Tour Pros Still Using Old Models in 2026 | Next2NewGolf When Aaron Rai closed out the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink with a final round 65, he did it with a TaylorMade M6 driver that's been out of production for years. It's one of the most striking proofs in recent memory that newer doesn't automatically mean better, and Rai is far from the only player at the top of the game who feels that way. For many golfers, it's easy to assume that the newest clubs are automatically the best clubs. Every January, manufacturers roll out a fresh wave of drivers, irons and wedges promising more ball speed, more forgiveness, more everything. But walk down the range at any PGA Tour event in 2026 and you'll see plenty of the best players in the world swinging clubs that are five, six, even ten years old. That's not nostalgia, and it's not a budget decision for these players. It's proof of one of the most useful equipment lessons golfers of any level can learn: performance beats release date, every single time. Driver, iron and wedge technology tends to move in small steps, not giant leaps, which means a strong model from a few years ago can still go toe-to-toe with this year's flagship release. Main takeaways: You don't need this year's release to play elite golf. Equipment gains move in small steps, not big ones. Fitting matters more than release year. Previous generation and secondhand clubs are where the real value sits. 10 Tour Professionals still using “old” clubs in 2026 Scottie Scheffler You may be surprised to find the world number 1 on this list, but in reality the only “new” addition in Scottie Scheffler’s bag is his Qi4D 7-wood, while the rest of his setup is built around models that are several years old rather than constant upgrades.  At the top end, he plays a 2024 TaylorMade Qi10 driver and matching Qi10 3-wood, both of which he has tested against newer prototypes but continues to favour because of their consistent launch and dispersion. In contrast, his long game still includes a Srixon Z U85 driving iron from 2018, a club that remains in the bag for its controlled flight and reliability off the tee. His iron set is the TaylorMade P7TW, originally released in 2019, while his wedges date back to 2020 and his putter is a 2023 model. In fact, most of the clubs currently in Scheffler's bag have been there throughout the most successful period of his career, helping him rise to and maintain world number one status while contributing to all four of his major championship victories. Overall, the picture is clear: Scheffler’s bag is not defined by constant change, but by long-term trust in equipment that already performs. Even with access to every new release, he only makes changes when there is a clear performance reason, not simply because something is newer. Brooks Koepka  While equipment manufacturers release new products every year, Brooks Koepka continues to rely on two clubs that date back to an entirely different era of golf equipment. The first is a TaylorMade M2 Tour 3-wood, originally released in 2017. Nearly a decade later, it remains one of the longest-serving clubs in Koepka's bag, having outlasted multiple generations of fairway woods from every major manufacturer. Alongside it sits a Nike Vapor Fly Pro 3 iron from 2014, a club that has remained a trusted option despite Nike leaving the equipment market shortly after its release. What's most remarkable is that these clubs have been present throughout the most successful period of Koepka's career. The M2 fairway wood and Nike driving iron were both in the bag during his dominant run of four major championship victories in just over two years between 2017 and 2019, and they have remained trusted weapons as he added a fifth major title to his résumé. That longevity says a lot. Koepka has had access to countless newer alternatives over the years, yet these two clubs continue to earn their place through performance rather than sentiment. In a sport obsessed with the latest technology, they are proof that once a club earns a player's trust on the biggest stages, replacing it becomes far more difficult than manufacturers would like. Matt Fitzpatrick Matt Fitzpatrick's bag is another clear example of proven performance outweighing newer technology. While manufacturers continue to release new iron models every year, Fitzpatrick still games a Ping i210 4-iron alongside Ping S55 irons from 5-9. Those models were originally released in 2018 and 2013 respectively, making the S55 irons the oldest clubs featured in this list. The combo set reflects a deliberate split in priorities: the i210 is a players' distance iron, built with a bit more forgiveness for the longer, harder-to-strike club at the top of the set, while the S55 is a far more traditional, compact design aimed squarely at control and feel in the scoring irons. Pairing the two lets Fitzpatrick lean on a slightly more forgiving head where mishits are costliest, without sacrificing the workability he wants from 5-iron down. What's particularly interesting is that Fitzpatrick's reliance on older irons hasn't held him back in the slightest. In fact, his 2022 US Open victory at Brookline remains the defining achievement of his career so far, alongside multiple PGA Tour wins this season and a place among the world's top-ranked players. Despite having access to every new iron release on the market, he continues to trust a setup that delivers the consistency, distance control and feel he wants. Like many elite ball strikers, Fitzpatrick's decision highlights an important point: once a player finds irons that produce the right numbers and inspire confidence, replacing them simply because something newer exists becomes very difficult. Ludvig Aberg Even one of the most talked-about young ball strikers in the game is leaning on equipment that's a few years removed from the cutting edge. Aberg's Titleist TSR2 driver dates back to 2022, and his TaylorMade Stealth 2 fairway woods, used as both a 3-wood and a 7-wood, were released back in 2023. He has tested newer options in both categories, including Titleist's GT2 and a TaylorMade Qi4D 3-wood, but kept reverting back to the older heads each time. The TSR2 is built for players who want distance without giving up the ability to shape shots, which suits a ball striker of Aberg's level far better than a head designed primarily to correct mishits. Paired with a low-to-mid-launching shaft, it gives him tight dispersion off the tee, something that's mattered more to him than whatever marginal gains a newer driver might offer. The Stealth 2 fairway woods tell a similar story: a carbon face design that still produces faster ball speeds than most current alternatives, with enough shot-shaping flexibility to suit his eye. Aberg's irons are a slightly newer Titleist T100 model, so this isn't a player frozen entirely in the past. It's a player making selective, deliberate choices about where older equipment still wins. Aaron Rai Aaron Rai's rise into the world's elite has happened with equipment that's notably older than most of his rivals'. His TaylorMade M6 driver dates back to 2019, several release cycles behind TaylorMade's current Qi series lineup, while his irons are the same TaylorMade P7TW model mentioned earlier in Scottie Scheffler's bag, a tour-only blade built with Tiger Woods that's clearly trusted by more than one elite ball striker. His fairway wood is the more modern Qi10, giving his setup a mix of old and new rather than a complete throwback. Rai is known as one of the most accurate drivers of the ball on tour, regularly ranking near the top of strokes gained: off the tee leaderboards built on precision rather than raw clubhead speed. That accuracy has clearly mattered more to him than chasing the newest face technology or marginal ball speed gains newer drivers promise. The P7TW irons reinforce the same priority, a compact, minimal-offset blade with very little forgiveness built in, designed entirely around feedback and control. The proof of just how well this older setup performs is about as strong as it gets: that seven-year-old M6 was in the bag when Rai won the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink, closing with a 5-under 65 to claim his first major title and become the first English-born winner of the tournament in over a century. He had every chance to switch beforehand and never needed to. When the numbers work, the calendar year on the sole plate becomes irrelevant. Justin Thomas Justin Thomas has built one of the most efficient ball striking games on tour around two fairway woods that predate several equipment cycles: a TS3 3-wood from 2018 and a 915 5-wood from 2014. The 5-wood in particular is one of the oldest non-putters in play anywhere on the PGA Tour, older even than several clubs from Nike's now-defunct equipment line. What makes the story interesting is Thomas has been blunt about why he keeps both of them. Asked directly whether he planned to swap out the 915, he explained that it isn't about struggling to hit newer models. It's about distance control: he's tried the latest 5-woods on the market and found they simply fly further than he wants from that club. It gives him a dependable carry of around 230 yards that he can stretch to roughly 265 when needed, a window he hasn't been able to replicate with newer designs without losing the precision he relies on. The TS3 gets less of the spotlight but does the same job at the top of his fairway wood setup, holding its own against newer Titleist releases on launch and spin. Thomas isn't alone in this either. Several other current pros carry older fairway woods for the same reason: once a club produces a specific number they like, on carry, on spin, on shot shape, replacing it becomes a hard sell regardless of how long it's been in the bag. Major champions don't keep clubs around out of sentimentality. They keep them because the data says so. Hideki Matsuyama  Matsuyama's bag is a great example of mixing and matching across release years rather than buying into one brand's full annual lineup. The Cobra Radspeed Tour 5-wood dates back to 2021, and while it's been through multiple Cobra fairway wood releases since, Matsuyama has simply never found a reason to replace it. His Srixon Z Forged II irons are also 3 years old, having been released in 2023. They're built around a compact, players' profile with minimal offset and a forged feel through impact, which suits a swing as technically precise as his. Newer Srixon iron releases have leaned slightly more toward forgiveness and distance, neither of which is high on Matsuyama's priority list compared to control. His RTX4 wedges tell a similar story. Cleveland has moved its newer RTX6 and RTZ lines toward a harder, more durable steel alloy designed to resist groove wear over time, a useful upgrade for most golfers but one that also changes the feel and sound at impact compared to the older, softer forging Matsuyama is used to. For a player whose short game is built on touch and spin control, that's exactly the kind of change that isn't worth making just because something newer exists. The common thread across all three clubs is consistent strike quality and predictable spin, which matter far more to a major champion's short game than whatever's new in the catalog this year. That kind of equipment stability isn't an accident. It's a deliberate choice, repeated year after year. Viktor Hovland  Hovland's i210s are the same model Fitzpatrick uses, now well outside PING's current iron lineup, having been succeeded by multiple newer players' distance designs in the years since release. For a player whose ball-striking is widely regarded as some of the purest on tour, the choice says a lot about how little Hovland feels he's giving up by staying with an older design, particularly in a category where forgiveness and feel both matter. Interestingly, Hovland only fully moved off his PING G425 driver in June 2026, at the RBC Canadian Open, switching into a PING G440 LST after roughly six years and six of his seven PGA Tour victories with the older head. That same week he also added a TaylorMade Qi4D 3-wood, replacing the older Sim fairway wood he'd carried for years past its retail run. The G425 in particular had become something of a known quantity among equipment watchers on tour, a driver model most amateurs would associate with a previous generation of forgiving, game-improvement design rather than something a top ten player in the world would still be gaming years later. He'd actually tested PING's newer G440 models on and off for two full seasons before finally committing, repeatedly reverting back to the G425 whenever the new driver's higher launch or rightward tendency showed up in testing. That driver switch is a good reminder that even players who hold onto old equipment for a long time eventually do change, but it's performance and feedback that drives the decision, not the release calendar. Patrick Cantlay Patrick Cantlay's bag is packed with examples of equipment that has comfortably outlasted the industry's typical product cycle. His 718 AP2 irons date back to a Titleist release that first hit shelves in late 2017, while his SM7 wedges were released in 2018 and have since been followed by multiple generations of Vokey replacements. Perhaps most remarkably, Cantlay also carries a Titleist 915 fairway wood, the same as Justin Thomas, a model that originally launched in 2014 and remains one of the oldest clubs featured anywhere on this list. The AP2s aren't an off-the-shelf set either. Cantlay's irons feature a specific leading-edge grind tailored to his preferred turf interaction, along with tungsten weighting that lowers the centre of gravity and adds forgiveness without sacrificing the compact profile elite ball strikers prefer. He has tested newer iron options, including Ping Blueprint S irons, but ultimately