Must-Have Drivers For Beginner and High Handicap Golfers
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As a beginning or high handicap golfer, having the correct driver in your bag that suits your game is becoming increasingly vital. We know that years ago, you could start your golf career with hand-me-downs from your relatives; today, equipment matters. As a result, it is critical to have the appropriate driver in the golf bag from the start.
With so many alternatives on the market, it can be difficult to narrow down the best driver options for beginners and high handicappers. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top options on the market to help you take your game to the next level.
What to Look For When Choosing a Driver for Beginners and High Handicappers
Most golfers want to know how to filter down which golf drivers, high handicappers, and beginners to play with. There are a few distinct qualities that will assist the best golf drivers on the market to stand out.
Loft
For a beginner player or a higher handicapper, the loft should be no less than 10.5. Golf drivers with less than 10.5 degrees of the loft are too forgiving for higher handicap golfers. These drivers make it more difficult to hit the ball straight and keep it in a straight line.
Some beginner golf drivers have 12 to 15 degrees of loft, which is acceptable. However, if your golf driver has too much loft, you will eventually lose distance. Most novices will want to keep their gear in the 10.5 to 12-degree range.
Draw Bias/Offset
A slice is the most typical mistake made by a beginner golfer or a high handicapper. The slice is tough to recover from because it tends to drift off fairly far to the right. Golf drivers that are deemed a draw bias model or have offset to them will be considerably more forgiving and better for the younger golfer.
The draw bias driver aids in closing the clubface just enough to hit the ball solidly and straightly. Offset technology functions similarly to draw bias in that it assists golfers in closing the club face down at impact and hitting the golf ball straight.
Shaft
The shaft you choose for your new golf driver is an important factor. The golf shaft must be flexible enough to allow you to release it and hit a long drive while still allowing you to manage your shots.
When they initially start using a golf driver, most players will require something like a normal graphite shaft. When the club head speed exceeds 100 mph, a stiff shaft is a better fit.
It can make a lot of sense to get a golf shaft fitted before purchasing a new golf driver.
Material
A variety of materials are utilized in the manufacturing of clubheads, and the price and performance of your driver are affected by them. Initially, the majority of driver heads were made of stainless steel. This is still a popular option for new drivers because it is inexpensive and lasts indefinitely.
The disadvantage of stainless steel drivers is that they are less forgiving. Look for clubheads constructed of composite alloys if you want a more forgiving club head at a reasonable price. Titanium clubheads offer the best performance at the most expensive price. If you are prepared to pay the price, beginners and high handicap golfers will benefit from the forgiveness titanium heads provide.
Adjustability
Choosing a driver with too many incredibly customizable choices can confuse you and divert your attention away from the fundamentals of getting the ball off the tee and into the fairway.
Top 5 Drivers for Beginner and High Handicap Golfers
AT A GLANCE – THE TOP 5 DRIVERS FOR BEGINNER & HIGH HANDICAP GOLFERS (SEE ON AMAZON) | |
1. TOP PICK: TaylorMade SiM 2 Max D Driver | |
 | SPECIFICATIONS ⛳️ New Forged Ring Construction. Forged from a lightweight and high-strength aluminum that is milled to an exacting shape, it unites a massive rear weight, a full carbon sole, crown, and a new milled back cup face.
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
The new TaylorMade SIM 2 Max D Driver provides everything players who are new to the game or have a higher handicap need to succeed. TaylorMade is the manufacturer to pick if you want power and distance. Golfers with slower swing rates can employ this TaylorMade technology to hit the ball far further than they are accustomed to.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“I've used many drivers before, always searching for a good driver! I tried the Sim Max D & just loved it, it helped straighten my natural slice and I'm hitting longer on my drives. I think now this driver will be in my bag for a long, long time!!” | |
PROS ✅ Excellent ball speed
| CONS ❌ The new release is priced higher than other options |
 | SPECIFICATIONS ⛳️ Superlight Design: Advanced materials and simplified construction result in a head weight of just 192g, allowing for greater ball speeds and maximum distance off the tee.
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
A driver is frequently the most expensive club in a golf bag. People are willing to spend close to $600 to acquire the technology they require for their golf driver and the distance they require to succeed. The Wilson Staff D7 is one of the most affordable drivers for first-time golfers and high handicappers.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“I'm 62 and a disabled combat veteran, so I don't have the club head speed I used to have, averaging 200-205 yards off the tee before buying this driver. It's super light, one of the lightest on the market, and esthetically pleasing to the eye. I started crushing my drives, relative to previous drivers, right out of the box and have added 15-20 yards to my drives (averaging 215-220 yards). At $300, it is at least $200 less than most of the top drivers of 2019, making it a terrific value. The game is much more enjoyable and I can reach more greens in regulation since purchasing the Wilson Staff D7 driver.
