and yellow to a blue and black finish, which is a slight negative for us as we prefer the 2023 look, but this is subjective and many will prefer the blue. The G440 does have a new rounded sole design which sits flush to the ground, a design element that we really like.

We tested this club thoroughly both indoors and outdoors and we were extremely impressed with the results. The numbers were where it should be and we were particularly enamoured by how versatile the club was out on the course. The performance off the tee, from the fairway and especially out of the rough was genuinely excellent.

The most impressive thing about this club is that versatility and its ability to perform well in any situation. It boasts many of the characteristics of some of the most forgiving hybrids while still delivering enough playability for those who like to shape their shots. The larger footprint will inspire confidence to those who need it, but players will still appreciate how it sits at address and golfers of all skill levels can massively benefit from the performance on offer here.

• Read our full Ping G440 Hybrid Review

Irons

Getting the best golf irons to suit your game can make all the difference to your on-course performance. Good iron play will give you scoring opportunities and the potential to knock strokes off your handicap. Whatever style you’re looking for, you going to want to feel comfortable and confident with the irons you choose. A set of irons is one of the most expensive purchases in golf and it can be a minefield trying to make the right decision.

We've picked out some of our favorites but you can also check out our full guide of the best golf irons for some more excellent options. If you’re an improving player, you should probably look towards the best game improvement irons, or some of the most forgiving irons on the market to help your iron play.

The Srixon ZXi7 iron builds on the previous ZX7 Mk II and in our view improves on it, particularly in terms of feel. The main technology story centered on improving said feel and it was a resounding success as far as we are concerned. The process was called ‘i-FORGED’ which is about selecting the right steel depending on the iron. The steel selected for this particular model is S15C, which is incredibly soft and this absolutely shone through in our testing.

The strike was buttery soft, giving good feedback as well, whilst the anti-vibration technology is excellent and adds to the luxurious feel. Pleasingly, Srixon has retained the things that worked in previous irons of this type, specifically the Tour V.T. sole which creates sublime turf interaction. We cannot stress enough how good the feel is with these irons.

We should also mention the looks, which are stylish and understated. The branding is minimal and overall we would describe it as very sophisticated aesthetic. Down behind the ball, however, is where they really begin to excel. Everything about these irons in the playing position looks great, and Srixon has knocked it out of the park with this iron.

• Read our full Srixon ZXi7 Irons Review

The Mizuno JPX 925 Forged is our top pick for mid handicap players. In other words, this iron will suit a wide range of players, especially those wanting an iron with good distance, but without compromising on feel. In our testing this hollow bodied player's distance iron delivered exceptional, premium feel, eye-catching looks and surprisingly good levels of forgiveness.

The distance gain is achieved thanks to the ‘Contour Elipse Face’ - which is essentially a multi-thickness face that has been engineered to optimize ball speed across the entire face, thereby ensuring consistent performance even on off-center strikes. The result is an iron that delivers exceptional ball speed as well as eye catching distance numbers, which surprised us to some extent given that the iron felt so soft and delicate at impact.

In terms of the visuals, when stood over the ball it looks like you're holding one of the best low handicap irons on the market, but looks great in the bag thanks to the traditional Mizuno satin chrome finish, which adds to the already sophisticated aesthetic.

• Read our full Mizuno JPX 925 Forged Iron Review

Fitting nicely in between the Tour used T100 and the more forgiving T200, the T150 from Titleist strikes the balance perfectly for low-mid handicap players. A lively feel and sound comes from a muscle channel behind the face which is filled with a polymer, while the sole and topline are noticeably wider and the blade length is more generous to provide that bit of assistance where needed.

We should point out that the T150 has slightly stronger lofts than you might expect from an iron in this category, so that is definitely something to be aware of as it may not be ideal for players who do not need extra distance. Our testing showed that while these stronger lofts do longer distances, there was no issue stopping the ball quickly, so this makes it an ideal choice for golfers who maybe need a little more distance in their iron play but do not want to sacrifice any control.