returned to the AP2s. Cantlay is one of the most meticulous equipment users on tour, which makes his setup particularly interesting. This isn't a player who's indifferent to technology or reluctant to experiment. It's a player who has repeatedly tested newer alternatives and still chosen to stick with what performs best. His wedge setup tells the same story: at various points he has carried SM7, SM8 and SM9 wedges simultaneously, selecting each loft and grind on its own merits rather than automatically moving into the newest release. His bag is a perfect example of performance, not release date, driving equipment decisions at the highest level. Russel Henley Henley's bag mixes old and new more deliberately than almost anyone else on this list, but the throwback pieces do a lot of the heavy lifting. His Titleist TSi3 driver dates back to 2020, his TS3 3-wood all the way back to 2018, and the bulk of his irons, 5-iron through 9-iron, are the original Titleist T100 from 2019. He's tested newer Titleist drivers, including the TSR2 and the current GT3, even putting one in play for a tournament win, but kept finding his way back to the TSi3 by the end of the week. The TS3 fairway wood is the standout piece of old equipment in the bag. Now nearing a decade old, it's outlasted several generations of Titleist fairway wood since, and Henley plays it at a slightly higher loft than standard to turn it into more of a precise scoring club than a pure distance option. The 2019 T100 irons tell a similar story: a compact, accuracy-focused players' iron that's remained the backbone of his set even as Titleist has released at least two newer T100 iterations in the years since. Henley isn't precious about every part of his bag. He moved into newer wedges and a newer hybrid-replacing fairway wood when the data supported it. But the driver, 3-wood and irons that have anchored some of his best tour performances have stuck around year after year, proof that even players willing to experiment elsewhere know exactly which clubs aren't worth touching. What Tour Pros Teach Us About Equipment The pattern across all 10 of these bags is the same: performance wins, every time, over release date. None of these players are short on equipment deals or sponsor pressure to play the newest stuff. If anything, most of them have direct access to next year's prototypes before the public even knows they exist. They still choose older clubs because those older clubs perform better for their specific swing, ball flight, and feel preferences. It's also worth pointing out just how far up the world rankings this pattern holds. As of June 2026, three of the top five players in the Official World Golf Ranking, Scottie Scheffler at number one, Matt Fitzpatrick at number four and Russell Henley at number five, all appear on this list. This isn't a quirk limited to journeymen or players running out the back end of their careers. It's standard practice among the very best golfers alive right now. Tour pros also have something most amateurs don't use enough: real data. Launch monitors, spin numbers, dispersion patterns, strokes gained breakdowns. When a player like Hovland eventually does switch equipment, it's because the numbers told him to, not because a new driver hit the shelves. That data over marketing mindset is the single biggest lesson amateurs can borrow from how tour pros approach their bags. Why Newer Doesn't Always Mean Better Golf manufacturers operate on annual release cycles, and that's a business reality worth understanding before you buy. A new driver or iron set every year keeps a brand in the conversation, on shelves, and in golf media coverage, but it doesn't mean every single release represents a genuine performance leap. Look at Cleveland's wedge lineup, the same one behind Matsuyama's RTX4's. The newer RTX6 and RTZ models moved to a harder steel alloy specifically to resist groove wear over time, a genuinely useful upgrade for a weekend golfer who plays the same wedge for years without regripping or replacing it. But it also changes the feel and sound at impact compared to the softer forging in the older model, which is exactly the kind of tradeoff a touch-and-feel player like Matsuyama has no interest in making. The "upgrade" solves a problem he doesn't have at the cost of something he relies on. Cantlay's wedge history tells a similar story from a different angle. He's carried SM7, SM8 and SM9 heads simultaneously rather than swapping the whole set every time Vokey released something new, picking whichever loft and grind suited a specific shot rather than assuming the newest model was automatically better across the board. Three release cycles, and the right tool for the job wasn't always the newest one. That's the pattern worth remembering: most year over year gains are genuinely marginal, a tweaked face pattern, a small CG shift, a new finish on the same underlying platform, while marketing tends to flatten every release into "most advanced yet" regardless of how much actually changed. Occasionally a true breakthrough does arrive. More often, the real difference between this year's model and last year's is something only a robot testing rig or a tour pro chasing a specific number would ever notice. What This Means for Amateur Golfers If tour pros, who have access to literally anything they want, and people whose entire job is to know exactly which clubs suit them, are happy gaming clubs that are five, six, even ten years old, that should change how you shop for your own bag. Stop chasing release dates. Start chasing fit. A properly fit club from a few years ago will outperform an off the rack purchase of this year's flagship release for most golfers. Shaft, length, lie angle, loft, grip size: all of that matters more to your results than whether the model name has a "26" on it. That's exactly why the secondhand market deserves a real look, not just a passing thought. Previous generation drivers, irons and fairway woods, many of them the exact same clubs you've just read tour pros are still using in competition, are widely available secondhand, often for a fraction of the original retail price. A driver that cost £500 new can frequently be found in excellent condition for under £200. The forgiveness, the distance, the feel: it's almost all still there, because the technology hasn't moved on nearly as much as the marketing suggests. A couple of things to keep in mind when you're shopping secondhand. Forgiveness matters most for the majority of golfers, so look for larger heads, perimeter weighting and high MOI rather than the lowest spin numbers on the spec sheet. And match the driver to your game: beginners and higher handicappers want forgiveness and easy launch, while faster swingers will benefit more from adjustability and shot shaping options. Buying secondhand also frees up budget for the parts of your game where precision genuinely moves the needle: a proper fitting, a wedge setup that matches your short game, a putter that fits your stroke. Spending less on the driver because a two or three year old model does the job just as well means more to spend where it counts. Conclusion  The best players in the world aren't swinging old clubs because they're sentimental or stubborn. They're swinging them because those clubs work, and working matters more than being new. That's the lesson buried in all 10 of these bags: performance is the only metric that counts, and a release date has nothing to do with how a club actually performs in your hands. Next time you're tempted to upgrade purely because a new model just dropped, take a page out of Scottie Scheffler's book, or Brooks Koepka's, or Aaron Rai's. Get fit properly, look seriously at the secondhand market, and remember that some of the best clubs in the world right now are the ones nobody's marketing anymore. 

Shinnecock Flashback: Shop the Clubs That Won the US Open It's US Open week, so we're taking a look back at the last time this major championship was held at Shinnecock Hills, back in 2018. That year, Brooks Koepka became the first golfer in almost 30 years to win back-to-back US Opens, grinding out a one-over-par 281 on what's widely regarded as one of the toughest major setups in history. Shinnecock Hills is no stranger to hosting the US Open. This year's championship marks the sixth time the tournament has been held there, following previous editions in 1896, 1986, 1995, 2004 and 2018, making it the only club to have staged the US Open across three different centuries. One of the USGA's five founding clubs, Shinnecock has long been considered one of the toughest tests in golf, and its return in 2026 has plenty of fans and players thinking back to that brutal 2018 finish. What's worth remembering: at the time, Koepka's clubs were premium, top-of-the-range equipment, the same gear plenty of golfers would have been chasing in the pro shop that summer. Fast forward to today and that exact tour-level kit, driver, fairway wood, irons and all, is now sitting in the second-hand market at a fraction of the original price. Here's what was in Brooks Koepka's bag the last time the US Open came to Shinnecock, and where you can pick up the same or comparable clubs for a fraction of retail. Brooks 2018 US Open WITB Driver: TaylorMade M3 (9.5°) Released in 2018, the M3 was TaylorMade's flagship driver the same year Koepka won at Shinnecock. It introduced Twist Face, a curved face designed to correct off-centre hits, alongside a Hammerhead slot for a bigger sweet spot and an adjustable Y-Track weight system. 3-Wood: TaylorMade M2 Tour HL (16.5°) The M2 launched in 2017 and remains one of the most trusted fairway woods on tour. Koepka still has the exact same model in his bag today. Driving Iron: Nike Vapor Fly Pro (3-iron) Nike stopped making clubs back in 2016, but this driving iron was a fixture in Koepka's bag throughout his major-winning run, including at Shinnecock, and he still uses it to this day.  Irons: Mizuno JPX 900 Tour (4–PW) Released in 2017, the JPX900 Tour is a forged player's iron built using Mizuno's PowerFrame technology, blending the look and feel of a blade with extra forgiveness on off-centre strikes.  Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 (52°, 56°, 60°) The SM7 wedges came out in 2016, featuring Spin Milled grooves and a progressive centre of gravity for added spin and consistency, and were a staple in tour bags for years. Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport 2. A tour-only build of one of the most iconic putter shapes in golf.  Ball: Titleist Pro V1x remained the most played ball in professional golf for around 25 years, still used by roughly 70% of players on the PGA Tour. A Run That Belongs Among the Greats Shinnecock wasn't a one-off for this bag, it was the middle chapter of one of the most dominant major runs in modern golf. Koepka had already won the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills with this same setup, then backed it up at Shinnecock in 2018, won the 2018 PGA Championship at Bellerive just two months later, and completed the run with a fourth major at the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage Black. That's four majors in under two years, with a lot of the same clubs in the bag throughout. Koepka became the first player in history to hold the US Open and PGA Championship titles back-to-back at the same time, a feat that puts the equipment behind it in some pretty rare company. What Makes Shinnecock Such a Brutal Test Part of the reason Koepka's 2018 win still gets talked about is the course itself. Shinnecock Hills is consistently ranked among the hardest US Open venues, and it's not down to one single thing, it's a combination of factors that punish even the smallest mistake. The fairways look generous from the tee, but the firm, sandy soil means the ball runs out and effectively shrinks the target. The greens are the real challenge: many are pitched above their surrounds with sharp run-offs on the edges, so anything slightly off line doesn't just miss the green, it rolls 30 or 40 yards away from the hole. Add in a fast bent and poa annua grass mix with very little grip, constant coastal wind, and bunkers with firm sand that demand a clean strike, and you've got a course that plays a lot harder than it looks. It's why a one-over-par winning score in 2018 wasn't an embarrassment, it was a genuine reflection of how unforgiving Shinnecock can be. The Real Takeaway: Today's Tour-Level Gear is Tomorrow's Second-Hand Bargain The M3 driver, M2 fairway wood and JPX900 Tour irons in Koepka's bag at Shinnecock were exceptional clubs, capable of winning the toughest major in golf. The only reason they're not still front and centre in pro shops is that golf brands release new models every single year. A club doesn't lose its performance the moment a successor is announced, it just loses its place on the shelf. Koepka himself is proof of this. He's still using that same TaylorMade M2 Tour HL 3-wood today, alongside a Nike Vapor Fly Pro driving iron that hasn't been manufactured since 2016, because they're trusted, proven, and they still perform at the highest level. Years on, they're still doing the job for one of the best golfers in the world. It's proof of something we say a lot at Next2newgolf: clubs age fast in the public eye but not on the course. A well-maintained, properly fitted second-hand driver or iron set can still perform at the highest level. You're just not paying the "new release" premium. Conclusion This week, with the major returning to one of America’s oldest and most prestigious courses, a new name will be added to a list of Shinnecock champions that includes Raymond Floyd, Corey Pavin, Retief Goosen and Brooks Koepka. Whoever lifts the trophy, and whatever's in their bag, one thing's for sure: in a couple years, you'll be able to buy it second-hand from us too.

