Austad's Golf vs Taylor Made

Whether you're jumping into golf for the first time or upgrading your go-to clubs, shopping for equipment online gives you an almost unlimited range to choose from. What once required a trip to a specialty shop now takes just a few clicks, with the whole marketplace at your fingertips - from beginner sets to tour-level gear. You can easily compare prices across retailers to land the best deals, and most sites offer reviews and fit tools so you can buy with confidence. Fast shipping and easy returns make the process even smoother.

One of the best perks of buying golf gear online is the kind of pricing you just won't find elsewhere. Brick-and-mortar sporting goods stores carry higher overhead, so their price tags reflect it, and golfers feel the pinch fast - even a starter setup with a driver and a couple of irons can get expensive. Convenience makes the clubhouse pro shop tempting, but it usually means paying more than you need to. Online retailers also run frequent sales, offer bundles, and make price comparisons easy, so your budget goes a lot further.

Don't stress about tracking down the perfect set of clubs or a custom bag - if you can picture it, it's out there for your golf collection. The web makes specialized, hard-to-find gear far easier to uncover than the limited aisles at a local sporting goods store, whether you need left-handed irons or shorter shafts for players who don't quite hit the national height average. You can compare prices, read reviews, and filter by specs across dozens of shops in minutes, which turns the hunt into part of the fun. In short, shopping online opens the door to options you'd never see on a single store shelf.

Golf grew out of medieval Scotland, and while the modern game looks polished, it's rooted in far rougher beginnings. In the late Middle Ages, players swung wooden clubs at feather-stuffed leather balls across natural, windswept terrain, and St. Andrews Links - founded in 1552 - soon became known as the "home of golf." From there the game spread to England in the 16th century, and by 1744 the first written rules had appeared. Its early appeal lay in the rugged charm of links land, where wind and dunes demanded imagination and touch.

Golf surged in the 19th century, culminating in the formation of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and the sport's arrival in the United States, as new technology - from iron clubs to the gutta-percha ball - reshaped how it was played. As professional tournaments took hold, the Open Championship and the Masters emerged, and players like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods became household names, even for people who've never set foot on a putting green. Television coverage and global travel amplified that momentum, turning local traditions into a worldwide stage. Today, golf remains a beloved pastime, bringing millions together in a sport that prizes skill, sportsmanship, and the unique challenges each course presents.

Steeped in history, golf is widely seen as an elegant, distinguished game that calls for patience, precision, and sound technique. Whether they're just starting out or have been playing for years, golfers often head to the course with a few friends for a quiet afternoon that offers both comfort and joy. The slow rhythm of walking the fairways - sharing a laugh, trading tips, and chasing that one pure shot - keeps them coming back.

If you want to play your best, it starts with quality equipment. Whether it's your first loop around the front nine or you're a clubhouse regular, make sure your setup is dialed in - a versatile mix of clubs plus essentials like shoes, gloves, and other accessories. The right fit can sharpen consistency and even help prevent nagging aches. Investing in the right kit lets you tap into your full potential on the greens.

If you're ready to start swinging with online golf shopping, where do you start? There are so many options, it can be hard to know which sites are legit and which ones are just as pricey as your local clubhouse. So, we've put together a list of considerations that might help you find your next set of clubs without the stress:

• Cost. For many shoppers, price is the most important thing. Golf gear isn't cheap by any means, so finding a place with reliable gear that also won't break the bank is important. Keep in mind which things you want to splurge on and which items (like tees) you can just grab quickly for a nice deal.
• Return policy. The ease of returning or exchanging golf equipment matters when you're shopping online. Not all clubs or accessories may fit your needs. Some might be too long for a comfortable swing (don't worry - we've been there) or the grip feels wrong in your hands. You'll want to be able to send back ill-fitting or unsatisfactory items for a refund or an exchange without too much hassle.
• Selection. Consider the number of items offered at particular retailers when you're trying to pick the best store for your needs. Not all golf shops are the same. Some offer specialized brands, and others offer a wider variety. Keep in mind that a broader selection can give you more opportunities to find the best gear for your needs (and at the best price).
• Reputation. At the end of the day, a company's reputation is paramount to a smooth and fun shopping experience. Keep an eye on customer reviews and ratings to be sure that the golf equipment site you choose is trusted by other golf enthusiasts just like you.

To make sure you can focus on your form and your swing, and not the stress of browsing site after site, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the top golf equipment stores online today. This way you can gear up for your next 9 and, who knows - with the right set of clubs or a brand-new glove, you might be the next Tiger Woods!