PXG is the same company that charges $400+ for a single iron, and now they want to compete in the starter set market? But when the Wildcat box showed up at my door, I had to reconsider my assumptions.
The presentation alone sets this apart from every other starter set I've tested (and trust me, I've gone through plenty while helping friends get into the game). Opening that box felt more like unboxing a premium smartphone than a golf set. Each club is individually wrapped, the bag stands proud with its sleek lines, and even the included golf balls and hat feel substantial. At $1,500, this is clearly PXG's attempt to create the "luxury starter set" category, and visually, at least, they've nailed it.
Elevate your golf game with the PXG Wildcat Full Bag Set, a complete beginner’s package packed with high-launch drivers, forgiving irons, and premium accessories. This expertly crafted set helps new golfers play confidently and enjoy every round with top-tier equipment designed for easy play and maximum fun.
Let's talk about that driver, because it's the most dramatic departure from traditional starter sets I've seen. A 16-degree driver? My initial thought was that PXG had lost its mind. Most beginners struggle with getting the ball airborne, sure, but this seemed extreme. Then I took it to the range.
The titanium construction feels solid without being heavy, and at 44 inches (an inch shorter than standard), it's remarkably controllable. But here's where it gets interesting: that 16-degree loft combined with the draw bias actually works. I watched three different beginners hit this thing, including my neighbor, who's been struggling with a slice for two years. Every single one launched the ball higher and straighter than with any traditional driver.
The large face profile gives you confidence at address, and the perimeter weighting means even toe strikes still get airborne. I measured my test swings with my launch monitor, and even when I deliberately slowed my swing to mimic a beginner's speed (around 85 mph), I was getting 200+ yards of carry with minimal side spin. The titanium face delivers that satisfying "crack" at impact that makes you feel like you've really crushed it, even on moderate swings.
Is it unconventional? Absolutely. Does it work? Without question. This driver alone might justify the premium price for beginners who've been fighting low, weak fades with traditional equipment.
PXG made an interesting choice here: no 3-wood, just a 19-degree 5-wood and a 6-hybrid. At the outset, I questioned this decision. Then I remembered how many beginners I've seen struggle with 3-woods off the deck. The 5-wood is simply easier to hit, period.
The AM355 high-strength steel body paired with that HT1770 face creates a hot combination. I'm talking about ball speeds that rival some players' irons from just a few years ago. The squared face design helps with alignment (something beginners desperately need), and the offset actually promotes a draw without looking ridiculous at address.
What really impressed me was the MOI improvement, PXG claims 10% higher than their Black Ops models, and you can feel it. I intentionally hit shots off the heel and toe, and while they didn't fly as far as center strikes, they stayed relatively straight. The 6-hybrid bridges the gap between the fairway wood and the 7-iron beautifully. It's become my go-to recommendation for beginners who struggle with long irons.
Both clubs feature those wider soles that help the club glide through turf rather than dig. I tested these from some pretty nasty lies, thick rough, hardpan, even a fairway bunker – and they performed admirably. The fixed hosel might limit adjustability, but for beginners who just want consistency, it's one less thing to worry about. All woods and hybrids come standard with Project X Cypher graphite shafts, which provide the perfect balance of lightweight feel and stability for developing swings.
The irons (7 through sand wedge) showcase some serious engineering that you'd typically find in clubs costing twice as much. That dual cavity design with the XCOR2 polymer isn't just marketing speak; it fundamentally changes how these irons perform. Similar to how premium balls use multi-layer construction to optimize performance characteristics, these irons use layer technology to maximize forgiveness and feel.
The wide soles and thick toplines might make traditional golfers cringe, but for beginners, they're perfect. I had my wife (a 20+ handicapper) hit these alongside her current game-improvement irons, and she immediately noticed the difference. The ball launches higher, flies straighter, and most critically, mishits still travel a respectable distance.
The C6 swing weight is genius for slower swing speeds. Most manufacturers just make their clubs lighter in general, but PXG has distributed the weight to promote that high launch without sacrificing feel. The polymer core provides surprising feedback; you know when you've hit it pure versus catching it thin, but neither feels harsh.
