Hitting a driver can be one of the most difficult shots for a high handicapper. Many struggle with either getting the ball up into the air or they struggle to control a wild spinny slice or a violent hook. A lot of the time, your technique and swing will be the root of the problem. But that is not al ways the case. A new driver could hold the key to straighter and longer drives. But now you’re not sure what the best drivers for high handicappers are. That’s where we come in.
With so many drivers on the market, it can be tough to see through the marketing and actually find the one suited to your game. We’ve put together this guide of the 7 best drivers for high handicappers in 2024 to help you get your straighter and further up the fairway. Join us as we run through some of our favourites.
Why Trust a Seventee2 Review?
Seventee2 is made up of a group of mid-to-high handicappers with a passion for the game of golf. Our years of experience attempting to master this game coupled with extensive research, we are able to form some of the best-quality guides, reviews and how-to’s to help you improve your game. We were all, or still are, beginners at one point, so we know exact questions folks new to the game might be asking, so trust us when we say you’re in good hands with our advice.
Driving the ball can be the most frustrating part of golf, but also the most fun when you get it right. There is more to choosing the right driver for you than meets the eye. When we started out, there was no one pointing us in the right direction, which is why we put together this buying guide for all you high handicappers out there.
Drive for Show, Putt for Dough
Once you’ve looked through the best drivers for high handicappers, it would be sensible to find a putter that makes sure your good drives don’t go to waste. Luckily for you, we’ve put together just the guide for those looking for the best putters for high handicappers. Read our guide today and make it count on the short stuff!
PING G430 MAX
Prices starting from:
PROS
- Very forgiving
- Adjustable features
- Increased distance for nearly all players
CONS
- Not permanent fix for underlying swing issues
- Premium price
PING are widely renowned for making some of the most forgiving drivers, especially when it comes to mishits and off-centre strikes. The G430 Max carries this reputation on its shoulders. The successor of the immensely popular G425 Max, the G430 comes with new and improved internal structure which makes the famous PING sound slightly more civilised.
What makes the PING G430 Max one of the best drivers for high handicappers is its ability to keep you within the confines of the fairway and first cut. As a beginner, all you should want from a driver is the ability to send the ball a fair distance whilst leaving you a second shot that isn’t hindered by rough or tall fescue. The G430 Max does just that. It boasts long and forgiving traits that all high-handicappers and scratch golfers alike, will love.
The G430 Max comes equipped with 25 gram weight on the back of the driver which can be adjusted to suit whatever tendencies you might have off the tee. For high handicappers that hit that spinny slice, you will be able to adjust this weight to counteract your slice.
Cobra LTDx Max
Prices starting from:
PROS
- Affordable
- Forgiving club face technology
- Decent mishit distances
CONS
- Draw bias may not suit everyone
- Club head could feel too light for some
Cobra clubs are ones that I would generally consider ‘sleepers’. Golf clubs that maybe don’t get the sponsorship nod from big name players but when it comes to performance, you can’t fault them. The LTDx Max is no different. With a primarily carbon head, with reduced amounts of titanium than the previous model, this driver was designed to be swung hard.
What makes the Cobra LTDx Max one of the best drivers for high handicappers is its digitally designed club face. Cobra have furnished the LTDx Max with a face that has varied thickness across its width. This means it is not only more forgiving to mishits, it also means you still get the distance you’d expect from a driver. It is worth noting this driver does have a draw bias. However, should you wish to dial back how much side spin you generate, there is a weight on the back which can do just that.
As one of the cheapest drivers in this guide, we have to give it some props. The performance it produces for its smaller price tag should make it one of your ‘must consider’ when shopping around for your next driver.
Taylormade SIM2
Prices starting from:
PROS
- Affordable
- Premium quality
- Great distance
CONS
- Low launch may not suit some
- No adjustable weights
The SIM2 from TaylorMade is now nearly 3 years old, but this doesn’t mean it is outdated. Instead, it presents a great opportunity to high handicappers who are looking for modern technology, without having to pay the price of modern drivers. The SIM2 was designed to make the repercussions of mishits a thing of the past. The feel of the club is great, the ball really pops off the face when struck properly. Even strikes off the toe don’t veer off to the right (left if you’re left handed) whilst not giving you that horrible vibration that is customary with mishits.
The SIM2 addresses an issue that many high handicap golfers are likely to have experienced. The inability to get the ball rolling down the fairway, as opposed to the typical high-spin drive. This model comes with the claim that it produces low launch and low spin, meaning the ball is supposed to roll further. The caveat of this of course is that this driver might not suit your game if you currently struggle to flight the ball consistently.
