Best Drivers for Beginners

Whether your new to the game or you’ve been playing for years, choosing the right golf clubs can be a daunting task. Depending on your skill level and monetary situation, you are making an investment into something that could potentially last you for years to come and not necessarily just the best driver for beginners.

Below we’ll highlight a few drivers that we believe are the best drivers for beginners for those just starting out and try to explain the benefits of each for those that may be new to the terminology associated with the great game of golf.

Top Drivers for New Golfers

Here are a few of the best drivers on the market for new golfers to start with.

Callaway Maverick

The Callaway Maverick is a great choice for beginners looking for a well-made driver from a well-known golf company.

The precision-forged face is strong, thin and is designed to maximize ball speed across the clubface. It offers a high MOI (Moment of Inertia) and lots of forgiveness.

The club uses Callaway’s Flash Face technology which in turns helps you get more distance and ball speed after impact. While Callaway’s Jailbreak Technology also assists in increases to ball speeds.

Additionally, the Maverick’s adjustable hosel (socket on the club head) and allows golfers to adjust the loft and lie to produce the optimal launch.

For beginners, this driver is an ideal choice to help them achieve improved launch and distance while still maintaining ball speed on off-center hits.

Price Check: Dick Sporting Good’s | WorldWideGolf Shops | Amazon | Global Golf

TaylorMade Sim 2 Max Driver Review

Another great driver to choose from is the TaylorMade Sim 2 Max driver because it provides exceptional all-around performance. It is lightweight, aerodynamic and offers both maximum forgiveness and launch off the face.

Its carbon crown and base along with a lightweight and high strength aluminum ring, make this driver incredibly light. Which it turn helps to reduce drag for higher ball speeds and greater distance.

It also features Taylormade’s Twist Face technology which was designed with a corrective face angle for those hits that may land of center. Which in turns helps to produce a straighter shot off the tee.

For you out there who struggle with dreaded slice, take a look at the Max D option. This has all the characteristics of the Sim2 but is built for those wanting a draw biased driver.

Therefore, the TaylorMade Sim 2 Max driver makes an excellent choice for beginners.

Price Check: Dick Sporting Good’s | WorldWideGolf Shops | Amazon | Global Golf

Wilson Staff Launch Pad 2 Driver

The Wilson Staff Launch 2 Pad Driver is another excellent choice for beginners as it offers several features that make it easier to use.

First, its sleek and rounded design helps to cut through the air without too much drag, allowing golfers to increase their swing speed and generate more distance.

Wilson added a unique sole design with heel weighting to help in creating a natural draw bias, reducing the penalty of hitting a slice.

This club also offers a very forgiving face and a loud impact sound, which could make the game more enjoyable for new golfers.

Furthermore, with its low price point, it is an affordable option for beginners.

All these features make the Wilson Staff Launch Pad 2 Driver a great option for beginners looking for a driver that is easy to use and provides an enjoyable golfing experience.

Price Check: WorldWideGolf Shops | Amazon | Global Golf

PXG 2022 0211 Driver

The PXG 2022 0211 driver is a great option for beginner golfers looking for performance from relatively new company (9 years) that produces quality clubs.

It features several advanced technologies such as robotic polishing (helping for ideal ball flight), a Ti 412 high speed face which creates increased ball speeds. , variable face thickness, and high modal optimization, all of which are designed to improve performance and forgiveness.

It has a solid design with an adjustable hosel to alter the loft and lie of the clubface and a railed sole geometry to increase acoustics, stability and MOI.

Overall, the PXG 2022 0211 driver offers outstanding value for money, a big distance, and an extremely forgiving experience.

It’s perfect for beginners and golfers who want to take their game to the next level.

Srixon ZX5 Driver

The Srixon ZX5 driver is a great choice for beginners due to its versatile performance, effortless feel, and plenty of adjustability.

Its Rebound Frame technology adds a second layer of flexibility (in addition to the face) for even more recoil at impact.

The Carbon Crown is 15% larger than previous models and shifts the CG low for increased MOI and forgiveness.

Additionally, the Sole Weight adds stability and launch and the Adjustable Hosel offers 12 combinations of loft, lie and face angle, allowing for customization and custom options.

The stock grip is a Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360, which is designed for comfort and ease of use.

All of these features make the Srixon ZX5 driver a great choice for beginners who are just getting into the sport of golf.

Price Check: Dick Sporting Good’s | WorldWideGolf Shops | Amazon | Global Golf

Cobra Golf Radspeed Driver

The Cobra Radspeed Driver is an excellent driver for beginners due to its blend of forgiveness and distance.

