Best Golf Clubs Under $500

Check out the best golf equipment you can pick up for under $500

Best Golf Clubs Under $500

If you have been on any golf retailer sites, it should be reasonably clear that golf clubs can be very expensive. However, believe it or not, this doesn't have to be the case because there are high-quality clubs out there which won't break the bank.

This is where this guide comes in! Firstly, we have done a lot of thorough testing to see which are the best golf clubs money can buy for less than $500. Why this number you may ask? Well, it's primarily down to the fact that it is more realistic for most golfers to have that kind of money to spend on golf clubs compared to $1000 and above.

We also chose this number because, across all sections of clubs, from package sets, to drivers, to irons, $500 is a price for which you can still get very, very good models. If we went any lower in price, we would find it harder to recommend a good set of irons for example, because the cheaper you go in that section, the more likely the performance will diminish.

Below, we have taken a look through the best models for under $500 but, if you are looking for a specific aspect, why not also check out our best budget drivers, best budget irons, or even the best cheap putters.

Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Our expert review:

Starting with package sets under $500, our first selection is the MacGregor CG3000. The brand has a long and distinguished history in golf, and yet, its clubs don't cost a lot of money compared to others.

The CG3000 is an entry level set, with the 13° driver, low profile fairway and hybrid designed in such a way that they're easy to hit. Meanwhile, the irons (steel and graphite options are available) feature an undercut cavity to keep the centre of gravity low and deep, so golfers should find them easier to launch.

The irons do have a fairly thick top line but, having played a few rounds with them, we don't think they're too intrusive. They are forgiving as well, and they go the distance. You also get a mallet putter and a cart/stand bag, so there is great value on offer here.

Our expert review:

One of the best golf club sets on the market, you get a lot for your money with the Strata Men's Golf Package Set. Firstly, there are 11 clubs to choose from, as well as a nine piece set, and both feature a range of irons and hybrids.

The number of clubs means you can add more to the set, such as a lob wedge or sand wedge, with the overall performance very impressive. The particular stand-out came in the driver and iron department, with both aspects providing plenty of forgiveness and confidence-inspiring looks when you take the address position.

Although the putter is perhaps the only downside, you do also get a lightweight stand bag to hold all of your clubs. Along with the accessibility, there are a lot of pockets available which means you can store your necessities.

Our expert review:

Our final set in this guide is from Wilson, the Prostaff SGI, which is a set you should consider if you are new to the game. The clubs in the set are large and forgiving, whilst the heads inspire confidence via thick top lines.

We begin with the lower portion of the bag, with the putter feeling very solid off the face. There is also a handy alignment aid on top to help with accuracy and, moving up to the wedges, both have a wide sole to help get out of a range of different lies.

Featuring a 10.5° driver, three wood, hybrid, 6-iron to sand wedge and an excellent putter to match, the cost is another plus as it comes in at an attractive price point, something which will appeal to those who are new to the game of golf.

Our expert review:

The Big Bertha name is arguably the most iconic when it comes to the driver category, with the original driver being launched over 30 years ago. For 2023, we see yet another offering that delivers plenty of power and assistance off the tee for any club golfer struggling with a slice.

When we first picked up the driver, we instantly noticed how light it was and the aesthetics, which are sleek and classic. Although the glossy finish may divide opinion, it has a classic ‘V’ alignment logo that frames the ball nicely against the club face and, what's more, it has an extra-large face that sits upwards, with the big footprint extremely inviting at address.

Performance-wise, the Big Bertha is crammed with technology which works really well to provide a great all-round performance. In our testing, we felt it was one of the best drivers for slow swing speeds due to how easy it was to get the ball airborne. The particular standout though is how it straightened up the ball flight. This is easily one of the best drivers for slicers, with the use of A.I. technology working well to optimise the large club face on this driver to improve the speed and spin.

Our expert review:

Mizuno has introduced an array of new features to maximise the potential of the ST-Z 230, with the development coming in the shape of a new CORTECH Chamber that encases a stainless-steel weight with elastomeric TPU. In testing, and through impact, it delivered a very powerful, lively sensation.

Distance-wise, it was extremely solid, with a high launch and ample spin putting it in a comfortable window during testing. What really stood out though, to us, was the playability, even on off-centre strikes it still had that high launch and a good amount of distance. Certainly, this puts it in the most forgiving driver category.

Aesthetically, we also loved the way the ST-Z 230 looks, with the Mizuno-blue finish on the sole (which highlights the CORTECH Chamber), making it look high-tech and premium. This only adds to the shelf appeal and the performance on offer.

