Before we get into this comparison, some context worth understanding. Most of what gets called an “affordable” complete golf set still runs $800 or more. The Vice Boost Plus, one of the more budget-conscious options from a respected brand, is $899. The Callaway XR is $1,499. When you’re looking at a $199 Amazon set and a $569 MacGregor, you’re operating in a part of the market most brands don’t bother with.
The Amazon set is considerably less expensive. It’s tempting. I’ve tested both of these sets on the course and at the range. Here’s what you should know.
What’s in each set
| Amazon Basics | MacGregor MacBLK | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $569 |
| Total Clubs | 6 | 11 |
| Clubs Included | Driver, 5-hybrid, 7-iron, 9-iron, SW, Putter | Driver, 3-wood, 3-hybrid, 5i–9i, PW, 56° SW, Putter |
| Bag | Stand bag | Stand bag |
| Iron Shafts | Steel | Steel or graphite (+$40) |
| Left-Handed | Yes | No |
The club count tells the story
The Amazon Basics set gives you six clubs. The MacGregor gives you 11. That’s nearly double the coverage and makes it a bit of an unfair comparison. Stick with me, though. There’s a reason we are comparing these two.
With the Amazon set, you have no fairway wood, no pitching wedge and a two-iron setup that leaves real gaps in your game. For a true beginner, it might take a little bit to feel those gaps but eventually you will want to fill them in.
The MacGregor fills most of it but leaves out a gap wedge. MacGregor makes a milled face Tour Grind 50-degree wedge that runs about $70 and could fit in the set when you are ready for an upgrade.
The upgrade problem worth understanding
Here’s the real issue with the Amazon Basics set and it goes beyond the club count.
When you decide you want to add a pitching wedge or a fairway wood, there are no matching clubs to buy. The set that got you started becomes the set you have to replace entirely. Standalone fairway woods and even wedges are expensive additions and there will be no consistency throughout the set.
The MacGregor doesn’t have that problem. It’s complete enough to play real golf with from day one. When you’re ready to upgrade individual clubs, you’re adding to a foundation rather than starting over.
The quality gap is noticeable
The Amazon Basics set does what it needs to do at $199. The driver is longer than you’d expect. The irons are functional. But you can feel and see the difference in the price point.
The MacGregor MacBLK is a different conversation. The all-black PVD finish looks sharp. The driver sits nicely at address. The CNC precision milled putter face is something you typically find on putters that cost quite a bit more.
On-course performance
The Amazon Basics driver held up better than expected off the tee. Distance was reasonable and the oversized head does its job for a beginner still working on consistent contact. The irons are functional but the gaps in the set become obvious quickly. Around the green, you’ll be limited and the overall look and feel of the sand wedge is not great.
The MacGregor performed like a set that costs more than it does. The driver sits well at address and was consistent and easy to launch. The 56-degree sand wedge is nice and spins well around the greens for a complete set wedge. The CNC milled putter was the standout. It has a great feel and look.
The verdict
If you don’t know whether golf is for you, the Amazon Basics at $199 is a reasonable way to find out. It’s not a set you’ll grow with but it’s a low-risk entry point.
If there’s any part of you that thinks this might stick, get the MacGregor. At $569, you’re getting nearly twice as many clubs, significantly better quality throughout and a set you can play and improve with. You’ll keep these clubs longer and they can help you on your way to becoming a better golfer.
Mike
5 seconds ago
When I resumed playing golf 25 years ago, I bought a $500 new set of Adams irons. I specifically did this because I was determined that golf w/b my “wholesome hobby” (I need one at the time!) & if I spent that much $, I wouldn’t quit. But then I had played some golf as a youngster so I was already somewhat familiar w/ the sport.