Your game has come on in leaps and bounds, and your handicap is decreasing. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done. You have reached an intermediate level and owe yourself a new set of clubs. A couple of woods, irons, and a putter no longer cut it. This guide looks at the best golf club set for intermediate players in 2023.
Here are the best golf clubs for intermediate players:
- Callaway Strata 16-Piece Set – Overall Best Golf Clubs For Intermediate Golfers
- Wilson Profile SGI – Best Budget Intermediate Golf Club Set
- Cobra XL Speed – Most Forgiving Intermediate Golf Clubs
- Callaway Edge – Best Intermediate Golf Clubs Without A Bag
- TaylorMade RBZ Speedlite – Best Premium Intermediate Set
- Wilson Ultra Set – Best Value For Money
- TaylorMade SIM Max – Best Set Of Irons
- PXG 0211 Z – Best Hybrid Golf Set
- Precise M5 – Best Clubs For Casual Intermediate Golfers
- Macgregor DCT3000 – Best Clubs For Tall Average Golfers
The clubs I have selected offer a combination of forgiveness, distance, and accuracy. They deliver additional yards without sacrificing leniency. Therefore, you enjoy the best of both worlds.
Since the options in this set center around the best clubs for intermediate golfers, you may find our other posts more valuable if you’re a beginner. Players just starting should read through our guide to the best sets for beginners.
The 3 Best Golf Clubs For Intermediate Golfers
| Best Overall | Best Budget | Most Forgiving | |
| Callaway Strata 16-Piece Set | Wilson Profile SGI | Cobra XL Speed | |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Price Score | 86.4 | 97.6 | 84.8 |
| Set Composition | 94.1 | 88.4 | 93.1 |
| Distance | 90.5 | 87.3 | 94.8 |
| Forgiveness | 93.2 | 89.9 | 96.7 |
| Rating | 4.5 Stars | 4.5 Stars | 4.5 Stars |
What To Consider When Purchasing Good Intermediate Golf Clubs
Budget
The cost of golf sets varies depending on the brand, the number of clubs, and the composition. Consider how frequently you will tee off when you draw up your budget. If you intend on playing regularly, such as once a week, consider a quality set that will last, and see you through to a lower handicap.
Conversely, those who play infrequently and only need a standard set can look at an entry-level alternative. Golf sets for intermediates range from a few hundred dollars to over $1000. A budget will prevent you from wasting time researching sets you do not intend to acquire.
Set Composition
Composing your set is always a challenge. You can only fit 14 clubs in your bag, and a putter and driver are a given. That leaves you with 12 clubs to choose from. On top of your driver and putter, complete sets generally include a fairway wood, hybrid, four irons, and two wedges.
When you acquire a set, consider the clubs included and whether they work for your game. Most golf sets only come with 9 or 10 clubs, allowing you to add more over time.
Many golf sets only include a pitching wedge. That will not cut as an intermediate because you need a sand wedge. However, if the set is affordable, you could purchase a second wedge separately.
Furthermore, hybrids tend to replace long irons in these golf sets. That makes it easier for you to get your ball airborne. Players who prefer long irons must ensure their set substitutes them for hybrids.
Gapping
Gapping helps guide you on your set composition. Golfers with access to a launch monitor can use historical data to gain insight into gapping challenges. Gapping refers to the distance gaps in your bag. For example, if you smash a driver 250-yards but a 3-wood 225-yards, your game has a 25-yard distance gap.
Furthermore, if you hit a 3-wood 225-yards but a 3-hybrid 200-yards, there is another 25-yard gap in your bag.
A final example occurs with your wedges. Maybe you send a pitching wedge 100-yards and a sand wedge 70-yards, which leaves you with 30-yards between clubs.
Therefore, if you are 80-yards out, your options are a forced sand wedge or a ¾ pitching wedge. Neither of these shots is ideal and could produce poor distance control and accuracy.
Hybrids Or Long Irons?
I mentioned earlier that golf sets tend to include hybrids over long irons. Casual golfers often find that hybrids offer superior turf interaction and are easy to launch and send your ball straight. That is why they are the preferred option over long irons.
