Our 2026 equipment guide helps you find the perfect clubs to upgrade your game.
The mission of the Hot List remains unchanged: to help you identify the golf equipment that should be at the top of your shopping list. What has changed, however, is how much higher the level of excellence has become. Sure, today’s golf clubs, including the second-hand market, are universally very good,
but “very good” isn’t good enough for our ratings anymore. Clubs now need to earn a score of 90
to make the Hot List (silver medal) and 95 to earn
gold.
What you will see with the Hot List again this year are the clubs that substantially raise the bar, a list robust with new woods, irons, wedges and putters that push new technological barriers and offer more designs tailored to an array of golfers’ specific needs. Plus, they make us, well, thoroughly geeked out to get this stuff into our golf bags as soon as possible.
Our search involved the input of dozens of editors, fitters, scientists and, most importantly, players like you. We identified the 138 winning
entries in this year’s Hot List through months of research, including a couple of weeks of player testing at the Reunion Resort in Florida. With a total of 251 clubs reviewed, more than 20,000 shots tracked and almost half a million words of player commentary analysed, this search for truly exceptional clubs was our most rigorous ever. We hope the result will inform your journey through the vast – and confusing – equipment landscape.
Yes, clubs have gotten better, and the Hot List has responded with a higher standard. We do serious work because getting it right is the first step in putting together your perfect set. – Mike Stachura and E. Michael Johnson
Our search
Fuelled by detailed study from our scientists and intensive field testing by golfers like you
Producing the Hot List is an all-hands project for our editorial team, but it’s the contributions of
two groups that aren’t doing it as their day jobs that set it apart. Our scientific advisers guide us
on technological advancements, and our 32 player-testers try out every club – over and over again – and report back what they experience. Together, these dedicated partners help us formulate our three selection criteria: Performance, Innovation, Look/Sound/Feel.
Performance: 50%
Based on interviews with our testers, we assess the utility of each club. In other words, this is a grade for what happens to the ball when a player hits it. Rapsodo MLM2Pro launch monitors were used at every hitting station, and during testing over a two-week period, we recorded more than 20,000 shots and thousands more wedge shots and putts. Players made every swing using the Titleist ball (with Rapsodo data markers) fit to their specifications to breed further accuracy and consistency in our process. During each session, fitters from Golf Galaxy worked with our testers so that they were evaluating models that were ideal for their swings. (Note: Prior to testing, all drivers were tested for conformance to R&A and USGA rules on spring-like effect.)
Innovation: 30%
In consultation with our scientists and based on our interviews with company R&D teams and our review of company technical documents, this grade reflects how a certain technology advances the category. We also consider how that technology is explained and the commitment to fitting a company has made. The best clubs in this category are changing what’s possible.
Look / sound / feel: 20%
Using responses from our testers, we rate the relative excellence of the visual, auditory and tactile experience of hitting a particular club. The more the club aligns with our understanding of what a golf club should be, the higher the grade it receives. In short, this is a measure of what golfers discover while testing. The breakdown below shows how clubs earn medals.
Understanding our top 5 and vector ratings
In addition to our overall star ratings for each club in Performance and Look/Sound/Feel, we ask our player-testers to provide their input in two other dimensions that you will see in the individual club write-ups. First, we look at the collective average of each player’s score for the Look, Sound/Feel and Performance criteria for clubs that earned one of the Top 5 highest average scores based on player handicap. On occasion you will see in the write-ups a mention of a club that earned a Top 5 average score for a particular handicap group in one of those criteria.
Another area where you will see ratings are what we call “vectors”. These are descriptive ratings about a certain characteristic of a club. In most cases (exceptions are the vectors for “Forgiveness” and “Dispersion” and those for wedge performance), these aren’t bad/good evaluations but characterisations across a spectrum where a rating of “1” represents one extreme and a “5” is the other. These scores describe the appearance, feel and sound of a club in specific ways. We think you’ll find these assessments helpful as you start to dig into the clubs that interest you. – M.S.
Expert help
Our scientists prod manufacturers about their claims on innovation, and our fitters from Golf Galaxy ensure that players hit the right clubs for their individual swings.
