7+ Best Drivers for Beginners

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What Are the Best Drivers For Beginners?

Here is my list of the best drivers for beginners.

Callaway Rogue ST Max D Driver

Overview.

The Rogue ST range is comprised of four variants: the Rogue ST Max, Rogue ST Max D (draw bias), Rogue ST LS (low spin), and the Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS.

We are highlighting the exceptional benefits of using a Rogue ST Max D head as it’s particularly suitable for novice golfers due to its draw-bias weighting.

In 2022, Callaway is breaking ground with their use of Artificial Intelligence to customize Flash Face for maximum launch and spin as well as velocity.

So you not only get a forgiving golf driver but one that has the potential to go far!

At the address, the Rogue ST Max D has a matte crown that we enjoyed. To help with aligning easier, its face is flatter and lighter in color making it more visible from far away.

This also helps inspire maximum confidence due to its longest profile from front to back compared to other sets of clubs.

If you are someone who slices the ball or just wants an extra advantage as a beginner golfer, then this driver would be ideal for you!

Key Features:

• Tungsten Speed Cartridge: increases speed and stability
• Jailbreak Speed Frame: patented A.I. for more speed across the face
• A.I. Designed Face: lowers spin on the face, allowing for more forgiveness
• Unibody Construction: provides stability and lowers the center of gravity
• Shot Shape Correction: designed for draw bias, with high MOI

Top Benefits:

• Easy to launch and forgiving on off-center strikes
• Good distance and trajectory control
• Sleek, stylish look that appeals to beginners
• Optimal performance for all skill levels

Wrap-Up.

The Callaway Rogue ST Max D Driver is a great option for those just starting, as it provides forgiveness and distance.

TaylorMade Stealth HD Driver

Overview.

TaylorMade introduced their all-new carbon fiber face – and what better way to draw attention to it than by giving the Stealth driver a vibrant red face!

The TaylorMade Stealth 2 range offers three different options, but the one that stands out among them is the Stealth HD — “HD” standing for High Draw.

For amateur golfers who often find themselves slicing the ball with their driver, this club has a draw bias built into it to help promote an ideal shot shape when hitting off from tee boxes.

The Stealth driver produced an additional three miles per hour in clubhead speed compared to its predecessor, SIM2; this resulted in more distance and less spin than what was seen with the original SIM.

When it comes down to cost efficiency and beginner potential, we have found the Stealth model is far superior to its counterpart – Stealth 2 HD.

Key Features:

• 60X Carbon Twist Face: this face is comprised of 60 layers of carbon sheets strategically arranged to maximize ball speeds in all regions. It’s 40% lighter than an equivalent titanium face and also larger than previous TaylorMade SIM faces.
• Nanotexture Cover: a new nanotexture technology makes up a polyurethane cover that encases the Twist Face. This cover is designed to optimize launch and spin.
• Asymmetric Inertia Generator: increases aerodynamic club head speed and shifts the CG back for increased stability.
• Thru-Slot Speed Pocket: the most flexible Speed Pocket design yet increases sole flexibility, leading to increased ball speed and forgiveness low on the face.
• High-Draw Design: redistributing weight and moving the Inertia Generator closer to the heel produces draw bias while maintaining a high MOI.

Top Benefits:

• Finally overcome that slice once and for all.
• Hit longer, straighter shots even on off-center hits.
• 15% more MOI compared to Stealth Plus

Wrap-Up.

With the TaylorMade Stealth HD driver, beginner golfers can enjoy long drives with immense forgiveness and powerful sound & feel. Thanks to its draw bias and higher launch angle capabilities this big stick gives novice players an edge on their game so they can swing with confidence.

Cobra AIR-X Straight Neck

Overview.

Released in 2022, Cobra introduced its new lightweight driver, the Cobra Air X, in a strategic move to target and capitalize on beginning golfers.

By providing an accessible yet reliable club for novice players, Cobra is setting itself up as a leading smart equipment provider within the golfing industry.

Staying true to the lightweight theme, this driver features a 40g Cobra UltraLite shaft as stock and comes with the 37-gram Lamkin REL Microlite grip for maximum control.

