Best Intermediate Golf Clubs: Reviews, Buying Guides and FAQs 2023

by Bill Winters

Intermediate golfers are some of the most interesting you can find at any course. There are days when they swing like beginners and days they have the game of their lives. They sit in an undefined space between a beginner golfer and a low handicapper, and their results are typically unpredictable.

Intermediate golfers demand three things from their golf clubs: Value, performance, and versatility. Because there are no official rules that govern a golfer's promotion from a beginner swinger to an intermediate player, those in the latter category need clubs that play well with diverse play styles and skillsets.

Many intermediate golfers don't want to invest thousands of dollars in golfing equipment at one time. Not all of them are playing to go professional, after all. As a matter of fact, most of them are just beginner golfers having more fun than the average Joe on the course. They are looking for one complete set that will allow them to take their game to the next level without burning a hole in their pockets.

The internet is full of reviewers with sponsors or those sponsored by golf club manufacturers, so you should always take write-ups and video reviews with a grain of salt. People also gravitate toward the high-end golf clubs and new premium releases because they're the most newsworthy, though not necessarily the best ones for the money.

Here are some general recommendations that won't let you down.

Top 5 Best Intermediate Golf Clubs

Top 5 Best Intermediate Golf Clubs
Top 5 Best Intermediate Golf Clubs

The Best Overall: Callaway Gold Men's Strata Complete Set - Link

Callaway Golf Men's Strata Complete Set
Callaway Golf Men's Strata Complete Set

The Callaway Gold Men's Strata has been getting rave reviews from many independent sites and magazines for a good reason: It's the best set of clubs you can get in 2023, possibly until 2023. It's so in-demand that it's become out of stock in many online vendors and mom-and-pop sports shops, so if you find one on the rack, be sure to get it right away.

The Callaway Gold Men's Strata is a 12-piece set of golf clubs with one putter, one wedge, four irons, and three woods inside a stand bag. It comes with a couple of headcovers to help you keep the three woods and driver in pristine condition. The Strata is a versatile club set that will help you play better and last for a long time.

The Strata's driver has a 460cc head with a fixed hosel and no adjustable features, so playing with it is as simple as it gets. It will give you a lot of forgiveness on days when you're off your game, as it can accommodate many off-center strikes with its wide sweet spot. Even as an intermediate golfer, if you're having trouble hitting the ball with consistency, the Strata's 10.5-degree loft and larger-than-usual head size will compensate until you get your game right.

What's in a Callaway Golf Men's Strata Complete Set?

The Strata comes in 6 variants with differing availabilities across vendors. You can buy it as a regular 12-piece, 14-piece, or 16-piece set, or go for a stiff 16-piece tour set. For this review, we're looking at the stiff 16-piece tour set.

Pieces in Set

  • One driver with a 45-inch graphite shaft, 60.5-degree lie, and 10.5-degree loft
  • One three wood with a 42.5-inch graphite shaft, 57-degree lie, and 15-degree loft
  • One #5 hybrid with a 41.5-inch steel shaft, 58-degree lie, and 19-degree loft
  • One #4 hybrid with a 38.5-inch steel shaft, 59.25-degree lie, and 22-degree loft
  • One #5 hybrid with a 37.75-inch steel shaft, 60-degree lie, and 25-degree loft
  • One 6-iron with a 37-inch steel shaft, 62-degree lie, and 27-degree loft
  • One 7-iron with a 36.5-inch steel shaft, 62.5-degree lie, and 32-degree loft
  • One 8-iron with a 36-inch steel shaft, 63-degree lie, and 36-degree loft
  • One 9-iron with a 35.5-inch steel shaft, 63.5-degree lie, and 40-degree loft
  • One putter with a 35-inch steel shaft, 72-degree lie, and 3-degree loft
  • One pitching wedge with a 35-inch steel shaft, 64-degree lie, and 44-degree loft
  • One sand wedge with a 35-inch steel shaft, 64-degree lie, and 60-degree loft

