What Clubs Should I Have In My Bag?

Golf is a pretty intensive sport, not just the physical act of playing but the knowledge it takes to understand all of its little nuances. Some people who’ve been playing for years still are learning things about the game today, so you can only imagine how it feels to be a beginner. With so much to learn, it’s hard to really truly understand what clubs you should have in your bag, especially when everyone’s skill levels are different. As with any sport, people play at different capacities, some require the finest equipment tuned to their above-average abilities, while others need clubs that offer forgiveness and control their lacking in their own swings. 

When it comes to figuring out what the “best” is for your own game, the best thing you can do besides getting professionally fitted, is to come to a place that caters to your needs. 

And we just so happen to be that place.

We’re taking away the mystery of whether or not a club is good for your bag based on the thousands of responses you’ll see on golf forums. No one likes to comb through trying to match their scoring average and swing style to an answer that takes too much research time. Our goal is to create a simple, easy to understand guide on the ideal set ups by skill level so you don’t have to. 

We’re going to be breaking down set ups for:

• Low-to-Mid Handicappers
• Mid-to-High Handicappers

But why are we the ones qualified to answer your club questions? Well if you haven’t heard of us yet then let us have the pleasure of introducing you to what we do best:

Our story is a simple one, what started out as a side-venture in the highs and lows of selling shoes on eBay, has now turned around to be a business with 20 full-time employees, a 15,000 square foot warehouse, and relationships with private golf courses all over the U.S. At StickHawk you can make your putting dreams come true as we sell quality drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, iron sets, single irons, wedges, putters, complete club sets for those who need the basics to play today, and accessories. We want to match you with the golf club(s) of your dreams. You can take our “Club Decider Quiz” and it will help you decide the exact right make and models you need to feel good while you’re on the course.

We really care that you’re getting the right golf clubs, we don’t just sell to sell. We mentioned our “Find the right clubs” quiz- (which will either be as a “pop up” as you go onto our homepage or you will see it once you scroll down to the bottom of the screen and you’ll know you’re in the right place when you see our Hawk mascot holding gold clubs like a real player). The team has spent hours coming up with and designing the right questions to find you the golf clubs that’ll fit you at your skill level, and that includes finding out what clubs you should have in your bag.

Clubs for Low-to-Mid Handicappers

There’s a good chance many who are reading this are going to skip right past this section because we’re talking to the ones who’ve honed their skills, the ones that are just naturally good at this sport, the ones you look at and go: “dang,” anytime you’re playing with them. Low-to-mid handicappers are our friends who keep us humble when we’ve reached our new PB, and we’re gonna start with clubs for them so they can show off their aptitude with equipment that compliments them well.

But first, we should talk about what clubs each skillset is going to have in their bags.

As we all know you can have up to fourteen clubs in your golf bag at a time, but in actuality you don’t need that many to play a full round. (It also can be very overwhelming to have that many clubs in your bag at a time, especially if you’re someone who's just starting out). 

So we thought of using our own researched list of clubs and give recommendations based on this set up:

• A driver
• A 7-iron*
• A 7 wood (for low-to-mid handicappers only)
• A 3 hybrid (for mid-to-high handicappers only)
• A pitching wedge
• A putter

*We know irons come in a set of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and a PW (pitching wedge), but if you’re only in the market for one, then we think a 7-iron is the most “well-rounded” out of the bunch. But don’t worry, when we recommend one iron, just know that if you want to go all out and buy the set, follow the brand and you’ll be golden.

Driver for Low-to-Mid Handicapper: Titleist GT3

Titleist is a name you see on many platforms for those looking to match their skills with something that delivers, and the GT3 is a club that’s versatility is one that can’t be beat. Its procession matches the speed(s) and doesn’t hold back on delivering in distance and stability. The head is made for center hits so you’ll get solid contact off the ball nine times out of ten.

A swing that you just can’t beat!

This is the Titleist GT3 Driver 9* Tensei K Blue Xlink Tech 55g Regular RH HC which was $649.00 and is now $417.49. This club is pre-owned, has very small marks from play, and is in excellent condition. Here are the specs:

• Men's Right-Handed
• Loft: 9 Degrees (Adjustable - Adjustment Tool NOT Included)
• Club Length at address: 45.50"
• Shaft Flex: Regular
• Shaft Material: Graphite
• Shaft Brand: Mitsubishi Chemical
• Shaft Model: Tensei K Black XlinkTech
• Shaft Weight: 55g
• Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 Standard Grip in Good condition 
• Headcover IS included

Overall Condition: Used - Grade: 9 (Excellent)

Iron for Low-to-Mid Handicapper: Srixon ZX7

When you’re looking for the “best set of irons” out there, people will all look over at the Srixon ZX7 and just point. They are game changers, you will improve your swing every time you take them out of the bag. Still offering forgiveness but doesn’t feel like they’re holding you back at all.

We currently don’t have any singular Srixon ZX7 irons in stock but we do have a few sets like this one:

They’re sooo beautiful, don’t you agree?