Scientists
Martin Brouillette, Ph.D. University of Sherbrooke
Tom Mase, Ph.D.Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo
John McPhee, Ph.D. University of Waterloo
Dick Rugge Senior Technical Director, USGA (retired)
Fitters
Chris Marchini, Director of Performance and Innovation, Golf Galaxy, Pennsylvania
Carson Bowen, Ocala, Florida
Andrew Farlow, Richmond, Virginia
Brendan Heptner, Columbia, Maryland
Ronnie Hurst, Greensboro, Nth Carolina
Emilie Jackson, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Steve Langs, Lakeside, Michigan
Devin Logue, Richmond, Virginia
Daniel Martinez, Orlando, Florida
Derrick Mayer, Greendale, Wisconsin
Rhiannon Ray, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pat Snyder, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Andrew Stonesifer, Towson, Maryland
Our testers
Our panel of 32 players – from 90-shooters to pros – performed hundreds of hours of comprehensive testing to rate each club. Here’s the team. Player profiles by Jared Goldstein
Gary Abbott, 38
Paris, Ontario, Canada
Solutions engineer / Handicap: 13
Driver: 229 metres / 7-iron: 151 metres
“I share a kindred spirit with Jordan Spieth: My long game can be shaky, but I hit enough good shots and sink a few putts. I tend to cast from the top, so pulls and hooks haunt my golf brain, which is prone to over-activity.”
Favourite Hot List driver: Ping G440 K
Tom Allen, 61
Middletown, Ohio
Trial attorney / Handicap: 7
Driver: 223 metres / 7-iron: 144 metres
“I’ve been known to have the driver yips and a two-way miss. I’m decent with my irons but fight a stubborn sway, so I have a lower trajectory than I want. My short game, up to 60 paces, is still intact. I’m an OK putter.”
Favourite Hot List driver: TaylorMade Qi4D Max
Alejandra Bedoya, 27
Bogotá, Colombia
Corporate financial planner / Handicap: 6
Driver: 201 metres / 7-iron: 128 metres
“Truth be told, I love showing off with my driver, but putting is probably my favourite part of the game. I practise short game more than anything else to offset my struggle to find consistency with my longer irons.”
Favourite Hot List game-improvement iron: Titleist T350
Jack Bingham, 36
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Property manager / Handicap: 1
Driver: 256 metres / 7-iron: 151 metres
“I don’t do anything really great, just navigate my way around pretty well. I’m confident that I can stay in play and avoid big numbers. I do get steep on the downswing, so I usually play with a low-launch, high-spin shot.”
Favourite Hot List players iron: Cobra 3DP Tour
Aaron Borgmann, 44
Kansas City, Missouri
Physical therapist / Handicap: 16
Driver: 238 metres / 7-iron: 151 metres
“I’m halfway decent when I get off the tee safely. I have a finely tuned recovery game because I have to use it so often. Reading greens is something I do pretty well, but
I struggle to hit them where I want to.”
Favourite Hot List hybrid: Titleist GT2
Ricky Brown, 47
Fort Worth, Texas
High school principal / Handicap: 0
Driver: 274 metres / 7-iron: 165 metres
“My job is similar to golf: no day is ever the same. Golf is my therapy. My driver is a strength, for sure, and my iron play is fairly consistent. Wedge play is a constant work in progress, but that’s part of the fun of it.”
Favourite Hot List driver: Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond Max
Chris Carda, 60
Mesa, Arizona
Retired / Handicap: 8
Driver: 229 metres / 7-iron: 151 metres
“Good scores for me are about driving it well. I’m best from 100 yards and in. My goal is to remember ‘Animal House’ and the sage words of Otter: ‘Don’t think of it as work. The whole point is just to enjoy yourself.’”
Favourite Hot List wedge: TaylorMade Milled Grind 5
Alan Cooke, 31
Centennial, Colorado
Private wealth associate / Handicap: 3
Driver: 247 metres / 7-iron: 160 metres
“I’m pretty proud of my iron game. My driver can get wild and lead to double-bogeys, but if I’m in play off the tee, I can score. I grew up a range rat, and I wish I’d spent more time as a kid on driving and short game.”
Favourite Hot List players-distance iron: Callaway Apex Ti Fusion
Scott Dickinson, 37
Easley, South Carolina
Mechatronics student / Handicap: 16
Driver: 283 metres / 7-iron: 174 metres
“I’m a bomber, but no house is safe on either side. I get to see parts of courses that most don’t. I love the saying, ‘Scorecards don’t have pictures.’ My putting and distance control are my Achilles’ heels.”