Callaway Paradym X
Prices starting from:
PROS
- High launch
- Great distance
- Inspires confidence at address
CONS
- Premium price
- Muted sound at impact
The Paradym X is one of three club head options from Callaway’s 2023 Paradym range. The X is the one that will stand out to high handicappers as it was specifically engineered to produce strikes with high launch angles, whilst being forgiving in the same shot. This particular driver boasts high MOI (moments of inertia), making it one of the best options on the market for golfers looking for the driver that won’t penalise off-centre strikes.
When it comes to how the club looks, it has been designed to inspire confidence at address. The arrow alignment on top of the club makes it easier than ever to align, whilst the large ‘stretched-out’ profile will give you confidence that even if you mishit the ball, it won’t be the round ruiner other drivers can promise. The Paradym X has to be considered one of the most forgiving drivers for high handicappers.
This all comes at a premium price, however. As another draw bias driver, you need to be sure that it is the one that matches your game. And as a high handicapper, your game is likely to evolve as you improve. With that being said, its performance is clear to see. Definitely worth considering as one of the best drivers for high handicappers.
Cleveland Launcher XL Lite
Prices starting from:
PROS
- High levels of MOI
- Looks great at address
- Faster club head speed capabilities
CONS
- Limited adjustable features
- May be too light for some
When it comes to choosing their next driver, many golfers set themselves a budget that misses out on a lot of hidden gems. The Cleveland Launcher XL Lite falls right into that category. The cheapest driver in this guide but that doesn’t mean it sacrifices any performance. It is another draw bias driver, which means those high handicappers with uncontrollable slices have a chance at keeping the ball on the straight and narrow. Oh, and it’s the lightest version of the Launcher, meaning it’s designed to be swung hard.
Despite the legal limits of the maximum club head size being limited to 460cc, Cleveland have managed to squeeze every last bit out of it to make the Launcher XL Lite look bigger than the legal limit. What has come as a result is Cleveland’s most stable driver to date. With higher levels of MOI than ever before, you will find the clubface will be square to the ball more often than not.
They didn’t stop there when engineering this for the high handicapper. Cleveland has also placed the CG (Centre of Gravity) low and deep inside the head which increases the amount of forgiveness this driver produces. This means the Launcher XL Lite offers increased levels of forgiveness, which no doubt suits those golfers who have a tendency to go awry off the tee.
Cobra Aerojet Max
Prices starting from:
PROS
- Rear weight for increased forgiveness
- Premium aesthetics
- Affordable
CONS
- Draw bias may not suit every golfer
- Limited alignment aid
The Aerojet Max makes up one of three models in the Aerojet range. What makes it stand out is the features it comes equipped with to make high handicappers more clinical off the tee. The first feature being the draw bias that so many drivers in the high handicapper collection are fitted with. The second feature is the main weight of the driver being at the back of the club head. This is one of the most critical features for high handicappers as this is what inspires the higher launch angle and reduces the effect of the slice.
You will be pleasantly surprised by the distance you can get off the tee with this driver. And most importantly, you will be incredibly satisfied with how often you find the fairway, as this driver is certainly set up for those players who tend to miss right. The club head sits nicely behind the ball and will inspire confidence in high handicappers as there will be a feeling that the middle of the club is so big you can’t miss.
With that being said, it may lack the alignment help that clubs like the Callaway Paradym X provides. However, at its current price tag, it is a very solid investment for any golfer and certainly should be considered as one of the best drivers for high handicappers.
TaylorMade Stealth 2
Prices starting from:
PROS
- Premium aesthetics
- Forgiving for off-centre strikes
- Impressive distance
CONS
- Gloss finish may be easily scuffed
- Premium price
As one of the most expensive options on this best drivers for high handicappers guide, the Stealth 2 from TaylorMade backs up its price tag and then some. Furnished with its famous red club face, this driver is certain to be the crown jewel of your bag. When it first launched it came with marketing that involved Rory McIlroy saying “fargiveness” to show off the Stealth 2’s distance and forgiveness.
What makes the Stealth 2 such a good driver for high handicappers is the fact it was engineered to be consistent across the face. Making off centre strikes far less detrimental to your score. As the second rendition of the Stealth range, this one comes with double the carbon the previous model had. While this makes it lighter than ever before, it doesn’t mean the club is likely to go wayward on its swing path. The Stealth 2 is furnished with a 25 gram weight at the back of the club which promotes high levels of MOI.
The Stealth 2 also looks fantastic. The gloss black finish with various bits of red dashed in there make it quite the sight to behold when placed behind your choice of golf ball. Speaking of, make sure you’re playing the right ball with your new driver. Discover our guide to the best golf balls for high handicappers.
