Best Golf Club Brands: Our Top Picks In 2023
- Last Updated on February 6, 2023
Contents
In golf, the clubs you play can make a huge difference to shooting lower scores.
For example, switching from a Mizuno driver to a Callaway driver might add 10+ yards to your tee ball. Switching from a TaylorMade wedge to a Cleveland wedge, might help you hit it closer to the pin and have more birdie putts.
Equipment matters in golf. Each club needs to match your swing and give you confidence over the golf ball. But not all brands are created equal and each has their own specialty in terms of the best drivers, irons, wedges, or putters.
Let’s review some top golf club companies in the game to find the best ones for your swing.
Summary: Our Top Picks For The Best Golf Club Brands On The Market
| Brand | Overview | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best High Performance  | Titleist
| 9.7 | Amazon PriceGlobal Golf Price |
Best For Average Golfer  | Callaway
| 9.7 | Amazon PriceGlobal Golf Price |
Best Putters  | Odyssey Golf
| 9.7 | Amazon PriceGlobal Golf Price |
Great For Distance  | Taylormade
| 9.7 | Amazon PriceGlobal Golf Price |
Iconic Brand  | Ping
| 9.7 | Amazon PriceGlobal Golf Price |
Forgiving  | Cobra
| 9.7 | Amazon PriceGlobal Golf Price |
Best For Beginners  | Wilson
| 9.7 | Amazon PriceGlobal Golf Price |
Best Irons & Skilled Players  | Mizuno
| 9.7 | Amazon PriceGlobal Golf Price |
Best Wedges  | Cleveland Golf
| 9.7 | Amazon PriceGlobal Golf Price |
Known For Golf Balls  | Srixon
| 9.7 | Amazon PriceGlobal Golf Price |
Premium Gear  | PXG
| 9.7 | Amazon PriceGlobal Golf Price |
Best Golf Club Brands
Did you know that when PGA Tour players sign endorsement deals with club brands they don’t always play all 14 of their clubs? Despite getting paid millions of dollars…
In fact, a lot of times, they only sign on to play 8-11 clubs, so why not play all 14 of one brand?
Because these players know that each manufacturer doesn’t necessarily have the right clubs for their game. They might sign up to play a specific set of irons but want the freedom to choose a putter or driver of a different brand.
Yet, most amateur golfers think they should play all Titleist, all Callaway or another brand. When in reality, the best clubs for your game are often made up of multiple different companies.
The point is, each manufacturer has their own specialty. Rarely, should a player play all of one brand.
Now, let’s review each of the big brands and see which products are their best.
Titleist (Best High Performance Brand)
#1 Ball In Golf
Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls
- Longer distance with consistent flight
- Very low long game spin and penetrating trajectory
- Increased drop-and-stop short game control
- Softer feel
Starting off our list is Titleist, a wildly popular brand that makes all things golf. From woods, irons, wedges, putters, and golf balls, Titleist has you covered.
Titleist products aren’t cheap by any means but they only make great golf gear.
Best Titleist Products
Some of their stand-out products include:
- Pro V1 Golf Balls: These are the most popular golf balls on the PGA Tour and have been insanely popular since their release in the early 2000s. Each year they get an update and continue to maintain their dominance on the golf ball market. While they’re a high performance golf ball, they are not for beginners and are quite expensive.
- Titleist Vokey Wedges: Another product line that has maintained a strong position in the golf industry is the Vokey wedges from Titleist. Like the Pro V1 golf balls, these are not meant for beginners but great for committed golfers.
- Scotty Cameron Putters: Finally, I can’t forget to mention their putters as well. The Scotty Cameron putter series are some of the best ever and are loved by avid golfers. They cost about as much as the average driver but are worth every penny. Plus, Tiger Woods has used his Scotty Cameron to win 14 of his 15 majors, which is a ringing endorsement for the brand.
If you’re a serious golfer who is committed to improving, you can’t go wrong with anything from Titleist. They are one of the few manufacturers where you could probably play an all Titleist bag and your game wouldn’t suffer much.
History of Titleist
It’s hard to believe but Titleist has been around the game of golf for nearly 100 years! That’s right, nearly a century ago Phillip Young (an MIT grad) started the company.
