7 Best High End Golf Clubs of 2026

The Callaway XR Complete Set roars out of the gate with a 460cc titanium driver that redefines explosive distance and forgiveness. Engineered for golfers who demand both power and precision, this set doesn’t just promise full-course dominance—it delivers, thanks to speed-optimized fairway woods and easy-to-hit irons that make off-center strikes feel surprisingly playable. With +1 inch extended shafts and a lightweight graphite build, it’s tailor-made for players seeking added reach without sacrificing swing control—a game-changer for taller golfers or those refining their launch conditions.

On the course, the XR set shines brightest in real-world conditions where consistency matters. The fairway woods launch effortlessly, even from tight lies, thanks to a low-back center of gravity and aerodynamic shaping that boosts clubhead speed. The irons, featuring perimeter weighting and progressive sole tech, offer forgiving contact across the face, making them ideal for mid-to-high handicappers chasing straighter, higher shots. However, the putter—while functional—feels slightly basic compared to the premium feel of the woods and irons, and advanced players may miss the shot-shaping control found in player’s irons.

Pitted against the TaylorMade Stealth Irons or the budget-focused PGF Gold set, the XR stands as the best overall high-end full package, blending pro-level materials with beginner-friendly forgiveness. It outclasses entry-level sets in performance while remaining more accessible than custom-fitted tour bags. For the golfer who wants one box to rule every yard of the course, this set strikes a rare balance—offering tour-inspired design with weekend-warrior practicality. It doesn’t match the iron-specific tech of the Stealth, but as a complete ecosystem, it outperforms every other full set in its class.

The TaylorMade Stealth Irons explode onto the scene with a revolutionary Cap Back Design that rewrites the rules of forgiveness and ball speed. By integrating a toe-wrap construction and intelligently repositioned sweet spot, these irons deliver explosive consistency exactly where most golfers strike the ball—off-center, low on the face. The result? Thru-Slot Speed Pocket technology teams up with an ultra-thin face to maintain blistering ball speeds even on mis-hits, making these the best performance irons for players craving distance without the usual trade-off in control.

In real-world testing, the Stealth irons launch higher and land softer than most competitors, thanks to a lowered center of gravity achieved through a fluted hosel and 360° undercut. From tight fairways to light rough, they produce a towering ball flight with heavy stopping power—ideal for attacking tucked pins. The ECHO Damping System wraps around the cap back to eliminate harsh vibrations, giving them a forged-like feel that’s rare in game-improvement irons. That said, the carbon toe wrap, while enhancing durability and sound, may feel unfamiliar to purists who prefer the traditional click of steel-faced irons.

Compared to the Callaway XR irons, the Stealth set is more specialized—less about full-package convenience and more about maximizing iron performance. They don’t come with a bag or woods, but what they lack in completeness, they make up for in cutting-edge engineering. For the serious golfer focused on upgrading their mid-to-long iron play, these outperform even higher-priced competitors in ball speed and launch efficiency. They cost more than the XR irons alone, but for precision, power, and feel, they justify every dollar.

The Callaway Strata Plus isn’t flashy, but it’s a no-nonsense powerhouse for golfers who want reliable performance without the premium markup. With a 460cc driver, graphite-shafted woods, and progressive sole width irons, this 14-piece left-handed set delivers remarkable forgiveness and distance straight out of the box. The real win? It’s built for beginners and high handicappers who need help squaring the face—and it does so with Callaway’s signature attention to sweet spot expansion and perimeter weighting.

On the course, the Strata Plus proves its worth in consistency. The steel-shafted irons offer better feedback than most entry-level sets, while the hybrid replaces long irons with confidence-inspiring ease, launching high even from thin turf. The mallet putter, with bold alignment aids, helps eliminate yips and improves stroke accuracy—critical for new players. That said, the steel construction makes the set heavier than graphite alternatives, which can slow down swing speed for less athletic players. And while the bag holds everything, it lacks the ventilation and ergonomic design of pricier models.

Stacked against the PGF Gold or Vice Golf sets, the Strata Plus stands as the best value full set—especially for left-handed golfers, who often face limited options. It doesn’t have the sleek aesthetics of the Vice or the low CG refinements of the PGF, but it’s backed by Callaway’s reputation and offers proven tech at a fraction of the cost. For the budget-conscious player who still wants brand-name reliability and full coverage, this set delivers where it counts. It’s not as light or modern as the Vice, but it’s more technically refined than most sub-$600 packages.

The PGF Gold TP Complete Set enters the mid-range arena with a sleek, tour-inspired profile and engineering that punches well above its price point. Anchored by a 460cc forged titanium driver and low-back CG design, this 11-piece package delivers controlled distance and remarkable stability on off-center hits. The optimized Inertia Generator enhances MOI, reducing twist at impact—a feature typically reserved for high-end clubs—making it a standout for golfers seeking forgiveness without compromise.

