Stix Nicklaus Golf Clubs Review: A Fantastic First Set of Clubs

Look, when I first heard about the Stix Nicklaus Collection, I wasn’t exactly fired up.

Not because I don’t respect the Golden Bear. Quite the opposite. Jack Nicklaus is arguably the greatest to ever play the game, and his name deserves all the reverence it gets.

And it wasn’t because I don’t respect Stix. Again, totally opposite. They’ve legitimized what used to be the impossible prospect of a beginner set of golf clubs actually being of high enough quality to be taken seriously.

My hesitation came from a different place. I’d seen these clubs before.

Literally. I had.

Because when you strip away the fresh branding and iconic Golden Bear logo, what you’re left with is essentially a dressed-up version of the Stix Play Series, a set of clubs that Sean already reviewed here on Breaking Eighty.

So, when tasked with this review, I found myself wondering: What’s left to say? What can I offer that hasn’t already been covered, especially when we’re dealing with gear that, aside from some cosmetic tweaks, is basically the same under the hood?

Turns out, quite a bit.

Because this rebranding isn’t just about looks. It’s about positioning. And for the right golfer, that positioning might actually make all the difference.

Let me explain and maybe help you decide if the new Stix Nicklaus Collection is worth your consideration.

Rebranding the Beginner Experience

Let’s start with the obvious: The Nicklaus Collection is not a technological leap forward for Stix. It’s not a new generation of clubs. It is, functionally, the same DNA as the Play Series.

Meaning, with Stix, we’ve still got the OG Perform Series clubs that are generally for a more experienced golfer and include more customization options. And then we’ve got what used to be called the Play Series, a set tailored specifically for beginners, only now they’re calling it the Nicklaus Collection and have juiced up the look with a bunch of Golden Bear logos and Jack’s signature.

And that’s actually OK.

Because here’s the thing—Stix didn’t need to overhaul the Play Series. That line was already well-built, thoughtfully composed, and targeted at the true beginner and high-handicap player to great effect.

Sean has commented about the Play Series giving the new golfer literally everything they need to get into the game. And I agree. The Play Series blew away all of the other crap-by-comparison beginner sets.

Now, what Stix has done with the Nicklaus Collection is take that platform and wrap it in emotional appeal. Jack’s name brings heritage and confidence to a segment of golf gear that often feels like an afterthought. Beginner clubs tend to look cheap and feel worse. This set doesn’t.

So yes, this is a rebrand. But I think it’s a smart one. Because, for the right golfer, I think this set doesn’t just look better, it feels better. Not in your hands, necessarily (we’ll get to that), but in your head.

And for beginners, that matters.

On the other hand, there’s a type of beginner golfer for whom this whole change will be a total turnoff. For one thing, as time marches on, younger and likely beginner golfers are becoming more and more unfamiliar with the Nicklaus legend.

And the other thing is that with this rebrand, Stix has taken a set that was already “loud” visually and cranked the speaker to 11 with no shortage of in-your-face logos. So for shy golfers looking to avoid attention, they’re going to at least need to ditch the Nicklaus Collection-issued headcovers. But we’ll get to that.

What You Get with the Stix Nicklaus Collection

Before we get into how these clubs actually perform and a bit more about the overall Nicklaus-inspired aesthetic, let’s start with what comes in the bag. Because, yes, the bag is included. I’ll talk in a minute about the look and feel of that component.

The Nicklaus Collection is offered in three different configurations:

• Nicklaus Essentials Set (10 clubs) – $699
• Nicklaus Women’s Set (10 clubs) – $899
• Nicklaus Compete Set (14 clubs) – $1,499

For this review, I tested the Nicklaus Essentials Set, which includes:

• Driver
• 3 Wood
• 4 Hybrid
• 6-9 Irons
• Pitching Wedge
• 56-degree Wedge
• Putter

That’s 10 clubs designed to cover all the key distances and provide a full spectrum of gapping for newer players or anyone looking for a simplified setup.

The clubs are available in both right- and left-handed configurations, with fixed specs per set.

The Women’s Set features a similar 10-club build but includes a higher-lofted fairway wood and an additional hybrid. It also comes standard with lightweight graphite shafts throughout the set, which helps explain the higher price point.

We’ll have a full review of that set coming soon.

