What does a $500 golf club set look like when a pro golfer builds it himself?
Our affiliate, Andrew Jensen, recently stopped by the Next Round warehouse to put together his dream bag—on a serious budget. With just $500 to spend, he scoured our pre-owned selection to find clubs that deliver maximum performance without breaking the bank.
The result? A bag built for feel, forgiveness, and playability that proves “budget” doesn’t mean “beginner.” Here’s how he did it—and why we think it’s one of the best golf club sets under $500 you can build right now.
The Irons: Nike VR (Victory Red)
Andrew’s choice of Nike VR (Victory Red) irons might surprise some golfers, but it’s a smart pick for players who appreciate forged feel and classic workability.
These irons feature forged carbon steel construction, offering that buttery feedback you only get from a premium set. The VR Pro Combo version in particular blends forgiveness and control—cavity-back long irons for consistency, and muscle-back short irons for precision.
For under $250 in pre-owned condition, this set anchors your bag with premium performance at a fraction of the original cost.
Why it’s a smart move:
- Timeless forged feel for shot control
- Affordable because Nike no longer makes clubs
- Still stacks up against modern forged sets
The Driver: Callaway Rogue Sub Zero
For his driver, Andrew went with the Callaway Rogue Sub Zero, a low-spin beast known for its Jailbreak Technology and triaxial carbon crown. Originally a $499 driver, you can often score it on our site for well under $200.
This club is built for golfers who like a penetrating ball flight and fast ball speeds. The adjustable weighting gives Andrew room to tweak spin and launch without needing a custom fitting.
Why it’s a smart move:
- Tour-level distance and control
- Still relevant tech-wise, years later
- Perfectly complements forged irons for confident tee-to-green play
The Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM5
You can’t build one of the best golf club sets under $500 without strong short-game weapons, and Andrew nailed it with Titleist SM5 Vokey wedges.
Designed by Bob Vokey himself, these wedges are all about spin control and feel. The Spin Milled grooves still rival newer generations, and the progressive CG design helps keep flighted wedges crisp and consistent.
Buying them used also means serious savings—often $36 per wedge in value condition.
Why it’s a smart move:
- Legendary short-game consistency
- Multiple sole grinds for every condition
- Still used by plenty of pros today
The Putter: Ping Anser
To cap off the build, Andrew chose a Ping Anser—the gold standard for putters. The Anser has been trusted by tour players for decades, and for good reason: it delivers pure roll, balanced weighting, and a classic blade shape that never goes out of style.
It’s also one of the most affordable upgrades in golf. You can find high-quality Anser models for around $50, making it an easy add that completes the best golf club set under $500.
Why it’s a smart move:
- Tour-proven design since the 1960s
- Forgiving yet precise feel
- Pairs perfectly with any putting stroke with a slight arc
Ready to Build Your Own Best Golf Club Set Under $500?
Your perfect bag doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Explore our pre-owned drivers, irons, wedges, and putters and start building your version of the best golf club set under $500 today.