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PROS ✅ High quality and impressive materials for a fairly priced driver
| CONS ❌ Ball speed will decrease than other top golf drivers |
 | SPECIFICATIONS ⛳️ Epic MAX uses Artificial Intelligence to engineer a NEW formula for speed in our most forgiving Epic driver ever.
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
If money is no object and you just want the best technology that golf has to offer, the Callaway Epic Max Driver is the best premium driver for beginners and high handicappers. Because of the artificial intelligence used to design this new driver, it is one of the most forgiving Callaway has ever introduced to the market.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“This is a great driver. It allows you to shape your shot especially if you are prone to slice the ball. You will need to practice with the adjustable slide weight to dial in your control. I love the fact that you can change the degree of loft and add a draw to this driver. With so many new drivers coming on the market I highly recommend this driver to anyone, especially for the price.” | |
PROS ✅ Great artificial intelligence to position the center of gravity
| CONS ❌ It is a little tricky to set the driver up initially and get the perfect fitting |
 | SPECIFICATIONS ⛳️ The Big Bertha B-21 Driver is designed for distance any way you swing it.
⛳️ This face architecture requires extremely strong materials that are lighter and stronger than traditional titanium to promote optimal speed, forgiveness, and spin characteristics.
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
The Callaway Big Bertha B21 golf driver is the most forgiving golf driver for beginners and high handicappers. The B21's advantage is that it was designed exclusively for this player. At no time does Callaway imply that this is a players club or that it is workable; everything about the B21 is designed for forgiveness. Callaway has again used artificial intelligence to ensure that the golf driver has plenty of speed from the Flash Face technology and some of the lowest spins on the market. A beginner's driver with low spin will help to ensure that the ball does not travel too far right or left of the target line. Overall, the appearance and feel of the club will appeal to the higher handicapped golfer. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“This driver is incredible. My husband has always had a slice. With this club he hits straight. Unbelievable. I would highly recommend it.”
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PROS ✅ The internal draw bias weight can help players hit the ball straight
| CONS ❌ Not as much adjustability |
 | SPECIFICATIONS ⛳️ Radial Weighting Technology-Radial Weighting is the strategic placement of weight relative to the CG to optimize speed, forgiveness, and flight direction
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
The Cobra King Radspped XD Driver is the greatest adjustable driver for beginners and high handicappers. The amazing thing about this club's adjustability is that you will get a lot of bang for your buck. As a beginning player, your swing will alter frequently; having a club that can modify with you as your game evolves would only help your game development.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“I needed to replace my 15 years old Taylor Made draw driver. I first tried a Tour Edge driver but I was slicing. I returned it and bought this driver and boom! I was hitting straight and further!”
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PROS ✅ Large sweet spot
| CONS ❌ The shape takes a bit to get used to |
Final Thoughts
High handicap players are spoiled for choice with offset drivers that are ideal for all swing speeds and drivers that will provide the extra distance for golfers who do not struggle with a slice.
There are numerous possibilities, and drivers are of such high quality that an investment made early in your golfing career may be used for a long time.
All of the divers evaluated serve a certain group of players, and your swing and circumstances will determine your final choice. Choose wisely and make sure that the driver will help you in your most tough swing in your golf game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good driver distance for beginners and high handicappers?
If a beginner can hit a driver more than 200 yards, they are well on their way to a successful future in golf. Players that can get to this 200-yard mark will have shorter approaches into the hole and will have an easier time scoring. As a newbie, be sure you’re using the right tees.
What is the easiest driver to hit for beginners and high handicappers?
Most people regard the Callaway Big Bertha B21 to be the easiest driver to hit. With a club like this in the rotation, it’s difficult to go wrong. The clubface is big, it is a lightweight golf driver, and you will have no issue attaining the swing speed you require.
Should I use a driver as a beginner or a high handicapper?
It is a good idea for a new golfer to learn to use a driver. Many people will tell you that the driver is difficult and that you can get away with fairway woods for a spell. Although this is true, it is best to understand how to correctly hit a driver. You will have to make it work at some time.
What drivers are best for novices and high handicappers?
Golf drivers with a draw bias, a lightweight club head, and a large sweet spot are the best for novices. Any of the solutions on my list will have all of these features to help make the process of getting off the tee box a lot easier.