Flex

  • 16-piece tour set has stiff flex clubs
  • 14-piece regular set has uniflex clubs
  • The regular 16-piece tour set has regular flex clubs
  • The regular 16, 14, and 12-piece sets come with uniflex clubs

Orientation

  • Right/Left

Callaway Golf Men's Strata Pros

  • A wide sweet spot on the driver's 460cc clubhead offers a lot of forgiveness for fledgling intermediates
  • 4 and 5 hybrids have a low profile for intermediates who want to grow out of the tee box
  • Irons have a hefty perimeter weighting, helping improve accuracy

Callaway Golf Men's Strata Cons

  • Regular sets are always out of stock
  • Some slight tearing might occur only after hitting 100 balls

The Best Value Option: PreciseGolf S7 Men's Complete Golf Set - Link

Precise S7 All Graphite Complete Golf Clubs Package Set Driver, 3, 5 Fairways, 24, 27 Hybrids, S.S. 7-SW Irons, Putter, Cart Bag - Choose R Flex or Senior Flex (Regular)
Precise S7 All Graphite Complete Golf Clubs Package Set Driver, 3, 5 Fairways, 24, 27 Hybrids, S.S. 7-SW Irons, Putter, Cart Bag - Choose R Flex or Senior Flex (Regular)

If this is your first-time shopping for golf clubs, save yourself some money by buying a complete set all at once. Buying clubs individually might change the quality of their shafts, lofts, and sweet spots at different rates, causing you to buy a whole set when you've run out of patience with a worn-out driver or three-wood. To further maximize your savings, you should get a club set that practical golfers all over the world respect - the PreciseGolf S7.

The PreciseGolf S7 Men's Complete Golf Set has the perfect balance of versatility, performance, and value for amateur golfers and players with a low handicap. It's an 18-piece set that will have all the tools you need for your playstyle. All but one out of 18 clubs are generally lighter and thinner than mainstream models, making them friendly for beginners, especially with their wide sweet spots.

The S7 has a standard titanium 460cc driver that's light and very forgiving. For the cost of the complete set, you wouldn't expect such a refined build quality in every one of its clubs. They're all aerodynamic, stainless, and great for taking power shots.

What's in a PreciseGolf S7 Men's Complete Golf Set?

The S7 has all the clubs you'd need to play any course. To further add to their versatility, you can get a club set that sports longer shafts if you're 6'1" and above or opt for an all-graphite model.

Pieces in Set:

  • A titanium high-MOI 460cc, 10.5-degree driver
  • A #3 Fairway wood
  • A #5 Fairway wood
  • Five pitching wedges
  • Four 24-inch hybrid woods
  • Sand wedge stainless irons with true temper steel shafts from the USA
  • A 9-iron club
  • An 8-iron club
  • A 7-iron club
  • A 6-iron club
  • A five-iron club
  • One putter with a proprietary alignment system
  • Four headcovers
  • A stand bag with four pockets and a handle
  • One bag cover

Flex

  • The limited-edition graphite clubs have a regular flex
  • The regular and +1 models feature a medium-firm flex

Shaft Material

  • Graphite
  • Stainless steel

Orientation

  • Right hand only

PreciseGolf S7 Men's Pros

  • Outstanding build quality, capable of punching way above its price range
  • Grips feature multi-compound construction for better control under all weather conditions
  • One of the few golf sets that come with a bag that has a rain hood, handle, and four head covers

PreciseGolf S7 Men's Cons

  • The sand wedge is heavier when you compare it with clubs from other manufacturers, and the lightness of all the other clubs in the set further accentuate this

Best Budget Choice: Aspire X1 Men's Complete Golf Set - Link

Aspire X1 Men's Complete Golf Set Includes Titanium Driver, S.S. Fairway, S.S. Hybrid, S.S. 6-PW Irons, Putter, Stand Bag, 3 H/C's Right Hand Tall Size for Men 6'1
Aspire X1 Men's Complete Golf Set Includes Titanium Driver, S.S. Fairway, S.S. Hybrid, S.S. 6-PW Irons, Putter, Stand Bag, 3 H/C's Right Hand Tall Size for Men 6'1

Golf, like chess and tennis, is seen all over the world as a sport of the wealthy and elite. Many people who play golf in the States are retired or on their way to retirement, but millennials and Gen Z-ers are also getting into the scene, and they need budget-friendly options to help with their swing. This is where the Aspire X1 comes in.