By 1949 it had become the most used ball at the US Open. In 2000 Titleist released the Pro V1 and dramatically shifted the landscape of the golf ball industry. After its successful release the ball became the most played ball on the PGA Tour and continues to grow its footprint in the game with balls, equipment, and accessories.
Solid Performance
Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport Putter
- Solid 303 stainless steel
- Soft feel
- Legendary performance and feel
Callaway (Best For Majority of Golfers)
Another brand that sells everything from clubs to golf balls and even apparel is Callaway.
Callaway has been a staple in the golf world for more decades with famous clubs like the Great Big Bertha and more. While they’ve always been popular with golfers, they haven’t had as much popularity with lower handicap players until recently.
Since 2019, they’ve gained a lot of popularity thanks to their Epic Flash driver.
This was the first drive to use A.I. technology to build a golf club and it became a huge success among PGA Tour players and amateurs alike. Now, they use A.I. in almost all of their new clubs and the brand continues to grow for all kinds of players.
History of Callaway Golf
Compared to Titleist, Callaway is a much newer company and was founded in 1982 by Ely Callaway Jr. He had recently sold his vineyard for a $9 million dollar profit and helped fund Hickory Sticks USA (his favorite golf company). It was later renamed to Callaway Hickory Stick USA.
Shortly after he moved the headquarters to Carlsbad, California he sold his first golf clubs from his car! Its first successful club launch was the Big Bertha driver which used a larger clubhead than most. They later acquired Odyssey Sports to introduce the wildly successful White Hot Putter line in 2000.
Now, they make tons of clubs, balls, and other equipment. Not to mention they’ve acquired brands like Top Flite, OGIO, and even TopGolf Entertainment Group.
ST Max
Callaway Golf Rogue ST Driver
- Rogue ST MAX LS is built for lower spin with a strong ball flight trajectory
- The groundbreaking new Tungsten Speed Cartridge structure places up to 23 grams low and deep in the driver head
- Their patented A.I. designed Jailbreak Speed Frame provides stability in the horizontal and torsional direction.
With PGA Tour players on their roster, including Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson, Callaway is a staple in professional golf. Jon Rahm used the Apex irons to win the 2021 US Open while Phil plays all Callaway clubs and used them in his 2021 PGA Championship victory.
They’re still great for amateurs too and a more forgiving choice than Titleist. The drivers specifically are great for most golfers, including the Epic Max and new Rogue ST drivers.
The Max and Max-D drivers models help amateurs without as much speed create higher ball flight while minimizing spin. Plus, the Max-D is draw oriented, so it can help straighten out that frustrating, weak slice that plagues so many golfers.
Not to mention, they have all kinds of other gear including gloves, shoes, bags, and more.
Odyssey Golf
Odyssey golf is a spinoff of Callaway and is focused on one thing and one thing only – putters.
They are the creator of the game-changing, 2-Ball putter that changed the look of a putter forever. When they were initially released, a lot of golfers didn’t know what to think of the design but after a few putts, it was easy to see why so many players loved them.
Top Pick
Odyssey Triple Track Putter
- Triple Track alignment that will improve putting accuracy
- This classic name is synonymous with legendary performance
- Provides a firmer feel and enhanced sound at impact while maintaining the same roll benefits of the popular White Hot Microhinge Insert
Now, Odyssey has a ton of different putters aside from their popular two-ball putter.
They also have a unique alignment system known as the “Triple Track” method that align perfectly with Callaway golf balls. This makes it easier than ever to line up putts and get them started on the proper line.
TaylorMade Golf
A similar brand to Callaway is TaylorMade as they have tons of equipment, gear, and balls for any type of golfer.
They continue to innovate for all golfers and are a favorite with PGA Tour players like Dustin Johnson, Tiger Woods, and more. Plus, they have a ton of forgiving clubs for amateurs as well.
Best TaylorMade Products
Here are two products that every amateur golfer should learn more about:
- TaylorMade Spider Putters: These putters revolutionized the game of golf and continue to be popular for elite players to weekend warriors. While the look of them might take a little getting used, they’re extremely effective. Thanks to the high MOI (moment of inertia), they’re very forgiving and take a lot of the guesswork out of putting. Their weight makes it easy to keep the putter on line and square the face at impact.
