The driver is one of the most difficult clubs for beginners to master.
They have the longest shafts, are swung at high speeds, and should send the ball further than any other club in your golf bag.
If you’re a high handicap golfer or beginner, it’s not uncommon to see your first tee shot sail off into the trees or rough. However, there are several things to look out for when choosing a golf driver that will help you to lower your scores.
Let’s take a look at what makes a good driver for high handicappers and beginners. We’ll also share some of our top picks, allowing you to purchase the very best for your game and performance needs.
Best driver for beginners
If you struggle to hit the centre of the clubface, like most high handicap players (and some of the best golfers in the world), it’s worth opting for a forgiving golf club.
Why? Well, a driver that offers forgiveness will prevent off-centre hits from going catastrophically wrong. That means you’ll spend less time fetching your ball from out of bounds!
For the most part, golf club manufacturers achieve maximum forgiveness by using larger driver heads. However, strategically placing weights around the clubhead and giving the club a higher Moment of Inertia (MOI) can also help to make it more forgiving.
If you’re looking to improve your accuracy on the green, consider a driver with a high MOI and adjustable weights to alter the spin and flight characteristics. If you’re keen to achieve more distance, a low-spinning driver is ideal and will ensure the ball doesn’t balloon too much.
Something else to bear in mind when choosing a driver is the launch. Most high handicap players and beginners need to keep the ball in the air for longer, which means, a model that produces a high launch is favourable. The best drivers for beginners will have a higher loft or a lighter, more flexible shaft.
4 of the best drivers for high handicappers
1. Ping G425 Max
Both powerful and ultra-forgiving, the Ping G425 Max driver is an excellent choice for high handicap players and anyone new to golf.
Ping has implemented a new 26-gram tungsten movable weight (called a CG shifter). This weight can be secured in a neutral, draw or fade setting, influencing forgiveness and shot shape.
If you’re guilty of slicing the ball, the G425 SFT may be a better option for you – it’s the ultimate slice buster and will help you to stay clear of the right-hand rough.
2. Titleist TSi2
The Titleist TSi2 driver is one of the best drivers for high handicappers.
Boasting a new crown shape, it effectively reduces aerodynamic drag by up to 15% when compared to preceding models, helping to increase clubhead speed.
Aside from helping you to achieve higher ball flight with low spin, Titleist has significantly improved the look and feel of their TSi2 driver.
3. TaylorMade Stealth HD
For many years now, TaylorMade has been introducing new technologies to help golfers unlock more distance off the tee – and the 2022 Stealth line-up is certainly no exception.
If you tend to slice the ball, the TaylorMade Stealth HD driver is a fantastic option. This draw-bias driver helps to promote a draw shape without sacrificing forgiveness. And the weight savings from the carbon fibre face maintain a draw-bias whilst creating a high MOI.
4. Callaway Epic Max LS
The Callaway Epic Max LS is one of the most adjustable drivers available, making it perfect for high handicap players and beginners looking to shave strokes off their scores.
The Callaway driver has an aerodynamic design and balanced weighting, which promotes faster swing speeds. To enhance this even further, the Epic Max LS driver features the new Jailbreak Speed Frame.
Need an expert opinion?
Here at Clarkes’ Golf Centre, we are continually updating our stock to ensure we provide the best drivers for beginners and high handicappers, low handicappers, scratch golfers and everyone in between.
Our team is always on hand to guide and advise you in making the right selection. So, why not give us a call on 01744 419 914? You can also email admin@clarkesgolf.co.uk or complete our online enquiry form, and we’ll get back to you with more information.
Alternatively, you could arrange a custom fitting. This will allow us to analyse your swing using launch monitor technology and recommend the most suitable driver for your game.
