GOLF DRIVERS

A new golf driver won't automatically fix problems in your technique, but the right one can make a real difference. Draw-biased drivers are specifically designed to help square the clubface at impact, which can take the edge off a severe slice. High MOI (Moment of Inertia) drivers are also worth considering. A high MOI reduces the amount the clubhead twists on off-centre hits, helping to keep wayward shots straighter and more playable. Some manufacturers rate MOI above 9,000 g/cm², which gives you a sense of just how much technology goes into keeping mishits honest. A new driver won't cure a poor swing, but it can certainly make it more forgiving.

It depends on your swing speed, but there's more to it than most golfers realise. Driver lofts typically range from around 8 degrees up to 13.5 degrees, with 9 degrees and 10.5 degrees being the most popular options. As a general rule, the slower your swing speed, the more loft you'll benefit from. Higher lofts, typically in the 10.5 to 12 degree range, launch the ball higher and reduce side spin, which tends to produce a straighter flight and is a good fit for beginners and higher handicappers. Better ball strikers with faster swing speeds often prefer lower lofts to keep the ball flight penetrating and controllable. The good news is that many modern drivers come with adjustable loft settings, so you can fine-tune your setup after purchase rather than being locked into a fixed loft from the moment you buy.

Shaft flex has a bigger impact on ball flight than most golfers give it credit for. The options typically run from Ladies and Senior through to Regular, Stiff, and Extra Stiff, with the right choice coming down to your swing speed. Golfers with moderate swing speeds generally get on best with a Regular or Senior flex, while faster swingers tend to need Stiff or Extra Stiff to keep the ball flight under control. It's also worth paying attention to shaft weight. Lighter shafts in the 50 to 60 gram range can help generate more clubhead speed, which translates directly into distance. Driver shafts typically measure between 44 and 46 inches, with a longer shaft producing higher clubhead speed but sometimes at the cost of control. If you're unsure where to start, a custom fitting is the most reliable way to find the right combination of flex, weight, and length for your game.

If you're a high handicapper, forgiveness should be your number one priority when choosing a driver. Look for a 460cc clubhead, the maximum size permitted under the rules of golf, as the larger head offers a bigger sweet spot and more stability through impact. A high MOI rating is equally important, as it limits the amount the clubhead twists when you catch the ball off-centre, keeping mishits more playable. Higher lofts in the 10.5 to 12 degree range are also a solid choice, as they help launch the ball higher and reduce the side spin that causes hooks and slices. Pair all of that with a lighter, more flexible shaft, and you've got a setup that gives you the best possible chance of hitting it well, even when your swing isn't quite right.