The driver head includes two additional weights that provide low spin and some of Cobra Golf’s fastest ball speeds.

Additionally, the Radspeed driver comes with adjustable settings that allow you to tweak the loft and encourage a draw or maintain a more neutral ball flight.

With the ability to adjust the loft, this driver is great for beginners as it can be tailored to their specific needs.

The thin-ply carbon wrap is 30% thinner which in turn helps to improve performance.

The Cobra Gold Radspeed Driver is an ideal choice for beginners due to its adaptability, forgiveness and distance.

Price Check: Dick Sporting Good’s | WorldWideGolf Shops | Amazon | Global Golf

Callaway Rogue ST MAX D Driver

The Callaway Rogue ST MAX D Driver is an excellent driver for beginners because it features a high draw bias, high MOI, more upright lie, reduced face progression and a stretched profile.

This combination of features makes it much easier to hit off-center shots towards the toe and still get great distance and accuracy.

The driver is also very forgiving, has a nice sound and feel on impact and looks great.

Additionally, it features an adjustable hosel to switch the clubface lie angle and loft, and a 20-gram tungsten speed cartridge that helps to deflate the CG for a towering launch and increased stability.

And with 96% of reviewers recommending this driver and plenty of deals available online, it’s no surprise that the Callaway Rogue ST MAX D Driver is such a popular choice for beginners.

Price Check: Dick Sporting Good’s | WorldWideGolf Shops | Amazon | Global Golf

Cobra LTD X Max Driver

The Cobra LTD X Max Driver is great for beginners because it offers a combination of power, speed and adjustability.

The dual-weight design produces a draw bias to help fight against slices, an issue that many novice golfers struggle with.

The oversized head and wide face provide increased forgiveness on off-center strikes and the milled face helps keep the ball on the target line.

The adjustable weights allow golfers to customize the draw bias as they improve their game.

Overall, the Cobra LTD X Max Driver is a great option for beginners due to its combination of power, speed, forgiveness, and adjustability.

Price Check: Dick Sporting Good’s | WorldWideGolf Shops | Amazon | Global Golf

How to choose the best drivers for beginners?

– Starting out you should look for a driver that is highly forgiving and easy to swing with good all-around performance. 

Mid-handicappers and low-handicappers should look for a driver that has game-improvement technology, like adjustable weights and a larger sweet spot.

– Consider your budget. 

If you have a healthy budget, you may want to invest in a premium-quality driver that will help you get down to a mid-handicapper level. 

Alternatively, you can go for a simpler driver that is more budget-friendly for casual beginners.

– Choose a driver that best matches your swing speed. 

Physically trying out the driver is less important at this stage, since you are still ironing out the kinks in your swing. Look for a driver with the appropriate loft and a shaft that fits your swing speed.

– Research the different drivers available. 

Check out Infographics and detailed looks at each driver to learn as much as possible about them and narrow down your options.

– Ask for advice from more experienced golfers. 

If you know someone who is at a higher skill level than you, they can give you advice and help you pick the right driver.

– After you have made your selection, take the time to adjust the driver to your liking. 

Most drivers feature adjustable options such as adjustable lofts, weights, and lie angles. These can all be tweaked to best suit your swing.

By following these steps, you can determine your needs and appropriately choose a driver that suits your game. Remember to do your research and take your budget into account when selecting a driver, as this can help you get the best value for your money.

FAQ

What considerations should a beginner golfer take into account when selecting a driver?

When selecting a driver as a beginner golfer, there are several considerations to take into account. 

First, the driver should be forgiving with a large sweet spot, offset, and a low center of gravity to reduce the impact of off-center hits. 

Additionally, it should have a lightweight and flexible shaft to match the beginner’s swing speed. Some degree of adjustability can also be beneficial as the player’s skills improve. 

It’s also important to look for a clubhead size of 460cc, as this is the maximum allowable size according to golf rules. 

Finally, it’s essential to evaluate the manufacturer’s claims in order to make an informed decision.

What is the benefit of a higher loft driver?

The benefit of a higher loft driver for beginners is twofold. 

First, it can help you hit the ball farther by providing more time in the air and more distance. 

Second, a higher loft can counteract sidespin, resulting in fewer lost balls and higher scores. With a higher loft driver, you will also get increased backspin and a greater launch angle, making it easier to get the ball airborne. 

Additionally, beginners should look for drivers with a minimum of 12 degrees of loft and adjustable hosel, which will allow them to weaken the loft if they require more launch. 