A beginner's guide to golf clubs Starting the game of golf can feel overwhelming for beginners, and a large part of that is the equipment we use. There are drivers, woods, hybrids, driving irons, iron sets, wedges and putters. Dozens of golf brands, all claiming to be the best, and a price range that runs from a couple hundred pounds to several thousand. The good news is you don't need to perfectly understand all of this before getting started and you certainly don't need to spend a fortune.  This guide will break down all the different types of clubs you'll come across, what each one of them is for, the main brands worth knowing, and most importantly what a beginner should actually be carrying. By the end you'll know enough to put together a sensible bag without wasting money on clubs you wont use or can't hit yet.  Main takeaways The rules allow up to 14 clubs in your bag, but beginners rarely need all 14 to start with. Forgiveness matters far more than distance or looks when you're learning, so game improvement clubs are your friend. Hybrids are one of the most beginner friendly clubs you can own and should usually replace your hardest to hit irons. All the major brands make excellent beginner gear, so the bigger decision is buying smart rather than chasing a particular badge. How many clubs can you carry? The rules of golf allow a maximum of 14 clubs in your bag at any one time. That's the ceiling, not the target. Plenty of beginners feel they need to fill all 14 slots straight away, but that just means carrying clubs you can't yet use and spending money you don't need to spend. A typical full bag is made up of a driver, a couple of fairway woods or hybrids, a set of irons, a few wedges and a putter. As a beginner you can comfortably play and improve with far fewer than that, and we'll cover a sensible starter setup near the end. First, let's go through what each club actually does. The driver The driver is the biggest club in the bag and the one designed to hit the ball the furthest. It has the largest head, the longest shaft and the lowest loft, and it's used almost exclusively off a tee on longer holes where you want maximum distance.  It's also the hardest club in the bag to hit consistently, which is worth knowing as a beginner. The long shaft and low loft make it less forgiving than your other clubs, so mishits get punished more. The trick is to look for a driver built for forgiveness, with a large head, a high moment of inertia (MOI) and often a slight draw bias to counteract the slice that most beginners fight. You don't need to chase the fastest, lowest spinning tour driver. You need one that stays stable on off centre strikes and gets the ball in play. Fairway woods Fairway woods are the next longest clubs after the driver. They have smaller heads than a driver and a bit more loft, and as the name suggests they're designed to be hit off the ground from the fairway, though you can also tee them up on shorter holes where the driver is too much club. Woods numbers generally vary from 3, 5, 7 and 9, each representing a different loft and length of club. The higher number the wood, the higher loft the wood has, meaning getting the ball in the air is easier but it will travel a shorter distance. The typical lofts for each of these fairway woods are 15º, 18º, 21º and 24º. As fairway woods are quite tricky to hit consistently off the ground, the higher lofted options like the 5, 7 and 9 woods are generally more beneficial to beginners as they can more consistently get the ball in the air. Hybrids Hybrids are arguably the most beginner friendly clubs you can own, and if there's one type to pay attention to as a new golfer, it's this one. A hybrid blends the design of a fairway wood and an iron, giving you a compact, confidence inspiring head that's far easier to launch than a long iron. One of the biggest advantages to having hybrids in your bag is how versatile they are, they can be used from the tee, fairway and even the rough.  Long irons, the 3, 4 and sometimes 5 iron, are notoriously difficult for beginners and even many experienced golfers to hit well. They have low loft and small heads, which leaves very little room for error. A hybrid does the same job, covering those longer distances, but gets the ball up in the air with far less effort and stays forgiving on mishits. The standard advice, and it's good advice, is to replace your hardest to hit long irons with hybrids of a matching number. Many beginners carry two or even three hybrids and rarely regret it. Driving Irons Driving irons sit between a hybrid and a long iron, and there are many different types of driving iron. In this case I'm generally referring to all types of long irons, utility irons and driving irons. Designed to hit low, penetrating ball flights from off the tee or from the fairway on longer holes. You'll often hear them referred to their numbers such as 2 iron or 3 iron.  The appeal is a strong, low ball flight that holds its line in the wind. Often used more around "links courses" where the wind speed is higher and the ground is firmer so you get more roll out on each shot. The major trade off to all of this is they are much harder to hit than regular hybrids or high lofted woods. The smaller heads and low lofts leave little margin for error, while also requiring a high clubhead speed just to get the ball up in the air.  For these reasons, driving irons are not well suited for beginner golfers. A hybrid or a high lofted wood would do a much better job for someone just starting. It's worth knowing what they are and what they can do though as they may be beneficial down the line once you develop the speed and consistency. Iron sets Iron sets make up the bulk of your set and are used for the majority of your approach shots into the green. A set is numbered, traditionally running from around the 4 or 5 iron through to the pitching wedge, with each club getting progressively more lofted and shorter. Lower numbered irons go further and are harder to hit, while higher numbered irons are shorter, more lofted and more forgiving. For beginners the key distinction is between game improvement irons and players irons. Players irons have thin toplines, small heads and minimal offset, and they're built for skilled golfers who want to shape shots. They are unforgiving and not what you want when you're learning. Game improvement irons, often known as cavity back irons and sometimes taken further into the super game improvement category, are the opposite. They have larger heads, wider soles, thicker toplines, perimeter weighting and offset designed to help you get the ball airborne and flying straight, even when you don't catch it cleanly. As a beginner, game improvement or super game improvement irons are always the right choice.  Wedges Wedges are your highest lofted clubs, used for shorter approach shots, chipping around the green and getting out of bunkers. There are four common types. The pitching wedge is the lowest lofted and as mentioned above usually comes as part of your iron set, typically around 44º-48º. The gap wedge fills the distance gap between your pitching and sand wedges, either 50º or 52º. The sand wedge is designed, as the name suggests, for bunkers and soft lies, with a loft of 54º-56º. The lob wedge is the highest lofted and used for short, high shots that stop quickly, and can be anything 58º and above. As a beginner you don't need all four. The pitching wedge that comes with your irons plus a sand wedge will cover almost everything you face early on. You can add a gap or lob wedge later once you've developed a feel for your distances and your short game. The putter The putter is the club you'll use more than any other, since it's how you roll the ball into the hole once you're on the green. Despite that, it's often the most overlooked club for beginners. Putters come in two broad shapes. Blade putters are smaller and more traditional, favoured by players with a particular putting stroke and a preference for feel. Mallet putters have larger, heavier heads with more forgiveness and alignment aids built in, which makes them easier to aim and more stable on off centre strikes. In recent years, we've seen the introduction of a third type of putter, the zero torque. These are designed to limit the face rotation through the stroke to get more putts going straighter towards the hole. Although they represent a major leap in putter technology and theoretically help make putting easier, I would suggest against beginners buying zero torque putters purely from a cost perspective.  For most beginners a mallet putter is the easier club to start with. More than anything, a putter needs to feel comfortable and look good to your eye, so this is one club genuinely worth trying before you commit. Shafts and Flex All clubs you'll encounter will have a specific shaft and flex that comes with it, so it's worth gaining a basic understanding of what it means. Drivers, woods and hybrids commonly come with graphite shafts, which are lighter and help generate more clubhead speed. Irons, wedges and putters generally come with steel shafts which are heavier and offer more control, though graphite shafts are increasingly common and a good option for slow swing speeds.  The flex of a shaft refers to how much the shaft bends during the swing, ranging from extra stiff down to ladies flex. The faster you swing, the stiffer the shaft you require. The full breakdown of the flexes going from firm to soft include; extra stiff, stiff, regular, senior, ladies. Most beginners would start on regular flex unless they have a particularly fast or slow swing speed. Getting it roughly right does matter though as a shaft that is too whippy or too stiff will make it harder to launch and keep the face pointing in the right direction.  Different shafts also tend to come in different weights, the weight you require will generally come down to the tempo of your swing and how strong you are. If a beginner is relatively strong and has no difficulty in producing a high clubhead speed then a heavier shaft will slow his swing down, helping create a better tempo which will help overall consistency in the long run.  Major Golf Brands Every major golf brand makes excellent beginner friendly equipment, so you'll always have plenty of choice out there. There's a handful of names that dominate the game, often thought of as the big five, followed by a number of other strong brands well worth knowing. The big five are Ping, Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade and Cobra. Ping has a long standing reputation for building some of the most forgiving and reliable clubs in the game, and their game improvement irons and draw biased drivers are particularly beginner friendly. Titleist sits slightly more towards the better player end, especially with their irons, wedges and putters, though the quality is superb if you want clubs to grow into. Callaway is known for forgiving irons and clever face technology that filters down through every price point. TaylorMade is a powerhouse for distance and forgiveness, especially in drivers and fairway woods, with a range that runs from beginner gear all the way up to tour clubs. Cobra rounds out the five with exceptional innovation, most recently with their 3D printed line of clubs that offer high level of forgiveness in compact aesthetically looking heads. Beyond the big five, there are several other brands that deserve a mention. Mizuno is renowned for the feel of its irons and is a favourite among purists. Srixon offers excellent performance and value across its irons, woods and golf balls. Cleveland is a specialist in the short game and makes some of the most popular and forgiving wedges in golf, a great shout when you come to add to your set. Wilson combines a long heritage with strong value, and is particularly well known for beginner friendly clubs and package sets. The takeaway is that you can't really go wrong with any of these brands as a beginner. We stock all of them, and the more important decision is not which brand you choose, but which models in particular.  What should a beginner actually buy? In my opinion, although you're allowed up to 14 clubs in your bag, most beginners are better off starting with around 10. It goes without saying that those clubs should be forgiving, game improvement models that are easy to get up in the air and easy to hit. As for what to actually carry, the minimum you need is a driver, one long game option in either a fairway wood or a hybrid, ideally with plenty of loft so you can use it consistently, an iron set running from the 5 iron down to the pitching wedge, since a 4 iron is generally too difficult for a beginner to hit, a sand wedge to cover your short game and chipping, and finally a putter. A setup like this gives you everything you need to play the course while leaving room to grow into your game. Carrying fewer clubs actually makes learning easier, since you've got fewer options to second guess and you'll quickly get a feel for the distances each club covers. Over time you'll work out which clubs you hit well and feel confident standing over, and which gaps in your bag are worth filling, whether that's an extra wedge for more control around the greens or a hybrid to replace a tricky long iron. Building your set this way means every club you add is one you've chosen for a reason, rather than filling your bag to the brim from day one and wasting money on clubs that barely leave the bag. It's also worth thinking about buying second hand. Quality used clubs from the big brands cost a fraction of the new price, which keeps your costs down while you're still finding your feet. It means you can get into better, more forgiving gear than your budget might otherwise stretch to, and there's far less pressure to commit when you're still figuring out what suits your game. For a beginner building a first bag, used clubs are the smart way to get properly equipped without overspending. Conclusion Golf equipment seems complicated from the outside, but the fundamentals are simple. Understand what each club does, lean towards forgiveness while you're learning, don't carry clubs you can't yet hit, and buy smart rather than expensive. Get those basics right and you'll have a bag that genuinely helps you improve, without spending more than you need to. The rest comes with time on the course.

The best golf clubs to fix a slice A slice is the most common miss in golf, especially for beginners and high handicappers. It occurs when unwanted side spin is applied to the ball at impact, causing it to curve uncontrollably through the air. For right handed golfers, this results in a left to right ball flight, while for left handed golfers the opposite applies, with the ball curving from right to left.  The root cause of a slice is typically due to swing path and clubface angle, but the equipment you use can play a significant role in reducing its severity. A lot of modern golf clubs are designed with features to help counteract slicing, making it easier to square the face, minimise side spin and hit straighter, more consistent shots. These are typically known as draw biased golf clubs and they can range from drivers all the way down to iron sets and wedges. In this guide, we’ll provide some insight into draw biased clubs and how they can hopefully fix your slice. Main takeaways Approximately 60-90 percent of golfers struggle with a slice which is a severe left to right shot shape (for RH). Draw biased clubs can reduce the severity of slicing the ball and you can find these in drivers, woods and iron sets. Most major brands offer some kind of draw bias model to appeal to those struggling with a slice.  What causes a slice in golf?  To understand what causes a slice, you first need to understand the relationship between your swing path and clubface angle. There are nine distinct ball flights in golf, based on whether your swing path and clubface are pointing left, square or right at impact. These combinations determine both the starting direction and curvature of the ball. If your clubface is pointing in a different direction to your swing path, it will generate side spin on the golf ball which will cause the ball to curve through the air due to the Magnus effect. In the case of a slice, the clubface is left open relative to the swing path, creating a left to right spin for right handed golfers. This can either be done by having a square face at impact with an out-to-in path, or by having a square swing path with an open face. As long as the face is open relative to the path, the ball will curve right in the air. The greater the difference between the face angle and swing path, the more severe the slice will be.  While the long-term fix to slicing the ball is through swing changes and technique, using the right equipment can help reduce the severity of slices, making them more consistent and playable while you continue to improve at the game.  Technologies to look out for as a slicer Draw bias weighting Draw bias weighting is one of the most effective equipment features for reducing a slice because it directly influences how the clubface rotates through impact. Instead of relying on swing changes, the club itself is engineered to help deliver a more closed or square face at impact.  This is achieved by shifting weight toward the heel of the clubhead. By moving mass closer to the shaft, manufacturers make it easier for the toe to release through the swing. This encourages a right to left correction for right handed golfers, helping neutralize the left to right spin that creates a slice. Some designs also combine heel weighting with lighter materials in the toe section, further enhancing this rotational effect.  In Drivers, draw bias is often built into the centre of gravity position. A more heel placed CG reduces the resistance to squaring the face, which can noticeably straighten the ball flight even on imperfect swings. In Irons, perimeter weighting can be subtly adjusted to achieve a similar effect, particularly in game improvement models.  With draw biased weighting, you often see an immediate improvement which can help build confidence quickly, it is important to understand though that draw biased clubs don’t eliminate slices entirely on their own. This of it as an assistance system rather than a cure, as I mentioned above the long term fix is down to aligning your clubface and swing path. Offset club design Offset club design is a simple but highly effective engineering solution for golfers who struggle with leaving the clubface open at impact. The concept is exactly what it sounds like, the clubface is positioned slightly behind the hosel, creating a small visual and functional delay in how the clubhead arrives at the ball.  That extra fraction of a second matters. Because the face sits behind the shaft line, it naturally encourages the hands and clubhead to move through a more synchronised release. For many slicers, this helps the face square up more consistently without conscious manipulation during the swing. By promoting a slightly more closed face at impact, it helps reduce the amount of side spin creating a more controlled ball flight that flies straighter and more accurately.  This technology is most commonly found in game improvement irons and in some forgiving drivers and woods. It is especially useful for beginner and high handicap golfers who are still developing consistent timing and impact control. Better players often prefer minimal offset because it allows for more precise shot shaping, but for slicers, the trade off is well worth it.  Another benefit is confidence at address, the offset clubs often appear to aim left which can subconsciously encourage a better setup position. This visual reinforcement can help golfers align better and commit to a more neutral swing path. Again an offset club won't magically make your slice disappear but it does give players a built-in advantage by helping square the face more consistently.  