When swinging a Cobra Air X, regardless of the head shape you choose, your eyes will be drawn towards its slightly closed-looking club face to encourage an instinctive draw-spin.

Key Features:

• Straight neck hosel: to reduce spin and provide forgiveness
• Lightweight construction: to increase launch angle and ball speed
• Sleek: stylish look that appeals to beginners
• Optimal performance for all skill levels

Top Benefits:

• Reduce your spin rate and increase your accuracy.
• Enjoy good distance and control on each shot.
• Hit more fairways thanks to the ultra-lightweight design.

Wrap-Up.

The Cobra AIR-X Straight Neck Driver is a great option for beginners looking to improve their game. Its ultra-lightweight design and aerodynamic shape provides good distance, accuracy and forgiveness on mishits.

PXG 0211 Driver

Overview.

Since its establishment in 2014, PXG has quickly established itself as a major force in the golf equipment industry.

They have received support from several renowned PGA Tour professionals such as Zach Johnson and James Hahn.

PXG’s 2022 0211 golf clubs usually come with a hefty price tag, yet this time around they surprised us all by offering the same quality and cutting-edge technology for about half the cost of other leading brands.

This driver has been crafted to be a first-class all-round performer, with features like distance, forgiveness, launch angle, sound and feel making it ideal for any beginner golfer.

Whether you’re looking for power or accuracy in your shots – this driver delivers!

Key Features:

• Adjustable hosel: Adjustable hosel can change the loft (+/-) 1½ degrees to optimize the trajectory.
• High-Speed Face: titanium alloy face creating fast ball speeds
• High Modal Frequency Design – creates that beautiful feel and sound at impact

Top Benefits:

• High launch and spin from adjustable hosel.
• Adjustable weight system for fine-tuning your launch conditions.
• More forgiving and longer distance on off-center hits with flexible face technology.
• Asymmetrical weighting system for positioning the center of gravity lower in the head.

Wrap-Up.

The PXG 0211 Driver is a great option for beginner golfers looking to take their game to the next level.

TaylorMade SiM 2 Max Driver

Overview.

TaylorMade SiM 2 Max is a great and more affordable (given its age) driver for those just starting out or with higher handicaps. Its forgiving nature makes it perfect for newer golfers!

Golfers experienced increased clubhead speed upon first use: proof positive that the design works just as intended.

The TaylorMade SIM Max driver is an impressive piece of golf technology, and the most spectacular feature has to be its “Forged Ring Construction.”

Adorned with a bright blue band composed of high-strength aluminum to save weight during production, engineers were able to add even more mass in the form of a back weight located low and deep within the club head.

This ensures greater forgiveness on off-center shots as well as increased distance when striking at full power!

Key Features:

• Forged Ring Construction: Crafted from lightweight and high-strength aluminum that’s precision milled
• 24G Tungsten: helps deliver high MOI due to its weight position
• 9-layer Carbon Sole: angled to improve aerodynamics for a faster swing
• Speed Pocket: help gets the ball airborne on shots struck low on the face
• Speed Injected Twist Face: face curvature protecting against heel and toe mishits

Top Benefits:

• Gives you the confidence to take on any tee shot.
• Encourage optimal launch and spin properties
• Find more fairways

Wrap-Up.

The TaylorMade SIM 2 Max driver is a great choice for golfers looking to get more distance out of their drives.

Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 Driver

Overview.

At address, the Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 presents an impressive profile that remains true to the classic shape golfers seek.

Despite its wallet-friendly cost, this forgiving driver offered exceptional performance comparable to more expensive ones.

This driver is incredibly forgiving on off-center shots, offering a consistent distance even with the most imperfect swings!

All of these features in one package make it an incredible value-for-money purchase.

Key Features:

• Diamond Face 2.0: 42 different thick and thin diamond shapes behind the face of the metals for an enhanced sweet spot
• Cup Face Technology: cup face is designed to produce greater face flex and faster ball speeds
• Acoustic Resonance Channels: delivers top-shelf sound and feel
• Power Channel: added forgiveness on shots struck lower on the face. 
• Premium Mitsubishi Fubuki HL Shaft: comes stock with super-light FUBUKI HL graphite shafts

Top Benefits:

• Greater ball speeds for more distance off the tee
• Enhanced sweet spot for improved accuracy
• Improved sound and feel for a more satisfying experience

Wrap-Up.

