Spending more doesn’t always mean playing better but, in golf, the best products are often the most expensive. I took a look at some of the gear we’ve tested this year that falls into the “budget-friendly” category but still performs as well as (and sometimes better than) the high-priced options. Here are some of our favorite picks for golfers who want great gear without the premium price tag.
Kirkland Performance+ Golf Balls
The original Kirkland Signature golf ball made waves in 2016 as a Pro V1 challenger for a fraction of the price. Since then, follow-up versions haven’t quite lived up, until now. The latest Kirkland Performance+ surprised us by delivering slightly more driver distance and a tighter dispersion pattern than the Titleist Pro V1.
Spin and feel around the greens are close enough to make this a very playable ball for most golfers.
✅ Who It’s For: Golfers who want a high-performance ball with solid distance and playable spin, without paying $55 a dozen.
❌ Who It’s Not For: Players who demand elite-level consistency on every shot or prefer a softer-feeling golf ball.
Wilson DYNAPWR Max Irons
In the 2025 Super Game-Improvement Iron test, the DYNAPWR Max quietly claimed the title of best overall performer. It didn’t top any one category but scored high across the board in distance, forgiveness and accuracy. For golfers looking to take the guesswork out of iron play, these are tough to beat.
They are $899. There are a few super game-improvement irons you can find for less but the value here is strong.
As you’ll see below, Wilson also won best mallet putter of the year so if you’re counting Wilson out because their pricing is a little lower, you may want to think again.
✅ Who It’s For: Mid to high handicappers who want consistency and all-around reliability in every shot.
❌ Who It’s Not For: Golfers unwilling to give Wilson a shot based on outdated brand perceptions.
Tommy Armour 845+ Irons
Tommy Armour clubs are exclusive to DICK’S Sporting Goods. The 845+ irons placed second overall in MyGolfSpy’s 2025 test and earned top marks for accuracy and forgiveness. The only downside? They’re not the longest.
The trade-off could be worth it—especially at just $499.
✅ Who It’s For: Golfers who prioritize accuracy and forgiveness over pure distance.
❌ Who It’s Not For: Players who rely on squeezing out every extra yard with their irons.
Wilson Infinite Buckingham Putter
The Wilson Infinite Buckingham, at just $129.99, outperformed mallets from Scotty Cameron, PING and TaylorMade in MyGolfSpy’s 2025 testing. It especially excelled on short and medium putts, which are crucial for scoring. The only downside is that some golfers were not impressed with the looks.
✅ Who It’s For: Players who want consistent and measurably better putting performance, especially inside 10 feet.
❌ Who It’s Not For: Golfers who make putter choices based on aesthetics or brand name alone.
Skechers Spikeless Golf Shoes
GO GOLF Flight was named MyGolfSpy’s best value spikeless shoe of 2025 while the Elite 6 took top honors for comfort. Both are waterproof, walk-friendly and under $130. If you’ve been debating whether you want to invest in new shoes, Skechers has some strong choices for you in 2025.
✅ Who It’s For: Walkers who want soft, cushioned, waterproof shoes without overpaying.
❌ Who It’s Not For: Players who want maximum traction or tour-style stability in wet or aggressive conditions.
Toura SCB-1 Irons
Toura might not have the name recognition of the big OEMs but the SCB-1 irons made a serious statement in the 2025 player’s iron testing. These irons ranked second in accuracy and second in forgiveness. Those are two very important metrics for a player’s style irons.
The one downside here is distance. The SCB-1 finished dead last in that category, so if you’re chasing raw yardage, these aren’t the ones.
✅ Who It’s For: Players who value precision and consistency over distance, especially in the mid to short irons.
❌ Who It’s Not For: Golfers who can’t afford to give up yardage; these are not built for chasing numbers.
GoGoGo Sport GS91BL Rangefinder
If all you need is fast, accurate yardages with slope and vibration feedback, the GoGoGo GS91BL delivers. It was our best value rangefinder of 2025, thanks to its reliable performance and sub-$150 price tag. Although it may not feature premium materials or an elite range, for most players, it checks every essential box.
✅ Who It’s For: Golfers who want an affordable rangefinder with slope and fast target-lock.
❌ Who It’s Not For: Players who prefer rechargeable models or want high-end optics and materials.
Maxfli Honors Golf Bag
The Maxfli Honors is proof that you don’t have to spend $300+ to get a well-designed, walkable golf bag. While it won’t win awards for premium looks, this mid-weight bag stood out in for strong organization, full-length dividers and surprisingly solid storage.
✅ Who It’s For: New golfers, budget shoppers or anyone looking for a reliable spare bag with 14-way organization and lots of storage.
❌ Who It’s Not For: Players who want high-end styling, premium materials or the lightest carry weight available.
Shot Scope Pro ZR Rangefinders
The Shot Scope Pro L2 was one of MyGolfSpy’s best-performing models of 2024 and the new Pro ZR was named best under $300 in 2025. Shot Scope delivers premium features at prices well below the competition.
✅ Who It’s For: Value hunters who want slope, vibration and clean optics without paying $300-plus.
❌ Who It’s Not For: Golfers who want ultra-premium features and environmental information from their rangefinder.
Final thoughts
Golf gear can be expensive but choosing some good value options here and there softens the impact on your pocketbook. Buy smarter and you may have some extra money for greens fees (or lessons).
HDTVMAN
9 months ago
Never bought Kirkland balls, but found enough in the woods. They seem to play just as good as any other 3-piece. A friend gave me a box of Sam’s Member Mark, and they are fine. With a driver swing speed around 80, it doesn’t seem to matter. I still prefer Pro V1 when hitting into the green. I wish more people would lose them than cheap 2-piece in the woods and water.