One of the challenges of playing golf is picking the right clubs. When it comes to the driver, it's the hardest club to master, and it’s also the most expensive. Since you will only have one driver in your bag, you can’t afford to make a mistake by picking the wrong driver.
The best driver for beginners is one that is highly forgiving and will grow with you as you perfect your game. However, so many golf drivers labeled for high handicappers make it hard to pick, since they all promise the same things: longer distance, high forgiveness, and speed.
Luckily, we have made the search easier for you. We have scoured the market, talked with pros, and read what golf players are saying online on what’s the best driver for a beginner golf player, and here are our top picks.
With that out of the way, let’s get into it.
TaylorMade SIM2 Max Driver
A great choice for an easy-to-use driver that delivers on both distance and forgiveness
Our top pick for the best beginner driver is the TaylorMade SIM2 Max Driver. This driver checks all the boxes of what makes a beginner-friendly driver; highly forgiving, lightweight, and stable. The SIM2 Max is one of the 3 SIM2 drivers, and it’s the most forgiving, which is what every beginner wishes for. While this is not the cheapest driver in this list, it’s a club that will grow with you as you perfect your game.
- Brand
- TaylorMade
- Loft
- 9, 10.5 and 12
- Shaft
- Kurokage silver 60, Fujikura Ventus Blue 5
- Flex
- Senior, Regular, Stiff
- Grip
- Golf Pride Z-Grip
- Length
- 45.75"
- Hand
- Right and Left
- Head Size
- 460cc
- Face Size
- Large
What We Like
- Large clubhead provides maximum forgiveness
- Speed Bridge technology creates a more stable feel and improves energy transfer
- Adjustable loft sleeve allows for fine-tuning of launch angle and trajectory
- Sleek and modern design
What Could Be Better
- Some golfers may find the driver to be a bit too light, resulting in a lack of feel
And if you are wondering what “Max” means in the name, it means maximum forgiveness, which is the special feature of this driver. The SIM2 drivers are an upgrade of the SIM line of drivers. The brand reshaped and reconstructed the drivers from the ground, which is why it looks very different from the SIM drivers.
This driver is available in 9°, 10.5°, and 12° lofts. All three variations have a 460cc volume, 45.75 inches length, and D4 swing weight. The 9° and 10.5° loft variations are available in the right and left hand, however, the 12° is only available in the right-hand variation. The drive is available with either Fujikura Ventus Blue or Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Silver shafts.
The driver feels exceptional and delivers a solid feel when you make a shot. Like the other SIM2 drivers, the SIM2 Max features a speed-injected face designed to improve the ball speed and reduce the impact from toe and heel mishits. The thru-slot speed pocket and forged ring construction are made of aluminum and add to their forgiveness and stability.
If you are looking for a professional-level driver that is beginner-friendly, the SIM2 Max has got you covered. You will not only drive further, but you will also feel more confident and in control.
PING G425 MAX Driver
The perfect choice for maximum forgiveness and adjustability in a swing
The PING G425 MAX Driver is designed for players who want to hit longer, and straighter drives with ease. The club has a high Moment of Inertia (MOI), which means it is more forgiving of off-center hits. The adjustable hosel allows for club customization to fit a player's swing, making it easier to hit straighter shots. The club is also lightweight, which can help golfers achieve faster swing speeds for added distance.
- Brand
- PING
- Loft
- 9.0° ±1.5°, 10.5°±1.5°, 12.0°±1.5°
- Shaft
- PING Alta CB 55 Slate, PING Tour 65, Aldila Rogue White 130 MSI 70, Tensei AV Orange 55 and 65, PING Alta Distanza
- Flex
- Soft, Soft regular, Stiff
- Grip
- Golf Pride 360 Tour Velvet, Golf Pride 360 Tour Velvet Cord
- Length
- 45
- Hand
- Right and left
- Head Size
- 460cc
- Face Size
- Swing weight
- D3
What We Like
- Maximum forgiveness due to high MOI design
- Adjustable hosel allows for customization of the club to fit a player's swing
- Lightweight design can help players achieve faster swing speeds for added distance
- Large clubhead inspires confidence at address
What Could Be Better
- The movable weight can take some time to adjust and get used to for some players
Every feature in this driver is designed to increase the MOI of the driver. The main contributing feature to the 10,000 drivers' MOI is the movable 26g weight. This weight can be put in the fade, draw, or neutral positions to shift the center of gravity. Other incredible features include the Dragonfly weight distribution technology and precision forged face for more distance and improved speed.