On the fairway, the oversized fairway wood launches effortlessly, even with slower swings, thanks to its aerodynamic head shape and low CG. The multi-function sole geometry on the irons ensures smooth turf interaction, whether you’re striking from tight grass or light rough. The #5, #7, #9, and wedges offer high launch and consistent contact, though the gap between the 9-iron and pitching wedge can leave a yardage void for some players. The classic putter gets the job done, but lacks advanced roll technology found in higher-end models.

When compared to the Vice Golf Boost or Callaway Strata, the PGF Gold TP carves its niche as the best mid-range package—balancing performance, design, and affordability. It doesn’t have the brand prestige of Callaway or TaylorMade, but its tour-focused hybrid and perimeter-weighted irons offer serious value. It’s lighter than the Strata and more forgiving than the barebones budget sets. For the golfer who wants sleek looks and real performance without overspending, this set delivers. It doesn’t match the premium materials of the Callaway XR, but for the price, it offers exceptional playability and confidence.

The Vice Golf Boost Set seduces with sleek, minimalist design and a performance-driven ethos that feels more bespoke than budget. Every club is crafted with high-quality materials and precision weighting, offering a premium aesthetic usually unseen in complete sets under $600. The graphite shafts throughout ensure a light, fast swing, while the enhanced forgiveness on irons and driver helps beginners launch higher, straighter shots with minimal effort.

On the course, the Boost set excels in usability. The driver delivers solid distance off the tee, even for slower swingers, thanks to its forgiving head shape and optimized weight distribution. The irons feature cavity backs and perimeter weighting that minimize hooks and slices—common pain points for new players. The included lightweight carry bag is a standout: durable, well-padded, and loaded with pockets, it makes walking 18 holes comfortable. However, the putter, while stylish, lacks advanced alignment or face tech, making precise lag putting a challenge.

Positioned between the Strata Plus and PGF Gold TP, the Vice Boost wins on design and build quality, earning its title as the best premium design set. It doesn’t have the raw distance tech of the Callaway XR or the iron-specific innovation of the TaylorMade Stealth, but it offers a cohesive, pro-style look that builds confidence at address. For the golfer who values aesthetic harmony and modern craftsmanship, this set stands out. It’s not the most technologically advanced, but it feels like a custom bag at a fraction of the cost.

The PGF Gold TP Hybrid #7 is a masterclass in control and versatility, engineered for golfers who want iron-like precision with hybrid forgiveness. Its forged carbon steel face features a thinner center and reinforced perimeter, boosting ball speed across the face while maintaining durability—ideal for aggressive players who attack from the rough. The low CG and perimeter weighting deliver a high launch and soft landing, making it perfect for long-iron replacement with added confidence.

On the course, this hybrid shines in tough lies and tight pin positions. From fairway to fescue, it launches cleanly, thanks to its compact, tour-focused profile and smooth sole design. The internal heel-toe weighting keeps the club stable on off-center hits, while the higher toe improves face flexibility for better spin control. It’s not quite as explosive as the TaylorMade Rescue hybrid, but it offers superior shot-shaping ability, letting skilled players work the ball left or right with ease.

Compared to utility irons or full iron sets, the Gold TP Hybrid fills a critical gap—replacing long irons without sacrificing control. It’s pricier per club than buying a full set, but for the dedicated player optimizing their bag, it’s a smart investment. It doesn’t offer the raw distance of a driver-hybrid combo, but for finesse, turf interaction, and consistency, it outperforms most competitors in its class. It’s not the easiest to hit for beginners, but for mid-to-low handicappers seeking control, it’s the best hybrid for precision play.

The Ase Premium CM-1 Wedges deliver tour-level spin and control at a price that feels almost too good to be true. With a micro-milled face and full-face grooves, these wedges generate exceptional bite on short shots, making them a secret weapon around the greens. The forged construction provides a soft, responsive feel, while the corded grip enhances comfort and control—critical for delicate chips and bunker explosions.

In real-world testing, the CM-1 wedges perform exceptionally in sand and wet grass, thanks to their aggressive groove design and balanced weight distribution. The 56° and 60° models offer versatile bounce options, allowing players to open the face without digging. However, the lack of multiple bounce options per loft limits customization for advanced players who fine-tune their short game. And while the finish resists rust well, it may show wear faster than premium brands after heavy use.

Stacked against Titleist or Cleveland wedges, the Ase CM-1 set is the best budget wedge option—offering 90% of the performance at 25% of the cost. It doesn’t have the brand cachet or customizable grinds, but for beginners to mid-handicappers, it’s more than sufficient. For the golfer who wants reliable spin, soft feel, and confidence in the short game, this set is unbeatable. It doesn’t match the grind variety of tour models, but for value and consistency, it outshines every other budget wedge.