Throughout testing the strike remained consistent in a lot of areas off the face, presumably due to the two D18 tungsten weights that sit in the dual cavity behind the bottom portion of the face to aid forgiveness. While officially the T150 is aimed at lower handicap golfers, but in our experience during testing we would say that most decent players will appreciate the extra size of the T150 as well as the forgiveness on offer.

• Read our full Titleist T150 Iron Review

The Ping G730is all about forgiveness. The brand's engineers have unlocked the exceptional strength profiles of hyper 17-4 stainless steel with an advanced heat treatment to increase flex and lower CG, and this has resulted in distance gains right across the board.

In our testing the ball speed was exceptionally high and that led to large distance numbers. In addition to the impressive distance, we really liked the feel of this iron as despite being a distance iron it wasn't too hard or lively. Another aspect we liked is the wide soles of which offer a good amount of bounce, helping turf-interaction and forgiveness.

The look of the iron indicates that it's designed for forgiveness as well. Sizeable blade lengths and a fairly chunky top line give plenty of reassurance, but somehow they don’t look clumsy and overbearing. We liked how the irons looked in the bag and at address.

One final note is that there is plenty of adjustability when it comes to lofts, shafts and grips, allowing you to find the right set up for your game.

• Read our full Ping G730 Iron Review

Next up is one of the best game improvement irons on the market, the Callaway Elyte irons. We'll begin with the looks as that's the first thing that caught our eye. These irons look fantastic in the bag as well as at address, which is a refreshing to see from an iron of this type.

During our testing the irons felt very powerful indeed whilst impact feedback was excellent as well, thanks in part to what Callaway call their 'Speed Frame’ construction' which has been carefully engineered to help with acoustics and feel. While our launch monitor numbers weren't too dissimilar to what we saw from the 2024 irons, we did experience definite improvements in workability and turf interaction.

We definitely enjoyed the feel of the irons. The microspheres were clearly doing their job in removing any kind of hollow sensation at impact. They still feel just on the firmer side of the impact scale, but it's certainly nothing too offensive. We found the Elyte irons exceptionally easy to manipulate in terms of trajectory, which is a big feather in the cap of Callaway as workability is usually an area where game improvement irons have to compromise.

• Read our full Callaway Elyte Irons Review

The TaylorMade P7CB irons are one of the absolute best models on the market for a variety of reasons.

Firstly, the forgiveness is outstanding. TaylorMade put real impetus into their technology to produce maximum forgiveness while also delivering outstanding feel. Much of the head has been forged with an intense pressure that is more than the 'industry standard'. This is to improve the feel and consistency of the forging, while it is then milled out through the sole to create two pockets which have been filled with different materials. This has resulted in a top-notch sensation when striking the ball. In our testing we noted that the feel was soft, but not too soft, while it is also robust without being too harsh either. In short these irons are a genuine pleasure to hit.

Our flight windows were very consistent and manipulating ball flight was easy with the P7CB's too. We think they look amazing too, with the brushed satin finish oozing class, and we are big fans of the simple look at address as well.

In our view consistency is the number one demand of better players in their irons, and the P7CB delivers that in bucket loads.

• Read our full TaylorMade P7CB Iron Review

Wedges

If you are serious about improving your performance from 100 yards then the importance of getting a wedge for your swing cannot be understated. There are a few key things you should consider though. For example what bounce angle will suit your action, and which lofts you’ll need, something that may depend on how many wedges you want to carry.

You should also have a think about what finish you want on your wedge because most models these days come in satin, chrome, black or other finishes. Additionally with some of the models below you can create a custom wedge too. Below we've picked out three of our favorites out there currently, but you can also check out our full list of the best golf wedges. Alternatively, check out our guide on the most forgiving wedges, best sand wedges and best wedges for chipping, where we go into more detail on some specific types of wedges.