However, I enjoy the acoustics and feel of a crisp iron shot. If you share these sentiments, you might consider purchasing long irons separately.
Type Of Bag
Intermediate golf club sets often include a golf bag. However, it is generally a basic stand bag construction, ideal for carrying your clubs. As an intermediate, you probably own a golf bag and may not need another. But, if a cart bag is a deal-breaker, your best choice is the TaylorMade RBZ Speedlite set.
Alternatively, you could acquire the set and then source your bag independently.
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How We Reviewed These Products
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I’m an experienced golfer of 28 years and thoroughly researched and evaluated the sets shared below. Then an editor reviewed and fact-checked the list. Finally, we conduct regular content audits to update and revise our reviews to ensure you receive the latest information.
To select these golf club sets, we considered these criteria:
- Cost
- Clubs included
- Bag
- Forgiveness
- Feel
- Distance
- Launch
Read more: The Best Golf Sets Under $300
The Best Golf Club Sets For Intermediate Players In 2023
1. Callaway Strata 16-Piece Set – Overall Best Golf Clubs For Intermediate Golfers
Pros
- The set includes a sand wedge
- Quality milled face putter
- Lightweight stand bag
- Forgiving golf clubs
- Easy to launch
Cons
- There are no long irons
- Restricted workability
Rating: 4.5
Set Composition
| Driver | 3-wood | 4-hybrid | 5-hybrid | 6-iron | 7-iron | 8-iron | 9-iron | PW | SW | Putter | Stand bag |
The Callaway Strata 16-piece set are the best golf clubs for an average golfer. These clubs are forgiving, high-launching, consistent, and moderately priced. In addition, the set includes a well-rounded offering of woods, hybrids, irons, and a putter to optimize your performance from tee to green.
Aerodynamic woods accelerate clubhead speed to maximize the coefficient of restitution (C.O.R). This imparts increased velocity on your golf ball to encourage additional yards. Plus, the woods contain enlarged sweet spots to maintain ball speed and reduce side spin on off-center strikes. As a result, you achieve consistent distance and accuracy.
Two hybrids replace your long irons to help you get airborne from anywhere on the course. The longest iron in the set is a 6, followed by a 7, 8, and 9. Furthermore, the engineers included a pitching and sand wedge to boost your short game performance.
A face-milled blade putter prompts pure roll and improves your feel for a superior putting experience. Lastly, the set provides a lightweight stand bag that is easy and comfortable to carry.
Overall, this set is ideal for intermediate golfers looking for a set with all-around capabilities.
2. Wilson Profile SGI – Best Budget Intermediate Golf Club Set
Pros
- Affordable
- The set includes two wedges
- Lightweight stand bag
- Forgiving irons and wedges
- Produces increased distance
Cons
- Long game distance gaps
Rating: 4.5
Set Composition
| Driver | 5-wood | 5-hybrid | 6-iron | 7-iron | 8-iron | 9-iron | PW | SW | Putter | Stand bag |
If you are after a bargain, keep reading to learn about the Wilson Profile SGI. Our best budget golf set for intermediates includes a lightweight bag with 9 clubs. Although it contains a sand wedge to boost your greenside performance, it lacks in the long game.
The strongest lofted club after your driver is a 5-wood. Followed by a 5-hybrid. Therefore, you have several distance gaps in your long game. This can complicate your distance control and accuracy.
Wilson engineers employed game improvement technology to construct these golf clubs. As a result, they deliver exceptional forgiveness and consistency, even on off-center strikes. Finally, a blade putter with a face insert prompts immediate forward roll and drown vibrations for a better feel.
Check the best blade putters to improve your short game.
In summary, the Wilson Profile SGI is best suited to intermediate golfers looking to keep their equipment expenses to a minimum.
Read more: Find other low-cost options with our best golf club sets under $500.
3. Cobra XL Speed – Most Forgiving Intermediate Golf Clubs
Pros
- Forgiving
- Well-rounded set of golf clubs
- Spacious cart bag
- High-launching long clubs
- Maximum stability through impact
Cons
- You need a cart to transport the bag around the golf course
Rating: 4.5
Set Composition
| Driver | 3-wood | 5-wood | 4-hybrid | 5-hybrid | 6-iron | 7-iron | 8-iron | 9-iron | PW | SW | Putter | Cart bag |
Even if your handicap is decreasing, it does not mean that you need to forfeit forgiveness. The Cobra XL Speed tops the list of the most lenient intermediate golf clubs in 2023. Besides its forgiving nature, it is one of the few sets that includes a cart bag.