Adjustability features With the advancements of technology in recent years, most golf clubs have some kind of adjustability feature giving players a level of control over ball flight that was previously impossible without changing equipment entirely. For golfers who slice the ball, this technology can be a powerful way to fine tune launch conditions and reduce unwanted curvature.  One of the most impactful adjustable features is hosel tuning, which allows changes to loft, lie and face angle. Increasing the loft can help reduce the tendency for the face to remain open at impact, while also improving launch and reducing spin inefficiencies. Many drivers also include “draw settings” that subtly close the face relative to the shaft, making it easier to start shots straighter or slightly left of target to counteract a slice.  Another key feature is movable weight systems, often found in the sole of adjustable drivers. These sliding weights allow golfers to shift the centre of gravity toward the heel, centre or toe. For slicers, placing weight in the heel encourages faster face rotation and helps a draw biased ball flight. The biggest advantage of adjustability. Instead of committing to a single fixed design, golfers can experiment with different settings to find the most effective combination for their swing, particularly useful for developing players whose swing mechanics are still evolving.  While adjustability doesn’t replace good fundamentals, it acts as a performance bridge, helping golfers reduce a slice while they work on improving their swing patterns over time.  Shaft flex and weight Shaft flex and weight are often overlooked when trying to correct a slice, but they have a major influence on how easily the clubface squares at impact. Even small mismatches in shaft specifications can exaggerate a rightward miss.  The flex of a shaft refers to how much the shaft bends during the golf swing. If a shaft is too stiff for a golfer’s swing speed, it can make it harder to square the face by the time of impact and leaves the face open resulting in a more pronounced slice. Conversely, a more appropriately flexible shaft allows for better timing and a more natural release of the clubhead. Many slicers benefit from moving into a softer flex category than they are currently using. This does not mean choosing the softest possible shaft, but rather selecting one that matches swing speed and tempo more accurately. When matched correctly, the shaft helps square the face rather than resisting it.  Weight is equally as important. Heavier shafts can slow down rotation and make things more difficult for players with moderate swing speeds. Lighter shafts often promote faster clubhead speed and improved sequencing, both of which can help reduce an open face strike pattern.  When combined correctly, shaft flex and weight help the golfer deliver the club in a more consistent, repeatable way. This leads to better face control, improved strike quality and ultimately a noticeable reduction in slicing.  Forgiveness Forgiveness is an important characteristic to have in any club, not just those who struggle with a slice. The forgiveness of a club is defined by how well it performs when the ball isn’t struck in the middle of the face, or in the “sweet spot”. While it doesn’t directly change swing mechanics, it significantly reduces the penalty for imperfect contact, making the game far more playable and consistent.  Forgiving clubs are engineered with a high moment of inertia (MOI), which means they resist twisting when the ball is struck far from the centre of the face. This is often achieved through perimeter weighting, where mass is distributed around the edges of the clubhead rather than concentrate in the middle. As a result, even off centre strikes maintain more stability and straighter ball flight.  This is particularly valuable for slicers because many mishits occur out of the heel of the club. Heel strikes are known to produce more left to right side spin, worsening a slice. A high MOI design helps reduce the effect of mishits, helping the ball to fly straighter and with less side spin even when struck out of the heel. Another key factor is ball speed preservation. Modern face technologies ensure mishits retain reasonable distance, reducing the severity of punishment for imperfect swings. Ultimately, forgiveness provides consistency and confidence, it allows golfers to focus less on perfect contact and more on developing rhythm and timing. For players battling a slice, that stability can make the difference between frustration and improvement.  Best anti-slice drivers in 2026 PING G440 SFT First on our list is the PING G440 SFT Driver, and you’ll struggle to find a more forgiving and consistent draw biased driver on the market. PING has always had a reputation for making some of the most forgiving golf clubs in the game, but since introducing Straight Flight Technology (SFT) back in 2014, they’ve been helping golfers straighten out their slice for over a decade.  The G440 SFT continues this legacy with a design built specifically to correct right misses.The standout feature is its draw biased weighting, which positions more mass toward the heel of the club allowing the face to rotate more through impact, making it far easier for golfers to square the face and reduce left to right spin. A 23g adjustable back weight is placed on either the draw or draw+ setting on the back of the club to determine how much of a slice correction you want off the tee.  What makes this driver stand out is how it combines that draw bias with exceptional forgiveness. The high MOI head design keeps the club stable through impact, which is especially important on off centre strikes. PING have also lowered the centre of gravity to its lowest point yet while also reducing overall weight, helping increase ball speed and maintain stability across the face.  The result is a driver that not only helps reduce a slice, but also keeps distance and consistency high, even on off centre strikes.  Callaway Quantum Max D Next on our list is the newest release from Callaway in the Quantum range. Although there are 5 different head choices with this lineup, we’re focusing on the Max D as it’s their draw bias model. While the draw bias isn’t quite as strong in this model as some others on this list, the Quantum Max D is designed for maximum forgiveness and easy launch, built to make driving the ball feel more consistent and confidence inspiring.  What makes the Quantum Max D stand out is how it blends forgiveness with controlled shot shape correction. Callaway has engineered the head to produce high launch with a slight draw shot shape, ideal for slicers who often hit weak, high-right shots. By improving launch conditions, the club helps create a more stable and playable ball flight off the tee. The draw bias comes from internal weighting that promotes easier face rotation through impact. This helps golfers square the clubface more naturally, reducing left to right curvature without needing major swing changes.  Another standout feature of Callaway’s new driver line is their Tri-Hot Face and AI optimised face mapping, which is designed to maintain ball speed across a larger area of the face. For golfers who don’t always strike the centre, this leads to more consistent distance and direction on mishits. It earns its place on this list as it offers a well rounded package where golfers can help reduce their slice without sacrificing performance.   Cobra OPTM Max-D Next on our list is the Cobra OPTM Max-D and this is one of the most aggressively draw biased and adjustable drivers currently available. Designed for Maximum forgiveness, easy launch and slice correction, it’s a great option for beginners and high handicap golfers who struggle off the tee.  What makes this driver stand out over its predecessors is how heavily it leans into slice correction through weighting and shaping. The OPTM Max-D features a fixed heel weight that shifts the centre of gravity closer to the hosel, making it much easier for the clubface to close through impact, promoting a draw biased ball flight and reducing left to right spin.  Cobra have always specialised in technological advancements in forgiving clubs. The OPTM head is designed to reduce twisting across multiple axes, which helps limit side spin and tighten dispersion on off centre strikes. For slicers, this is key especially on heel strikes, which typically exaggerate a slice. The added stability keeps the face more square and the ball flight more controlled.  Another massive advantage this driver offers is Cobra’s new FutureFit33 adjustability system, which offers 33 unique loft and lie settings, helping you fine tune launch, trajectory and shot shape far more than any other driver on the market. This also means you can control how much draw bias you need in your club, preventing any overcorrections. This driver combines strong draw bias, high forgiveness and elite adjustability, making it one of the most effective drivers available for golfers looking to reduce their slice.  TaylorMade Qi4D Max  Next up on our list is the TaylorMade Qi4D Max, and this is one of the most forgiving drivers TaylorMade has ever produced. While it only has a slight draw bias in the head, it deserves a place on this list with how effectively it reduces the severity of a slice through stability and consistency.  The standout feature here is its extremely high MOI. TaylorMade have pushed this design to the limit, creating a driver that resists twisting more than anything else in its category. This level of stability is crucial for slicers, as it helps keep the clubface more square through impact, especially on heel strikes which exaggerate left to right spin and consequently slices.  Alongside this stability, the driver uses internal weighting and head geometry to promote a subtle draw bias. But when you compare this bias to the other drivers on this list it almost seems negligible. The Qi4D Max focuses more on neutralising the miss rather than overcorrecting it, the combination of high inertia, low centre of gravity and technologies like Twist Face produce a straighter, more controlled ball flight, even when the strike isn’t perfect. Another key advantage is its wider appeal. Because the draw bias is less pronounced, it appeals to a wider range of golfers, players who struggle with a hook won't feel like the club is working against them. Unlike the other models on this list which separate their draw bias heads to their max forgiveness ones, the Qi4D acts as a sort of all rounder appealing to a wide range of golfers.  Wilson DYNAPWR Max  Last on our list is the Wilson DYNAPWR Max, a seriously underrated driver for beginners and high handicap golfers. Built to provide maximum forgiveness and a slight draw bias, this is another great option for anyone struggling with a slice and looking for a more user friendly driver. The standout features include a high MOI and an oversized head design, this significantly increases stability through impact. This added stability is crucial for slicers, as off centre strikes like heel strikes create twisting and unwanted side spin. By reducing how much the clubhead twists, the DYNAPWR Max helps keep the face more square and produces straighter, more consistent tee shots. Making it an extremely forgiving option for golfers who struggle to find the centre of the clubface.  Alongside this forgiveness, the driver includes draw biased weighting though internal heel positioning, which helps encourage the clubface to rotate more easily through impact. The result is a subtle right to left correction that helps reduce slice spin without feeling overly aggressive or overcorrecting into a hook.  Another key advantage of this driver is its accessibility. The DYNAPWR Max is built to be incredibly easy to use for beginners and inexperienced golfers, with a high launch profile that gets the ball airborne with minimal effort. Pair that with the fact it’s more affordable than many of the other drivers on this list, and you’ve got a reliable, forgiving option that delivers outstanding value for money.  Best anti-slice Iron Sets in 2026 PING G740 PING’s G740 takes the top spot on this list, with its exceptional balance of forgiveness, consistency and launch assistance, it’s one of the most reliable irons for golfers who struggle with a slice. Built on PING’s reputation for stable and forgiving golf clubs, the G740 is engineered to keep ball flight as straight and repeatable as possible, even when the contact isn’t perfect.  Its standout feature is its high MOI design, which resists twisting of the face through impact on off centre strikes. They achieve this high MOI through a wider sole, thicker topline and a longer blade length, this is particularly important for slicers as heel strikes often either cause or worsen a sliced shot. By stabilising the clubhead, the G740 helps reduce the severity of those misses and keeps shots flying straighter with less side spin.  These irons also feature a slightly stronger loft structure, built to deliver more consistent distance. However, they balance this with a low and deep centre of gravity, making it easy to launch the ball high despite the stronger lofts. This combination helps beginners add distance while maintaining easy launch.  Despite its elite forgiveness, it still maintains a surprisingly clean and confidence inspiring look at address compared to most oversized super game improvement irons. Overall, the G740 is the most complete iron in this category. It doesn’t overcorrect like some draw biased models, instead it focuses on producing stable, repeatable ball flights that naturally reduce slicing tendencies while building long term consistency. Srixon ZXiR HL The Srixon ZXiR HL is one of the most refined super game improvement irons in this category, designed for golfers who struggle with inconsistent striking and getting the ball airborne. They blend Srixon’s reputation for premium feel with a highly forgiving, easy to launch design that prioritises flight, stability and consistency. With an offset club design helps keep the face square at impact, these are particularly beneficial for golfers who struggle with a slice.  Its high launch (HL) design optimises lofts, weight distribution and sole geometry to help get the ball airborne more easily. Built with slower swing speeds and inconsistent ball strikers in mind, this is Srixon’s most complete game improvement iron ever. The integrated MainFrame technology saves weight and adds more MOI through an enhanced milled pattern on the back of the face, simultaneously amplifying ball speed and forgiveness. A low density, softer i-Alloy steel construction enhances feel while allowing weight to be redistributed into more forgiving areas of the head. It is significantly softer than the 431 steel commonly used in this category, while still remaining strong and durable enough for consistent use. Combined with a wider sole and high MOI design, the result is an iron that feels soft and responsive while remaining extremely stable through impact, helping produce straighter ball flights and reducing the tendency for slices. Not only will these irons have the best feel on this list but in my opinion they’re also the best looking. Combine this with elite performance, easy launch and high forgiveness and you have one of the best iron options currently on the market.  Callaway Quantum Max OS The Quantum Max OS irons are among the easiest irons to use on this list, designed specifically for golfers who struggle with inconsistent ball striking, low ball speeds and persistent slicing. Built around maximum forgiveness and featuring an oversized profile, thick topline and wide sole, the club inspires forgiveness and confidence in every shot.  Like many super game improvement models, the Quantum Max OS combines strong lofts with a low centre of gravity to produce a powerful yet high launching ball flight. This helps golfers generate   Callaway’s AI-optimised face technology is also central to its performance. Designed using swing data from thousands of golfers, the face features variable response patterns that help maintain ball speed and reduce dispersion across a wider strike area. Meaning heel and toe strikes still retain good distance and accuracy. These irons also feature a large offset design, built to help square the clubface at impact and reduces the face to be left open which causes weak high slices.  The combination of generous offset, high MOI head and that forgiving face makes the Quantum Max OS one of the most slice friendly irons in the Callaway range. For golfers who consistently leave the face open and lose shots out to the right, it offers genuine in-built correction without demanding any swing changes. Pair that with confidence inspiring looks at address and easy launch, and it’s a strong option for beginners and high handicappers who want a more forgiving, draw leaning iron set.  TaylorMade Qi Max HL The TaylorMade Qi Max HL is the brand's most forgiving and launch-focused iron, and it earns its place on this list for how effectively it helps slicers get the ball airborne and flying straighter. Sitting in the super game improvement category, it's built for golfers with moderate to slower swing speeds who struggle to launch the ball and lose too many shots out to the right. The standout feature is how TaylorMade has approached face design. The brand says that in testing it found the faces of most game improvement irons flex more towards the toe at impact, creating a slight fade bias that loses shots out to the right for right handed golfers. To counter this, TaylorMade designed the Qi Max HL face to flex more evenly across its surface, aiming to reduce cut spin and keep shots online. For a slicer, that targets the side spin behind the miss. Alongside this, the Qi Max HL uses 3 degree weaker lofts than the standard Qi Max, plus a larger profile, thicker topline and added offset to deliver easy, high launch. That extra offset helps the hands square the face more consistently through impact, while the lighter overall build promotes faster clubhead speed and a higher, more holding ball flight. A low centre of gravity in the long irons makes getting the ball up even easier. For golfers who want a forgiving, easy launching iron that quietly works against a slice rather than overcorrecting into a hook, the Qi Max HL is an excellent choice. Cobra KING Max Rounding off our iron list is the Cobra KING MAX, the most aggressively slice-correcting iron in this guide and Cobra's most forgiving set to date. Built firmly in the super game improvement category, it's designed for slower swingers and slice-prone golfers who need maximum help squaring the face and keeping shots online. The KING MAX leans heavily into slice correction through its shaping and lofts. It features an oversized profile with significant offset and lofts that are 2 degrees weaker than the standard KING model, a combination that promotes easy, high launch with a built-in draw bias. That added offset helps the clubface square up more consistently through impact, directly reducing the open-face strikes that produce weak, high slices. Cobra has also brought 3D printing into the design, using a 3D printed medallion to reposition mass low in the head. This lowers the centre of gravity for higher launch and steeper landing angles, while optimising weight distribution for straighter, more consistent shots. Forgiveness comes from the combination of 360 SPEEDSHELL and H.O.T. Face technology, which maintains ball speed and accuracy across a wider strike area, so heel and toe mishits hold their line and distance far better. A new SKID SOLE design with extra leading-edge bounce helps the club glide through the turf and reduces fat shots on steep attack angles. With strong draw bias, elite forgiveness and easy launch, the KING MAX is one of the most effective irons available for golfers determined to straighten out a slice.  