The Aspire X1 Men's Complete Golf Set is one of the best sets of clubs in the market for beginners. You can expect a few cutbacks here and there, but they're all in the right places. You can also get a +1 model if you're 6'1" and above with the same quality materials as the regular offering.

What's in an Aspire X1 Men's Complete Golf Set?

Because the X1 is a budget product, it's only natural that it doesn't have as many features as its multi-thousand-dollar counterparts, but they're all in the right places. For example, you only get three headcovers instead of four or five. Also, there are only 8 clubs in the set, but they're all you need to get started.

Pieces in Set:

  • 460cc titanium driver
  • One fairway wood
  • One hybrid club
  • 6, 7, 8, and 9 pitching wedge irons
  • One putter
  • Three head covers
  • One stand bag

Flex

  • Medium-firm

Shaft Material

  • Stainless steel

Orientation

  • Right hand only

Aspire X1 Men's Pros

  • Excellent starter kit, with all the clubs you'll need to learn the ropes
  • Titanium driver is very forgiving and has a wide sweet spot
  • A no-nonsense package that's light and easy to carry

Aspire X1 Men's Cons

  • All X1 clubs are more flexible than most, which might work to the detriment of athletes who want a hard club

Wilson Golf Profile Platinum Package Full Golf Set - Link

The Wilson Golf Profile Platinum allows you to express your personality through its broad range of color choices. It's available in black and maroon, black and yellow, grey and black, and several other combinations. It features premium materials with the latest in aerodynamic technology, making its above-average price well worth accepting.

Pieces in set:

  • One 10.5-degree driver
  • One #5 fairway wood
  • 6, 7, 8, and 9 irons
  • One #5 hybrid
  • One sand wedge
  • One pitching wedge
  • One putter
  • A carry bag
  • Three head covers

Flex

  • Regular

Shaft Material

  • Driver and Fairway wood has graphite shafts
  • Irons, PW, SW, putter, and the hybrid feature stainless steel shafts

Orientation

  • Left/Right

Wilson's Platinum Profile Pros

  • Works like a custom club for people 6'1 to 6'5" in height
  • The standard model for 5'5" to 6'1" players has an excellent hand-feel and solid swing with little to no flex
  • Broad color choices than influencers and younger people will like

Wilson's Platinum Profile Cons

  • The carrying bag is not very durable

Precise M5 Men's Complete Golf Clubs - Link

Precise M5 Men's Complete Golf Clubs Package Set Includes Titanium Driver, S.S. Fairway, S.S. Hybrid, S.S. 5-PW Irons, Putter, Stand Bag, 3 H/C's
Precise M5 Men's Complete Golf Clubs Package Set Includes Titanium Driver, S.S. Fairway, S.S. Hybrid, S.S. 5-PW Irons, Putter, Stand Bag, 3 H/C's

The M5 is another excellent value offering from Precise that comes with all the clubs you'll need to transition into a professional. The M5 is perfect for weekend golfers looking for something more as it comes with all the essential clubs with an additional user-friendly touch. Its excellent offset and oversized heads make balls hard to miss, making it an easy recommendation.

Pieces in set:

  • One 460cc titanium driver
  • One fairway wood
  • 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 irons
  • One hybrid wood
  • One putter
  • A carry bag
  • Three head covers

Flex

  • Regular

Shaft Material

  • Driver and woods have graphite shafts
  • Irons have true temper steel shafts

Orientation

  • Right hand only

Precise M5 Profile Pros

  • Excellent quality at a low price
  • Great for people 6'1" and above
  • Large sweet spots

Precise M5 Profile Cons

  • The driver might break if you golf more than twice a week

Intermediate Golf Club Buyers Guide

What Is an Intermediate Golfer?