- TaylorMade Stealth Driver: The past few years TaylorMade has found a ton of success with the SIM and SIM2 drivers and fairway woods. But in 2022, they unveiled the new TaylorMade Stealth driver. It’s very different from the past two models and I think it’s one of the best looking drivers ever created. Plus, there are several versions of the driver to help all players add more speed and distance to the tee ball.
History of TaylorMade Golf
TaylorMade Golf is another top brand that got its start in 1979 when Gary Adams took a $24,000 loan on his house to begin production. With only three employees they developed a 12-degree metal wood. But by 2006 they reached a billion dollars in revenue.
In 1997 the company was acquired by Adidas with a main goal of taking over the driver market.
Now, they have some of the best players in the world using their clubs and balls including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Scottie Schefler, and many others.
2022 Model
TaylorMade Stealth Driver
- The 60X Carbon Twist Face is encased by a polyurethane cover, featuring a revolutionary new nanotexture technology
- The nanotexture cover is used to fine tune launch and spin to optimize total distance regardless of playing conditions.
Ping Golf
Ping is an iconic company and synonymous with the game of golf. They are a high quality brand that have different woods, wedges, irons, and putters for all skill levels.
One major difference between Ping and other golf club brands listed before is that you have to buy from Ping directly. They aren’t sold in big box golf stores and instead, make you purchase through them or a secondary site like eBay. This is somewhat of an inconvenience for a lot of golfers and also more expensive as well.
Overall, they’re a well known brand that is geared towards more serious players.
History of Ping
Ping started in 1959 and was founded by Karsten Solheim, who had a previous career as an engineer of General Electric. Their first major success was the Ping Answer and now offer all clubs for a variety of players. Now, they have some of the biggest names in the game on staff.
Cobra Golf
Cobra hasn’t always been the biggest brand in the golf industry but it’s made a surge over the past few years. All because of one player – Bryson DeChambeau. After transforming his body, swing, and game during the 2020 season, he’s helped Cobra grow significantly.
Best Cobra Golf Products
Cobra isn’t known for their putters or wedges but have a few clubs that can significantly help the everyday golfer:
- Cobra Drivers: These clubs are very forgiving and offer great choices for women and senior players too.
- One Length Irons: They are also the only company to offer one length irons as well. If you’ve never heard of these, don’t worry, you’re not alone as they aren’t very common even with golf enthusiasts. The only reason they offer them is because of Bryson. Each iron is the length of an average seven iron. Meaning, your PW is the same as your 5-iron which is quite different.
Overall, Cobra clubs are very forgiving and focus on distance.
History of Cobra Golf
Cobra Golf, a subsidiary of Puma, got its start in 1973 with Thomas L. Crow who wanted to help everyday golfers. Their first big hit was the “baffler” which became an alternative for hard to hit long irons.
In the 1990s the company found success with these golfers thanks to their easy to hit oversized irons. Since then, they’ve become a top name in the golf world and make a full range of clubs including drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and putters.
They’ve always had a focus on everyday players, seniors, and ladies. Plus, they were made even more popular thanks to Bryson DeChambeau and other long drivers in the last few years.
2022 Model
Cobra Golf LTDX Max Driver
- Pwr-cor technology
- Hot face-highly optimized technology uses artificial intelligence & machine learning
- Cnc milled infinity face
- Multi-material chassis
- Adjustable weighting
Wilson Golf (Best for Beginners)
Wilson golf is a sporting good brand more so than just a golf brand.
They offer very cost-efficient clubs that are geared toward beginners in mind. They’re often very forgiving, lightweight, and even sell them in full club sets to keep costs low for new players.
While most of the clubs are geared towards beginners and high handicap players, they do have some clubs for lower handicaps as well.
Multiple Color Options
WILSON Staff Duo Soft + Golf Ball
- New core technology uses advanced materials to extract and amplify every ounce of power from your swing, making the new Duo Soft + the world’s softest and the longest premium 2-piece golf ball
- The Duo family of golf balls has been engineered to deliver the distance you need, the feel you love and the consistency you demand
Mizuno Golf (Best Irons and Skilled Players)
As long as I can remember, Mizuno has made the best looking irons of any golf club brand.
Until recently though, they’ve been primarily made for mid to low handicap golfers. Their sleek appearance often makes them much less forgiving than other iron sets.
With the successful release of the JPX 921 Hot Metal iron sets, they now have options for higher handicappers as well. While they’re not as compact, they’re still a great looking set of clubs with extra forgiveness too.