What to look for when buying a used golf putter  Buying a used putter can be a smart way to upgrade your equipment without paying full retail prices. Compared to brand new models, used putters typically come at a significantly lower cost, often 30-60% cheaper depending on condition, age and brand. However, unlike new clubs, used putters may show signs of wear and tear such as face marks, shaft rust, grip deterioration or minor cosmetic damage. While cosmetic marks won’t affect performance, structural issues can. That’s why we carefully inspect every club that comes through our doors here at next2newgolf. Knowing what type of putter would suit your game best is also extremely important. From traditional style blades to larger mallets and the newest zero-torque designs, each style is best suited to different strokes and player preferences. A dedicated guide helps you understand what truly impacts performance, including condition, length and putter type, so that you can buy with confidence.  Main Takeaways Face wear, shaft condition and grip condition are all key elements to check when looking for a used putter.  Used putters typically cost 30-60% less than buying new (e.g. £40-£200 used to £150-£400+ new) Know what type of putter suits your stroke before you start shopping.  What to consider when buying a used golf putter  Condition Condition is an important factor to consider when buying a used putter, or any used club. Cosmetic wear is normal and expected, and putters often last longer than other clubs, as they aren’t used at the same speeds or as forcefully as the other clubs in your bag.  The condition of the face, shaft and grip must all be assessed. For the face, keep an eye out for worn inserts or surface marks as this may affect roll and distance control. Check the shaft for any rust or pitting, now this may not affect the performance but can often be an indicator as to how the club has been cared for. Finally, assess the grip. A worn or slick grip may reduce control and consistency, though they are fairly inexpensive to replace.  All of our used putters we sell here at Next2newgolf have clear, high quality photos and detailed descriptions, making it easy to see the condition of each part of the club before purchasing. Understanding condition grading and the terms used in the grading process helps set realistic expectations. Our grading levels consist of: brand new, as new, excellent, good, fair and poor. We assign one of these grades to each part of the club, so buyers can see exactly where any wear might exist. Each grade reflects both the cosmetic appearance and overall usability of the club, allowing buyers to make more informed decisions on what used putter to buy.  Length & Spec  Putter length plays a major role in posture, eye position and stroke consistency. Choosing the right length putter ensures that your stance is comfortable, your eyes are properly aligned over the ball, and your stroke remains repeatable. Some used putters may have been custom fit for their previous owner, so it’s important to know what length putter you’re getting before you buy. If a putter is too long, your eyes may sit too far inside the ball line, making it harder to maintain proper alignment. Too short, and you may hunch over, creating tension in your back and shoulders that can affect stroke smoothness. Standard putter lengths vary from 33 to 35 inches, but the ideal length depends on your height, posture and putting style.  When buying used, it's important to measure or confirm the exact length rather than relying on assumptions. This is why we list the length of a putter in the title of every used putter on our website. Because even small differences can impact comfort and consistency on the greens. Some golfers may prefer slightly longer or shorter putters depending on their stance or whether they use an upright or flat posture.  By paying attention to the length, you can ensure a natural, comfortable setup that supports a smooth stroke and accurate roll, making it easier to translate your practice into performance on the course and result in holing more putts.  Putter type Choosing the right putter type is just as important, if not more than length and condition. Not all putters suit every stroke, and selecting one that matches your natural motion can make a noticeable difference in consistency and confidence on the greens.  There are many different types of putters but we generally separate them into 3 different categories: blades, mallets and zero-torque putters. Blades are generally smaller, more traditional in shape and suited for golfers with a slight arc in their stroke, often providing precise feel in distance control. Mallet putters are larger, often more forgiving and designed for golfers with a straight-back and straight-through stroke, usually including better alignment and more weight behind the ball. Zero torque putters on the other hand are the latest step in technological advancement within the golf world. These putters are designed to maintain a straight face through impact, even when a poor stroke was put on the ball, designed to be super forgiving and coming in blade and mallet designs they’ve taken the professional and amateur worlds by storm.  When buying a used putter, it’s important to match the head style to your stroke type. A brand new £400 putter that doesn’t suit your stroke will more than likely be worse for you than a used £40 putter that does suit your stroke. Understanding the differences between these different putter types ensures your purchase supports your game rather than working against it.  Reputable brand The brand of a putter can significantly influence quality, feel and long term performance. Established manufacturers invest in research, precision milling and advanced face technologies. Often resulting in a more consistent roll, improved distance control and better overall feel.  Buying a used putter allows golfers to access premium brands at a fraction of the brand new price, making it possible to own a higher quality product without breaking the bank. Well known brands tend to retain their value better, which can also be an important consideration if you plan to resell or upgrade in the future.  Popular brands often offer signature design features such as precision milled faces, custom weighting or specialised inserts all aimed at enhancing stroke consistency, feel and confidence on the greens. While performance and personal fit should always come first, choosing a reputable brand provides added reassurance in terms of craftsmanship, durability and long term reliability.  When selecting a used putter, familiarising yourself with respected brands and their signature models helps you identify clubs that are likely to deliver predictable performance and maintain value over time. This knowledge allows you to make a smart, informed purchase that balances cost, quality and enjoyment. If you’re unsure on what a reputable brand might consist of, check out our blog post on reliable golf brands. But for putters specifically you can’t really go wrong with a PING, Taylormade, Odyssey or Scotty Cameron putter.  Weight & Feel The weight of a putter head plays a major role in distance control, stroke tempo and overall consistency. Modern putters often feature adjustable weight systems on the bottom of the head so that one club can be adjusted to suit multiple different strokes and needs. Heavier putters are generally suited to slower smoother strokes and lighter putters are often used to promote a faster stroke. Understanding how weight affects your putting can make a noticeable difference in comfort and performance.  Feel is highly personal and refers to how soft or firm the ball feels off the face at impact, it’s influenced by face inserts, milling patterns and the materials used. Softer feeling faces typically allow you to feel like you’re putting a firmer, more confident stroke on the ball. However, some golfers prefer a more solid contact so it feels less like a hit and more a controlled stroke. This is all down to personal preference but understanding which you prefer is key to building more confidence and consistency on the greens.  When evaluating a used putter, take note of both the weight and feel off the face. Even if a putter looks good and matches your length, a weight that feels off can ruin your tempo or a face that feels too firm/soft can impact distance control and your ability to make repeatable strokes on the greens.  Aesthetics While performance should always come first, there’s a lot to be said for the look and style of a putter as it can have a meaningful impact on confidence and comfort at address. A putter that looks nice and appealing to your eye is going to make you feel more confident, improve focus and commitment to each stroke. Conversely, a club that might theoretically be perfect for your stroke and feel, but just doesn’t appeal to your eye will diminish your confidence and introduce more inconsistent strokes into your game.  Aesthetics includes aspects such as head shape, finish, colour and alignment aids. Blade putters tend to offer a more traditional look, while mallets offer more modern, forgiving shapes with larger alignment lines. Finishes can range from classic polished chrome or satin steel to matte or darker coatings designed to reduce glare on sunny days. Even subtle details like engraving milling or painted lines on the face can affect both visual appeal and confidence over the ball. Alignment features play a large role in the aesthetics of a putter, as they can make lining up putts easier and more intuitive. You can find options from a 2-ball look, to bold white lines or even a simplistic dot for a minimalist approach. The type of alignment aid you prefer can help you commit more fully to each stroke.  When buying a putter no matter if it’s new or used, always consider what factors you might want to prioritise from the style, finish and alignment features.  Resale value One of the biggest advantages to buying a used putter is that the club has already experienced its largest depreciation. This means that, with proper care, you can often resell the putter later on with minimal loss, making it a low risk investment in your equipment. Understanding resale value allows you to make smarter buying decisions and plan for future upgrades.  Not all putters hold value equally. Popular brands and well-known models tend to retain value better due to demand, reputation and perceived quality. Limited edition releases, premium milled designs or zero torque designs also maintain stronger resale value, while less recognisable models or basic designs may see faster depreciation. Knowing which types of putters historically retain value can help you make a more informed purchase.  The condition of the putter also plays a major role in resale value. Well maintained clubs with minimal cosmetic wear and clean grips will always command higher resale prices. Using clear photos, accurate descriptions and condition grading like how we do here at next2newgolf, ensures buyers understand the state of the club and can price it fairly when reselling.  Considering resale value is particularly important if you regularly update your equipment. Buying smart on the used market not only gives you access to premium brands and models at a lower cost but also makes future upgrades more affordable. Ultimately, a well chosen used putter can provide excellent performance today while maintaining value for tomorrow, turning your purchase into a practical, low risk investment.  The types of putters to be aware of When buying a used putter, understanding the type of club you’re considering is essential. Different designs suit different strokes, offer varying levels of forgiveness and can affect pricing on the second hand market.  Blade putters are the more traditional style, with a slim, straight profile and minimal offset. They are generally preferred by golfers with a slight arc in their putting stroke who value precision. They very often feature milled faces built to provide feel and consistency. On the used market, high quality blade putters from reputable brands retain their value well due to craftsmanship, consistent performance and collector appeal, for example Scotty Cameron blade putters. While generally simpler in design than mallets or zero torque putters, premium blades made with quality materials or advanced face milling can command higher prices, even second hand.  Mallet putters are generally larger and heavier, designed for stability and forgiveness, particularly on off centre strikes. They often feature perimeter weighting and prominent alignment aids like bold lines or the infamous 2-ball alignment from odyssey that’s been a fan favourite for decades. In the second hand market, mallets can be priced higher than blades because their design typically incorporates more technology to improve stroke consistency and alignment. Popular brands with advanced inserts, multi material heads or innovative weighting systems can drive resale value further, a good example of this is the Taylormade Spider series which have been best sellers for the best part of the last decade. For golfers seeking confidence and forgiveness, investing in a high quality used mallet is often worth the extra cost.  Zero-torque putters are engineered to minimise face twist through the stroke and through impact, helping maintain stable strokes and consistent roll. Initially introduced and patented by L.A.B, but quickly followed by Taylormade, Odyssey and PING creating their own versions of zero torque putters, the new trend has seemingly taken the golfing world by storm. They often combine elements of mallets and blades, using precise weighting and face technology to reduce rotation. Because of their advanced engineering, zero torque putters from premium brands tend to hold higher resale value, even used. Buyers should expect to pay significantly more for these putters due to the advanced technologies going into building these putters. Perfect for golfers looking for more help on the greens, zero torque putters can be a worthwhile investment.  As I’ve already mentioned above, even when buying new or used, you should always consider what type of putter would be best suited to your game in terms of the type and in terms of other factors such as alignment and weight. Brand and technology will often drive the price, popular brands and putters with advanced technologies will always retain high value, while lesser known models may be more affordable but less sought after.  By understanding the differences between blades, mallets and zero torque putters, you can make a more informed decision that balances performance, feel and value on the second hand market.  Making the right putter choice for you  Choosing the right used putter starts with understanding what matters most to you as a golfer. Before focusing on brand or price, ask yourself a few key questions: what type of stroke do I have? Do I struggle more with alignment or distance control? Do I prefer a softer or firmer feel off the face?  If you have a natural arc in your stroke, a blade will suit you better. If you want more forgiveness and alignment support, a mallet will be the smarter option. If consistency and face stability are your biggest priorities, a zero torque design will benefit you most. Matching the putter type to your stroke is the first step and most important decisions you can make with your golf bag.  Next consider the feel and weight of your ideal putter. Would you rather a soft or firm feel from the club? Heavier heads can promote a smoother tempo, while lighter models may feel more responsive. If you’re buying used, carefully reviewing the condition of the face, shaft and grip is equally an important step of the process.  Budget and resale value will also factor into the decision, premium brands and newer technologies may cost more, but they should ultimately give you a higher level of performance and they’ll also hold more value later on when you may look to upgrade in the future.  Ultimately the right putter is one that inspires confidence at address, suits your stroke, feels comfortable in your hands and fits your budget. Conclusion   Buying a used putter is about more than just price, it’s understanding fit, feel, condition and long term value. By considering all the conditions mentioned above, you can make a confident and informed decision. At Next2NewGolf, our detailed grading system, clear photography and specialist knowledge help ensure you know exactly what you’re buying. Whether you’re upgrading your current model or wanting to try something new, buying used can be a smart cost effective way to improve your game. Explore our related guides for more expert insights into choosing the right equipment for your game.  