Cobra Air-X
Prices starting from:
PROS
- Incredibly lightweight
- Heel-based weight for improved slices
- Impressive distance
CONS
- Not good for golfers who improve quickly
- Will lack distance for regular swing speeds
The third Cobra driver to make our list, this is purely down to how much this club will suit those high handicappers with slow swing speeds, as well as seniors. This is Cobra’s lightest club in their range, coming in at 277g. This means that players with slow swing speeds will have no issue getting the ball to travel over 200 yards. Pair this club head with a suitable shaft and you could be seeing some serious improvement off the tee.
Despite being the lightest in the range, this doesn’t mean it is tough to control. Far from it actually. The Air-X was fitted with an additional weight at the heel of the club head in an attempt to straighten up the deadly slice many high handicappers experience. If you struggle to swing as hard as you used to, and are looking for a forgiving driver with distance, you should definitely consider the Cobra Air-X.
Best Drivers for High Handicappers FAQs
A driver can be a costly investment, so it is completely understandable that you might have a few questions before you commit to your new club. This apprehension is normal, you don’t want to get this decision wrong. We’ve put together some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to choosing the best drivers for high handicappers.
If you have any more questions, get in touch with us and we’ll see what guidance we can offer you.
What Is The Best Driver Shaft For Beginners?
The best driver shaft for a beginner is the one that brings you the most control. Distance is pointless off the tee if it ends up wet or part of the undergrowth. A shaft with considerable flex is likely to be the best option for a beginner’s driver. When you’re new to the game you will likely slow down your swing in order to gain some control, which is why the flex will work with you. It allows for you to swing at a speed that maintains control of accuracy, whilst still delivering some decent numbers with regard to distance.
Should Beginner Golfers Use Steel Or Graphite Shafts?
This depends on what your swing is like. Steel shafts suit golfers who have decent swing speed and are more likely to hit the centre of the club as this minimises the vibration from mishits. Graphite shafts are likely to be the best option for beginner golfers as they provide more flexibility and forgiveness in feel when mishit.
If you’re a beginner golfer in the market for some new clubs, we would strongly recommend you get yourself fitted by a professional. They will be able to take all the necessary measurements from you and your game and pair them with the right build.
What Shaft Is Best For Seniors?
Once upon a time, the shaft designed for senior golfers was called the ‘amateur’ shaft, but things have changed and it is generally just considered a senior shaft now. The senior shaft is engineered to offer considerable flex, meaning golfers with slower swing speeds can still gain the distance they need off the tee. If you drive the ball under 200 yards and have a swing speed of 75-80mph, a senior flex shaft is likely to be perfect for your game.
Which Golf Shaft Is Right For Me?
When deciphering which golf shaft is right for your driver, you need to account for a few different factors. Swing speed, drive distance and height. These three can help us work out what type of shaft is suitable for your game.
We’ve put together this small guide that includes reference points for all three of the aforementioned factors. Make sure you go and get fitted for your driver, don’t let your pride (driving distance) get in the way of playing good golf.
| Flex | Swing Speed | Distance | Personas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amateur | Slow – Controlled | Under 200 Yards | Seniors, Ladies, Juniors |
| Regular | Average – 80% of Golfers | Over 200 Yards | Average Height & Strength |
| Stiff | Fast – Aggressive | Over 230 Yards | Tall Golfers & Heavy Hitters |
If you’re looking for the best drivers for high handicappers, you’re unlikely to be boasting serious swing speed, which takes precision control to utilise. You’re also unlikely to be driving the ball a long way, so may need some assistance from your golf shaft to get you further up the fairway.
Should I Use A Stiff Flex Driver?
A stiff flex driver shaft is typically suited to taller golfers or those with swing-speeds over 95mph. The reduced flex allows for these golfers to bring through the club head as quickly as their hands move through the positions meaning they can gain extra distance and accuracy off the tee.
Golfers who currently swing reasonably hard but lack control of their drives may benefit from using a stiff shaft instead of the regular flex they currently have in the bag. It is worth noting that going to get fitted for your driver will mean you get the best possible configuration for your game. The resident pro/club fitter will assess things such as swing speed and match your performance with the shaft that compliments your game.
How Often Should I Replace My Driver?
Generally speaking, you should replace your driver every 4-6 years. You’re unlikely to see any vast improvements in performance from year-to-year, due to many manufacturers rebranding and repackaging old models to get the most out of them. With that being said, if you find the right driver for your game, then why change it so soon?
It is not uncommon for golfers to hold onto the driver that has consistently put them 250 yards up the middle of the fairway for the last 10 years. Of course, the technology within the latest drivers could add 10-15 yards to their drives, but you have to weigh up the risk and reward of toying with a system that isn’t broken.
What is Driver MOI?
MOI when it comes to drivers stands for Moments of Inertia. In simpler terms, this is a club’s resistance to twisting in your hand upon impact, making the ball striking purer. When it comes to driving, high MOI means your driver is incredibly forgiving to off centre strikes, making your tee shots more consistent.
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