This robust set of intermediate golf clubs features three woods, two hybrids, four irons, two wedges, and a putter. It bridges most distance gaps in your bag and provides every club you need to thrive from tee to green.
The woods accelerate clubhead speed thanks to an aerodynamic construction. Plus, they possess enlarged sweet spots for increased forgiveness. The Center of gravity (CG) is placed low and back in the woods to encourage a high launch for superb carry distance.
Unsurprisingly, hybrids fill in for your long irons, and a 6 is the strongest lofted iron. In addition, the set includes a pitching and sand wedge, along with a blade putter.
Ultimately, the Cobra XL Speed is ideal for intermediate golfers who value forgiveness above all else. It also works for those golfers who demand a cart bag with their set.
4. Callaway Edge – Best Intermediate Golf Clubs Without A Bag
Pros
- Quality clubs
- Excellent putter
- The set has your short game covered
- Forgiving
- Consistent distance from the long clubs.
Cons
- It does not include a bag
- More expensive than other sets
- Leaves distance gaps in your long game
Rating: 4
Set Composition
| Driver | 3-wood | 5-hybrid | 6-iron | 7-iron | 8-iron | 9-iron | PW | SW | Putter |
As an intermediate golfer, you likely already have a golf bag. If it is in good condition, you don’t need another one. Instead, you can look at golf sets without a bag. The winner of this category in 2023 is the Callaway Edge set.
The star of this set is the White Hot Pro blade putter, which boosts your consistency on the green. Callaway kitted out your short game equipment for improved results around the green. A pitching and sand wedge is included along with the quality putter.
As is standard in golf sets, the longest iron is a 6, and they run down to a 9. Furthermore, a single hybrid, fairway wood, and driver make up your long game arsenal. While the set is relatively robust, it does leave distance gaps with the stronger lofted clubs.
Finally, these quality Callaway clubs produce solid forgiveness and distance through the bag. They are ideal for serious, intermediate golfers looking for a few extra yards.
5. TaylorMade RBZ Speedlite – Best Premium Intermediate Set
Pros
- Excellent balance of long, mid, and short-game clubs
- Versatile wedge grind
- Forgiving putter
- High launching woods, hybrids, and irons
- Maximum storage space in the cart bag.
Cons
- Expensive
Rating: 3.5
Set Composition
| Driver | 3-wood | 5-wood | 4-hybrid | 5-hybrid | 6-iron | 7-iron | 8-iron | 9-iron | PW | SW | Putter | Cart bag |
Intermediate golfers with deep pockets who demand the best should appreciate the quality of the TaylorMade RBZ Speedlite. This set tops its opponents in the best premium set category. It stands out because of the diversity of the clubs and the workmanship.
Quality is not cheap, and this set is priced higher than many on this list. However, it provides a well-equipped long game setup with good wedges and a consistent putter for improved short game performance.
Mid-irons, woods, and hybrids contain low and back CG to initiate a high launching ball for added carry distance. Furthermore, the irons, fairway woods, and hybrids produce exceptional turf interaction for a clean strike from any lie on the golf course.
Moreover, the wedges are fitted with a C-grind sole to boost your performance in various scenarios. The C-grind performs optimally off of tight lies and from the bunker. Finally, a spacious cart bag offers additional storage compartments for super comfort on the golf course.
6. Wilson Ultra Set – Best Value For Money
Pros
- Affordable
- Maximum forgiveness
- Quality bag
- Attractive clubs
- Stable putter head through impact
Cons
- The set does not include a sand wedge
Rating: 3.5
Set Composition
| Driver | 3-wood | 5-hybrid | 6-iron | 7-iron | 8-iron | 9-iron | PW | Putter | Stand bag |
The Wilson Ultra Set is not perfect, but its quality for the price makes it the best value-for-money option. The 9-club set features innovative game improvement technology that produces consistent distance and accuracy on all shots.