Vokey wedges have long been considered the gold standard, offering premium looks, exceptional performance and market-leading versatility. Titleist has designed the new SM10 wedge to build on the huge success of the SM9 and Vokeys continue to be the most used wedges in professional golf. Last year on the PGA Tour, more than half the wedges put in play every week were Titleist Vokey Wedges, which is quite an incredible stat considering the wealth of quality on offer from other brands.

The aesthetics of the SM10s have changed very little at first glance, but there are a few subtle differences, such as progressive shaping which gives them a superb look at address in all loft options. The stronger lofted wedges are a little smaller in head shape compared to the more lofted wedges and feature a straighter leading edge in comparison to the sand and lob wedges in the line-up.

While the Vokey SM10 wedges offer only minor changes cosmetically, under the hood Bob Vokey and the engineers at Titleist have been hard at work to make these the best performing wedges they have ever created. They have been designed to fly slightly lower, spin more and have improved feel over SM9. In our testing this was confirmed as the SM10 did indeed fly lower and spin more than its predecessor.

• Read our full Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge Review

Mizuno is a brand that prides itself on the feel of its clubs. Specifically its irons, but also when it comes to wedges, as after all, good control around the green largely comes down to feel. There aren’t many brands out there that can replicate the sensation at impact that Mizuno offers, and the the Pro T-1 wedge certainly lives up to the Mizuno reputation.

The Pro T-1 wedge brings a refined new look, improving on the very impressive T24 wedge which was one of our favorites from 2024.

We tested the Mizuno Pro T-1 wedge in the Soft White Satin finish. This is our personal favourite but these wedges are also available in Ion Blue and Ion Black finishes, so there is a nice choice there.

A buttery soft feel comes from a 1025 Pure Select Mild Carbon Steel and copper underlay construction, and we noted a feedback level that was above most wedges we have tested over the past few years. The Pro T-1 is a blade so therefore not one of the most forgiving wedges on the market, and we did notice a drop off in ball speed on slight mishits, so if you regularly hit full shots with wedges and are perhaps not the most consistent ball striker, this is something you need to take into account. For the competent ball striker who likes the look and feel of the best golf blades or Mizuno irons and who is in the market for new wedges, then the Mizuno Pro T-1 may just be what you have been looking for.

• Read our full Mizuno Pro T-1 Wedge Review

TaylorMade is a brand better known for making some of the best drivers in golf, but its wedges are as good as anything out there too. While not exactly a new model, the MG4 wedges are a fantastic option for any golfer looking to upgrade their wedges for this year. In our extensive testing of this product, we loved the looks and performance of the MG4.

Visually, the raw face contrasts nicely with the outer body of the wedge, while you have a large choice of multiple bounce and loft options (seven bounce options - low standard and high, LBV, SBC and HBW along with the TW grind) to allow a lot of customization. This is not always something that every golfer considers, but we believe it is vital in getting the right wedge for your own game.

In terms of the technology, raised Micro-Ribs have been added between the grooves for optimum spin levels, while spin tread technology has been used to push moisture off the face at impact to help with distance and spin control as well as consistency. This really aids performance in the rain, or when playing out of wet rough.

We really liked these wedges in both the chrome and the black finishes, but we would point out that chrome is generally the better option if longevity is a consideration, as the black can scuff up quite easily over time. The profile is very traditional and the wedges are progressive through the lofts in lots of ways - hosel length, toe height, blade length, and offset.

• Read our full TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 Wedge Review

Putters

Widely renowned as the most important club in the bag, the putter is where countless shots can be saved. Finding the right one for you is therefore imperative and because there are so many options and styles to choose from. Many manufacturers are actually reducing the number of head shapes in their ranges and focusing on improved looks, feel and roll from their more compact collections.