Our expert review:

The new Dynapower driver is one of the most adjustable drivers ever created by Wilson and is available in both Carbon and Titanium head options. The carbon model is designed for the slightly better player - we’ve even seen it in the hands of new signing Kevin Kisner out on Tour - and features, as the name suggests, sizeable carbon fiber panels on the sole and crown to make the weighting of the head more efficient.

Although it was slightly shorter than other premium models on the market, such as the TaylorMade Stealth 2 and Callaway Paradym, it was only marginal. However, this driver is built more to help those who hook the ball and, in our testing, it certainly delivered on its promise of a neutral to slight fade shot shape bias, toning down our tester's draw shape nicely.

There really is a lot to like about the Wilson Dynapower Carbon driver - it's comfortably among the best Wilson golf clubs you can buy and, with a fitting, we believe you will be able eke out the full potential of this club, with the appealing price tag making it excellent value for money.

Our expert review:

When it comes to fairway woods, they can be the hardest club in the bag to hit. However, TaylorMade has branded the Stealth 2 a 'cheat code', with a refined look featuring a clean carbon gloss crown. In our eyes, this fairway wood boasts shelf appeal and a premium look, making it one of the best TaylorMade fairway woods to date.

At address, the fairway wood inspired confidence via the club sitting fairly shallow and, when we struck the ball, it did indeed have a high trajectory. Where it stood out was the forgiveness on offer, with poorly struck shots off the bottom and toe still finding ample distance and flight. The Stealth 2 is easily one of the most forgiving fairway wood options of 2023.

The last point which we were extremely pleased with was the versatility. Not all fairway woods work well from poor lies but, in the case of the Stealth 2, it came loaded with power, with the V Steel sole design offering tremendous turf interaction through damp first cuts of rough.

Our expert review:

Ping have loaded the new G430 fairway wood range with technology, with a Carbonfly Wrap visible across the top of the crown from head to toe. It's designed to save weight (10g) and lower the centre of gravity for less spin and more ball speed, with the aesthetic also including dark grey and neon green to give this, what we think, is a premium and modern look.

In testing, it was clear that the G430 Max was designed with those who want to get the ball airborne in mind, with the fairway wood one of the best for high handicappers. This was proved in our testing, as thinly-struck shots popped up and flew just shy of an optimum peak ball flight, rather than coming out low and not achieving good carry.

Overall, Ping has continued to impress us with their ability to create a fairway wood that continues to deliver exceptional forgiveness, yet see ball speeds that creep up to match some of the longer fairway woods in the game. The sleek look of the G430 Max fairway makes it even more appealing to hit and is certainly one of the best fairway woods available this year, at a good price point.

Our expert review:

The Callaway Paradym continues the brand's drive to produce a visually stunning range of clubs, through its excellent-looking carbon sole panel. Whilst it doesn't boast the same blue carbon wrap that is found on the Paradym Drivers, we thought that this club sparkled in the sun and delivered a lot of confidence at address. This was, in part, due to its matte black topline, marked with Callaway's classic 'V' alignment aid.

Compared to its predecessor, the Paradym delivered more ball speed and spin, which helped produce a higher flight with more distance. Where we thought it excelled though was the feeling off the face. On impact, it was about as soft as we’ve felt from a fairway wood, meaning there were no ‘dead’ feeling strikes, even when the ball didn't find the centre of the face.

Along with the standard Paradym, there are also a number of different versions of this fairway wood, with the Paradym Triple Diamond the more spinning of the three and the Paradym X designed for those who are looking for as much forgiveness as possible.

Our expert review:

For those in search of a compact hybrid, Titleist has launched a moveable-weight TSR3 model that the brand says should: "Give you more control over every shot." In testing, the performance certainly backed up this statement, with the TSR3 producing an impressively strong ball flight.

It's worth noting that there are other TSR options within the range, but all feature classic Titleist shaping and simple, gloss-black styling aesthetics. Certainly, when struck, we noticed the lower-pitched sound and more powerful feel through impact, with it providing ample distance for a hybrid golf club.

Where it stands out though is with the moveable weight system in the sole. We found that it was sleek and easy to use and noticeably changed our ball flight when moved around. In the neutral set up, it was easy to turn the hybrid over but, when positioned in the toe, we were able to work the ball both ways.