Counterfeit Golf Club Guide Counterfeit golf clubs are becoming increasingly common in the pre-owned and online golf market, making it harder for golfers to shop with confidence. Fake clubs not only cost money but can also negatively impact performance and consistency on the course. Main takeaways: Counterfeit golf clubs are increasingly common in online and second-hand marketplaces Premium brands like TaylorMade, Callaway Golf, and Titleist are frequently targeted Fake clubs can closely mimic genuine models, making visual inspection essential Buying from trusted, verified sellers is the best way to avoid counterfeit equipment Why Counterfeits Exist Counterfeit golf clubs exist because demand for premium golf equipment is consistently high, while prices for new clubs continue to rise. This creates an opportunity for counterfeit manufacturers to replicate popular models and sell them at lower prices, helped along by online marketplaces with limited verification and manufacturing techniques that grow more sophisticated every year. As a result, counterfeiters focus on high-demand models that are easy to recognise and expensive to buy new, since these offer the greatest profit margin for the least effort. Key Signs of Counterfeit Clubs While modern counterfeit clubs can look convincing, there are still several key indicators that can help identify fakes. Visual inconsistencies are often the first giveaway. Poor paint quality or uneven finishes can suggest a rushed or low-grade manufacturing process, while misaligned logos, stamps, or branding point to a lack of the precision tooling genuine manufacturers use. Incorrect font styles or spacing on branding are another common slip-up, as is the presence of cheap-looking grips or headcovers that don't match the quality you'd expect from a premium retailer. Build quality issues tend to reveal themselves once you handle the club. An unusual weight or balance compared to genuine models is often one of the clearest signs, since counterfeiters rarely replicate the exact materials and construction methods used by the original brand. Loose ferrules or poorly bonded components suggest corners have been cut during assembly, and a substandard shaft finish or inferior materials can affect both feel and performance on the course. Serial number problems are a particularly useful checkpoint for authentication. Missing serial numbers where they should exist is an immediate red flag, as is the presence of duplicate or repeated serial numbers across supposedly different clubs. Poor engraving quality or inconsistent placement of serial numbers can also indicate the club wasn't produced using the manufacturer's official processes. Even small inconsistencies can be a red flag when assessing authenticity, so it pays to look closely rather than assume a club is genuine at first glance. Price Too Good to Be True One of the most common warning signs of counterfeit clubs is pricing that seems unrealistically low. If a deal looks significantly cheaper than market value, it's important to question why. Prices far below typical resale market rates should always prompt a closer look, as should listings advertising "brand new" premium clubs at heavily discounted prices, since manufacturers rarely allow that kind of markdown on current models. Sellers who are unable to explain a product's origin or provide receipts are another warning sign worth taking seriously, and high-pressure sales tactics or urgency-based messaging are often used to discourage buyers from doing the research that might expose a fake. While genuine bargains do exist, extreme discounts often come with hidden risks that aren't worth the savings. How to Verify Authenticity Verifying golf club authenticity requires a combination of inspection, research, and trusted sourcing. Comparing the club with official manufacturer specifications is a useful first step, allowing you to check details like weight, dimensions, and finish against what the brand actually produces. Checking serial numbers where applicable adds another layer of confidence, and requesting high-resolution photos from multiple angles before purchase can help reveal inconsistencies that might not be obvious in a single listing photo. Buying from certified pre-owned or verified retailers significantly reduces risk, as does using trusted resale platforms that have their own authentication processes in place. Whenever possible, cross-reference the club against official product listings from brands like Callaway Golf, TaylorMade, and Titleist to confirm the details match. Why Choose Next2NewGolf  At Next2NewGolf, trust and transparency are at the core of every sale. Each club goes through a strict inspection process to ensure authenticity and performance standards are met before being listed. Every piece of pre-owned equipment undergoes thorough inspection, including verification of serial numbers and product authenticity, so customers never have to second-guess what they're buying. Quality grading is applied throughout so customers know exactly what condition and standard to expect, and the focus on "nearly new" clubs means golfers get equipment that performs like new without the price tag attached to buying brand new. This approach allows golfers to shop confidently without the risk of counterfeit equipment entering the bag. What to Do If You Suspect a Fake If you believe a club may be counterfeit, act quickly: stop using it immediately, take clear photos of all markings and details, and contact the seller or platform to raise a dispute. Reporting suspected counterfeit listings helps protect other buyers, and comparing the club against verified examples from official sources can confirm whether your suspicions are justified. The sooner you investigate, the easier it is to resolve potential issues. Conclusion Counterfeit golf clubs are a growing issue in the modern golf market, but they can be avoided with the right knowledge and caution. By understanding the warning signs, verifying authenticity, and buying from trusted sources, golfers can protect both their investment and their performance. For buyers in the pre-owned market, choosing a trusted retailer like Next2NewGolf is one of the most reliable ways to ensure every club in the bag is genuine, performance-ready, and worth the investment.  

What is a hybrid golf club (and why buy one)?  A hybrid golf club is a versatile golf club that combines the features of a long iron and a fairway wood. They typically have wood-style heads with a lower centre of gravity and shorter, more iron-like shafts. This makes it easy to launch the ball high and land it softly on the greens. In simple terms, a hybrid is designed to replace difficult to hit long irons (a 3 or 4 iron for example) with a more forgiving and consistent alternative.  Hybrids have grown significantly in popularity over the past two decades, especially since major brands began heavily promoting them as game improvement options. Today, they’re a common addition in the bags of beginners, mid handicapper and even some professionals.  The main reason golfers would choose a hybrid is forgiveness, they’re easier to hit from a variety of lies: fairway, rough and even tight turf, while still delivering reliable distance. For many players, hybrids simply make long approach shots less intimidating and more consistent.  Main Takeaways A hybrid club blends the design of a long iron and a fairway wood for easier launch and greater forgiveness.  Golfers typically buy hybrids for improved consistency and easier ball striking.  They’re especially useful as replacements for hard to hit long irons. What is special about hybrid golf clubs? A wood style clubhead with iron control The most distinctive element to the hybrid is the clubhead design. It features a half-wood style head that’s much more compact than a traditional fairway wood but is also larger and more rounded than a long iron. This head shape allows weight to be distributed lower and deeper in the club, creating a lower centre of gravity.  The lower centre of gravity is what makes hybrids easier to launch than standard long irons. A traditional 3 or 4 iron has a thin face and a smaller sweet spot, demanding precise ball striking. In contrast, a hybrid's broader sole and deeper head provide more forgiveness on off centre hits. Hybrids typically carry the same or similar loft as their long iron counterparts so a 3 hybrid will usually match the loft of a 3 iron, making it easily interchangeable when structuring your set or calculating yardage gaps.  This blending of wood forgiveness with iron like control is what gives the club its name, and its advantage. You get higher launch and added stability like a wood, but without the build and sweeping swing requirement of a full fairway wood. That fusion of design elements is what makes it truly special compared to “standard” single category clubs, it is purpose built to combine launch assistance with shot control. A shaft length that sits between woods and irons Another defining hybrid feature is the shaft length. Hybrids are typically shorter than fairway woods but also slightly longer than the long irons they replace. A standard fairway wood can feel long and harder to control for some golfers, especially from tight lies. A long iron on the other hand, often demands high swing speed and precise contact to perform well. The hybrid's moderate shaft length offers a middle ground. This subtle adjustment creates a balance between speed and control, the slightly longer shaft compared to the long iron can help generate a little more clubhead speed resulting in added distance, while the reduced length compared to a wood improves accuracy and centre face contact.  This design also influences how the club is set up and swung. Fairway woods are often played with more of a sweeping motion, while long irons demand a steeper, more compressed strike. A hybrid allows for a more neutral, natural swing, not overly sweeping or steep. That versatility is what makes a hybrid feel intuitive and easy to use for many golfers.  This transitional build is what truly defines the club as a hybrid. It combines the distance potential of a wood with the control of an iron, creating a club that feels easy to control without sacrificing performance.  Versatility from any lie Hybrids are also special because of their ability to perform well from a variety of different lies. Their sole design is wider than an iron but not as flat as a fairway wood. Due to their thin soles, standard long irons can easily dig into the ground if the swing is slightly too steep. On the other hand, fairway woods, while forgiving from clean lies, have much wider soles which can be near impossible to use and control from the rough. Hybrids are engineered to bridge this gap.  The sole of a hybrid is wider than that of a long iron but more contoured and compact than a fairway wood. This design allows the club to glide through grass rather than digging in, which is especially helpful from light to moderate rough. Because the head is smaller than a wood, it’s less likely to get tangled or twisted in heavier lies. At the same time, the broader sole helps prevent excessive digging on shots from the fairway.  This versatility across different lies is central to the hybrid concept. It merges the sweeping forgiveness of a wood with the downward strike capability of an iron. Golfers can use hybrids off the tee, from the fairway and even from the rough when they need both distance and control.  This adaptability makes hybrids stand apart from standard clubs that only excel in one situation. The ability to perform consistently across multiple conditions is a direct result from their blended design.  The 10 best hybrid golf clubs for beginners  Taylormade Qi4D The Qi4D hybrid range from Taylormade is an excellent choice for beginners because they are specifically engineered to combine forgiveness, customisation and consistent performance into one easy to use package. One of the standout features is the lightweight carbon crown construction, which allows engineers to reposition weight lower in the clubhead. This lower centre of gravity makes it easier to launch the ball high, even for golfers with slower swing speeds or inconsistent strike patterns.  For new players and inexperienced golfers, this high launch is essential. Long irons can often produce low, difficult to control shots, but the Qi4D helps lift the ball more easily into the air, improving carry distance and stopping power on approach shots. Technologies such as twist face and speed pocket also help preserve ball speed and reduce side spin on mishit shots. Meaning the ball will still travel far and straight even when contact isn’t perfect.  Another key advantage of the Qi4D is the adjustability, coming included with a loft sleeve and a weighting system, this allows golfers to fine tune their trajectory and ball flight as their swing develops. This makes it an excellent long-term investment, as beginners can grow into the club rather than having to replace it again quickly after.  While it sits in the premium price bracket, having just been released, the Qi4D justifies the cost through versatility, forgiveness and longevity. Picking this club up second hand will help reduce costs, while still providing a top of the line hybrid to enhance your long game. PING G440  The PING G440 hybrid is another amazing option for any golfer but especially beginners. It provides exceptional forgiveness and unparalleled ease of use. PING has always had a reputation for designing clubs that make golf easier, the G440 continues that philosophy by delivering reliable launch and consistent performance from a wide range of lies. Testing and reviews have highlighted how easy it is to hit and launch, making it ideal for players who struggle with traditional long irons.  A key feature that makes the G440 particularly beginner friendly is the carbonfly wrap crown, which saves weight and redistributes it lower and further back in the clubhead. This lowers the centre of gravity, helping golfers achieve higher launch and improved forgiveness on off centre strikes. The result is more consistent distance and better overall ball flight, even when contact isn’t perfect.  The club also features an adjustable hosel with multiple different loft and lie settings, allowing beginners to optimise ball flight as they develop their swing. This adjustability ensures the club remains useful as skill levels improve, making it a strong long term option.  Similar to the Qi4D, the G440 is also priced within the ‘premium’ category, but you ultimately get what you pay for through forgiveness, durability and versatility. Its ability to produce consistent results from the fairway, rough and tee makes it ideal for beginners exploring hybrid clubs and of course, it’s always easier on the wallet to pick it up second hand.  Callaway Quantum My personal favourite and third on our list is Callaway’s latest release, another excellent choice for beginners looking to upgrade their long game. Callaway has a long history at the forefront of equipment manufacturing and they are yet to drop off. The Quantum line is known for its user-friendly design and characteristics, offering impressive consistency from any lie on the course. Reviews and testing have praised its forgiveness and ease of launch, making it a great contender for any beginner considering to put a hybrid in the bag.  