Golf Drivers are all about the distance and power of a shot, fine-tuning trajectory and achieving excellent accuracy on the greens. Good knowledge of golf drivers will help improve player performance, while understanding loft and shafts can also add more experience to a players’ performance.
This buying guide to golf drivers has everything a player should know about getting the best possible return from their game when using the driver in their bag.
Getting to grips with driver design, size & weight
Some golf drivers are larger than others. Many brands adhere to the USGA’s legal clubhead volume (460cc), but always check to make sure the golf club is game-worthy before hitting the greens. The larger the head size, the larger “sweet spot” there will be to promote improved consistency. Smaller driver heads come in around 380cc-410cc and allow for better players with greater swing control to achieve repeatable hits.
The weight of club drivers also changes much less frequently between brands as the head size. Internal and external weighting helps golfers hit a fade or draw, while also helping to adjust golf ball flight for higher or lower performances. Whether the player prefers weight screws, lightweight carbon crowns or a unique head shape, there’s a high-performance driver out there for everyone which matches their needs.
Handicaps
This section is about choosing golf drivers who match the handicap of the player. For golfers who are absolute pros on the greens, a low handicap is ideal, whereas, for the mid-range player, a mid-handicap is preferred. For golfers just starting, high-handicap drivers should be all that is recommended, as these offer most forgiveness on off-hit shots.
High-Handicap/Beginner Drivers
For those who like to play at a higher handicap or newer golfers, there are a plethora of golf drivers available to suit their needs.
The Benross Delta X Driver combines power and stability, for maximum energy transfer at impact. Its large 460cc head combined with an 8g weight positioned at the back of the sole gives an optimum CG position. All for extra distance and a high MOI for extra forgiveness. The Benross Aero X Driver utilises an ultra lightweight and aerodynamic 460cc head construction to generate increased distance performance. The Wilson Staff Launch Pad Driver is packed with innovative tech for effortless straight distance. It delivers higher ball speed and improved launch angles, to improve your driver performance.
Mid/High Handicap & Game Improvement Drivers
Most of the same rules which apply to high handicap golfers also apply with mid/high handicaps, too. Playing at this level, it is a good idea to try reducing forgiveness and increasing performance. Golfers who play within the mid-handicap bracket often opt for less loft and stiffer shafts to increase speed on all shots. It is also now commonplace for golfers to use drivers which offer adjustability to give greater success on more shots.
Some of the best mid and mid-high handicap golf drivers which make the perfect step up from high handicap models include the Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220 Driver, Wilson Staff D9 Driver and Honma XP-1 Driver.
Low-Handicap Drivers
Low handicap golfers will benefit more by opting for a wider variety of shaft/head options, including matching their current swing speed, golf ball speed and launch condition. Most top golf brands create golf drivers with compact, workable heads, and these will undoubtedly help enhance a game, so should be considered when purchasing drivers.
Some very good low-handicap drivers include the TaylorMade SIM2 Driver, Callaway Epic Speed Driver, Cobra RADSPEED Driver and PING G425 MAX Driver.
We stock a huge range of golf drivers at American Golf from all the biggest brands, available both in-store and online.