Aesthetics: It’s Kind of a Lot of Golden Bear

I think to rock this bag and set of headcovers with confidence you’re going to have to love you some Jack Nicklaus. Because otherwise, man, the whole Golden Bear thing is going to be a bit much.

Let’s be real: Jack Nicklaus isn’t in the Stix design lab tweaking CG or bounce angles. His name is on this collection as a branding play, and Stix is definitely aiming to get the most of this licensing agreement. They definitely lean into the visual identity.

You get clean stainless steel irons with chrome-plated steel shafts (just like the Play Series) instead of the blacked-out look from the Perform Series. The driver, woods, and hybrid are the same sleek, modern profile.

But what’s different are the Nicklaus touches. The Golden Bear logo on the putter face, a signature and logo on each club shaft, the bear on each headcover and on both sides of the bag… Like, it’s a lot of Golden Bear.

I think some people are going to think it looks awesome, while others find it to be too much.

Personally, I’m most interested in the clubs themselves. If I’m playing this set, I might be opting for at least different headcovers and possibly an entirely different bag. But I’ve been playing golf for a long time, and I know what I like. A beginner may be completely fine with this and see it as a nice, organized look.

I’ll get into the club performance, but first, about the bag. It’s the same one you would have gotten with the Stix Play Series, only now with more gold and more bear. Which is to say that it’s a nice, functional bag. Since we first reviewed it with other Stix sets, we’ve found it to be better than we expected.

The zippers aren’t super robust. The pockets are minimal. The backpack shoulder straps aren’t incredibly well-padded. This isn’t a Vessel bag by any stretch. But it does the job. It’s lightweight and (assuming the aesthetics don’t bug you) a perfect first golf bag.

Out on the Course for a Club-by-Club Breakdown

Driver

Sean really liked the Play Series driver for its draw bias and found that it legitimately tamped down his wicked slice.

Me? I draw (often hook) the ball. And consequently, I’m not quite as psyched about this club. I did not hit it particularly well.

But for a beginner? It’s a 10.5-degree, simple, forgiving, confidence-inspiring-at-address driver. No adjustability here. No multi-material crown. No low-spin rocket launcher tech. Just a solid clubhead paired with a lightweight graphite shaft that does what it’s supposed to do: help you get the ball airborne and reasonably straight.

The distance is decent, launch is easy, and sound is more muted than metallic, which I prefer. You won’t be bragging about ball speed, but you won’t be dreading the tee shot either.

Fairway Woods and Hybrid

So you get a 3 wood and a 4 hybrid, which I think is a great combo for a beginner set. As you’d expect, the 3 wood is the tougher of the two to hit. But, relatively speaking, I actually found it pretty easy to get good results with a smooth, slower-tempo swing.

The 4 hybrid, in my opinion, is a star. Easy to launch, straight as anything, and versatile from the tee or turf.

If you’re a beginner, this might end up being your favorite club in the bag.

Irons (6-9, PW)

These stainless steel cavity backs are exactly what a newer golfer needs. Thick topline, generous sole width, and enough offset to help square the face. The steel shaft adds a nice bit of feedback and consistency you often don’t get in budget sets that go full graphite.

I actually really like these irons. No, they aren’t super buttery like a Mizuno. But they’re not clicky either. Good strikes feel stable, mishits don’t sting, and the distances are predictable.

Honestly, if these were your first irons when you got introduced to the game, you’d be playing clubs that are better than what Jack Nicklaus himself started with.

56-Degree Wedge

Basic but effective. There’s enough bounce to help you out of bunkers, and the wide sole keeps it friendly around the greens. Chances are, you won’t be opening it up for flop shots or trying to shape spinny pitches.

Putter

The same blade-style head from the original Stix lineup makes an appearance here, but with a few upgrades. The alignment aid is now a single, extended line (instead of the Stix logo), and the branding has been updated with Nicklaus details.

Performance-wise, it’s solid. The weight feels balanced, and it actually features a beautifully milled face. The roll is consistent.

Look, I’m not saying you’re going to throw your Scotty Cameron in the trash in favor of this thing. But, honestly, I could see even some seasoned golfers giving this putter a chance at winning a spot in their bag. It’s legit. Maybe even great, considering the price point.

Who These Clubs Are (and Aren’t) For

Let’s get this out of the way: the Nicklaus Collection is not for everyone.