Our expert review:

One of the first things we noticed when looking at the King Tec hybrid is that Cobra have done an excellent job in cleaning up the aesthetics. To begin with, the contrasting grey topline on the previous model has been removed and, while it provided a good alignment aid, the new model with a one-tone matte black finish makes the head look much more compact and will make the new model more appealing to a wider variety of golfers.

What we liked about the King Tec is the adjustability, with the hybrid featuring two 12g weights, although 14g and 10g weights are available through custom orders, and a lighter 3g weight. In testing, when we moved the weights around, we found that it changed the flight and feel, something which is extremely useful if you are looking to set up the club for a particular golf course.

The standout feature though is how the hybrid felt off the face. In testing, it had an average ball speed of 149mph and an average carry distance of 244 yards, making it longer than any other hybrid we tested this year. It's also extremely versatile, with the King Tec performing from a wide range of lies and conditions making it one of the best golf hybrids on the market.

Our expert review:

The Srixon ZX Mk II hybrid has taken the best bits from the previous Srixon ZX hybrid and tweaked them a little. The footprint and head shape are still pretty much the same, but the step crown has gone, leaving a smooth head which we thought looks much cleaner at address.

In testing, we thought this was one of the best hybrid golf clubs for higher handicappers who are looking for more distance, with the face angle sitting a little squarer. What's more, Srixon have added the Rebound Frame on the inside of the head which stiffens the structure to improve ball speed.

The final point is the versatility that it offers. With plenty of loft options available, there should be a model for everybody and, with the forgiving performance being backed-up by distance, it is certainly one of the most forgiving hybrids we have seen so far in 2023.

Our expert review:

Cleveland are known for producing some of the best golf wedges on the market, but they also know a thing or two about forgiving irons, with their Launcher XL arguably one of the most forgiving irons that money can buy.

To begin with, at address, the iron is extremely long from heel to toe and, although that may not suit all, it will certainly inspire confidence as there is plenty of club available for the strike. Also, thanks to a V-Shaped sole, it interacts with the turf well and, in our testing, it encouraged us to attack the ball by hitting downward.

The feel at the point of strike is also notably satisfying - the ball fizzes off on a strong trajectory with notable stability. We really saw the forgiveness on off-centre strikes, as the flight kept its line well.

Our expert review:

Lightweight and forgiving, these irons should help average golfers swing the club faster for longer carries, assisted by increased perimeter weighting of the heads themselves. In testing, this claim was certainly backed up, with the Air X an absolute pleasure to hit

Despite not being aimed at ‘stronger’ players, we were still able to strike long and accurate approach shots, with the flight of the ball extremely consistent. What's more, the stable feel off the face and the resulting ball flight will appeal to a wide range of golfers, especially those who struggle to get the ball airborne.

The last point is the aesthetics, which we were really impressed with. Featuring flashes of red which will pop off the shelf, there is a thick topline and wide sole, with the generous amount of offset helping those who slice the golf ball. What we really liked was how the amount of offset is progressive, so the short irons have less of it and therefore look better in the playing position.

Our expert review:

On first inspection, the design of these irons follows some of the best mid-handicap irons on the market, with the finish premium and elegant. Also, the actual shape is very pleasing on the eye, with there being a smidge of offset at address. Finally, on the looks, the topline thickness is generous enough to inspire confidence without looking thick or chunky.

Moving to the performance where, in testing, these performed extremely well for the favourable price tag. They have heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel faces, which we found to be extremely lively, with the stability also a highlight as, on off centre strikes, there was a lot of forgiveness on offer.

It is worth noting that those with slow swing speeds may struggle to launch the ball but, the main trait with these is accuracy, as the FX77 produced superb consistency and dispersion that makes these some of the best budget irons on the golf market right now.

Our expert review:

Tour Edge calls the Exotics E722 an extreme distance and forgiveness game-improvement iron that's loaded with technology. Certainly, in our testing, we noticed that forgiveness, with shots out the heel and toe, as well low and high out the face, still travelled close to where the target was without any severe consequences.

It's worth noting that the heads in the E722 are lofted strongly, which gives the distance that the company promises. We tested the irons with steel shafts and found the feel and performance to be competitive, with the ball flight generally as you would expect with steel – nice and straight.

These are some of the best Tour Edge golf clubs on the market and, like any other Tour Edge golf club, there is incredible value to be had in a premium performing package.

Our expert review:

The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedge is the latest in a long line of blade wedges from the brand that stretches back to 1979, with more aluminium and silicon material being added to increase the forgiveness and MOI by up to 20 percent. Consequently, it is one of the most forgiving wedges money can buy.