The Tour Edge C522 Driver is an excellent value-for-money purchase. It offers great forgiveness on off-center shots, consistent distance, and a pleasing sound experience.

Cobra King Radspeed XD Driver

Overview.

The King Rapdspeed range is comprised of three different heads: the King Radspeed, King Radspeed XD (draw bias), and King Radspeed XB (extreme back).

We are featuring the exceptional benefits of using a King RadSpeed XD head as it’s particularly suitable for novice golfers due to its draw-bias weighting.

Released in 2021, Cobra implemented its new radial weighting to deliver the fastest and straightest ball flight with maximum slice-fighting power.

The driver’s face features a CNC-milled infinity face, which is a nice touch for the sweet spot.

Stand out among the crowd with this sleek black crown and its vibrant yellow accents, perfectly coordinated on the sole.

Key Features:

• Radial Weighting Technology-strategic placement of weight optimizes speed, forgiveness, and flight direction
• CNC Milled Infinity Face– milled infinity edge face design
• Thin-Ply Carbon Crown-carbon fiber material that is 30% thinner for fast swing speed
• Extreme Back Weighting– frame features 20g positioned in the back

Top Benefits:

• Maximum forgiveness on off-center shots.
• High launch angle with low spin for maximum distance.
• Lightweight and low-spinning design for maximum ball speed and distance.

Wrap-Up.

The Cobra King Radspeed XD Driver is the perfect driver for amateur golfers looking for maximum forgiveness and accuracy, with a lightweight design for increased swing speed.

Cleveland Launcher XL Driver

Overview. 

Intended for mid and high-handicap golfers, the Launcher XL is also suitable for beginners. It features a larger head that boosts confidence when addressing the ball, making it an ideal club choice no matter your skill level.

From front to back, the length of this head has increased by 6%, and with its distinct crown and face finishes, you will be able to see all the loft from your stance. 

When swung with ease, the Launcher XL delivers solid carry distance in terms of performance. 

With it’s lower spin rate production for a variety of players, this forgiving driver is sure to keep golf balls aloft for excellent carry distances.

The Launcher XL offers extreme forgiveness and exceptional value for money with a recommended retail price that is much lower than Callaway, TaylorMade and Titleist.

Key Features: 

• XL Head Design – a bigger head means bigger confidence
• Rebound Fram – two alternating zones of flexibility and rigidity direct more energy into the golf ball 
• Action Mass CB – An 8g weight placed inside the end of the grip delivers better balance for more control without extra effort. 
• Adjustable Hosel – Adjust your loft from 9 to 12 degrees to optimize your launch angle, distance, and shot shape. Loft can be adjusted at 0.5 deg increments with 12 positions in all. 
• Accuracy Build – If precision is your top priority, this custom configuration is an inch shorter without counterbalancing for max control off the tee.

Top Benefits: 

• Get more distance off the tee.
• Control your ball better on difficult shots.
• Feel more confident stepping up to the tee box.

Wrap-Up. 

The Cleveland Launcher XL Driver is an extremely forgiving and value-packed driver that provides maximum distance, control, and accuracy for mid to high-handicap golfers. 

Buying Criteria to Consider

Forgiveness

Look for drivers that have a large sweet spot, which will allow beginners to hit more consistent shots even on off-center hits. Forgiving drivers can help beginners hit the ball straighter and farther, even if they don’t hit the ball perfectly every time.

Loft adjustability

Having a driver with an adjustable loft can be helpful for beginners who are still developing their swing. Adjusting the loft can help beginners find the ideal launch angle for their swing speed and maximize distance.

Shaft flex 

The flex of the shaft can impact the trajectory of the ball and the feel of the club. For beginners, a driver with a more flexible shaft may be easier to swing and help generate more clubhead speed.

