Cougar Hybrid Cat boxed set

Cougar Hybrid wood and iron

Price: £295 (includes options of graphite-shafted driver and fairway metal, eight steel-shafted irons, two graphite rescue clubs, head covers and carry bag)

If you’re looking for great value for money from a boxed set of clubs for a new golfer – Cougar Golf will be coming roaring to your aid next March.

The brand is making a comeback into the UK golf market with a package of quality as well as quantity.

Not only do you get eight playable irons (from 5- to lob wedge) for under 300 quid, there’s a titanium driver and 3-wood, two rescue clubs, a mallet putter and a carry bag. The women’s set even includes a trolley.

I tried a handful of samples from the Hybrid package, and found the irons a strong starter set with a confidence-inspiring head at address. The 10.5 degree driver with its distinctive black graphite shaft delivered a powerful launch angle.

As for the 21-degree rescue club, I tried, it closely resembled the all-conquering TaylorMade Rescue Mid in looks and will no doubt be a novel addition to the bag of a new golfer.

Cougar appear to be on a winner with their Hybrid package - 12 solid-looking clubs and a bag for as much as you’ll pay for a top brand driver seems a good deal to me.