The ability to adjust the loft of a driver can be a great help to a beginner golfer, allowing them to find the right loft for their swing speed and skill level.

What is the difference between a club shaft and a driver shaft?

A club shaft and a driver shaft are two distinct components of a golfer’s equipment. A club shaft is the more general term and refers to the shaft in a golf club, the long, hollow tube that connects the club head to the grip. 

A driver shaft is a specific type of club shaft, one that is specifically designed for use with a driver (the longest club in a golfer’s bag).

In terms of design, club shafts and driver shafts differ in several ways.

 Drivers have larger club heads, different sweet spots and centers of gravity, longer shafts, and lower lofts than fairway woods. 

This makes them useful for teeing off, as the larger club head and lower launch angle allows the golfer to hit the ball further. 

Driver shafts are designed to flex more easily than club shafts, allowing the golfer to release the club head quickly and still have enough control to hit a long drive.

When choosing a driver shaft, two main factors should be taken into consideration: weight and flex. 

Weight affects how difficult the club is to swing, while the flex will depend largely on the golfer’s swing speed. Generally, slower swing speeds should use a shaft with more flex while a faster swing should use a stiffer shaft.

Finally, it is important to have a fitting done before purchasing a new golf driver. This can help ensure that the shaft is a good match for the golfer’s swing and will give them the best chance of hitting long, accurate drives.

How can a beginner golfer choose the right shaft flex for their driver?

Choosing the right shaft flex for your driver can be difficult for beginner golfers, so it is important to understand the basics and do a little testing before selecting the perfect one.

As an example, if you have an average swing speed and are looking for a driver that makes the game less of a struggle, you should consider a Driver with a Regular Graphite Shaft. 

This shaft is typically a good fit for most beginner golfers, providing the necessary flex and weight for accurate shots without excessive launch and spin.

In the end, the right shaft flex for your driver is highly personal and should be tailored to your specific swing speed and preferences. With time and testing, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit.

How does a clubhead design affect the performance of a driver?

A clubhead design has a significant impact on the performance of a driver. The larger the clubhead size, the more surface area for contact on off-center shots, resulting in improved forgiveness and accuracy. 

Additionally, a larger size also increases the coefficient of restitution, or COR, which is a measure of how much energy is transferred from the club to the ball at impact, resulting in greater ball speed and potentially more distance. 

A driver with a lighter material also helps generate higher swing speed and distance, as well as larger sweet spots. 

Lastly, an adjustable hosel with movable sole weights can help fine-tune the loft, lie and stability, giving golfers more control over the performance of their driver.

What is the importance of loft angle when choosing a driver?

The importance of loft angle when choosing a driver cannot be overstated, especially for beginners and high handicappers. 

A higher loft angle usually increases distance and reduces side spin, improving the chances of a successful drive. 

Drivers with adjustable hosel features are great for beginners who are still mastering their swing, as they can fine-tune the loft angle to suit their swing speed. 

A higher loft angle is generally easier to hit than a lower one and is beneficial for beginners as it helps get the ball in the air. 

The best loft for a beginners driver is 10.5, with an adjustable club allowing a variation of up to two degrees. 

Ultimately, the loft angle of a driver can make a huge difference to the performance of a golfer, so it should be carefully considered when selecting a club.

What is the difference between a stock shaft and an aftermarket shaft?

The main difference between a stock shaft and an aftermarket shaft is the amount of customization available. 

Stock shafts are preinstalled in the driver and come in a few different flexes that typically appeal to a wide range of golfers. 

Stock shafts are traditionally more affordable than aftermarket shafts, and they offer a good starting point for golfers who are just starting out. 

Stock shafts are usually good for the beginner golfer who is trying to ease into the game, as they are usually lighter and easier to swing.

When selecting from the best driver for beginners, it is important to pay attention to the stock shaft that comes with the driver as well as any upgrades available at no extra charge.

 Experienced players with fast swings can take advantage of the stiffest shafts, while the beginner player is more likely to have a slower swing and would benefit from either a regular or senior/light flex shaft.

In contrast, aftermarket shafts allow the golfer to customize their driver shaft to their specific swing speed and the type of ball flight they want. Aftermarket shafts typically come with more options and can be more expensive. However, they also provide more control over the launch, spin, and feel of the driver.

Ultimately, the choice between a stock shaft and an aftermarket shaft comes down to the golfer’s budget and preferences. 

Stock shafts offer a good starting point for beginner golfers and can provide the necessary performance to get started. 

Aftermarket shafts, on the other hand, provide more personalization for experienced golfers who want to tweak their performance.