These are the Srixon ZX7 Iron Set 4-PW Nippon NS Pro Modus 3 120g Stiff Steel Mens RH which were $1,137.49 and are now $536.69. These clubs are pre-owned, have been hit with, and have marks on it from normal use, but are overall in good condition. Here are the specs:

• Men's Right-Handed
• 4 Iron through PW (7 clubs total)
• 7 Iron Length: 37.25"
• Lie Angle: Standard
• Shaft Flex: Stiff
• Shaft Material: Steel
• Shaft Brand: Nippon
• Shaft Model: NS Pro Modus 3
• Shaft Weight: 120g
•  Golf Pride MCC Plus 4 Standard Grips in Good condition

Overall Condition: Used - Grade: 8 (Good Quality)

Wood for Low-to-Mid Handicapper: Titleist GT2 

Swinging our way back to Titleist with the GT2 as our pick for fairway woods. Generally speaking woods are for more experienced players while hybrids are better for mid-to-high handicappers. That's why we’re only recommending this club for our golfers who’ve been around the block, or should we say, greens for a while now. 

Built for faster swing speeds, the GT2 is great for straight ball flight with a dispersion that won’t end up somewhere you weren't expecting.

A great club for those looking to practice their skillset.

Here we have the Titleist GT2 7 Fairway Wood 21* Project X Denali Red 5.5 60g Regular RH HC which was $399.00, but is now $348.99. This club is pre-owned, has been hit with, and has marks on it from normal use, but is overall in good condition. Here are the specs:

• Men's Right-Handed
• Loft: 7 Wood - 21 Degrees (Adjustable - Adjustment Tool NOT Included)
• Club Length at address: 41.25"
• Shaft Flex: Regular
• Shaft Material: Graphite
• Shaft Brand: Project X
• Shaft Model: Denali Red 5.5 
• Shaft Weight: 60g
• Lamkin 100 Midsize Grip in Good condition 
• Headcover IS included

Overall Condition: Used - Grade: 8 (Good Quality)

Wedge for Low-to-Mid Handicapper: TaylorMade Milled Grind 4

For the low-to-mid handicapper we’re going to want to look for a wedge that will keep our mistakes small. The TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 has some impeccable flight control and spin which means you won’t feel stuck like you might with other wedges. TaylorMade has consistently come out with wedges that have exceeded expectations every year.

Get your ball out of a rock and a hard place.

Here we have the TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 Chrome Wedge 56* 12 Bounce SB-Grind 115g Steel Mens RH which was $98.04, but is now $97.99. This club is pre-owned, has been hit with, and has marks on it from normal use, but is overall in good condition. Here are the specs:

• Men's Right-Handed
• Loft: 56 Degrees / 12 Bounce / SB-Grind
• Club Length: 35.00"
• Shaft Flex: Wedge
• Shaft Material: Steel
• Shaft Brand: True Temper
• Shaft Model: Dynamic Gold Tour Issue 
• Shaft Weight: 115g
• Stock TaylorMade Standard Grip in Good condition 

Overall Condition: Used - Grade: 8 (Good Quality)

Putter for Low-to-Mid Handicapper: TaylorMade Spider X

As we transition to the mid-to-high handicappers we thought the TaylorMade Spider X putter would be the best one to end this section as it’s been hailed for being a great putter to use when you want to switch from a blade to a mallet. Offering short-putt stability and good control, you’ll love the Spider unlike the actual arachnid.

Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Even more so.

Here we have the TaylorMade Spider X Copper Sightline Putter 33" Mens RH which was $349.99, but is now $209.99. This club is pre-owned, has been hit with, and has marks on it from normal use, but is overall in good condition. Here are the specs:

• Men's Right-Handed
• Club Length at address: 33.00"
• Shaft Flex: Putter
• Shaft Material: Steel
• Shaft Brand: TaylorMade
• Shaft Model: Stock
• Head Shape: Mallet
• Golf Pride Pro Only Green Star Standard Grip in Good condition
• Headcover not included

Overall Condition: Used - Grade: 8 (Good Quality)

Clubs for Mid-to-High Handicappers

Now we’re switching it up and going to offer our picks for those who have golfed more than a couple times but still feel like beginners.

Driver for Mid-to-High Handicapper: TaylorMade M2

Sometimes something was made so perfect that even though newer models have been made, the old can’t be beat, and that’s exactly how it is with the TaylorMade M2. Perfect for mid-to-high handicappers, you’ll love how much you gain distance and accuracy through playing with this club.

A fan favorite for a reason.