Of course, there is still the choice to be made between different styles of putter – a blade, mid-mallet or mallet. Blade style putters tend to suit ‘feel’ players with a stronger arc to their putting stroke, moving up into mallets that suit golfers who require extra alignment assistance and/or have much less rotation in their putting stroke. We've picked out three of our favorite putters right now below and you can read our full guide to the best putters where we feature a whole range of putters from different styles and price points.

Additionally we have also created specific guides on the best mallet putters, the best women’s putters and if you are just starting up in the game, the best putters for beginners.

Despite the sound technology and engineering behind them, many golfers struggle to buy into L.A.B. Golf putters because of how they look. However, thanks to the introduction of the compact mid-mallet OZ.1i putter, designed in collaboration with Adam Scott, we have a feeling that we’re about to see more L.A.B. Golf putters on golf courses than ever before.

The OZ.1i features a whole new shape that is unlike other offerings by L.A.B. and we think it looks great. This is also the first time a fly-milled, medium-depth stainless steel insert has been incorporated into their lineup. This softens the feel but there is an option of an aluminum face for those who want an even softer feel as well.

The model we tested gave outstanding feedback and pace control seemed to improve dramatically as we became accustomed to the feel. L.A.B. putters are specifically designed to remove torque from the stroke and ensure that the face returns square to target at impact and that does take some getting used to.

Putters with built-in shaft lean can appear fairly closed faced, which will often cause golfers to manipulate their stroke in order to try and hit the target. This is the wrong approach, you have to learn to trust the technology because it works! In short we think everyone should test out this putter to see if their performance on the greens can improve.

• Read our full L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i Putter Review

Over the years, TaylorMade has made lots of little tweaks and added plenty of wrinkles to its ever expanding range of Spider putters, and its latest offering includes a reboot of the original classic design - the Spider Tour. The Series features two classic head shapes as well as two new models. In addition to the Tour and Tour X, there is also a Tour V and Tour Z.

The Spider Tour, with its iconic head, is the epitome of high-MOI performance and delivers stability, consistency and forgiveness. The X is the headshape used by Rory McIlroy and it combines the performance of a blade with the benefits of a mallet design.

Spider Tour Z is one of two new shapes in the Spider Tour Series. It features a wing-shaped back and low-profile design for a comfortable setup that precisely frames the ball. This mallet putter is strategically weighted to promote face rotation and a blade-like feel with maintained stability. Finally, the Spider Tour V, which is another new design that features a modern streamlined construction with a compact shape that makes it ideal for golfers seeking enhanced control.

• Read our full TaylorMade 2023 Spider Tour Putters Review

This one might be unfamiliar to many of you, but the 9307 putter from Kevin Burns is one of our absolute favorites at the moment. Kevin Burns entered the golf industry offering club repairs from his Californian garage in 1989, but just two years later he set his sights on designing and creating some of the best putters in the world. Well he has certainly made an outstanding model with the 9307 putter.

First of all, this may be one of the best-looking wands we've ever had the pleasure of looking down on behind the ball. It's gorgeous. During the customization process (you have the ability to choose length, loft, head weight, neck, face style, logo, engraving and more) we selected a single sightline on the top, which looks fantastic and really helped with alignment.

The putters are precision-milled from a piece of 303 stainless steel and our design featured a pyramid custom groove pattern which felt absolutely fantastic. In fact, our tester Sam De'Ath described it as "probably the best feeling putter I have ever rolled". It’s like butter through impact, impeccably soft. We loved the balance and weight of the putter as well, which helps to maintain a consistent tempo while also assisting with pace control.

Overall it is hard to fault this putter. It has truly sensational feel and feedback, whilst the craftsmanship and looks really make it stand out as a premium product in a competitive market.

• Read our full Kevin Burns 9307 Putter Review

How we test golf clubs

We take product testing very seriously here at Golf Monthly and our testing for golf clubs process is comprehensive and based around the knowledge and expertise of the Golf Monthly test team. Our team usually attend product launches and then when it comes to our actual testing, we first try clubs in a controlled environment. This usually takes place on an indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, with premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor.

