Best golf drivers for High Handicappers

Welcome to our review of the best golf drivers for high handicappers.

We all know that the game of golf is a sublime blend of precision, technique, and the right equipment. It’s no secret that having the right club in your bag can dramatically improve your game, especially if you’re a high handicapper. But which are the best golf drivers that fit a high handicapper?

To tell you the truth, there are too many options on the market that sometimes, you find it difficult to pick from the lot.

Luckily, the choice has been narrowed down to just 5 awesome options so you won’t have to go through all of the pains of trying multiple options.

But before then, let’s get you to understand golf drivers and the handicap system.

Understanding Golf Drivers and Handicaps.

The world of golf comes with its own language and a certain level of technicality that can feel overwhelming for newcomers. I know right, because, I was there.

Understanding terms such as golf drivers and handicaps is an essential part of breaking down this barrier. Let’s take a closer look at what they mean and how they influence the game.

What is a Golf Driver?

The golf driver is a club designed to hit the ball the furthest distance compared to other clubs. It is most commonly used for the first stroke of each hole when the ball is set on a tee at a considerable height above the ground, thus the term ‘tee shot.’

The driver is the longest club in terms of shaft length and has the largest clubhead, with a maximum size of 460 cubic centimeters (cc) allowed by the rules of golf. This large size helps create a ‘sweet spot,’ an area on the face of the club that will deliver the maximum distance when struck correctly.

One of the distinguishing features of a driver is its low loft, the angle of the clubface that controls trajectory and affects distance. A driver typically has a loft between 7 and 12 degrees, the lowest among all clubs.

This low loft is what makes the driver the longest-hitting club in your bag, but it also makes it one of the hardest to control.

What Does Handicap Mean in Golf?

In golf, a handicap is a numerical representation of a golfer’s potential playing ability based on past performances. It is used to level the playing field in the game, enabling players of varying skill levels to compete against one another fairly.

A high handicap suggests a less skilled player, while a low handicap is indicative of a more experienced, skilled golfer. High handicappers, often referred to as ‘bogey golfers,’ usually score over 90-100 over 18 holes.

They have a handicap of around 20 or more. This group of players will benefit significantly from golf drivers designed with more forgiveness and a higher loft, as these features can help compensate for common mishits and inconsistency.

The handicap system allows high handicappers to deduct strokes from their gross score, bringing the net score closer to that of a more skilled player, thereby enabling fair competition.

Understanding your handicap is crucial as it guides you in choosing the right golf equipment and helps monitor your progress in the game.

By pairing the right golf driver with your playing style and handicap level, you can improve your performance on the course.

Golf drivers that are specially designed to offer more forgiveness and higher lofts can be excellent choices for high handicappers aiming to lower their scores and enhance their overall golfing experience.

Importance of the Right Golf Driver for High Handicappers.

Selecting the appropriate golf driver is crucial for high handicappers. It’s about achieving that perfect balance between control and distance.

High handicappers often face challenges that other golfers may not. This group, typically scoring over 90 in an 18-hole round, commonly struggles with consistency, mis-hits, and achieving optimal distance with their drives. Therefore, the right golf driver can act as a powerful ally, compensating for these challenges and assisting in improvement.

Promotes Confidence and Consistency.

Playing with a golf driver that matches your skill level can greatly improve your confidence. Golf is a game that relies heavily on mental stamina and self-assurance. Knowing that your driver is tailored to your needs can provide a psychological edge, promoting consistency in your swing and overall game.

Increased Distance.

A golf driver with features accommodating high handicappers can help achieve greater distance.

High-lofted drivers and lightweight shafts can significantly increase ball flight and distance, particularly beneficial for players with slower swing speeds. More distance off the tee can lead to shorter approach shots, increasing the likelihood of scoring better.

Greater Forgiveness.

Golf drivers designed for high handicappers are typically more forgiving, minimizing the negative effects of off-center shots.

These drivers have larger clubheads and sweet spots, increasing the chances of solid contact even when the swing isn’t perfect. This aspect can dramatically improve the player’s shot outcome, leading to less frustrating rounds and faster improvement.

Improved Accuracy.

High handicappers often struggle with slicing, a common mishit where the ball curves to the right for right-handed players (or left for left-handers). Some golf drivers are designed with features to counteract this issue, such as offset or draw-biased designs. These can help straighten out drives, leading to improved accuracy.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Golf Drivers for High Handicappers.

Choosing the right golf driver is essential for high handicappers aiming to improve their game. Here are the key factors that should influence the decision:

Forgiveness.

In golf terms, ‘forgiveness’ refers to the design elements that minimize the impact of a poor shot. For high handicappers, a driver with high forgiveness is vital.

These drivers have larger sweet spots that provide good results even when the ball isn’t struck perfectly. Look for drivers with larger clubhead designs and technologies that distribute weight to the perimeter of the clubface.

Loft.

