In golf, few feelings compare with crushing the golf ball off the tee with the most force possible, breaking our personal best distances. If you’ve been playing for a while, chances are you have a driver that you know and trust to deliver yardages that get you to the green in good time.
But golf is a constantly evolving sport, with new innovations emerging virtually every year. Specifically, the club that seems to receive the most attention when it comes to upgrades is the humble golf driver.
With this in mind, what is the top-rated driver for distance? And what distances can players expect from each?
If you’re on the hunt for a new driver because your current big stick is letting you down, or if you just feel like trying something new over your previous model to gain some extra yards, Clarkes Golf has you covered. Keep reading to learn more.
Current Contenders for Longest Golf Driver
Looking for the driver that has the potential to deliver the longest drives of your life? Here are a few of the most popular drivers for you to consider:
TaylorMade Qi35 LS
Average Carry Distance (High Swing Speeds): 290-300 yards
Generally, low-spinning drivers are a great choice for players who want to maximise their first-shot potential. This is because the reduced spin on the ball equates to higher distances - making the TaylorMade Qi35 a top pick.
Designed with optimum swing speed in mind, it’s no wonder those with higher swing speeds can enjoy significantly longer drives than usual with this club, while those with slower-than-average swing speeds can elevate their yardages beyond the norm.
A multi-material construction in the head not only allows this driver to save weight, adding to its power capabilities, but precise material placement also encourages greater energy transfer on clean hits, letting the ball cruise off the tee like a rocket.
Titleist GT3
Average Carry Distance (High Swing Speeds): 260-290 yards
If you’re a more experienced player, adjustability is likely something you value in your clubs. Which is why you’ll feel right at home with the Titleist GT3 adjustable driver in your hands.
With adjustable weights on the underside of the club head, you can shift the club’s centre of gravity to five distinct points to favour draw or fade. Alternatively, you can use this ingenious tech to change the club’s performance to match a specific part of the clubface; ideal if you want to hit awesome shots, but you’re prone to catching the ball slightly off centre.
Speaking of which, the Speed Ring VFT Face helps shots maintain accuracy and distance, even if you catch the ball around the edges of the face as so many of us do.
But from a distance perspective, the star of the show might be the seamless thoroughform crown that slashes the weight of the club significantly, letting you gain even more speed and force on your follow-through.
PING G440 LST
Average Carry Distance (High Swing Speeds): 280-290 yards
Another low-spin model entry to our list, there’s a reason so many amateurs and pros have been reaching for the PING G440 LST Driver in recent months.
Along with specialising in low-spin, penetrating ball flight, the G440 LST also features exceptional forgiveness, helping you keep your shots in line with the target without sacrificing distance - even if your strike wasn’t as smooth as you’d have liked.
The compact 445cc head is noticeably smaller than the MAX entry in the G440 family with an aerodynamic design, but don’t let that put you off - the more restrained clubhead size is a key factor as to how you can enjoy some seriously fast swing speeds (and greater power) with this club.
Along with the CarbonFly Wrap Crown, of course, which reduces the overall weight of the club, equating to even greater swing speeds and impressive ball speeds.
Add to this the fact that it produces the iconic, pleasing ‘Ping’ sound with each strike, and this forgiving driver is both a practical and audible delight.
Pick Up the Best Driver for Distance from Clarkes Golf
Of course, in the hands of top professionals on the PGA Tour, some of these golf clubs could easily clear 300 yards regularly. But there's plenty to be admired by the average golfer, too. So if you’re ready to take the next step in your drives and enjoy the most distance you've ever had in your game, one of the above drivers is a great place to start.
Take a look at each club in detail via the links above, or get in touch with a member of the Clarkes Golf team for more product-specific info and buying advice.