Head Design 

The size and shape of the head affect how the club interacts with the ball. Bigger heads provide more forgiveness, while smaller heads are more workable and produce a higher launch angle.

Weight distribution

The weight distribution of the driver can impact how the clubhead feels during the swing. Beginners may benefit from drivers that have a lower center of gravity, which can help to launch the ball higher and reduce spin.

Construction

The materials used in the construction of a driver have an impact on its performance. Titanium heads provide better distance, while stainless steel is more durable and cheaper. 

Price

Drivers can range greatly in price, and beginners may not want to invest too much in a driver until they have developed their skills further. However, investing in a high-quality driver can help beginners improve their game and may be worth the cost in the long run.

Brand Reputation

Some brands and models have reputations for being forgiving, easy to hit, or suitable for beginners. Researching the brand and model and reading reviews from other golfers can help beginners make informed decisions.

Beginner Issues.

Beginners often have issues hitting their driver because it is the longest club in the bag and requires a different swing technique than shorter clubs. Here are some of the reasons why beginners struggle with their driving:

1. Incorrect setup: A proper setup is crucial for hitting the driver well. Beginners may struggle with finding the correct ball position, stance, and alignment, which can lead to inconsistent ball striking.
2. Over-swinging: Beginners may feel the need to swing harder to hit the ball farther, but this can often lead to a loss of control and accuracy. A smoother swing with a focus on solid contact is usually more effective.
3. Fear of mishitting: The driver has a larger clubhead and longer shaft, which can make beginners nervous about mishitting the ball. This fear can lead to tension in the swing and a lack of confidence.
4. Lack of strength and flexibility: The driver requires a greater amount of strength and flexibility compared to shorter clubs. Beginners may struggle with generating enough clubhead speed to hit the ball far enough.
5. Poor weight transfer: A proper weight transfer is important for generating power and consistency in the golf swing. Beginners may tend to sway or slide during the swing, leading to inconsistent ball striking.

Tips and Tricks 

Here are some tips and tricks for a new golfer who is having trouble consistently hitting the ball:

1. Check your grip: Make sure your grip is not too tight or too loose. A proper grip will help you to better control the club and make more consistent shots.
2. Work on your posture: Stand tall and keep your back straight with your weight evenly distributed on both feet. Your knees should be slightly bent, and your arms should hang naturally from your shoulders.
3. Focus on ball position: Make sure you are positioning the ball in the center of your stance for driver shots, and slightly forward for shorter irons. This will help you to make solid contact with the ball.
4. Keep your eye on the ball: Make sure you are keeping your head down and your eyes on the ball during your swing. Lifting your head too early can cause mishits and inconsistencies.
5. Practice your swing: Spend time on the driving range practicing your swing. Focus on making a smooth, controlled swing and keeping your balance throughout the swing.
6. Start with shorter clubs: If you are having trouble consistently hitting the ball with a driver, try starting with shorter clubs like irons or hybrids. These clubs are generally easier to control and can help you build confidence and consistency.
7. Get a lesson: Consider taking a lesson with a golf professional who can help you improve your swing mechanics and identify any areas where you may need to improve.

Remember, golf is a challenging sport that takes time and practice to master. Be patient and keep working on your swing and technique, and with time you will improve and become more consistent.

Golf Drills to Help You Hit Your Driver Better.

Here are some golf drills that can help you hit your driver better:

Alignment Drill

• Choose a target – Select a target on the range or course that you want to hit your shot towards. This could be a flagstick, a tree, or any other object in the distance.
• Place a club on the ground – Lay a club down on the ground perpendicular to your target line. The club should be positioned so that it points directly at your target.
• Set up to the ball – Place your ball on the ground a few feet behind the club and directly in line with your target and the club on the ground.
• Align your feet – Position your feet so that they are parallel to the club on the ground. This will ensure that your feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned correctly with your target.
• Check your body alignment – Take a few practice swings and check that your body is aligned correctly with the target. You should feel comfortable and balanced in your stance.
• Hit your shot – Once you feel comfortable with your alignment, take your normal swing and try to hit your target.
• Repeat the drill – Practice this drill regularly to improve your alignment and consistency on the course.