Loft refers to the angle of the clubface that controls trajectory and affects distance. High handicappers often benefit from a driver with a higher loft as it can help get the ball into the air more easily and increase carry distance, especially for those with slower swing speeds.

Drivers with adjustable lofts can also be a good choice as they offer the flexibility to tweak the loft as your game improves.

Shaft Length and Material.

The shaft is also an essential factor in selecting a driver. Shaft length can affect control and distance – shorter shafts can provide more control, while longer shafts can potentially deliver more distance.

Most drivers come with a standard shaft length that suits a majority of players, but it’s always worth trying different lengths to see what works for you.

As for the material, graphite shafts are the most common in drivers due to their lightweight, which can help increase swing speed and distance.

Adjustability.

Many modern drivers come with adjustable features, such as movable weights or adjustable lofts and lies. These can help tailor the driver to your specific needs and allow you to make changes as your game evolves.

Clubhead Size.

The maximum clubhead size allowed in golf is 460cc. Larger clubheads provide more surface area, making them more forgiving on mis-hits. They also typically have a larger sweet spot, which can increase ball speed and distance on off-center strikes.

Budget.

Last but not least, budget is a crucial factor. While more expensive drivers often come with advanced technologies, it doesn’t mean that they’re always the best choice for high handicappers.

Many affordable options provide excellent performance and can be great choices for beginners or those looking to improve.

Best Golf Drivers for High Handicappers – Top 5 Options.

Here are our top-of-the-line picks for the best golf drivers for high handicappers.

Option 1: TaylorMade SIM MAX Driver.

TaylorMade’s SIM MAX driver is renowned for its unmatched performance and forgiveness. It’s equipped with revolutionary Speed Injected Twist Face technology that maximizes the ball speed while maintaining a large sweet spot.

Its high MOI design enhances forgiveness, making it a great choice for high handicappers.

Key Features:

• Twist Face Technology: This innovative design helps correct off-center hits by reducing side spin and delivering straighter shots.
• Speed Injected Technology: The process of calibrating each driver head to reach the legal speed limit enhances ball speed and distance.
• Multi-Material Construction: The driver head is constructed from a blend of titanium, carbon, and steel for optimal weight distribution and improved performance.
• Inertia Generator: The unique design places weight at the very rear of the club for increased forgiveness and higher MOI (moment of inertia).
• Thru-Slot Speed Pocket: This feature maximizes ball speed and provides more forgiveness on low face strikes.
• Adjustable Loft Sleeve: Allows for up to +/- 2 degrees of loft change to dial in optimal launch conditions.

Pros:

• High Forgiveness: Due to its innovative design and technology, this driver offers high forgiveness on off-center hits.
• Increased Distance: Speed Injected Technology and the Inertia Generator work together to maximize distance.
• Customizable: With the adjustable loft sleeve, you can fine-tune your launch conditions.
• Great Feel and Sound: Many players appreciate the solid, responsive feel and pleasing sound at impact.

Cons:

• Price: The TaylorMade SIM MAX Driver is on the high end of the price spectrum, which might not fit all budgets.
• Too Advanced for Some: Some beginners or less experienced players may find the technology and customization options overwhelming.
• Non-Adjustable Weights: Unlike some other models, this driver doesn’t feature movable weights for shot shape customization.

Option 2: Callaway Golf Mavrik Max Driver.

The Callaway Mavrik Max Driver boasts of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-designed Flash Face technology to optimize ball speed. Its high forgiveness and interchangeable weights offer the high handicapper superior control and lower spin. This driver is a blend of innovation and performance.

Key Features:

• Flash Face SS20 Technology: This feature, created by Artificial Intelligence, promotes fast ball speed across a more expansive area in each model and loft.
• Jailbreak Technology: This technology enhances the connection between the crown and the sole of the club, leading to faster ball speeds across the face.
• T2C Triaxial Carbon Crown: The use of this material allows weight to be redistributed for optimal launch and spin characteristics.
• Interchangeable Weights: Two interchangeable weights (14g and 2g) in the sole allow for draw or neutral configurations.
• OptiFit Adjustability: This feature lets you adjust loft and lie for the best ball flight and trajectory.

Pros:

• Highly Forgiving: The Mavrik Max is designed with high MOI, making it very forgiving on off-center hits.
• Adjustable: The interchangeable weights and OptiFit Adjustability allow for fine-tuning based on individual preferences and playing conditions.
• Increased Distance: The combination of Flash Face and Jailbreak technologies boosts ball speed, resulting in increased distance.
• Great for High Handicappers: With its high forgiveness and ability to correct slices, this driver is a great choice for high handicappers and beginners.

Cons:

• Price: This driver is on the expensive side, which may not suit every budget.
• Complex Technology: Some players may find the advanced technology and adjustability overwhelming or unnecessary for their skill level.
• Sound: Some players might find the sound at impact to be louder or more metallic than preferred.

Option 3: Cobra Golf F9 Speedback Driver.