That’s probably obvious. If you’re already carrying a single-digit handicap, working with a coach, or tweaking your swing path using a launch monitor, these probably aren’t the sticks for you. The Nicklaus set doesn’t have the workability or feedback an advanced player typically wants.

I see these clubs as right for the kind of golfer who’s buying a first or second set, doesn’t want to overthink gaps or shafts, plays a few times a month (or a few times a year), and just wants something that looks sharp, feels solid, and gets the ball in the air.

Because here’s the thing: If that’s you, you’re not going to find higher quality for a comparable price. You’re just not. Stix has got this beginner set thing on lockdown.

I’d also argue that there’s a pretty big sweet spot of potential buyers here. Parents buying for teenage kids. Partners buying a gift for a casual golfer. Retired folks getting back into the game. Golfers who are returning after a long layoff. I think a wide range of golfers would benefit from these.

I didn’t test the Nicklaus women’s version personally, but on paper, the same logic applies. What’s especially nice is that the women’s 10-club set includes two hybrids and two woods, which is exactly how most women’s sets should be built. More loft, more forgiveness, fewer long irons equals a smarter bag makeup.

Nicklaus vs. the Rest: Should You Buy ‘Em?

One of the biggest questions new golfers face is pretty simple: Where do I even start?

Do you go all-in with a set from a big brand like Callaway, TaylorMade, or Cobra, hoping to get that performance edge and long-term value?

Do you start scavenging through Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace trying to piece together something decent and affordable?

Or do you just keep it simple, grab a ready-to-roll setup like the Nicklus Collection, and hit the course?

It’s a real decision. And, personally, I think the Stix Nicklaus set is the right answer for most beginners.

The problem with the big-brand boxed beginner sets is that, well, they often pretty much suck. Yes, you get a full setup, plus a bag and headcovers. But the quality is suspect. A lot of them have that very “starter kit” vibe.

Then you’ve got the used market route. For golf nerds, it can be a goldmine. If you’ve got time, patience, and enough knowledge to know what to look for, you can piece together an amazing set. But it’s not easy. It takes digging. It takes research. And if you’re new to the game, trying to figure out loft gaps, shaft flex, and lie angles? It’s overwhelming.

And that’s what makes the Nicklaus Collection a pretty compelling third option. It doesn’t pretend to be a tour-level setup. But it offers legitimate quality and performance. Seriously. If a beginner knew any better, they’d be stoked to be playing clubs this good.

As for the look, that might end up being polarizing. Maybe you’ll love it. Maybe you’ll hate it. My advice: Don’t let that be the deciding factor.

First of all, these aren’t clubs you’re meant to own forever. It’s temporary and a good proving set to see if you’re even going to stick with this golf thing.

Secondly, you can always swap out headcovers (or skip them altogether).

The bottom line is that the look shouldn’t be such a big deal that it stops you from getting in on a good thing.

And honestly, if the Golden Bear is a turn off? Go back to the traditional Stix Clubs.

Circling back to where we started. I said earlier that this rebranding isn’t about performance upgrades. It’s about positioning. And I think that matters.

When you’re new to the game, confidence is everything. Standing over the ball with clubs that feel legitimate is a bigger deal than people may realize. Add the name Nicklaus to that equation, and you’re suddenly part of something that feels a little more legit.

No, Jack didn’t design these clubs. But if his name on the bag helps a beginner feel like they belong on the course, that’s worth something. That’s the power of positioning. And, overall, I think Stix got it right.

If I’m shopping for a beginner golfer, or I’m the beginner, I’m going with the Nickalus Collection. Stix is still tops to me in this corner of the golf club world.

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Stix is going for big-name recognition. Will it pay off?

8.8 Awesome

The Stix Nicklaus Collection is a smart rebrand of the best beginner set in golf. The Golden Bear aesthetics may be a little over the top for some, but the clubs continue to be fantastic. And if you're not a fan of Jack? You can always switch back to the traditional Stix sets.

The Good

1. Performance and build quality match or exceed beginner sets from the big brands
2. A ton of value for $699
3. Nicklaus name may add confidence for some beginners
4. Clean design and full-bag cohesion give it a polished, serious-golfer vibe

The Bad

1. Golden Bear branding might be a bit much for some
2. No customization options beyond left- or right-handed
3. The included bag and headcovers are functional but mid-tier in feel and durability

• Presentation 8
• Performance 9
• Features 9
• Price 9
• Personal Affinity 9