Favourite Hot List wedge: Titleist Vokey Design SM11
Andrew Dulak, 40
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Golf fitness trainer / Handicap: 8
Driver: 261 metres / 7-iron: 166 metres
“My game is held together by iron play. The driver is sporadic with misses when I overswing. My short game is average, and I play best on faster greens where I can focus on just starting the ball on line.” Favourite Hot List game-improvement iron: Ping G440
Skylar Frankiewicz, 28
New York City, New York
Growth & partnerships associate / Handicap: 7
Driver: 233 metres / 7-iron: 139 metres
“My strengths are driving and inside 150 yards. I play a fade, but a snap hook can show up. If I could have three wishes, I’d like to be better at 60-yard shots, lag putts and have sniper-level aim with my hybrids.”
Favourite Hot List hybrid: Callaway Quantum Max
Wesley Gilmore, 31
Mableton, Georgia
Data analyst / Handicap: +3
Driver: 267 metres / 7-iron: 180 metres
“I’m pretty good with my long irons, wedges and shot-shaping, and I can hit it out there with the driver. When I get in trouble, it’s typically off the tee or with speed control on the greens.”
Favourite Hot List driver: Titleist GT3
Jason Guss, 48
Naperville, Illinois
Golf professional
Driver: 238 metres / 7-iron: 151 metres
“I go through phases of being a very good driver, although a left miss on any full swing can rear its head. My short game has always given me an advantage, and I’m a solid putter. I’d just love to play more than I do.”
Favourite Hot List mallet putter: Ping Scottsdale Tec
Sean Harper, Snr, 54
Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Retired / Handicap: 6
Driver: 238 metres / 7-iron: 160 metres
“I rarely feel in control with my driver, and I haven’t quite figured out how to eliminate a two-way miss. On the plus side, my irons and short game are pretty dialled and save my scores more often than not.”
Favourite Hot List driver: Cobra OPTM Max-D
Paul Ianniello, 64
Scottsdale, Arizona
Retired / Handicap: 6
Driver: 238 metres / 7-iron: 143 metres
“I’m consistent, but I struggle with short irons and chipping. Hitting fairways is a strength and getting fit for a driver was huge. I used to have the yips, so I’m proud to say putting is now my best asset.”
Favourite Hot List blade putter: Bettinardi Antidote
Wayne Johnson, 60
Palm Coast, Florida
Pilot / Handicap: 7
Driver: 219 metres / 7-iron: 151 metres
“My game is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get! I fight a two-way miss. Chipping and putting save me a lot. My favourite club is my 5-wood, which I feel good hitting from anywhere.”
Favourite Hot List fairway wood: Srixon ZXi
Ryan Kroll, 50
Chanhassen, Minnesota
Stay-at-home father / Handicap: 10
Driver: 224 metres / 7-iron: 152 metres
“Consistency off the tee is my big weakness. When I keep it in play, I lean on my irons and a decent short game to score. I can have an all-world warm-up, lose it walking to the tee, then find it again on 18!”
Favourite Hot List game-improvement iron: Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal
Peter Lee, 58
San Diego, California
Attorney / Handicap: 8
Driver: 229 metres / 7-iron: 146 metres
“I’m most comfortable with my short game. Chipping and putting keep me from blowing up. My full swing is hot and cold. When I’m on, I feel great, but one wayward shot can escalate. I need mental fortitude.”
Favourite Hot List fairway wood: TaylorMade Qi4D
Timothy Linn, 45
Dublin, Ohio
Sales director / Handicap: 17
Driver: 256 metres / 7-iron: 151 metres
“I’m capable of crushing drives, hitting precise irons and rolling perfect putts – just never on the same hole. Instead of trying to control it, I just enjoy the game without taking the results too seriously.”
Favourite Hot List driver: Cobra OPTM Max-K
Daniel Lupo, 33
New York City, New York
Financial analyst / Handicap: 11
Driver: 247 metres / 7-iron: 155 metres
“I hit a lot of fairways and am most confident with my long clubs, although I can get steep and miss right. My stats show that 120 and in is a problem. Putting is OK, but any bunker shot is a disaster.”
Favourite Hot List fairway wood: Titleist GT3
Wei Mao, 55
Elk Grove, California
Postal carrier / Handicap: 14
Driver: 219 metres / 7-iron: 142 metres
“Ball-striking and tempo are the best parts for me. I enjoy visualising the shot and conjuring a swing that could make it reality. I don’t always pull it off, but when I do, that feeling is why I love the game.”