A standout feature of the Quantum is its low profile head design combined with perimeter weighting, which lowers the centre of gravity and increases the moment of inertia on the club. This means higher launch, more forgiveness and straighter longer shots, even on mishit shots. Beginners will notice the difference immediately in both distance and trajectory consistency.  Like most of the clubs on this list, the Quantum also includes an adjustable hosel that allows golfers to tweak loft and lie settings. This adaptability is particularly helpful for beginners as it enables them to fine tune their ball flight while they develop a repeatable swing. Like the two models above, the quantum is another extremely recent release, so will be priced accordingly. Having said that though, the forgiveness, durability and versatility it offers makes it a worthwhile investment. Picking one up second hand can help reduce the costs as you’ll get a brand new release for a much lower price.  Titleist GT  The Titleist GT range is another compelling hybrid choice for beginners. Now although Titleist might not be the first brand that comes to mind when thinking about game improvement models, the GT1 model has flipped that script. Blending a range of forgiveness, ease of launch and confidence inspiring performance that suits higher handicappers and beginners golfers beautifully.  One of the key design philosophies behind the GT line is enhanced stability through high MOI and optimised centre of gravity placement, which makes it easier to get the ball airborne and keep it flying straighter, even on off centre hits. The GT1 in particular, pushes the weight to the extremities of the head, increasing forgiveness and consistency, while still offering Titleist’s signature clean, confidence-inspiring look at address.  Another big plus for beginners is the club's adjustability. Titleist’s hybrid design includes weighting systems alongside an adjustable hosel with 16 different loft and lie settings to hone in your desired flight pattern. This also means the club doesn’t just help you when you’re getting started you can change your settings while your game improves.  In terms of feel and performance, the GT hybrid range has been praised for their easy launch, forgiving flight and versatile playability from around the course. While they do occupy the premium end of the market like most of the other clubs on this list, the confidence inspiring performance and the option to shop used make them well worth considering for beginners exploring different hybrid options.  Taylormade Qi35 The Taylormade Qi35 is another standout option for beginners looking to make long shots easier and more consistent. Only a year older than the 4D previously mentioned, there’s also a lot of versatile technology packed into this club, and it shows. Testers and reviewers how confidently it launches the ball from all kinds of lies, helping golfers who traditionally struggled with long irons.  One of the key strengths of the Qi35 is the multi-material construction, combining chromium carbon, steel and aluminium to balance feel, forgiveness and speed. This design paired with a lightweight carbon crown and optimised weighting, lowers the centre of gravity and promotes a higher, more forgiving launch. Whether you’re hitting from the fairway or out of longer rough, the Qi35 helps get the ball airborne easily, a massive positive for beginners still building confidence in their long game.  Beginners will also appreciate the adjustable loft sleeve, allowing for fine tuning of loft and lie angles to suit your gapping and ball flight preferences. This adjustability means the club can evolve with you and your game.  Performance wise, the Qi35 delivers a blend of distance and forgiveness that’s competitive with all other hybrids on the market. Its twist face and thru-slot speed pocket technologies help maintain ball speed on mishits and promote straighter, more predictable ball flights, perfect for beginners trying to learn consistency.  While it won't be as expensive as the 4D for example, the 35 is still priced near the more premium end so it’s definitely best finding one of these available second hand.  PING G430 The PING G430 hybrid is another exceptional option for beginners seeking forgiveness, confidence and something that’s easy to use. Similar to the G440, just one year older, the G430 also provides unmatched forgiveness, consistency and reliability from anywhere on the golf course. Perfect for any golfer who finds longer irons difficult to use or intimidating.  One of the G430’s standout features is its dragonfly crown and internal rib structure, which saves weight and redistributes it lower and deeper in the head. This lowers the centre of gravity, making it easier to get the ball airborne with a high stable flight. For beginners, this translates into more consistent distance and straighter shots, even on mishits that might otherwise suffer with traditional longer irons.  The G430 also benefits from PING’s generous MOI, which helps reduce twisting on mishits and keeps more shots on target. Add in the adjustable hosel, allowing golfers to dial in loft and lie for optimal launch, and you have a hybrid that grows with your game as your swing develops.  Its ability to deliver dependable results from fairway, light rough or even off the tee makes it ideal for beginners exploring hybrid clubs. Similar to the Qi35, as the G430 isn’t the most recent model it will be slightly lower in price to its newer counterpart making it excellent value. Even better value if you can find a second hand one to pick up.  Callaway Elyte The Callaway Elyte hybrid is a great option for any golfer looking to make long shots easier and more consistent. The Elyte line is designed with playability front-of-mind. Offering a forgiving, confidence boosting launch that helps golfers who tend to struggle with traditional long irons to find better distance and accuracy.  In my opinion the standout quality for the Elyte hybrid and why it's in this list is its forgiveness first design. With an extremely low and deep centre of gravity, and perimeter weighting, this club promotes higher launch and more stability through impact, helping keep shots on line even when contact isn’t perfect. Beginners will notice the ball getting airborne more easily and flies with a more predictable trajectory offering a huge confidence boost out on the course. The Elyte also delivers a smooth, comfortable feel through impact, which can make mishits less punishing and encourage more consistent contact. Its shape at address inspires confidence and the overall playability from a variety of lies gives beginners versatility without complication.  One year older than the previously mentioned Quantum, the Elyte will still hold up to it in most areas of performance just at a slightly cheaper price point. Overall, a great option for any golfer looking to upgrade their long game. Always made cheaper by picking one up second hand, making it easier on the wallet for beginners exploring their hybrid options.  Cobra OPTM This year's Cobra hybrid is another compelling option to consider, the OPTM is built around maximising stability and launch, making it easier for golfers who struggle with long irons to consistently get the ball in the air and flight it toward the target. The key reasons why it is particularly beginner friendly is its high MOI head design and deep centre of gravity. By positioning the weight toward the back and extremes of the club head, the club resists twisting on off-centre hits and promotes a higher launch with more stability, exactly what newer players need to boost confidence and improve consistency. This forgiveness first shaping helps shots fly more consistently straight and reach more greens in regulation.  The OPTM also features Cobra’s Futurefit33 hosel system, with 33 different lofts and lie settings that let golfers fine tune their ball flight and gapping as they develop their swing. While that level of adjustability might seem advanced, it's actually a huge advantage for beginners because it means the club can grow with their game rather than become obsolete once you improve. The smartpad design keeps the face square through all settings, helping maintain predictable ball flights no matter how you’ve set it up.  In performance, the OPTM strikes a strong balance between easy launch, dependable distance and playability from a variety of lies, whether you’re hitting from the fairway or light rough. It’s not just forgiving, it helps you shape your shots and tailor your trajectory as you become more confident.  Taylormade SIM2  The Taylormade SIM2 remains one of the most popular models of golf clubs of all time, and for good reason. Although it’s an older model, the hybrid can still compete with some of the latest releases, even ones mentioned on this list. This makes it an excellent choice for someone with a stricter budget as it delivers proven performance at a more affordable price point, especially on the second hand market, all of this without sacrificing any forgiveness or playability.  The SIM2 models quickly became fan favourite models when they were released, and it has maintained popularity ever since. Golfers constantly praise its blend of distance, forgiveness and clean aesthetic over the ball. For beginners, this combination is ideal, you get a club that inspires confidence while still being easy to launch and control.  One of its standout features is the multi material construction and low centre of gravity, promoting higher launch and more stability through impact. Even on off centre strikes, the SIM2 maintains solid ball speed and keeps shots flying on a relatively straight, predictable trajectory. That level of forgiveness is exactly what beginners and high handicap golfers need when developing their game.  Although it’s no longer at the top of Taylormade’s lineup, the SIM2 will always be a budget friendly, dependable choice. With years of popularity and high levels of performance, it’s a smart choice for golfers who want premium quality at a more accessible price.  Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke The Callaway Ai Smoke range is another fan favourite lineup that is an excellent choice for beginners. A revolutionary model at the time of release, the AI smart face was developed by using artificial intelligence to optimise performance across thousands of impact points across the face. The result is a super forgiving face engineered to maintain ball speed, optimise spin and improve launch conditions even when you don’t hit it out of the centre. For beginners, this is a game changer, mishits retain more distance, dispersion is tighter and overall consistency improves. Exactly what newer players need while developing their swing.  The hybrid also features a low and deep centre of gravity, promoting a high, stable ball flight that makes long shots easier to control and more predictable. Combined with the smart face design, it delivers a blend of distance and forgiveness that feels effortless from the fairway, rough and tee.  While it’s only 2 years old, it has a good balance between new technology and not paying full retail prices of the latest models. On this list, only being beaten by the SIM2 in terms of price, but with much more technology in it, it’s an excellent choice for any golfer out there looking to upgrade their long game. Widely available now on the second hand market meaning you can get it for even cheaper.  How much do hybrid clubs typically cost?  Hybrids in the UK generally fall into a broad price range, with most new models ranging between £120 to £300. On the lower end, budget friendly hybrids from brands like Wilson and older or less featured lower quality models from major manufacturers can be found between about £120 to £180. On the more premium end however, most hybrids start at £270 rrp, these would include all the latest models from the leading brands and they are models that are packed with all of the latest technology, advanced materials and often adjustability features. This is as a price before any upgrades like a premium shaft instead of a stock one and then the cost can go even higher to around the £400 mark.  Lots of things can impact the price of a hybrid, from brand reputation, technologies inside the club and even whether the professionals on tour are seen using the club. Well known brands like Titleist, PING, Taylormade and Callaway often command higher retail prices as they pour more money into research & development, sponsorships and marketing.  For many beginners, the resale market is a valuable way to save. Hybrids are always popular clubs to trade in at golf pro shops or online marketplaces. On our own website for example, we have hybrid options from £20 all the way up to the latest models at £250. All varying in brand, model, condition and demand. This makes it an especially good investment for beginners as you can access forgiving, performance oriented clubs without paying full retail prices, and resell them later when you fancy an upgrade.  Do you have to have hybrid clubs to be a better player? No, you don’t have to carry a hybrid to become a better golfer. The main way to generally become better at golf is some form of coaching and a certain amount of hours spent practicing, not just to buy more and more golf clubs.  Plenty of golfers prefer tradition longer irons, driving irons or fairway woods, myself included. However for many amateurs and beginners, hybrids can make the game noticeably easier and more enjoyable. They are designed to bridge the gap between long irons and fairway woods, combining the control of an iron with the forgiveness and launch of a fairway wood, and for players who struggle to get enough height or consistency from 3, 4 or even 5 irons, a hybrid can be a game changer. The wider sole, low centre of gravity and larger clubhead typically make it easier to launch the ball higher and land it softer on the greens.  If you’ve never used or tried a hybrid before, it's worth a go, just to see if you like it. At the end of the day it’s not for everyone, but golfers who do like hybrids absolutely swear by them. Finding them far easier to use from a variety of different lies and conditions.  While hybrids aren’t mandatory to improve, they have a proven track record of helping golfers improve worldwide. If your long game feels like a weakness, adding a hybrid to your bag could reduce mishits, improve distance gapping and make longer shots less intimidating, all of which can help contribute to lower scores over time.   Conclusion At N2NG, we know that understanding your equipment is one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve your game. Hybrids are designed to try and make long shots easier, more forgiving and more consistent. Particularly for golfers who tend to struggle with traditional long irons.  Knowing the difference between a fairway wood, hybrid, driving iron and traditional iron helps you make smarter decisions about gapping, launch and playability. The right hybrid can boost confidence and lower scores. As we continue building our equipment guides, be sure to explore our related articles for deeper insights into finding the perfect clubs for your game.   