While Mizuno makes great irons, they aren’t known for much else. I wouldn’t suggest them as a top pick for drivers or fairway woods. But if you’re someone who loves working the ball and has a consistent swing, their irons are a great choice.
History of Mizuno Golf
The oldest company in the golf game is Mizuno which was founded in 1906 in Osaka. They make a lot more than just golf equipment including baseball, badminton, football, running, swimming, and tons of other sports.
Many golfers don’t know but Mizuno was the club of choice for Tiger Woods in his amateur career (before signing with Titleist in 1996). In fact, he even won his first major, the 1997 Masters, with Mizuno irons while his set was being designed by Titleist.
For a long time Mizuno was known as the club for elite ball strikers, not everyday recreational golfers. But with a full product line for all types of players, they now offer something for everyone.
Great Feel
JPX921 Forged Iron Set
- Grain flow forged hd
- Harmonic impact technology: fine tuned head geometry delivers ideal impact feel and feedback
- Stability frame: open at the heel portion to enhance stability and launch
- Pearl brush finish
Cleveland Golf (Best Wedges)
Cleveland is sort of like Mizuno in that they have all clubs from putters to drivers. But not all of them are highly reviewed or necessarily the best option for every golfer. While Mizuno has the iron market cornered, Cleveland has it with their wedges.
Aside from making amazing wedges, they also have a lot of great putters too. Plus, the brand is much more affordable than Mizuno or Titleist.
History of Cleveland Golf
Cleveland Classics was founded in 1979 by Roger Cleveland and renamed to Cleveland Golf in 1990. They are most known for the wedges as they were the first to introduce different bounce options and also have more forgiving options for the everyday golfer. Now they have a full line of clubs and specialize in easy to hit, oversized clubs for the average golfer.
Excellent Feel
Cleveland CBX 2 Wedge
- Hollow-cavity design - additional weight distributed to the perimeter offers more forgiveness
- Dynamic sole - three different sole grinds deliver more versatility to execute any shot
- Amazing feel - enhanced feel balancing technology along with a insert reduces vibration
- Rote face - fourth generation rote face technology delivers our sharpest tour zip grooves
Srixon
Srixon is primarily known for their golf balls but also offer irons and woods as well.
Thanks to a recent endorsement from Brooks Koepka, I expect them to continue to expand their product line. In general though, stick with Srixon for budget friendly, high-quality golf balls.
History of Srixon
Srixon is a newer brand that began in 1996 in Asian markets. But by 2001 they were in Europe and the USA and focused on golf equipment for the everyday player. They have some big names in the game including Brooks Koepka, Keegan Bradley, and Hideki Matsuyama.
Highly Rated
Srixon Soft Feel
- Fastlayer core with a soft center that gradually transitions to a firm outer edge
- 338 speed dimple pattern to get more distance overall and better performance in the wind
- Soft, thin cover provides more greenside spin and softer feel on all pitches, chips and putts
PXG Golf
PXG (which stands for Parsons Xtreme Golf) was founded in 2013 by Bob Parsons who founded GoDaddy. He wanted to prove that more could be achieved with golf clubs without compromise and set out to create the finest clubs made. Despite being a newcomer on the scene, these clubs have grown tons in only a decade and are a staple in professional golf.
PXG clubs are easy to spot with their sleek black and silver design. They’re no doubt a premium club manufacturer but they’re now available for all types of golfers and at amazing prices. Similar to Ping, you must purchase directly through PXG but do offer custom fitting as well.
Wrapping Up on the Best Brands in Golf
While the pandemic shut the world down, one sport soared in popularity and that’s golf. Which means more, and more brands are innovating for the influx of new golfers.
Regardless of if you’re a scratch or a 30 handicap, play the clubs that match your game. I’d suggest always playing ones that are made for your swing, not your favorite brand (or the brand your favorite pro plays).
The right equipment can make a huge difference in your game. Hopefully, learning about these different golf brands will help you get the right clubs and play better golf.
What is your favorite brand in golf? Do you switch brands from year to year?
Let us know in the comments below!
Phil Grounds
Phil is an avid golfer, and the creator of The Golfers Gear. He’s been playing golf for 30 years, and is obsessed with improving his game and sharing his experience helping fellow golfers score better.
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