Golf has a reputation for being a sport for the rich and famous. This image has changed, and there are over 25 million Americans playing golf regularly. Nevertheless, getting into the sport can be expensive if you want to play premium equipment. But what are the most expensive golf brands on the market, and why are they so expensive?
We’ve researched some of the biggest golf brands in existence and figured out what makes them unique.
Keep reading to learn more.
TaylorMade
If you even remotely into golf, you most likely have heard of TaylorMade before. This is the brand that has probably signed the most athletes you can see on TV at the moment.
Some of the pros you can see on the PGA tour that plays TaylorMade equipment are:
- Tiger Woods
- Dustin Johnson
- Tommy Fleetwood
- Collin Morikawa
- Rory McIlroy
And many more.
With this prominent lineup, there is no wonder TaylorMade is probably one of the most prestigious golf brands in the world.
They are known for a broad range of equipment. Both at the amateur and professional levels. They release new versions of their best-selling clubs almost every year, and their gear is priced on the top range of golf equipment.
By the way, the TaylorMade brand just got acquired by a Kore-based equity firm for 1.225 Billion Dollars in 2021.
Ping
The Ping brand is known for its premium price and highly customizable equipment. They manufacture irons, drivers, putters, and much more golfing equipment.
Some of the Pros you can see on a tour that plays the Ping brand are:
- Tony Finau
- Bubba Watson
- Cameron Champ
- Viktor Hovland
And of course many more.
The brand is headquartered in Arizona and reported an annual revenue just shy of 300 Million US dollars.
What makes their clubs unique is probably the line that is geared towards game improvement. They have long produced some of the most forgiving golf equipment on the market, helping golfers play better.
The prestige and US-based manufacturing come at a price, though. Ping equipment is some of the most expensive golf gear you can buy at the moment.
Callaway
Callaway has been on the market since the early 80ties and quickly gained popularity amongst amateurs and professionals.
Some of their lineup of players include:
- Phil Mickelson
- John Rahm (Who has just recently switched from TaylorMade to Callaway)
- Xander Schauffele
- Tom Watson
- Steve Kois
And many more.
Callaway also owns the Odessey brand, which produces some of the best putters in the world.
The brand really started to lift off after the introduction of their Big Bertha series. This was the first series that introduced the concept of forgiving golf equipment to the market.
The Big Bertha Driver is a staple of the industry and was played by countless pros at the time. They have recently revived this line of products with a new set of Irons, geared towards higher handicappers that offers them clubs that are just easier to hit than others.
Cobra
If you think distance, speed, and power, think Cobra. This is probably one of the most progressive brands in our line-up.
Cobra has introduced a lot of new technology to the game. Most notably, they are known for their one-length irons.
The one-length concept comes from the idea that golfers should not re-learn their swing when they play different length irons.
Traditionally, you have short, mid, and long irons. While the differences are marginal, most people will find their shorter irons easier to hit. The one-length concept limits the length of all your irons to the length of your 7 Iron.
The most famous example on your is probably Bryson DeChambou, known to play one-length irons through the bag, including his wedges.
Other players that you can find on the Cobra Rooster are:
- Lexi Thompson
- Greg Norman
- Ricky Fowler
- Curtis Thompson
- Kyle Berkshire
The current long-driver world champion, Kyle Berkshire, was recently signed to be part of the Cobra Golf team.
With all of this innovation and technology packed into their gear, it’s not surprising that Cobra is one of the most expensive golf brands on the market.
Titleist
Most people will know Titleist from producing the No #1 Ball In Golf. The Titleits Pro V1 series.
It’s undoubtedly one of the best balls ever produced but comes with a serious price tag. Most amateur golfers will lose a couple of balls to hazards during a round. That hurts even more if you have paid a premium price for your golf ball.
On the other hand, nothing compares to finding a brand new Pro V1 in the rough when you’re looking for your ball. You cherish the moment and will keep the ball to lose it on a special occasion.
Titleist used to be represented by some of the biggest names in golf, including Tiger Woods. Now, these players are part of the Titleist Team:
- Justin Thomas
- Patrick Reed
- Sung-Jae I’m
- Viktor Hovland
- Webb Simpson
The Titleist brand is known to produce something called players irons. This is equipment grated towards the better player of golf.
Nevertheless, they also entered the retail market with product lines that are a bit more forgiving and target beginner or amateur golfers.
If you ask me, no driver sounds as good as a Titleist Driver. Hands down, the best-sounding driver you can buy at the moment.
Mizuno
Mizuno is a brand full of tradition. Not surprising for a brand originating from a country as rich in traditions as Japan.
They are famous for their time-intensive manufacturing techniques such as Gran Flow Technology Forging and manufacture the probably best looking blade-style irons on the market.
Blade-style irons are irons that are manufactured out of a single piece of metal. They look and feel great but are difficult to hit. Think of it as an old-school approach to playing golf.
Mizuno is also famous for producing some of the best feeling clubs on the market. This goes as far as people referring to the Mizuno-feel when testing out golf equipment. Even if they’re testing out a different brand.
Some of the players using Mizuno equipment are:
- Adrien Saddier
- Erik Barnes
- Hannah Greg
- Hee Young Park
- Toshinori Muto
Considering the craftsmanship that goes into producing their irons, it’s no wonder they come at a premium price.
Mizuno irons are expensive, but you’ll buy more than just a set of clubs. You pay for the notoriously rigid quality control process, premium material, and skilled craftsmanship that goes into producing Mizon equipment.
What to do next
Don’t worry. If you’re looking for a way to get into golf without breaking the bank, there are ways to do so.
Because golf is a widely popular sport, there is also a high market for second-hand equipment. Just look around your neighborhood for yard sales, or go on Facebook to find groups that let you buy second-hand clubs.
If you want the best of the best, now you know which golf brands dominate the market.