Pro Tip: The Best Golf Clubs of the Decade

What are the best golf drivers of the decade? How about the best golf irons? Companies have spent countless hours and money perfecting their golf club designs, which will eventually be the groundwork for their next hot golf club.

You will recognize much of the golf technology from this decade in your golf clubs today. In fact, these iconic golf clubs still contain some tricks up their sleeve. If you’re interested in buying the best used golf clubs in the market, this list is a great place to start.

Which golf clubs from 2010 to 2019 made the cut? GlobalGolf has compiled a list of the top golf clubs from several of your favorite brands.

The Best Golf Drivers of the Decade

This decade saw unprecedented leaps in golf driver technology. From the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the beginnings of Twist Face technology, these drivers have achieved some of the greatest breakthroughs this game has seen. What are the best golf drivers of all time?

TaylorMade M3 and M4 Drivers, 2018

While TaylorMade Golf is known for their M6 drivers, their innovation began with the creation of the M3 and M4 drivers. TaylorMade Golf used a unique method to reach their scientifically backed driver design: observing golfers. TaylorMade discovered that most professional golfers hit the ball off-center (and amateur golfers even more), which meant TaylorMade needed to completely rethink their design. The Twist Face technology was born and immediately implemented in the M3 and M4 driver designs.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver, 2019

One of the biggest phenomena of this decade was the fact that Callaway Golf utilized AI to design the Epic Flash driver. A machine tested several iterations until the optimized design was created within legal playing parameters; AI technology allowed Callaway Golf to run through 15,000 iterations while other companies were making their 8-10 iterations by hand. The efficiency and increased capacity of using AI technology successfully has put Callaway, and their FlashFace-based designs, in a new sphere.

Cobra KING F9 SPEEDBACK Driver, 2019

The Cobra KING F9 SPEEDBACK driver’s claim to fame is its technology, known as SPEEDBACK technology. In a revolutionary design, Cobra Golf increased club speed by combining a lower center of gravity (CG) and a new aerodynamic shape. This Cobra driver was a hit on Tour, where both Bryson DeChambeau and Lexi Thompson won with it in their bags.

The Best Fairway Wood of the Decade

The best fairway wood of the decade has to go to TaylorMade Golf. In 2019, the TaylorMade M5 fairway wood was the first to incorporate the Twist Face technology first utilized in the M3 and M4 drivers. With more distance, more accuracy and more weight adjustability, the M5 fairway wood set a solid foundation for the rest of TaylorMade’s fairway woods to follow.

The Best Golf Hybrid of the Decade

The best hybrid golf club of the decade has to go to Adams Golf. Yes, TaylorMade acquired Adams in 2012, but Adams still produced a final hybrid -- the Adams XTD hybrid -- before they slowly fizzled out of the picture.

Known for their hybrids, Adams Golf had leading technology in the area, all of which can be found in the XTD hybrid. A titanium build leads to increased ball speeds and more forgiveness. Adams Golf did, however, use TaylorMade’s adjustable hosel technology to give their hybrid a touch of customization.

The Best Golf Irons of the Decade

The best irons of the decade once again goes to several brands. With an abundance of new designs and technologies, three major golf brands shaped the next generation of irons.

Callaway Apex CF 16 Irons, 2013

This decade, Callaway Golf decided to bring back an old fan favorite -- the Apex irons. The Callaway Apex CF 16 irons are forged, which means they have more flexibility around shot shaping for those of you with lower handicaps.

While the feel behind these Callaway irons were improved in later models, the Apex irons implemented Cup Face (CF) technology, which allows you to gain more distance off the tee by increasing your ball speed; these irons also have a larger area of forgiveness, which is impressive considering their clubhead sizes are relatively small.

PING GMax Irons, 2015

PING Golf also increased their popularity among golfers this decade. Their GMax irons began PING’s expertise in center of gravity (CG) manipulation. These PING irons had a relatively low CG at the time, increasing the irons’ forgiveness.

Their COR-Eye technology, similar to Callaway’s CF technology, increases distance by increasing ball speed by changing the iron’s flex. Another fun fact about these irons is the longer irons in the set weigh less than normal so your swing speed -- and clubface at impact -- would be more consistent throughout all your irons.

Mizuno JPX919 Irons, 2018

Mizuno Golf has been known for their irons over the years, which is why it is no surprise they made the list of the best irons from the past 10 years. The JPX919 irons are another forged option that appeared in this decade, though they went in the opposite direction of Callaway Golf by designing a relatively large clubhead and focusing on feel.

Mizuno added boron to the composition, which allows the irons to be classified as “better player” irons as well as game improvement irons for the masses. The boron supports the clubface, allowing you to swing faster and hit it further with more consistency.

The Best Golf Wedges of the Decade

Two companies have stood out when it comes to the best golf wedges: Cleveland and Titleist Golf. With both companies leading the way in wedge innovation, you have plenty of grinds, lofts and bounces to choose from.

Cleveland 588 RTX Wedge, 2012

The Cleveland 588 RTX wedge drilled in on a factor not typically advertised when it comes to wedges -- forgiveness. Feel is very important when it comes to wedges, so having confidence over the ball was a big differentiating factor for Cleveland Golf. They also continued to produce wedges designed to get out of bunkers easily; the 588 RTX wedges have large, rough grooves just for that purpose.

Titleist Vokey SM6 Wedge, 2016

Bob Vokey’s design for the SM6 wedge lay the foundation for several innovative improvements over the years. The Vokey SM6 wedge design focused on both performance and technical aspects. Titleist wedges, no matter the generation, typically lead the pack in maximizing spin; this allows you to play a variety of shots around the green. The SM6 wedge series also focused on distance gapping, ensuring you have every shot -- and distance -- covered.

The Best Putters of the Decade

The best golf putters of the decade have truly stood the test of time. While putter designs advance each year, putters are the one golf club that can still be effective decades later. That being said, there are still some classic putters whose designs have been significantly improved. Below are some of the best putters of all time, not just of the decade.

TaylorMade Ghost Spider Putter, 2011

The TaylorMade Spider putter series is here to stay. Several Tour players can be seen playing (and winning) with these TaylorMade putters. All credit can go back to the TaylorMade Ghost Spider putter, which is a combination of the original Spider and Ghost designs. The size of the Ghost Spider putter became standard for later Spider models, and the bold white design from the Ghost putters kicked off a color revolution in the golf world (and instigated the theory that you can align putters better with brighter colors).

Scotty Cameron Select Newport Putter, 2018

Though the Scotty Cameron Select putters have been around for a few years, the Select Newport putter was a turning point. Made popular by Tiger Woods, this Scotty Cameron putter continues to rank highly. The milled face, pristine look and balanced weight makes this blade putter a no-brainer for those looking for high-quality putters.

The best golf clubs of the decade not only found popularity on various professional golf tours, but also set their respective companies up for success by providing them with a foundation for later innovation. The technology in this decade was truly a turning point for the game of golf.