What really stands out is the turf interaction. Those wide soles with added bounce mean fat shots still advance the ball reasonably well. I deliberately hit behind the ball several times during testing (something beginners do constantly), and instead of chunking it 20 yards, the ball still flew 70-80% of the intended distance. The offset helps square the face at impact, and while it's pronounced, it's not so extreme that better players couldn't game these if needed.
Beyond the clubs, PXG includes everything a beginner needs to hit the course immediately. The Black Hawk putter follows the forgiveness theme with a larger head and alignment aids that actually help. It's not going to win any beauty contests, but it rolls the ball true and inspires confidence over those nerve-wracking three-footers. The putter is properly named the Hellcat ZT Putter, featuring advanced stability technology that helps maintain face angle through impact.
The included bag surprised me most. This isn't some flimsy carry bag that'll fall apart after a season. It's got a 14-way divider top (even though you're only getting 9 clubs initially), multiple pockets, including an insulated cooler pocket, and sturdy legs that don't collapse when you look at them wrong. The material feels durable, and the zippers are smooth – details that matter when you're using this thing twice a week.
Even the dozen PXG golf balls are legitimate. They're not range rocks dressed up in a PXG wrapper. These are multi-layer balls enhanced for moderate swing speeds, providing decent distance with enough spin around the greens to actually help your short game. The included hat? Quality moisture-wicking material that I'd actually wear, not some promotional throwaway.
When you factor in that a decent bag alone costs $200+, a dozen good balls run $30-40, and the hat's another $25, you're looking at nearly $300 in accessories. Suddenly, that $1,500 price tag starts making more sense, especially compared to piecing together a set yourself.
Elevate your golf game with the PXG Wildcat Full Bag Set, a complete beginner’s package packed with high-launch drivers, forgiving irons, and premium accessories. This expertly crafted set helps new golfers play confidently and enjoy every round with top-tier equipment designed for easy play and maximum fun.
You'll get PXG's lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects on all clubs in your Wildcat Full Bag Set. You're protected against defects for the product's lifetime, but you're not covered for normal wear, cosmetic damage, or accidents. You'll need valid serial numbers and proof of purchase for claims. Your warranty doesn't cover accessories like bags or headcovers. If there's a defect, PXG will repair or replace your clubs after inspection.
Yes, you can fully customize the grip size on your Wildcat clubs during PXG's fitting process. You'll choose from undersize, standard, midsize, or oversize options based on your hand measurements and glove size. Your fitting specialist will evaluate your comfort at the address and recommend the perfect grip diameter. They can also adjust grip size using tape wrapping, with four wraps equaling one size larger. This customization guarantees maximum control and reduces hand fatigue.
Yes, you can get left-handed versions of the Wildcat set! PXG offers the complete left-handed configuration through their official website and major retailers like Golf USA. You'll receive all the same clubs as righties - driver, fairway wood, hybrid, irons, and putter - plus the bag and accessories. When ordering, you'll find left-handed as a selectable option, and you can choose from Regular, Senior, or Ladies flex options for your swing.
You'll find three shaft flex options available with the Wildcat full bag set: Regular (R) Flex for moderate swing speeds, Senior (A) Flex if you've got slower swing speeds, and Ladies (L) Flex when you need more launch and distance. All three flex options are available across the entire bag set, so you can choose the one that best matches your swing characteristics. Your flex choice will directly affect your launch angle, distance, and control.
Yes, you can purchase the Wildcat set through PXG's flexible payment plans. You'll find interest-free installments and monthly payment options through third-party providers like Affirm and Klarna at checkout. Monthly payments for full bag sets typically start around $35-41, depending on your chosen terms and creditworthiness. PXG's financing programs welcome customers with diverse credit profiles, including those with bad or no credit. Check the specific options available in your region during checkout.
The PXG Wildcat set challenges everything I thought I knew about starter sets. Yes, it's expensive for a beginner package, but it's also not really competing with those $400 box sets from sporting goods stores. This is for the beginner who wants to skip the "starter" phase entirely and jump straight to legitimate game-improvement technology.
If you're someone just testing the waters of golf or working with a tight budget, this isn't for you – grab a used set or a basic package and see if you stick with the game. But if you're committed to learning golf, have the disposable income, and want equipment that won't hold you back for the next 3-5 years, the Wildcat set delivers exceptional value. It's the initial starter set I've tested that I'd actually recommend to my own family members without hesitation.
