Making Quality Golf More Accessible
With the cost of golf equipment constantly on the rise, finding affordable golf clubs that still offer great performance can feel like a challenge. Many golfers feel that new clubs are simply out of reach. I’ve recently had the opportunity to test the Nicholas Essentials set from Sticks Golf—a 10-club package set designed to deliver both quality and value.
What’s in the Set?
This set includes a driver, 3-wood, hybrid, six iron through pitching wedge, a 56° wedge, a putter, and a tidy stand bag. That’s everything you need to get out on the course without having to piece together a full set from scratch. The clubs have a traditional look but with some modern touches, and they’re built to be forgiving for players who are still developing their swing.
Real Feedback From a New Golfer
One thing I always hear is that not everyone swings or strikes the ball like a coach or low handicapper. That’s why I brought in a relatively new golfer to test these clubs and share his impressions. He’s been playing for about a year, still learning, and not always finding the centre of the clubface—which makes his feedback all the more relatable for the majority of club golfers.
Forgiving Irons With Classic Looks
When you put these irons behind the ball, they look inviting rather than intimidating. They’re not oversized, but the cavity back design offers a good level of forgiveness. With only six iron down to pitching wedge and a 56° wedge, there’s a focus on the clubs most golfers use consistently. Even on mishits, the ball still carried a reasonable distance—ideal for those days when your strike isn’t perfect.
Compared to black-headed irons, these more traditional chrome clubs look and feel solid. Struck well, they give you great feedback and carry. On thin or off-centre hits, you still get decent results, though you’ll definitely feel it if you catch one low on the face.
The 56° Wedge: Versatile and Confidence-Boosting
The 56° wedge stands out in the set. It moves away from the cavity back style and adopts more of a bladed look, giving the club a traditional and clean appearance. Whether playing full shots or those tricky little flop shots, it’s versatile and inspires confidence.
For those that like to get creative around the greens, this wedge can deliver high, soft landings—perfect for escaping tricky situations.
Hybrid and Woods: Forgiving and Easy to Launch
For many golfers, long irons can be daunting. This set skips the five iron altogether and replaces it with a 21° four hybrid, which is a big plus for those seeking forgiveness. The hybrid is easy to launch, looks great at address, and offers that extra bit of help for longer shots from the fairway or rough.
The 3-wood in the set comes in at 16°, a touch higher lofted than many standard 3-woods. This makes it easier to get in the air and more playable for everyday golfers. Even on off-centre strikes, distance was still respectable, and well-struck shots flew impressively.
Driver: Strong Performance Without Intimidation
The driver has a modern look, featuring a nice contrast between the front and back of the head plus a distinctive alignment dot to help with set up. Performance-wise, it delivered solid distance for both experienced and newer golfers. The feedback off the face was excellent, and the club felt stable even for those still working on consistent contact.
Putter and Bag: Practical and Stylish
The set is rounded out with a mallet-headed putter that looks clean and inspires confidence on the greens. The bag is functional, smart, and lightweight—something you’ll appreciate round after round.
Outstanding Value for Money
With a typical price of $699 (and often available at a discount), this 10-club set offers fantastic value, particularly when you consider the quality and performance on offer. For golfers who want a reliable, great-looking set without the hefty price tag, this is a standout option.
Upgrade Your Game—Without Breaking the Bank
If you’re looking to elevate your game with new equipment, you don’t have to spend a fortune. Sets like this make quality golf more accessible, letting you focus on improving your skills rather than worrying about your gear. And remember, if you want tailored advice on getting the best out of your clubs or improving your swing, I offer online lessons wherever you are in the world—find out more here.
Watch the Full Review and See the Clubs in Action
Curious to see how these clubs perform for both new and experienced players? Watch the full YouTube video here and get all the details first hand.
