Golf is a difficult game, and so is PGA Tour 2K21 for that matter. Mastering the links takes practice, perseverance, and above all, patience. Initially, starting as a custom character is very challenging. Nevertheless, there are tools at the player's disposal to make the game a bit easier, namely the clubs.
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Not all clubs, however, are made equally in PGA Tour 2K21. Clubs are not only broken down into separate brands but different tiers as well. Knowing which clubs to prioritize will give players that extra edge to improve their game. It's also worth noting that putters, although important, are differentiated purely by their aesthetics in this game. As such, they will not be included on this list.
Updated August 13, 2021 by Mark Hospodar: When it comes to a golf game, club selection is undoubtedly important. As a lowly rookie taking their first steps on the PGA Tour, one's choice of clubs isn't too impressive. Like anything worthwhile in life, players are going to have to work hard before getting their hands on the best equipment. Not all of the clubs discussed here will be immediately available to a beginner. However, as players become more successful at their game, fancier pieces of equipment are easier to snag. It's a long, but rewarding process that definitely makes players feel like they are improving, and that their hard work actually does pay off in the end.
15 Ben Hogan GS53 Driver
Every club in the golf bag is important, but Drivers should never be neglected. They are absolutely essential for having any hope of reaching the green efficiently. However, they are not always the easiest clubs to control. One wrong move can mean the difference between hitting the fairway or a spectator in the crowd.
The Silver-tier version of the Ben Hogan GS53 Driver strikes a good balance between distance and forgiveness. It's certainly not a bad club to utilize while players are working toward unlocking the more valuable models throughout their PGA Tour career.
14 Bridgestone Tour B JGR 3-Wood
Although not offering as much distance as a Driver, a 3-Wood can still get the job done admirably. On a Par 5 hole, a 3-Wood is often a good choice to close the distance to the green (assuming you're on the fairway). As with Drivers, players still need to hit the ball relatively flush to reap the maximum reward.
Players can't go wrong with the Bridgestone Tour B JGR 3-Wood, specifically the Silver-tier. It offers excellent distance while also maintaining reliable forgiveness and swing plane. Thus, a player can afford to be a bit sloppier with this club without totally wrecking their game.
13 Ben Hogan VKTR 3-Hybrid
Hybrid clubs are the best of both worlds between Irons and Woods. Due to a shorter shaft length, they are easier to wield than a traditional Wood. In addition, Hybrids can strike the ball more reliably when compared to a long Iron.
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The Ben Hogan VKTR Hybrid brand is a worthwhile club, particularly the Gold-tier. It's a much more forgiving club, representing a less risky option when compared to longer Irons and 3-Woods. If playing it safe is the objective, then a Hybrid is the best way to go.
12 Wilson D7 5-Hybrid
An excellent alternative to the previous entry is the Wilson D7 5-Hybrid. In situations where using a 5-Iron may seem too risky, the 5-Hybrid represents a safer alternative. Particularly on the higher difficulty settings, a little extra security can go a long way.
The Purple-tier version of this club is a solid choice. It's capable of delivering respectable distance while also possessing a slightly larger swing plane compared to the 3-Hybrid. Shot shaping is also comparable, so players can still hit a proper fade or draw.
11 Callaway Mavrik Max 8/9-Irons
Irons are a golfer's bread and butter, so to speak. They range in a variety of differing loft angles and shaft lengths. Matches can be won and lost on the approach to the green, but possessing the best Irons makes that goal a less daunting (not to mention frustrating) endeavor.
For closing short distances, the 8 and 9 Irons are essential. The best, Purple-tier version of the Callaway Mavrik Max series is a great choice. Although controlling the ball is trickier than other clubs, this brand still provides strong distance stats the player should find helpful.
10 Mizuno JPX 921 Tour 7-Iron
No golf bag is complete without a proper 7-Iron. It's a highly versatile "middle Iron" that can come in handy in a variety of situations. Whether it's making a chip shot or getting onto the green, a 7-Iron is capable of getting the job done.
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The Purple-tier variant of the Mizuno JPX 921 Tour is a viable option for players wanting to get the most out of their 7-Iron. Although it can potentially be a little unwieldy, players who get the hang of it can capitalize on the extra bit of distance this club achieves.
9 TaylorMade P790 6-Iron
This club is yet another example of a "middle Iron," capable of achieving a respectable level of distance while traversing the fairway. It grants a bit more yardage compared to a traditional 7-Iron, while still being useful for avoiding lone, obstructive trees.