The set consists of two woods, a hybrid, four irons, a pitching wedge, and a putter. The driver, 3-wood, and hybrid feature increased sweet spots designed to maintain ball speed and limit spin on off-center shots.
Furthermore, the irons in the set possess perimeter weighting. This maximizes stability through impact to ensure a square face and accelerate ball speed. A heel-to-toe weighted putter head resists twisting during your stroke to remain square and start your ball on your intended line.
The biggest drawback is that it does not include a sand wedge. However, given the affordable cost of these clubs, you should have the budget to pick up a sand wedge.
Lastly, Wilson decided to throw in a comfortable stand bag. The padded double shoulder strap enhances comfort and protects your shoulders while carrying.
7. TaylorMade SIM Max – Best Set Of Irons
Pros
- Increased forgiveness
- Dampens vibrations
- Encourages faster ball speed on strikes low off the clubface
- Enhanced sweet spot
- Delivers straighter ball flight
Cons
- No bag included in the set
- Restricted workability
Rating: 4
Set Composition
| 5-iron | 6-iron | 7-iron | 8-iron | 9-iron | PW | GW |
As an intermediate player, you have played the game for a while. Therefore, it is likely that you have a healthy stock of equipment. If your woods and hybrids work for you, and you appreciate your bag, why purchase more? If this sounds familiar, you can focus your attention on a set of irons.
The TaylorMade SIM Max irons are the best setup for intermediate golfers. These clubs are long, straight, and forgiving. The longest iron in the set is a 5-iron, which suits your needs if you already carry a 4-hybrid.
Furthermore, these irons are fitted with Speed Bridge Technology to increase the stability of your clubhead through impact. That maintains a square face and ball speed for consistent distance and accuracy on clean strikes and mishits.
A speed pocket increases the flexibility of the clubface. That maximizes ball speed on strikes low off the face, leading to consistent distance. In addition, inverted cone technology (ICT) expands the sweet spot of the clubface to restrict sidespin and accelerate ball speed. As a result, you enjoy optimal distance without affecting accuracy.
8. PXG 0211 Z – Best Hybrid Golf Set
Pros
- Easy to launch
- Prompts high flight
- Soft landing
- Forgiving
- Exceptional turf interaction
Cons
- Expensive
Rating: 3.5
Set Composition
| Driver | 4-wood | 5-hybrid | 6-hybrid | 7-hybrid | 8-hybrid | 9-hybrid | PW | SW | Putter | Stand bag |
The PXG 0211 Z set is your best hybrid golf club set for intermediate players. This premium-priced set best helps senior and slower-swinging intermediates consistently get the ball in the air.
A 16-degree driver, equivalent to a weak 3-wood, kicks off the set and is accompanied by an 18-degree 4-wood. The next longest club is a 5-hybrid, followed by a 6, 7, 8, and 9. All of those clubs are hybrids. In addition, the set features standard pitching and sand wedge designs. That delivers superior control in your short game.
PXG dub the 0211 Z set their highest launching clubs. They not only fly straight but also high and long. As a result, you enjoy consistent carry distance and a soft landing ball, ideal for holding narrow greens.
Moreover, a Hellcat 0211 putter appears in the set. This putter contains the famed Runway Reticle alignment aid to improve your aim on the green. Finally, a lightweight stand bag and a cap are included.
Ultimately, the PXG 0211 Z set best suits intermediate seniors and slow swingers. These clubs’ high launching and forgiving nature boost your consistency, distance, and accuracy.
Read more: Discover more options for veterans in our guide to the best golf clubs for seniors and older players.
9. Precise M5 – Best Clubs For Casual Intermediate Golfers
Pros
- Affordable
- The set includes a 5-iron
- High launching irons and woods
- Delivers optimal carry distance
- It includes a light carry bag
Cons
- The set lacks a sand wedge
Rating: 3
Set Composition
| Driver | 3-wood | 4-hybrid | 5-iron | 6-iron | 7-iron | 8-iron | 9-iron | PW | Putter | Stand bag |
Golfers who play the odd round needn’t splurge on a premium set of clubs. I say this because you want the most bang for your buck and can acquire a good entry-level set.