There are no concrete rules that separate beginner and intermediate golfers. However, most professionals agree that if you regularly break 90 and 100 with relative ease, you are an intermediate golfer. The only things that separate you from advanced players are:

  • You're starting to see more chances for a birdie, but your putting isn't sharp enough to convert more than half of them
  • You're beginning to see perfect rounds, but your play is inconsistent
  • You're still not sure of what club to use most of the time

How Do I Pick the Best Intermediate Golf Club?

There are various things to consider before buying your first set of intermediate clubs, one of the most expensive purchases you will make as a golfer. Everyone's needs are different, and you need to find a set you won't outgrow right away as you become better with time.

Take note of the different set sizes, and pick the best one for your height. Buy a set with at least 12 clubs so you can slowly familiarize yourself with each one, and then advance to a 14 or 16-piece set. If you're an athletic person, go for a standard flex, and if you have a weaker upper body, opt for more flex.

Should I Buy a Complete Set of Intermediate Clubs or a Single Club?

In most cases, it's better to buy a complete set of intermediate clubs. Clubs have different flexes and materials, which might confuse you in the middle of a game.

Buy on Walmart

Callaway Golf Men's Strata Ultimate Complete Golf Set (16-Piece, Right Hand, Steel) - Walmart Link

Cleveland Golf Huntington Beach SOFT Putter #6 35", Right Hand - Walmart Link

Odyssey Golf 2019 EXO Stroke Lab Putter, Right Hand, 33", Rossie - Walmart Link

Callaway Golf Men's Strata Complete 12 Piece Package Set (Left Hand, Steel) - Walmart Link

Nitro X Factor Golf Set Mens, Right Hand, Silver - Walmart Link

Callaway Women's Strata Tour Complete Golf Set (16-Piece, Right Hand) - Walmart Link

Pinemeadow Golf Men's PGX Putter (Right Hand) , White, 34" - Walmart Link

Orlimar Golf ATS Junior Boy's Lime/Blue Golf Driver (Right Hand Ages 3-5) - Walmart Link

wilson Deep Red Tour Complete Golf Set Men's, Right Hand, Regular - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Callaway Golf Men's Strata Ultimate Complete Golf Set (16-Piece, Right Hand, Steel) - eBay Link

Cleveland Golf Huntington Beach SOFT Putter #6 35", Right Hand - eBay Link

Odyssey Golf 2019 EXO Stroke Lab Putter, Right Hand, 33", Rossie - eBay Link

Callaway Golf Men's Strata Complete 12 Piece Package Set (Left Hand, Steel) - eBay Link

Nitro X Factor Golf Set Mens, Right Hand, Silver - eBay Link

Callaway Women's Strata Tour Complete Golf Set (16-Piece, Right Hand) - eBay Link

Pinemeadow Golf Men's PGX Putter (Right Hand) , White, 34" - eBay Link

Orlimar Golf ATS Junior Boy's Lime/Blue Golf Driver (Right Hand Ages 3-5) - eBay Link

wilson Deep Red Tour Complete Golf Set Men's, Right Hand, Regular - eBay Link

About Bill Winters

Those who have not yet tried the sport just can’t imagine what is driving these golfers to brave the sun’s heat and go around a course bigger than several football fields combined. It seems like an awful lot of work considering that the ball is quite small that is must be hard to hit, the ground of the course is not flat and, most annoying of all, there are sand traps lying around seemingly bent on preventing a player from finishing the course.


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Thoughts on "Best Intermediate Golf Clubs: Reviews, Buying Guides and FAQs 2023"

About the Author

The game of golf may seem like an awful lot to take on when one considers that the ball is quite small, must be hard to hit and carry through windy conditions with little chance for error. The ground course has hillsides which make it challenging enough without adding sand traps who seem bent on preventing players from completing their round!