Best Used Golf Drivers Under £200 For many golfers, finding the perfect driver can feel like an expensive pursuit. With most new drivers costing £500 or more, it's easy to assume that better performance always comes with a higher price tag. Fortunately, that's not the case. Driver technology tends to move in small steps, which means a strong model from a few years ago can still deliver distance, forgiveness and performance to rival many of today's clubs. We offer a range of the best used drivers under £200, delivering impressive distance, forgiveness and consistency for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you're shopping for pre-owned golf drivers from TaylorMade, PING, Callaway or Titleist, there are plenty of options that won't break the bank. Main Takeaways You don't need to spend £500+ for a great driver. Premium models from a few years ago still hold up against today's releases. Forgiveness matters most for the majority of golfers. Look for larger heads, perimeter weighting and high MOI. Certified pre-owned is where the real value sits. Drivers that cost £400 to £500 new can be had for under £200 in excellent condition. Match the driver to your game. Beginners and higher handicappers want forgiveness and easy launch; faster swingers benefit from adjustability and shot shaping. Why Buy a Used Driver Instead of a New Budget Model? When shopping for golf drivers under £200, you're often faced with a choice between a brand-new budget model and a premium driver that's a few years old. While a new club may seem like the safer option, older flagship drivers often provide significantly better performance for the money. Modern driver technology tends to evolve in small increments rather than giant leaps. Manufacturers continue to refine aerodynamics, weighting and face design, but a premium driver from five years ago is still built around many of the same performance principles used today. That's why many of the best second hand golf drivers continue to deliver excellent distance, forgiveness and consistency despite their age. The biggest difference is often the quality of the materials and engineering. Premium drivers from brands such as TaylorMade, PING, Callaway and Titleist were originally designed to compete at the top end of the market, with launch prices often exceeding £400. These clubs typically feature advanced face technologies, adjustable hosels, premium shafts and lightweight materials that help maximise performance. By comparison, many new drivers available under £200 are built to meet a lower price point from the outset. While they can still be good options for some golfers, they often lack the adjustability, premium materials and advanced technologies found in older flagship models. As a result, they may not offer the same levels of ball speed, forgiveness or fitting flexibility. For golfers looking to maximise value, pre-owned golf drivers often represent the sweet spot. You gain access to premium technology and proven performance without paying premium prices, making a quality used driver one of the smartest upgrades you can make. What to Look for in a Driver Under £200 Before choosing your next driver, it's worth understanding the key features that influence performance. Forgiveness For the majority of club golfers, forgiveness is the single most important factor when choosing a driver. The most forgiving golf drivers help maintain ball speed and accuracy on off-centre strikes, making them significantly easier for mid and high handicappers. Forgiveness is often measured in terms of MOI, or Moment of Inertia, this is the measure of how resistant a clubhead is to twisting at impact. The higher the MOI, the less distance and direction you lose when you miss the sweet spot. Larger 460cc clubheads, perimeter weighting and deep centre of gravity designs all contribute to higher MOI, keeping wayward strikes closer to target. If you play off a handicap above ten, prioritising forgiveness over workability or distance will almost always lead to better results on the course. Loft Options Loft has a bigger effect on distance than most golfers realise. Drivers typically range from 9° to 12°, and choosing the right loft for your swing speed is important. Golfers with slower swing speeds, generally below 85mph, tend to benefit from higher lofts of 10.5° or 12° as they produce more carry and keep the ball in the air longer. Faster swingers can typically drop to 9° or 9.5° to reduce spin and maximise distance. Most modern drivers also include adjustable hosels, which means you can experiment with loft at home rather than being locked into one setting. Adjustability Adjustable drivers give you the ability to tweak loft, lie angle and sometimes face angle to suit your ball flight. This is particularly useful if you're still developing your swing or if your shot shape changes between seasons. Most adjustable hosels allow changes of around ±1° to ±2° of loft, which may not sound like much but can meaningfully alter launch and spin. Some drivers also feature movable weights in the sole that let you promote a draw or fade bias. Getting this kind of fine-tuning without paying for a professional fitting is one of the real advantages of modern pre-owned drivers. Shaft Selection The shaft is often overlooked, but it has a significant impact on feel, timing and ball flight. Shaft flex is the most important variable for most golfers. A shaft that is too stiff for your swing speed will produce a low, weak ball flight, while one that is too flexible can lead to a high, ballooning shot with too much sidespin. As a general guide, golfers with swing speeds below 85mph tend to suit a Regular flex, while those above 95mph are better served by a Stiff or even Extra Stiff option. If you fall in between, it's worth getting on a launch monitor to check your numbers before committing. Most pre-owned drivers come fitted with a stock shaft, but regripping or reshafting is relatively inexpensive if the spec isn't quite right for your game. Condition As with any pre-owned purchase, price will vary depending on the condition of the club. A driver graded as excellent or like new will sit towards the higher end of the price range, while clubs showing more signs of wear will come in lower. The good news is that all five drivers featured below are regularly available for under £200 across a range of conditions, so you can find the right balance of quality and budget to suit you. When buying pre-owned, always purchase from a reputable retailer that grades and describes their clubs accurately, so you know exactly what you're getting before you buy. One thing worth bearing in mind is that stock of these models moves quickly. Because of how popular and well-regarded these drivers are, they tend to sell fast when they come in, so if you see one in the right condition at the right price it is worth acting on it. Our Top Driver Picks Under £200 TaylorMade SIM Among the best used TaylorMade drivers available today, the SIM family remains one of the most compelling value options on the market, and it's easy to see why. Released in 2020 as part of TaylorMade's Shape in Motion range, both models in the lineup share the same core technology but are built for slightly different types of golfer, so it's worth knowing which one suits your game before you buy. Both the SIM and SIM Max are available with an adjustable loft sleeve offering 12 possible settings that can alter loft and lie angle by ±2° and face angle by ±4°. That's a meaningful amount of adjustability for a driver in this price bracket, giving you genuine control over launch and ball flight without needing a custom fitting. The core technology is what really sets this family apart. Speed Injected technology involves individually calibrating each head and injecting resin to push it right to the threshold of the maximum legal ball speed limit, something typically associated with much pricier clubs. Twist Face technology uses a slightly twisted clubface at the heel and toe to counteract the tendency for mishits to veer off line, producing straighter ball flights on off-centre strikes. The standard SIM is the lower-spin, more aerodynamic option of the two, available in 8°, 9° and 10.5° lofts at 460cc. It suits better players or faster swingers who want speed and the ability to shape the ball without generating excessive spin. The SIM Max steps things up in the forgiveness department, with a face 8% larger than the standard SIM and 20g of back weight on the tip of the Inertia Generator, boosting MOI by around 70 points. Available in 9°, 10.5° and 12°, it suits mid to high handicappers who want a high-MOI head that keeps mistakes playable. If you fight a slice, there is also a SIM Max D variant which adds heel bias to help correct that tendency. PING G400  The PIGN G400 is one of the most sought after used PING drivers on the market and has aged exceptionally well. Released in 2017 and still commanding strong prices on the used market nearly a decade later, it tells you everything you need to know about this model. Its reputation for accuracy and forgiveness remains as relevant now as when it launched. PING built it around a single-minded engineering goal: maximise MOI, improve aerodynamics, and keep the ball in play. The G400's high-density tungsten back weight and Dragonfly Technology, which produces an ultra-thin crown measuring just 0.43mm, combine to push the overall MOI over 9,000 g/cm², a milestone that made it the most forgiving driver on the market at launch. That's a remarkable figure, particularly given the G400 achieves this from a 445cc head, slightly smaller than the 460cc standard, which gives it a compact, confidence-inspiring look at address. The G400 is available in three head variants to suit different swing types. The standard G400 covers most players well, the LST (Low Spin) model is for golfers who generate higher spin rates and want a more penetrating flight, while the SFT (Straight Flight Technology) variant uses a heel-bias design to help those who fight a left-to-right miss. Standard loft options are 9° and 10.5°, with the adjustable hosel allowing loft to be dialled up or down by ±1°. Sound was also a deliberate focus for PING's engineers, who tuned the G400 specifically to deliver a muted, satisfying feel at impact, notably different from the sharper sound of many competitors. For golfers who prioritise finding fairways over chasing raw distance numbers, the G400 is a hard driver to beat at this price. It rewards a consistent swing and punishes poor contact less than most. Titleist TSi  The Titleist TSi (Titleist Speed Impact) range launched in 2020 and represented a genuine step forward for the brand, combining faster ball speeds, improved aerodynamics and extensive adjustability across a four-model lineup. Each head targets a different type of golfer, so it is worth knowing which suits your game before you buy. The TSi1 is the lightest and most forgiving, suited to higher handicappers and golfers with slower swing speeds. The TSi2 is the most versatile option for mid-handicappers, offered in 8°, 9°, 10° and 11° lofts at 460cc with a focus on speed and consistency across the face. The TSi3 is the player's model, aimed at lower handicappers who want shot-shaping control and a lower, more penetrating flight. Both the TSi2 and TSi3 feature Titleist's SureFit hosel with 16 independent loft and lie settings, while the TSi3 adds a five-position CG track on the sole to dial in draw or fade bias. Titleist also used ATI 425 Aerospace Titanium in the face, a stronger and more elastic alloy than conventional titanium, to increase ball speed while maintaining durability. The range has a clean, premium look at address that appeals to golfers who prefer a traditional profile behind the ball. Perhaps the best endorsement for the TSi is how long tour professionals continued to use it after newer models arrived. Matt Fitzpatrick and Russell Henley are two notable examples, keeping TSi drivers in the bag well into the TSR and GT eras. Henley went on to win the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge with a TSi3, demonstrating that performance matters far more than release date. Good-condition TSi drivers often sit towards the upper end of the £200 budget, but for golfers seeking premium looks, adjustability and tour-proven performance, they remain one of the best value options on the pre-owned market. Callaway Rogue ST  The Callaway Rogue ST was released in 2022, making it the newest driver on this list, and that shows in the technology it carries. As Callaway's flagship driver at the time, it arrived with some of the most advanced driver technology available and remains an excellent option for golfers seeking modern performance without paying modern prices. The headline feature is the AI-designed Flash Face SS22. Using artificial intelligence, Callaway created a unique face design for each model and loft to optimise ball speed across the most common impact locations. The result is a driver that maintains impressive speed and consistency, even on off-centre strikes. A 26-gram Tungsten Speed Cartridge sits low and deep within the head, helping to boost forgiveness and preserve ball speed across the face. Alongside this sits Callaway's Jailbreak Speed Frame, which stiffens the body and transfers more energy into the face at impact, producing faster ball speeds and greater stability. The Rogue ST family includes four models. The Max is the most forgiving and suits the widest range of golfers, while the Max D adds draw bias for players who struggle with a slice. The Max LS is designed for stronger players looking to reduce spin, and the Triple Diamond caters to low handicappers who prioritise workability and control. The Rogue ST's reputation extends well beyond its original launch. Its continued popularity ultimately led Callaway to reintroduce the model, a rare move in the golf equipment industry and a testament to how successful the original driver was. For golfers shopping the pre-owned market, the Rogue ST offers modern performance, excellent forgiveness and impressive adjustability, making it one of the best pre-owned golf drivers available for under £200. TaylorMade M6  Before we get into the M6 specifically, it's worth acknowledging that the M2 and M4 are both outstanding drivers that deserve a mention. The M2 in particular is widely regarded as one of the best drivers TaylorMade has ever made, lightweight, supremely forgiving and easy to launch, and it remains a firm favourite among higher handicappers and beginners. The M4 built on that foundation by adding Twist Face technology for straighter mishits and better ball speed. Both are available for well under £200 and are absolutely worth considering. However, the M6 edges them both on outright performance, which is why it takes the top spot here. If you needed any further proof of just how good the M6 still is, Aaron Rai used a seven-year-old TaylorMade M6 to win the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink, becoming the first English-born player in more than a century to claim the title. In a field where virtually every other player was using the latest equipment, Rai stuck with the M6 because it works. That's a pretty compelling endorsement. The headline technology is Speed Injection. Each M6 face is individually measured off the production line and calibrated using a cloud-based algorithm, with resin injected behind the face to push ball speed right to the threshold of the maximum legal limit. This means every head is optimised individually rather than built to a conservative average, something that was genuinely groundbreaking at this price point. Combined with the Hammerhead 2.0 slot in the sole, which allows the face to flex more freely at impact, the M6 delivers strong ball speed even on strikes towards the lower portion of the face. Twist Face technology adds another layer of forgiveness. The face is subtly curved at the heel and toe to counteract the sidespin that typically causes mishits to veer off line, helping to keep wayward strikes closer to target. A pronounced rear weight and carbon sole keep the CG low and deep, promoting a high, powerful launch that suits most club golfers well. The M6 is the most complete performance package in the M family, and at under £200 it's one of the best value drivers on the market. Why Pre-Owned Golf Drivers Offer Better Value If you're looking for the best golf drivers under £200, the pre-owned market is where you'll find the greatest value. Many pre-owned golf drivers that originally retailed for £400 to £500 can now be bought in excellent condition for less than half their launch price. Benefits of buying pre-owned include: Access to higher-end technology at lower prices Better overall value for money Reduced depreciation compared to buying new When buying pre-owned clubs, always buy from a reputable retailer that offers condition grading and authenticity guarantees. Which Driver Under £200 Is Right for You? The best driver ultimately depends on your swing and your goals. Beginners: prioritise forgiveness and ease of launch. Intermediate: look for a balance of distance and control. Advanced: consider adjustability and shot-shaping ability. Seniors: lightweight designs can help maximise swing speed and distance. Conclusion You don't need to spend a fortune to improve your performance off the tee. Many of the best golf drivers under £200 were flagship models just a few years ago and still offer the distance, forgiveness and adjustability that most golfers need. By shopping pre-owned, you can access premium technology for a fraction of its original price. By focusing on forgiveness, fit and overall value, you can find one of the best used drivers under £200 without compromising on performance. Whether you're looking at pre-owned golf drivers from TaylorMade, PING, Callaway or Titleist, there has never been a better time to upgrade your driver while keeping costs under control.

Discover what drives the cost of golf clubs and how to make smart choices as a beginner. From materials and technology to brand and release date, we break down what affects pricing and share practical ways to save. Learn how Next2NewGolf’s wide range of stock and Build a Bag service can help you get high-quality clubs without overspending.