We've finally made it: the weather is improving, golf courses across the UK and Ireland are reopening, social distancing regulations are slowly but surely being lifted on a global scale and the golf season is about to begin.
Whilst this is all fantastic news, it also means that it is the time of year when you should be looking at your golf gear. Is it time to replace those rusty old wedges that seem to have lost all of their zip? Instead of trying to make do with a golf bag that has broken zips and bent legs, should you look at upgrading? And is it FINALLY time to admit defeat and swap out the old blades for a more forgiving set of irons?
These days there is so much new equipment being released that it can be hard to keep track, especially because every manufacturer seems to give the impression that this year's product is the best they've ever produced.
So to make things easier for you, we've put together this handy guide of all the new gear you should be looking at if you're considering a switch in 2021. We've separated them into different categories so you can easily find exactly what you need.
All you need to do is read it, and then get down to your local Pro Shop and let the testing begin.
Looking to improve off the tee?
Ping drivers are always forgiving, like really forgiving but the new G425 has added extra speed too for a fantastic all-round package which has to be one of the best-looking clubs of 2021. You're going to see at lot of these at your golf club this year.
For golfers looking for: Distance gains through the ultimate forgiveness and stability.
Price: £450
Full review HERE
The Epic line is back with a bang (three new models) for 2021, combining Callaway's excellent Jailbreak technology and AI Flash Face with a new Speed Frame to provide better ball speeds right across the face. Sophie described this driver as a 'game-changer' during her review... Could it change your game too?
For golfers looking for: Serious amounts of visible technology that really works.
Price: £499
Full review HERE
With the likes of DJ, Rory and Tommy Fleetwood among their Tour staff, the chances are that you have already seen the new SIM2 drivers on your TV over the winter. The SIM2 has a full carbon crown and sole along with a new forged ring construction, designed to save weight whilst maintaining speed and stability.
For golfers looking for: If it's low spin you're after - look no further. Produces lots and lots of knuckle balls.
Price: £449
Full review HERE
Built for golfers with slower swing speeds, the TSi1 features an ultra-lightweight construction which is designed to provide a little more ball and club head speed. If distance is one of your weaknesses, then this could be the driver for you.
For golfers looking for: Premium materials and in a very friendly all-round package.
Price: £519
Full details HERE
Cobra has been a bit of a 'hidden gem' when it comes to drivers over the last few years, with fantastic performance at a decent price point, not harmed by the fact that Bryson has been smashing a Cobra driver on the PGA Tour every week for the past year. Check out what their brand new model can offer here...
For golfers looking for: A slightly cheaper option with striking looks and plenty of tech.
Price: £369
Full review HERE
Irons for the 'better player'
If you're looking for fantastic feel with excellent workability, the Apex MB are a great option. There's something about a classic, sleek blade like this that just seems to tempt us all into thinking that maybe, just maybe, we could use them.
For golfers looking for: The purest of blades. No help here - these irons leave it all down to you.
Price: £1099
Full review HERE
The big story here is that these irons are neither forged nor cast; they utilise 'Metal Injection Molding' for a more precise finish. Cobra say that these feel even better than a forged iron... we'll leave you to judge that for yourself.
For golfers looking for: Beautiful looking irons that deserve a keen-golfer who is really going to look after them.
Price: £999
Full review HERE
These irons are designed to combine the best aspects of both the Staff Model Blade and V6 Irons to provide a tour-inspired cavity back designed to meet the needs of better players.
For golfers looking for: Classic, timeless looking irons that will surprise a few in the performance and price-tag area.
Price: £849
Full details HERE
Our picks for game improvement irons...
Big, friendly, really easy to hit and they go a long way. If that's what you're looking for in an iron, then the Radpseed should definitely be on your testing list, and they're a very reasonable price too.
For golfers looking for: Distance.
Price: £749
Full review HERE
A slightly sleeker profile than the previous G410 but still packed with plenty of features aiming to produce a longer, higher launching, more forgiving iron. Yes, it's a distance iron, but the look and feel should mean it appeals to plenty of mid handicappers too.
For golfers looking for: The overall game-improvement package from arguably the best in the business at it.
Price: £749
Full review HERE
Think distance irons, think TaylorMade. These are the ultimate distance and forgiveness irons...
For golfers looking for: You're not too bothered about looks and feel - you need help and these irons will give you it in abundance.
Price: £899
Full review HERE
Sharpen up your short game
TaylorMade combine the added forgiveness of their Hi-Toe wedge shape, with the added spin of their Raw Face technology to provide the ultimate package for renewed short game confidence.
For golfers looking for: Looking to try something a little different with their short game this year and don't mind losing the cover of a ball to these brutal grooves.
Price: £149
Full details HERE
Evnroll has introduced their new V-Series of putters, with V standing for versatile, in six different head shapes along with four different hosel options to provide a model which suits every type of golfer.