Tee Height Drill:

• Set up a tee – Place a tee in the ground at your normal tee height.
• Tee the ball low – Take another tee and insert it into the ground so that the top of the tee is only slightly above the ground, about half the height of your normal tee height.
• Place the ball on the low tee – Position the ball on the low tee so that the top of the ball is level with the top of the grass.
• Take your normal stance – Stand behind the ball and take your normal stance and grip.
• Swing the club – Make your normal swing and try to hit the ball off the low tee.
• Focus on ball contact – Focus on making solid contact with the ball and compressing it against the ground. This will help you develop a more consistent ball flight and increase your distance off the tee.
• Gradually increase tee height – As you become more comfortable with the drill, gradually increase the height of the tee until you are back to your normal tee height.
• Repeat the drill – Practice this drill regularly to improve your ball-striking skills and increase your distance off the tee.

The Gate Drill: 

• Set up two alignment sticks or clubs – Place two alignment sticks or clubs in the ground parallel to each other, about 2-3 feet apart. These sticks will act as a gate for your golf club to pass through during your swing.
• Take your stance – Position yourself behind the sticks with your feet shoulder-width apart and aligned with the sticks. The sticks should be pointing directly at your target.
• Place the ball in the middle – Set a ball in the middle of the sticks, so that it is lined up with your feet and the sticks.
• Start with a slow, controlled swing – Take a slow, controlled swing, making sure that your club passes through the gate without touching the sticks. Focus on maintaining a smooth, even tempo throughout your swing.
• Gradually increase your speed – Once you feel comfortable with the slow swing, gradually increase your swing speed while still passing the club through the gate. Keep your swing under control and focus on maintaining good form.
• Check your swing path – Use the gate sticks as a visual aid to check your swing path. If you hit the sticks, it means that your swing is off-plane or too far inside or outside. Adjust your swing as needed to ensure that you pass the club through the gate consistently.
• Repeat the drill – Practice the gate drill regularly to improve your swing path and accuracy on the course.

Slow Motion Swing Drill:

• Take your normal stance – Stand behind the ball and take your normal stance and grip.
• Start the backswing – Begin the backswing of your swing, taking the club back slowly and smoothly.
• Pause at the top – Pause briefly at the top of your swing, making sure that you have maintained good form and balance.
• Start the downswing – Begin the downswing of your swing, bringing the club back down slowly and smoothly towards the ball.
• Follow through – Complete the follow-through of your swing, extending your arms and club towards your target.
• Repeat the drill – Practice the slow-motion swing drill regularly, gradually increasing your swing speed while maintaining good form and balance.
• Focus on key swing elements – As you perform the slow-motion swing, focus on key swing elements such as maintaining good posture, keeping your head still, and swinging on the correct plane.
• Incorporate feedback – Use a mirror or video recording to get feedback on your swing mechanics and identify areas for improvement.

Remember, practice is key when it comes to improving your golf game. Incorporate these drills into your practice routine and you’ll see improvement in your driver shots over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is CG (Center of Gravity)?

The center of gravity (CG) is an important concept in golf that refers to the point within a golf club where the mass is evenly distributed. Every golf club has a unique center of gravity that affects its performance during a golf swing.

When you swing a golf club, the position of the center of gravity can affect the trajectory and distance of your shots. If the center of gravity is low, the club head will tend to lift the ball more easily, resulting in a higher launch angle and longer carry distance. This is beneficial for golfers who struggle to get the ball into the air or hit the ball a shorter distance.

On the other hand, a club with a higher center of gravity will produce a lower ball flight with less spin, which can be advantageous for golfers who already hit the ball high and need more control over their shot trajectory. The position of the center of gravity can also affect the club’s forgiveness, which is its ability to produce consistent results even when the ball is struck slightly off-center.

Golf club manufacturers use various methods to manipulate the center of gravity in their clubs to optimize performance for different types of golfers. For example, they may adjust the weight distribution by moving the center of gravity lower or higher in the clubhead, or use different materials to alter the club’s mass distribution. By understanding the center of gravity and its impact on club performance, golfers can choose clubs that suit their individual needs and preferences.