Next up is outdoor testing, which normally takes place at West Hill Golf Club. We think it is vitally important to do both and continue to test the clubs so they have been comprehensively put to the test in different conditions. It should also be mentioned that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review and we make our conclusions from the testing and our experiences. This is because we strive to give the best reviews possible so you can get a greater understanding of the clubs themselves.

What to consider when buying golf clubs

Buying golf clubs can sometimes be a tricky thing to get right. Clubs come in all shapes sizes and with a ton of technology. While we always recommend players get custom fitted for their clubs, sometimes it's good to have a bit of advice knowing what to look out for on your clubs before you head down to your club shop. For that reason, we've set out below a couple of key points you should keep in mind if you're thinking about picking up a new driver or putter.

1. Price

The first thing to note about any kind of golf club is that they can sometimes be expensive, particularly their irons. While some of the best drivers on the market can come in at some pretty hefty prices but it is always worth looking at purchasing a club that fits into your budget and skill sets. Make sure to assess what you're buying and your needs as a golfer before you invest and whether you can get another appropriate model elsewehere for cheaper.

2. Your experience level

Every golf club on the market right now is designed to cater to the needs of a particular player. From the best drivers for high-handicap golfers to the best game-improvement irons, each will cater to the needs of that player in their size, shape and technology on offer. For that reason, when buying any golf club you'll need to assess your experience level and aspirations as a player and attribute that to the club you're buying. For example, high-handicap players should look to buy more forgiving golf clubs, while experienced golfers may look to purchase clubs that offer a little more in terms of performance.

3. The clubs you already have

Take stock of the clubs you already have and the yardages they offer and try to fill the gaps in your bag that you might need. This is particularly important if you're buying a couple of new wedges or hybrids. You don't want to be purchasing the same club that you may have and be comfortable with, so try to ensure you have a good range of clubs.

4. Visuals

Aesthetics aren't the most important thing to consider, but they can play a big factor in helping boost your confidence on the course. Playing with a good-looking gear always helps to boost the mental side of your game and that in turn can help you score better. Certainly there are some stunning options from Callaway, Titleist and TaylorMade listed above on this list.

5. Adjustability settings

Particularly when it comes to your drivers and metal woods, being able to adjust and tinker with the clubs to ensure they perform to your needs is a really useful feature to look out for. Adjustable hosels and weighting settings allow you to alter the angle of attack and delivery the club head strikes the ball at, helping you to put different shapes and lofts on the golf ball. That can often be a great way to help alleviate a bad hook or slice too!

For more advice on some of the best golf clubs on the market, take a look at our guides on the best golf sets for beginners, best women's sets, and best golf sets for kids.

FAQs

Glossary

In golf there are a lot of terms that can be confusing, and there are also a fair number of acronyms as well so we have done a brief glossary here to help you decipher the phrases you may not understand above.

MOI - This means moment of inertia and in a golfing context this is a measurement of a club's resistance to twisting. When you strike the ball towards the toe of the club, the impact pushes against the toe of the face and that pushes it slightly open. The result is probably a block out of bounds to the right. Likewise in terms of the heel, the impact causes the face to close slightly. This is important because the higher the MOI the more forgiving the club head is in terms of its sweet spot and strikes away from it

Loft - This is a simple word relates to the angle created between the clubface and the ground. The more loft a golf club has the higher the ball will launch. This is why the driver always has the lowest loft, and wedges have the highest.

Grind - Wedge grind relates to the sole of the club, and the alteration or removal of material from it. This is to help improve contact with sand or turf.

Shaft flex - Flex relates to the shafts ability to bend when force is applied to it. Given how many people play golf at different ages and swing speeds, shaft flex's reflect this going from the ultra stiff models used by Tour professionals, to regular, senior and ladies shaft which flex a lot more because they aren't swinging as fast.