Favourite Hot List driver: TaylorMade Qi4D Max
Anand Mudaliar, 43
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Head of product / Handicap: 6
Driver: 242 metres / 7-iron: 142 metres
“I drive it well and probably putt better. My issue is getting the ball on the green. The wedges are streaky, but my 7-wood has been a revelation. The more I plan a round, the more wayward I get. Humbling game.”
Favourite Hot List fairway wood: Mizuno JPX One
Matt Nestler, 28
New York City, New York
Masters degree candidate / Handicap: 7
Driver: 238 metres / 7-iron: 155 metres
“I save myself with short game and putting. I drive it decently, but a high-right miss gets me in trouble. My biggest test is middle and long irons. If approach shots were eliminated, I’d be dangerous.”
Favourite Hot List wedge: Callaway Opus SP
Megan Padua Buzza, 40
Frisco, Texas
Golf professional
Driver: 229 metres / 7-iron: 142 metres
“I’m a college-golf alum whose strengths are driving and putting. With two kids under 4, I don’t play a lot, but simulator reps help. On any given day, I can go low or shoot in the 80s. I always enjoy myself.”
Favourite Hot List driver: Titleist GT3
Shane Popham, 37
Ridgefield, Connecticut
Director of partnerships / Handicap: 12
Driver: 261 metres / 7-iron: 159 metres
“As a former college football player, I rely on athleticism to make up for lack of skill or practising. I could probably putt the same with a croquet mallet. I do have it in me to hit any green – or nearby condo.”
Favourite Hot List super-game-improvement iron: Srixon ZXiR HL
Jin Roh, 30
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
Personal trainer / Handicap: 10
Driver: 256 metres / 7-iron: 165 metres
“My iron game tends to be my strength, with the occasional tee shot to match. My tempo is smooth, but sometimes under pressure I can get some wild misses, which explains why my handicap isn’t lower.”
Favourite Hot List game-improvement iron: Callaway Apex Ai300
Robert Shaw, 28
Dawsonville, Georgia
M&A consultant / Handicap: +2
Driver: 279 metres / 7-iron: 169 metres
“My game is anchored in dependable ball-striking with my irons and wedges, enhanced by some greenside touch. I like to create shots and trust my feel to turn tough situations into scoring chances.”
Favourite Hot List players-distance iron: Mizuno Mizuno Pro M-15
Matt Singer, 53
Anchorage, Alaska
Trial lawyer / Handicap: 11
Driver: 224 metres / 7-iron: 137 metres
“Driver is my strength. While not terribly long, I find most fairways. My approach game is lacking, with a dreaded two-way miss. I lean on my wedges and get up and down or two-putt most of the time.”
Favourite Hot List driver: PXG Lightning Tour Mid
Jamie Struck, 52
Okatie, South Carolina
Test pilot / Handicap: 7
Driver: 229 metres / 7-iron: 146 metres
“I’m lucky to have a reliable driver. I need that consistency with my irons, where I tend to miss left and right. I do pick approach clubs with no ego, so I have distance control. I’m a streaky putter.”
Favourite Hot List players-distance iron: Callaway Apex Ai200
B.K. Suhr, 42
Orlando, Florida
Nurse practitioner / Handicap: 2
Driver: 274 metres / 7-iron: 165 metres
“The best parts for me are driving and longer approaches. I don’t get to play like I used to, so I’ve tried to optimise my set to simplify things. Playing less has hurt my finesse. I need to get fitted for wedges.”
Favourite Hot List driver: Ping G440 LST
Todd Wade, 62
San Mateo, California
Financial tech consultant / Handicap: 13
Driver: 219 metres / 7-iron: 146 metres
“Driver now is my favourite club, after working on speed and my release. My ball-striking is solid enough, particularly when the short game is on. When I grow up, I want to be a great putter.”
Favourite Hot List driver: Cobra OPTM X
Ryan Woyski, 47
Kansas City, Missouri
Sales manager / Handicap: 10
Driver: 256 metres / 7-iron: 146 metres
“My tee shots are a game of driver roulette: sometimes centre cut, sometimes out of play. Irons are decent, and I can usually scramble around the greens. On most days, my putter holds it all together.”
Favourite Hot List mallet putter: L.A.B. Golf DF3i