What is MOI (Moment of Inertia)?

Moment of inertia (MOI) in golf refers to a club’s resistance to twisting during impact with the ball. In simpler terms, MOI measures how much a clubhead resists twisting on off-center hits.

When a golfer hits a shot with the ball struck off-center on the clubface, the clubhead tends to twist or rotate around its axis, resulting in a loss of energy and a less accurate shot. However, a club with a higher MOI will be more resistant to this twisting motion, allowing more of the energy to be transferred to the ball and resulting in a more accurate shot.

MOI is typically measured by taking the clubhead and rotating it around a pivot point. A club with a higher MOI will require more force to rotate it around the pivot point, indicating that it is more resistant to twisting.

In recent years, club manufacturers have been incorporating higher MOI designs into their clubs, particularly drivers and putters. This has been done in part to improve forgiveness on off-center hits and to help golfers achieve more consistent results.

Overall, MOI is an important factor to consider when selecting golf clubs, as it can affect a golfer’s ability to hit the ball accurately and consistently.

What is the easiest driver to hit for beginners?

The Callaway Rogue ST Max D Driver is a great option for beginners looking to improve their game. This forgiving driver is designed with the clubhead’s center of gravity positioned low and back from the face, resulting in a high launch and longer distance off the tee. The lightweight design also helps reduce club swing speed for greater control and accuracy. The sleek design gives the driver an attractive and modern look, and it is equipped with a forgiving and lightweight carbon crown for added stability and easy launch. Additionally, the adjustable hosel allows you to easily tweak your settings to help find more fairways off the tee. All of these features make the Callaway Rogue ST Max D Driver one of the easiest and most forgiving drivers to hit for beginner golfers.

What is the best driver for distance beginners?

The TaylorMade Stealth HD Driver is the perfect option for beginner golfers looking to increase their distance off the tee. This driver has a lightweight design which helps reduce swing speed and make it easier to hit long and straight shots. The clubhead profile is also large, providing more forgiveness and better launch conditions for amateur players. Additionally, the driver is equipped with a Twist Face technology which helps to reduce spin, resulting in longer drives. The adjustable loft sleeve allows you to easily adjust the settings for better control and accuracy, so you can find more fairways off the tee. With its lightweight design and improved forgiveness technology, the TaylorMade Stealth HD Driver is an ideal choice for distance beginners looking to hit longer and straighter drives. 

Is a 9.5 driver good for beginners?

A 9.5 degree driver may not be the best choice for all beginners, as it can be more difficult to hit consistently than a higher lofted driver. However, it ultimately depends on the individual golfer’s swing speed, launch angle, and ball flight.

In general, a golf driver with a higher loft (around 10.5-13 degrees) can be more forgiving for beginners, as it can help to launch the ball higher with less spin, resulting in more distance and accuracy. A driver with too low of a loft can cause the ball to fly too low or with too much spin, leading to less distance and less accuracy.

Beginners need to get properly fitted for a golf driver by a professional club fitter or a golf instructor. They can analyze your swing and recommend a golf driver with the appropriate loft, shaft flex, and weight distribution that can help you hit the ball straighter and farther.

In summary, a 9.5-degree driver can be suitable for some beginners with a higher swing speed and a consistent ball flight, but it’s important to get fitted for golf drivers that match your specific swing characteristics to maximize your potential on the golf course.

Related articles:

• 11 Best Golf Clubs For Beginners
• 9 Best Fairway Woods For High Handicappers
• 9 Best Golf Balls For Beginners

Executive Summary.

There you have it, my list of the best drivers for beginners. Finding the best drivers for beginners and high handicappers can be a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry! By considering important factors such as forgiveness, loft, and MOI, you can find golf drivers that suits your swing and helps you hit the ball straighter and farther. And if you’re still not sure where to start, the TaylorMade Stealth Driver is a great choice for its high MOI and forgiving clubface. With the right driver, you can have fun developing your swing and improving your game on the course. So, get out there and hit some drives like a pro!