This is the TaylorMade M2 2019 Driver 10.5* Fujikura XLR8 Pro 56g Senior Graphite Mens RH HC which was $272.18 and is now $27199. This club is pre-owned, has been hit with, and has marks on it from normal use, but is overall in good condition. Here are the specs:

• Men's Right-Handed
• Loft: 10.5 Degrees (Adjustable - Adjustment Tool NOT Included)
• Club Length at address: 45.25"
• Shaft Flex: Seniors
• Shaft Material: Graphite
• Shaft Brand: Fujikura 
• Shaft Model: XLR8 Pro 
• Shaft Weight: 56g
• Stock TaylorMade Standard Grip in Good condition
• Headcover not included

Overall Condition: Used - Grade: 8 (Good Quality)

Iron(s) for Mid-to-High Handicapper: Mizuno JPX Hot Metals

The Hot Metals are a…hot commodity in the golfing world and many have suggested this as their pick for a "forgiving" iron, boasting about the dispersion and carry distance it has. People LOVE the 925’s and we’d have to agree, you’ll feel more controlled and less like you’re just swinging wild with it ten times out of ten.

We currently don’t have any singular Mizuno JPX Hot Metal 925’s irons in stock but we do have a few sets like this one:

Making every shot feel like warm restaurant butter for your bread.

These are the Mizuno JPX 925 Hot Metal Iron Set 7-PW SteelFiber i95 CW Stiff RH JumboMax which were $619.38 and are now $589.69. These clubs are pre-owned, have been hit with, and have marks on it from normal use, but are overall in good condition. Here are the specs:

• Men's Right-Handed
• Iron: #7, #8, #9, and PW 
• 7 Iron Length: 37.00"
• Lie Angle: Standard
• Shaft Flex: Stiff
• Shaft Material: Graphite
• Shaft Brand: AeroTech
• Shaft Model: SteelFiber i95 CW 
•  JMX Ultralite SJ Oversize Grips in Good condition 

Overall Condition: Used - Grade: 8 (Good Quality)

Hybrid for Mid-to-High Handicapper: Callaway Edge 5 Hybrid

When you’re shopping for a hybrid ata mid-to-high handicap level you’re always going to want to look for the highest lofted hybrid. The Callaway Edge 5 Hybrid is one that’s tough to contend with. It will feel monstrosity better in your hands than a wood at this level and give you the stability at address you’ve been missing.

A 5 hybrid is the way to go.

This is the Callaway Edge 5 Hybrid 25* Regular Graphite Mens LH which was $89.99 and is now $59.89. This club is pre-owned, has been hit with, and has marks on it from normal use, but is overall in good condition. Here are the specs:

• Men's Left-Handed
• Loft: 5 Hybrid (25 Degrees)
• Club Length at address: 39.00"
• Shaft Flex: Regular
• Shaft Material: Graphite
• Shaft Brand: Callaway
• Shaft Model: Stock
• Shaft Weight not listed
• Stock Callaway Standard Grip in Good condition 
• Headcover not included

Overall Condition: Used - Grade: 8 (Good Quality)

Wedge for Mid-to-High Handicapper: Cleveland CBX

First and foremost, anyone shopping for wedges will tell you to take a look at the Kirkland Signature 3-Piece Golf Wedge Set for less than $200. But if you just want one, then we’d have to go with the Cleveland CBX 2. The full face grooves offer players a bounce and game-improvement that’s especially great in the beginning.

This wedge and every one in the set sings its own praises.

This is the Cleveland CBX Wedge 56* 12 True Temper Dynamic Gold 115g Wedge Steel Mens RH which was $129.99 and is now $61.99. This club is pre-owned, has been hit with, and has marks on it from normal use, but are overall in good condition. Here are the specs:

• Men's Right-Handed
• Loft: 56 Degrees / 12 Bounce
• Club Length at address: 35.50"
• Shaft Flex: Wedge
• Shaft Material: Steel
• Shaft Brand: True Temper
• Shaft Model: Dynamic Gold
• Shaft Weight: 115g
• Stock Cleveland Standard Grip in Good condition

Overall Condition: Used - Grade: 8 (Good Quality)

Putter for Mid-to-High Handicapper: Cleveland Huntington Beach

We have our own fan-favorites here at StickHawk and the Cleveland Huntington Beach line is at the very top. Underrated, its consistent stability at address leaves a soft start for an even softer landing. We think the 11 mallet-style model is great for those looking for a more “friendly” putter as it is faced balanced and will offer more control from the get.

Smoother than a newly polished car.

This is the Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 11 Putter 35" Mens RH which was $129.99 and is now $92.79. This club is pre-owned, has been hit with, and has marks on it from normal use, but is overall in good condition. Here are the specs:

• Men's Right-Handed
• Club Length at address: 35.00"
• Shaft Flex: Putter
• Shaft Material: Steel
• Shaft Brand: Cleveland
• Shaft Model: Stock
• Head Shape: Mallet
• Cleveland 1.25'' Standard Grip in Good condition 
• Headcover not included

Overall Condition: Used - Grade: 8 (Good Quality)

No matter if you’re a low-to-mid or mid-to-high handicapper, your skill set will always be refined over and over again as you play which means finding the perfect answer to the question: “what clubs should I have in my bag?” is ever-changing, unless you’re talking about the clubs we’ve mentioned above.