The pitch:

Hitting the links this summer? If it’s time to retire that old set of clubs, Honma, a high-end Japanese manufacturer of golf gear, has quite the proposition: A bag’s worth of clubs (14 in all — woods, irons and more) from its top-of-the-line “five star” series. And it indeed comes with that top-of-the-line $75,000 price — or the same amount as the initiation fee into many good country clubs.

The $75,000 set of golf clubs

Honma, a 54-year-old company, describes the clubs as the work of golf “artisans.” The company says more than 100 craftsmen are involved in the production of each piece. Some are busy polishing club heads to exact specifications — as Honma says on its website, variations of 1/100th of a millimeter “can make all the difference” in terms of how they affect a golfer’s performance. Others craft shafts by hand-winding carbon fabric around an iron core. The idea is to deliver a club that reflects a certain grace and elegance, but that is also capable of providing a powerful swing. As Travel & Leisure magazine described company founder Hiro Honma’s goal: “He wanted his customers to blister the ball.”

The clubs are made to order (expect about an eight-week turnaround time). And they’re decorated with pricier materials, including platinum and 24-karat gold. The five-star series’ fans include such boldface names as Donald Trump, Danny DeVito, Jack Nicholson and Marc Anthony. Trump has said of the clubs: “I think they’re great. I find they play very, very well. They’re very beautiful clubs, nicer than any I’ve seen.”

The reality:

Few pros dispute the fact that Honma makes some serious — and seriously beautiful — clubs. But they also say that a great set can be had from other manufacturers for much, much less. Robert Passarelli, a PGA professional based with national retailer Golf Galaxy in its Delaware location, says $1,300 to $2,300 is the sweet spot for a well-made set — typically clubs that are forged (meaning the steel is shaped by hand) rather than cast (meaning a mold is used). Some pros say a cheaper cast club is just as good, especially for novices. As for manufacturers, pros and retailers mention a variety of worthy names competing at that price point, including Callaway, Nike, Ping, Titleist and TaylorMade.

A few other factors to keep in mind: While 14 clubs is the maximum that’s typically allowed in play, Passarelli says most players can get away with a smaller number. And just as important: Since every player is different — both in terms of their preferences and physical size — a fitting is generally considered necessary when picking clubs. (In other words, it may not be wise to buy dad a set for Father’s Day without letting him do the actual shopping.) And finally, since golf manufacturers are always releasing new models of clubs, a good way to save is to go with — you guessed it — last year’s model. Discounts on unused older sets can run as high as $500, says Kerry Kabase, vice president of purchasing with Edwin Watts Golf, a national retailer. “I think a golfer can walk out with a real nice set for $799,” he says.

But what about that $75,000 Honma set? Well, even those connected with the brand concede it might be overkill, since the five-star series is much more about the bling factor than anything else. “A lot of it is status,” says Chris Lannom, whose Raleigh, N.C.-based Premier Golf serves as Honma’s American distributor. “Players might be a 25 handicap, but if they have these clubs, they show up looking good.” Perhaps more to the point: Lower-priced Honma sets that still deliver the power and finesse can be had for $6,000. In fact, Edwin Watts carries such a “base-level” set. “The engineering of these clubs is unbelievable,” says Kabase. But if you still want a piece of five-star glory, a single club in that top-of-the-line series can be had for $5,400. Either way, be prepared to pay extra for a golf bag: Honma sells a top-of-the-line one of those as well — for $8,000.

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