The Precise M5 set contains 9 clubs with a stand bag. It is one of the few golf sets that offer a 5-iron instead of a 5-hybrid. The irons feature perimeter weighting to deliver increased forgiveness across the clubface. That means consistent ball speed and square face at impact.
In addition, the driver, fairway wood, and 4-hybrid feature low and back CG to deliver an easy launching club and high flight. The downside of this set is that it does not provide a sand wedge and can cause problems in your short game. However, the affordable cost of this set means you can pick up one with your spare budget.
Finally, a high moment of inertia (MOI) mallet head putter resists twisting during your stroke to prompt a square putter face through impact.
In conclusion, the Precise M5 golf club set is worthwhile for intermediate golfers who do not play frequently.
10. Macgregor DCT3000 – Best Clubs For Tall Average Golfers
Pros
- Constructed for taller golfers
- Affordable
- Encourages high flight
- Forgiving
- High MOI putter
Cons
- The set does not include a sand wedge
- Not ideal for shorter golfers
Rating: 4.5
Set Composition
| Driver | 3-wood | 3-hybrid | 4-hybrid | 5-iron | 6-iron | 7-iron | 8-iron | 9-iron | PW | Putter | Stand bag |
Recently, I have received numerous questions from tall golfers. They are skeptical of acquiring clubs online should they not be long enough. Well, here is the best set for tall intermediate golfers. The Macgregor DCT3000 includes 11 clubs, with shafts one inch longer than usual. These best serve golfers who exceed 6’1”.
It also presents a suitable selection of woods, hybrids, and long irons. The oversized heads on the clubs in this set produce exceptional results across the face.
The woods and hybrids contain enhanced sweet spots and low CG to encourage high flight and maximum carry distance. Plus, the irons are fitted with perimeter weighting to boost stability and ball speed at impact.
Furthermore, the mallet putter produces optimal MOI to limit movement during your stroke. Therefore, the putter fights to remain square through impact and start your ball on the desired line.
Ultimately, the Macgregor DCT3000 is forgiving, consistent, and made to work for the taller players among us.
FAQs
What Is Considered To Be An Intermediate Golfer?
An intermediate golfer is a player who consistently breaks 90. Effectively, they carry mid to high handicaps and know how to navigate a golf course. An intermediate golfer plays off a 15 to 24-handicap.
What Is The Expected Cost Of A Set Of Intermediate Golf Clubs?
Intermediate golf clubs range from $300 to $1600. The price difference depends on how many clubs are in the set, the brand, and the type of bag.
Will I Need To Buy More Golf Clubs After Purchasing An Intermediate Set?
Yes, there is a good chance you will need to purchase more clubs down the road. Either your clubs will become damaged along the way, or they will no longer fit your style of play. I used my last set of clubs for 15-years because I felt comfortable with them. However, I outgrew the performance features and needed to upgrade to clubs that matched my current setup.
Final Thoughts
That concludes the list of the best golf club sets for intermediate players. As you lower your handicap, you want clubs that optimize your distance and increase playability without sacrificing vital forgiveness.
The clubs on this list cater to every type of intermediate player. Whether you are on a budget, have deep pockets, or demand distance and forgiveness, you can find what you need. However, let me save you time by highlighting our best performers.
Intermediate golfers on a budget in 2023 should look into the Wilson Profile SGI set. However, if it is forgiveness that you seek, then the Cobra XL Speed set is your best option. Lastly, those seeking the all-around best golf club set for intermediate players need not look further than the Callaway Strata 16-Piece set.
Matt has played golf since he was 4 years old and has written over 150 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. Matt specializes in product reviews using his postgraduate degree in Sports Marketing from Johan Cruyff Institute. Matt has a handicap index of 10.8 and currently plays weekly at Pilar Golf Course near his home in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He also loves his Callaway Odyssey Exo Rossie putter and likes a pepper steak pie with curry gravy at the turn. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.
- Best score: 70
- Favorite club: Callaway Odyssey Exo Rossie
- Favorite ball: Srixon Q-Star Tour
- Favorite food at the turn: Pepper steak pie with curry gravy