In testing, the RTX 6 maintained the same high levels of spin as the best golf wedges on the market, with the club feeling slightly heavier than other wedges out there. This isn't a bad thing though, with the extra weight providing more control and allowing for the wedge to do more of the work throughout the swing.

Available in a number of different lofts, there is very little to fault in this comprehensive range of performance RTX 6 ZipCore wedges. It has every option covered and the balance, bounce and grip from the RTX 6 means it is one of the best Cleveland wedges we have ever seen.

Our expert review:

The first thing we noticed is that this wedge, with its aged copper finish, looks incredible. Whether over the ball or just sitting in the bag, it's a feast for the eyes and will blend in with the Raw face as it rusts over time.

What's more, it possesses lots of technology, with the raised micro-ribs positioned between the grooves to add texture to the face for increased friction. In testing, this showed up perfectly as we were able to hit low, spinny chips, even with a lob wedge.

Finally, we were particularly impressed with the higher, full-face grooves allowing for more forgiveness and spin on off-centre strikes. The taller toe design, coupled with this extra relief, was particularly useful when faced with a short shot that requires the face to be open in the bunker or the rough.

Our expert review:

Mizuno is known for producing world-class forged golf clubs, and the S23 wedge is no exception. The Japanese manufacturer has designed a wedge which not only preforms exceptionally but also looks incredible. Feel is, for many golfers, as important as looks and performance and, with the S23, it is certainly not lacking in this department as, in testing, there was a buttery soft sensation created via the one-piece Grain Flow Forging process.

Featuring a centralised sweet spot, which has been incorporated to allow for longer impact time, we found the spin to be outstanding and, because the sweet spot is right in the centre of the club, it felt like we were delivering a more consistent strike because of how stable the head felt. This only added to the high overall spin rate.

Using the wedges over several rounds, there are very little signs of wear in both the white satin brush chrome and copper cobalt finishes. Certainly, the copper tackles glare well, whilst the white satin brush chrome transitions seamlessly with most irons so, really, the choice is yours, but neither will disappoint.

Our expert review:

The Odyssey White Hot Versa 12 S putter features the brand's patented Versa alignment technology that has been created following feedback from short game coach, Phil Kenyon, as well as a number of the world's top professionals.

In short, this is a stunning compact mallet, boasting a cool black colorway that is contrasted by the White Hot insert on the face of the club. It has a mid-sized footprint which fills the void between blade and mallet perfectly, although we would personally say it's closer to a mallet style.

Finally, it's worth noting that the unusual shape won't suit everyone's taste, but the bigger head gave us a greater awareness of where putts were being struck. It's bold and beautiful, placing it comfortably among the best Odyssey putters on the market.

Our expert review:

The EV5 provides plenty of options for those looking for a premium performing putter. Firstly, it has ‘3x3 versatility’, which refers to the fact that it is available in various color combinations via three rear interchangeable chassis designs. There is even a choice of six hosel options too, so every visual preference and stroke type is truly catered for. The impressive customization on offer sees this putter earn a spot in our 2023 Editor's Choice awards.

It has lots of technology on offer, as well as plenty of alignment help to get you rolling the ball on the correct line. Regardless of how you build your EV5 putter, it will feature the unique groove technology engineered to deliver uniform performance across the entire hitting area; something which was blatantly obvious in our testing.

When we got our hands on it, we noticed that the feel was soft but not too spongy. Also, it has markers so you can position your thumbs in the same place every time for consistency, with the addition of six weight ports and dynamic toe flow options providing plenty of forgiveness benefits.

Our expert review:

Scotty Cameron make some of the best putters on the market, with one their most recent offerings being the Super Select Newport 2.5 Plus. Starting off with aesthetics which, being a Plus model, are essentially larger versions of their name sake which provide a little more forgiveness and alignment assistance than the originals.

Slightly wider than some of the other best Scotty Cameron putters, we found that it sits beautifully - perfectly flush to the green and almost tries to square itself. We also thought that the extra width does make the sightline a little longer, helping with aim.

On the green, it's the longer putts where you'll see the most difference as it has ample stability. When the stroke gets longer, the likelihood of a mishit increases. However, even when we didn't hit the sweet spot it still felt really solid, with the two 20g tungsten weights in the heel and toe making this an incredible performer.

Our testing for golf clubs is built upon a comprehensive process combined with 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 several different golf clubs. 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.

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Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.

One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.

Joel's current What's In The Bag?

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9°

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15°

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18°

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x

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