For golfers looking for: Something a little different in the putting market and budget isn't a problem for you.
Full details HERE
The TaylorMade Spider putter has been one of the most successful products of the last decade, so who can blame TaylorMade for expanding the line with four new options for 2021?
For golfers looking for: A highly forgiving putter with plenty of tour validation.
Price: £299
Full details HERE
The more eagle-eyed golf fans may have noticed that this putter has been in the bag of Jon Rahm since he made the switch to Callaway at the start of the year. If you're someone who likes to follow the trends on Tour, this could be well worth a closer look...
For golfers looking for: The ultimate Super-High MOI putter - preferably with a straight-ish putting stroke.
Price: £299
Full review HERE
Best low-cost deals!
Have you ever used a Mizuno driver? Perhaps it's time you started to consider them. Great looking, great performing and a price point which is consistently lower than the 'Big Four' - what's not to like?
For golfers looking for: Reliable design quality.
Price: £399
Full details HERE
The latest iteration of Wilson's excellent 'D' range of irons features updated Power Holes, improved launch and ball speeds, and they are priced at just £499 for a full set. Yes please.
For golfers looking for: Forgiveness and performance on a budget.
Price: £499
Full Details HERE
Cobra may have moved on from the days of the 'Trusty Rusty' wedge, but that doesn't mean they don't still produce a quality option to help you get it up and down more often.
For golfers looking for: A new wedge that matches their new Cobra irons.
Price: £109
Full details HERE
If you love the look of the TaylorMade Spider or Odyssey Ten Putter but don't have quite the budget, then this option from Wilson could be just the answer.
For golfers looking for: A great answer for golfers who believe that parting with £300 for a putter is just a little too much...
Price: £109
Full details HERE
Upgrade your wardrobe with these apparel options
Adidas' lightest ever spiked shoe which is said to make no compromise on quality, marking a 'new era of performance' for the brand which boasts the likes of Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa in it's gear every single week.
For golfers looking for: Modern aesthetics and comfort, comfort, comfort.
Price: £150
Full details HERE
Celebrating 75 years as the Number One shoe in golf, FootJoy have certainly pulled out all the stops with their new Premiere collection, featuring some of the best looking classically-styled shoes we've ever seen...
For golfers looking for: 'That classic golf shoe look'.
Price: £159.99
Full details HERE
If you've had Ecco shoes before you'll know just how comfortable they are, and the Danish brand are working hard to appeal to a slightly younger audience too. We think these look pretty cool.
For golfers looking for: Something a little different to wear on their feet that supports their golf game in all areas.
Price: £170
Full details HERE
As we previously mentioned, FootJoy are the number one brand when it comes to golf shoes, but they are also pretty handy at producing golf clothing too. The extensive new range for the golfing summer features four brand new colour themes, as well as an updated women's section, giving you an option for every single day of the upcoming season.
Full details HERE
Galvin's idea with this range is that every single day should be a 'gameday' for golf, regardless of condition, because their clothing is so good that it can protect from whatever the elements may throw at you. Playing golf 365 days a year? Sounds good to us...
Full details HERE
Are you using the right golf ball?
The new Pro V1 and Pro V1x balls feature a new core, casing layer, cover and aerodynamic technologies which are said to provide golfers with longer distance, even more greenside spin and control, with a softer feel.
Price: £50 per dozen
Full details HERE
Designed for the better player, the Z-Star range is an excellent and affordable option for golfers looking to gain distance without compromising on control. With the likes of Shane Lowry, Cameron Champ and Hideki Matsuyama using these golf balls, they must be doing something right!
Price: £39.99 per dozen
Full details HERE
The TP5 is back with an all new Tour Flight Dimple Pattern, designed to improve aerodynamics and provide increased carry distance for all golfers. With White, Yellow and Pix finishes available, there should be something for everyone here!
Price: £49.99 per dozen
Full details HERE
Make life a little easier on the course...
Motocaddy are taking things to the next level this year with the introduction of cellular-enabled trolleys, allowing you to stay more connected than ever out on the golf course, whilst also expanding their range of GPS trolleys from two to five.
Price: £799.99 (M5 GPS)
Full details HERE
Headlining the range is the FX7 GPS, which PowaKaddy says is the world's first GPS electric trolley to feature a touchscreen. We were big fans of this when it was released last year, and for 2021 it's getting even better.
Price: £749.00
Full details HERE
When it comes to rangefinders, you really can't beat Bushnell, and their latest release is a new Slim version of the Tour V5 to make using and transporting your rangefinder easier than ever.
Price: £359
Full details HERE
Six new Titleist stand bags are available this year, with upgrades to both the Players and Hybrid lines. If you like Titleist, you'll love this bag...
Price: £240 (Players 4Plus StaDry)
Full details HERE