The Cobra Golf F9 Speedback driver delivers an optimal balance of speed, distance, and forgiveness. The club’s sleek, aerodynamic shape and low center of gravity promote higher launch and reduced spin, making it a fantastic driver for high handicappers.

Key Features:

• Speedback Technology: The innovative design feature of a true aerodynamic shape with a raised skirt, tail, and crown that reduces drag for maximum club speed.
• Low CG Speedback Weighting: This feature optimizes club speed and ball speed while providing a high-launch and low-spin trajectory.
• CNC Precision Milled Face: The face is precisely milled for a thinner and hotter face for increased ball speeds and distance.
• Dual Roll Technology: The design minimizes the gear effect and provides more consistent trajectory and spin for shots hit high or low on the face.
• Adjustable CG: The driver comes with interchangeable weights (14g and 2g) that allow you to change the center of gravity (CG) and ball flight.

Pros:

• Great Speed and Distance: Thanks to Speedback and CNC Precision Milled Face technology, this driver provides excellent speed and distance.
• High Forgiveness: The low CG Speedback Weighting and Dual Roll technology make the driver forgiving on mishits.
• Customizable: The adjustable CG allows for tailoring based on personal preferences and playing conditions.
• Good Value: Compared to some other premium drivers, the F9 Speedback offers a solid performance at a more affordable price point.

Cons:

• Limited Visual Appeal: Some golfers find the design and color options of this driver less appealing compared to other models.
• Less Advanced than Newer Models: As the F9 Speedback is a couple of years old, it may lack some of the latest advancements found in newer driver models.

Option 4: Ping G410 Plus Driver.

The Ping G410 Plus driver is a testament to PING’s commitment to making easy-to-hit, high-performance drivers. It’s adjustable, allowing for custom weighting. High MOI and high forgiveness make it an excellent choice for high handicappers looking to improve their game.

Key Features:

• High MOI Design: The G410 Plus has a higher MOI for the most forgiving driver in Ping’s line to increase distance and accuracy.
• Moveable Weight: The 16g tungsten weight can be moved to influence shot shape, aiding to correct a fade or slice.
• Fast Forged Face: The ultra-thin T9S+ precision machined forged face accelerates ball speed for consistent distance.
• Trajectory Tuning 2.0: The lightweight, aerodynamic hosel sleeve provides eight positions for influencing ball flight.
• Dragonfly Technology: This technology maximizes center of gravity for optimal launch conditions.

Pros:

• Highly Adjustable: The moveable weight and adjustable loft settings allow for a great degree of customization.
• Highly Forgiving: The high MOI design makes this driver very forgiving on off-center hits.
• Consistent Distance: The fast forged face aids in maintaining ball speed, offering consistent distance on strikes.
• Corrects Ball Flight: The adjustable weight can help fix ball flight issues such as a slice or hook.

Cons:

• Price: As with many top-tier drivers, the Ping G410 Plus comes with a higher price tag.
• Feel and Sound: Some players might find the feel and sound on impact different from other drivers, which might take some getting used to.
• Complexity: The adjustability options, while beneficial, may be overwhelming for some players.

Option 5: Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo Driver.

The Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo Driver is an excellent tool for high handicappers. Its Turbocharged Cup Face offers higher COR over a larger impact area, leading to increased ball speeds and more distance. This driver is all about helping you hit longer and straighter drives.

Key Features:

• Turbocharged Cup Face: This unique feature provides higher COR over a larger impact area, which leads to increased ball speeds and more distance.
• HiBore Crown: The redesigned HiBore Crown lowers the center-of-gravity (CG) by 2.2mm, enabling a lower CG position for optimal launch conditions.
• Deep Weighting: Discretionary mass savings position the CG deeper, increasing MOI and delivering more speed.
• Ultralight Hosel: An ultralight hosel redistributes weight low and deep for a higher launch and more forgiveness.
• Counter Balanced Shaft Design: This design allows for additional head mass for increased MOI.

Pros:

• Increased Distance: The Turbocharged Cup Face technology helps improve ball speed and distance.
• High Forgiveness: Deep weighting and a lower CG offer a highly forgiving design, helpful for high handicappers.
• Great Value: The Launcher Turbo is competitively priced, making it a great value option in the market.
• Simplicity: This driver is a good option for those who prefer a no-fuss, non-adjustable driver that still delivers performance.

Cons:

• Limited Customizability: Unlike some other drivers, the Launcher Turbo does not offer adjustable weights or loft.
• Aesthetics: Some players might prefer a more classic look over the modern, sleek design of this driver.
• Limited Spin Control: Without adjustability features, players with specific spin requirements might find this driver less appealing

Conclusion.

Choosing the right driver as a high handicapper can significantly improve your golf game. These drivers are designed with technologies to maximize forgiveness and distance. Remember, it’s all about finding a driver that matches your particular style and swing speed. Happy Golfing!