The TaylorMade P790 6-Iron, specifically the Purple-tier, isn't a bad choice by any means. The club's swing plane is above-average and, like the 7-Iron, is versatile enough to be used in a variety of situations, both good and bad.
8 Wilson Staff Model Wedges
Inevitably, things will eventually go wrong in golf. Hazards such as rough and sand can't be avoided forever. In those situations, Wedges are required to extricate the player from his/her newfound dilemma. Having a trusty set of Wedges is paramount for salvaging a bad situation.
The Purple-tier Wilson Staff Model Wedges are excellent choices for less-than-ideal predicaments. Players can't go wrong with any subtype of Wedge in the Wilson brand, whether it's a Sand, Lob, Gap, or Pitching Wedge.
7 Callaway Mavrik Standard 3-Wood
Regarding Woods, the Callaway Mavrik Standard is a suitable alternative to the previously mentioned Bridgestone brand. The stats are broadly similar. However, the Callaway Mavrik Standard offers significantly more distance than the Bridgestone. Reaching the green on a long Par 5 is more likely with this club.
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Conversely, the Bridgestone is more forgiving, making it more useful for beginners. However, the Callaway Mavrik Standard possesses more distance control, which helps keep the ball on target after a swing. Once players become more comfortable in their game, this club is the superior 3-Wood.
6 TaylorMade SIM MAX 3-Hybrid
A 3-Hybrid is an all-around versatile club. The difference between the TaylorMade SIM MAX and the Ben Hogan VKTR lies primarily in their distance output and control numbers. Both brands are broadly similar in their shot shaping, forgiveness, and swing plane stats.
The TaylorMade SIM MAX has the edge in distance, meaning the ball can travel further than the Ben Hogan brand. It comes at the cost of less distance control, but that shortcoming can be offset by focusing on the accuracy and efficiency of the player's swing.
5 Bridgestone GT B JGR HF2 5-Iron
It's already been stated that short Irons like the 8 and 9 varieties are essential. However, for long and mid-range shots, a 5-Iron can't be neglected. When navigating extensive holes like a Par 5, the 5-Iron is typically one of the player's go-to clubs.
The Silver-tier Bridgestone 5-Iron possesses a great blend of stats that easily makes it one of the best clubs in the game. It has a respectably high forgiveness rate for an Iron when compared to other brands. The Bridgestone's other attributes make it a formidable and versatile club.
4 Mizuno T20 Lob Wedge
A Lob Wedge functions exactly as its name suggests. When hazards block a player's path, this particular club really comes in handy by propelling the ball in a steep arc. If successful, players can avoid sand, water, and trees altogether.
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Players can't go wrong with the Mizuno T20 Lob Wedge. All its stats, with the possible exception of distance control, are quite high for a club of its category. Shot shaping and swing plane are excellent, which helps in maintaining a great deal of accuracy.
3 The Golf Club CV Master Pitching Wedge
Pitching Wedges are perfect for making tricky lay-up shots when approaching the green. Bad shots with a Pitching Wedge can lead to much longer putts than anticipated, wrecking even the most carefully laden plans up to that point.
The attributes of The Golf Club CV Master Pitching Wedge are amazing. Forgiveness, swing plane, and distance control are all well above average. Players who consistently struggle with getting the ball near the flag will be well-served by this club.
2 Bridgestone Golf Tour B XW-1 Sand Wedge
Players will undoubtedly bring along a variety of Wedges when tackling a course. Sand Wedges, in addition to extricating oneself from a trap, are also worthwhile contenders when looking to land on the green.
This Bridgestone Sand Wedge delivers more shot-shaping potential as well as more distance compared to the previously-mentioned Pitching Wedge. Although not quite as forgiving, skilled players can still get to where they need to be efficiently and accurately.
1 TaylorMade SIM MAX Driver
Drivers are all about distance, and not too many can compare with the TaylorMade SIM MAX. This Driver can rifle a ball down a fairway with little trouble. The Purple-tier version of the TaylorMade SIM MAX offers one of the highest distance attributes in the game.
The Purple-tier's extra distance, however, comes at the cost of other stats. For a more well-rounded club, try the Silver-tier. Although the distance is reduced, other stats like forgiveness are much higher, making this club choice a less risky proposition.