Despite my position on custom fitting (do it!), most golfers aren’t ready to spend thousands on a custom-fit bag. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a flimsy box set that feels outdated and cheap.
Enter the Stix Golf x Jack Nicklaus collaboration — a line of clean, modern club sets designed with input from the GOAT. These aren’t watered-down, budget clubs. They’re purpose-built to give you confidence, performance and style without the complexity or price tag of a full custom fit.
Whether you’re new to the game, leveling up or just want a set that looks and feels like the real deal, there’s a Nicklaus set designed for your game. Here’s how to choose the right one.
Why the Stix & Nicklaus collab is special
This isn’t a licensing deal in which Jack’s name is just stamped on the box. Stix worked directly with Nicklaus to build club sets that live up to his legacy: simple, sharp and focused on helping more people enjoy the game. The result is a lineup that bridges the gap between starter sets and Tour-level gear. Affordable but far from basic.
These clubs are for players who want an upgrade but aren’t quite ready for a full-blown fitting. They’re forgiving, thoughtfully designed and sleek — exactly what you’d want when you’re ready to take your game (and your gear) seriously.
Stix & Nicklaus 14-Club set ($1,499): For the confident player who wants performance without the price of a full custom setup
If you’re playing regularly, breaking 90 and looking to level up your gear without diving into a full custom build, this is your set. It includes everything you need for every shot on the course. The driver, fairway wood and hybrid give you full coverage off the tee and from the fairway, while the hollow-body irons (4-PW) offer a great feel, faster ball speed, and forgiveness where you need it most.
You also get three wedges (52°, 56°, and 60°) for better scoring control, a mallet putter and a lightweight bag and headcovers that look as good as the clubs inside. This setup is made for players who are serious about improving but don’t want to mess with 10 different shaft and loft options to get there.
Stix x Nicklaus Essentials 10-Club Set ($699): For the casual player who wants quality gear and a clean setup
If you play a few times a month, enjoy the game and just want to carry great looking clubs that feel solid and offer stress-free performance, the Essentials set is the sweet spot. It pares things down to the clubs you actually use: driver, 3-wood, 4-hybrid, 6-PW, a 56° wedge and a mallet putter. Add in the same sleek bag and you’ve got a setup that’s lightweight, smart and easy to navigate with little to no overlap in distances.
This one’s built for the mid- to high-handicap player who’s outgrown the starter set but doesn’t need 14 clubs to enjoy the round. If you’re not worried about optimizing every yard but still want clubs you can rely on, this set makes a lot of sense.
Stix x Nicklaus Women’s Set ($899): For new or returning golfers who want easy-to-hit clubs and a fresh start
Designed from the ground up for comfort, forgiveness and confidence, the women’s set is ideal for new players or those coming back to the game. It includes a driver, 3-wood, 5-hybrid, 6-hybrid, 7-PW, a 56° wedge and a mallet putter, all housed in a stylish, easy-to-carry bag.
These clubs are built to be lightweight and easy to launch, with higher lofts and more forgiving faces to help you get the ball in the air and on target. It’s a complete set, thoughtfully designed for playability and progression — not just a resized version of a men’s set.
Which Stix & Nicklaus set should you choose?
If you’re playing often, improving quickly and want a complete bag that can grow with your game, the 14-club set is the move. It has everything you need to compete and develop without the overwhelming choices of a custom build.
If you’re a casual golfer or just want a quality, stress-free setup that does everything you need it to, the Essentials 10-club set offers a great blend of performance, simplicity and value.
Ladies, if you’re just getting started, or returning to the game after some time away, the Women’s set delivers the confidence, forgiveness and ease of use that makes golf more fun from the very first swing.
Custom fittings are great when the time is right. But if you’re still developing your swing or simply not ready for a big club investment, the Stix & Nicklaus sets are a perfect upgrade. Thoughtfully built, aesthetically pleasing and backed by the mind of Jack himself, these clubs strike a perfect balance between performance and simplicity.
You won’t find another collab like this, certainly not at this price point. So, if your game’s improving, your confidence is growing and your old gear is holding you back, it might be time to make the switch.
The Nicklaus Compete set is priced at $1,499 for all 14 clubs and a golf bag, and the Nicklaus Essentials set is $699 for the 10 clubs and a bag. The Nicklaus Women’s set costs $899 and also includes 10 clubs and a bag.
Kris McCormack
Golf.com Contributor
Building on a career that has spanned more than 20 years in the golf industry, McCormack has spent the last six years of his career serving as the Vice President of Tour and Education for True Spec Golf. During that time, he curated the training program for the True Spec fitting staff and pushed for more continuing education curriculum. As well as managing their Tour department and building relationships with a multitude of OEM partners. Prior to joining the True Spec team, McCormack worked with several of the industry-leading manufacturers as a Master level Fitting Professional. In addition to being an instructor and partnering with the Golf Channel Academy as a lead instructor and brand-agnostic Fitting Professional. He has also worked with R&D teams to assist in product design, testing, and development for a variety of gear releases. He is a golf enthusiast and lives in the gear space!