The aerodynamic design improves players' swing speed while the internal ribbing delivers a unique sound and feel. The hosel sleeve is adjustable to improve the accuracy and distance.
Which Ping G425 driver is most forgiving?
Among the 425 drivers, the G425 Max is the most forgiving. This driver has a 10,000 MOI making it the best pick for high handicapped players. While you may think this driver is made for beginners, it can also be used by pros. The G425 Max has been used by tour pros such as Sebastian Munoz, Stewart Cink, and Guillermo Mito Pereira
TaylorMade Stealth Driver
Consistent ball speeds, forgiving mishits, and a sleek, modern design
The TaylorMade Stealth Driver features a large clubhead with a 460cc volume, which provides a large sweet spot for more consistent ball speeds even on off-center hits. The driver's lightweight design and perimeter weighting also make it easier to generate more clubhead speed, helping golfers achieve more distance off the tee. Additionally, the driver's sleek and modern design will appeal to those looking for a stylish option.
- Brand
- TaylorMade
- Loft
- 9, 10.5 and 12
- Shaft
- ALDILA ASCENT RED, VENTUS RED 5, GRAPHITEDESIGN TOUR AD IZ 6, MITSUBISHI DIAMANA ZF 60
- Flex
- Senior, Regular, Stiff, and Extra stiff
- Grip
- LAMKIN CROSSLINE 360 BLACK/RED
- Length
- 45.75"
- Hand
- Right and Left
- Head Size
- 460cc
What We Like
- Large sweet spot for consistent ball speeds on off-center hits
- Lightweight design and perimeter weighting for increased clubhead speed
- Sleek and modern design that will appeal to golfers looking for a stylish option
What Could Be Better
- Takes getting used to if you're accustomed to titanium
- Some golfers may prefer a more traditional clubhead shape
- Not as customizable as some other drivers on the market
For so long, drivers have been made mostly using titanium, but for this series, TaylorMade decided to be different. These drivers come with a 60X Carbon Twist Face that has 60 layers of carbon fiber. The result is a face that is 44% lighter than an equivalent titanium face. The carbon twist face has a nanotexture cover for refined launch and spin.
The asymmetrical Inertia Generator and Thru-slot Speed Pocket work together to maximize ball speeds and increase the forgiveness. When it comes to sound, this driver has a premium sound, and it looks stylish despite not having so many colors. This also lets you focus on what matters; the ball. The sound is unique in that you can easily differentiate between perfect and off-center hits.
If you are looking for a driver that feels great and delivers consistent ball speeds, this driver has you covered.
Callaway Epic MAX Driver
Our recommendation if you are looking for the most technologically advanced driver for beginners
Our next pick for the best golf driver for high handicappers is the Callaway Epic MAX Driver. This driver is one of the three drivers in the Epic drivers line. The other two are Epic Max LS and Epic Max. Callaway says they used artificial intelligence to create this series to offer the best combination of maximum ball speed and maximum forgiveness.
The Callaway Epic MAX Driver is a game-changer for beginners and high-handicappers looking to improve their game. The driver is designed with the latest technology, including Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), that helps maximize distance and accuracy. With its impressive performance, it's no wonder this driver has become a popular choice among golfers of all skill levels.
- Shaft
- PROJECT X CYPHER 40 GRAPHITE, PROJECT X HZRDUS SMOKE IM10 60 GRAPHITE
- Flex
- Light, Regular, Stiff
- Grip
- Gold Pride Tour Velvet Align
- Length
- 45.75"
- Hand
- Right and Left
- Head Size
- 460cc
What We Like
- Driven by data-backed process
- The choice for techies
- Lightweight design for increased swing speed
- Adjustable sliding weight for custom draw or fade bias
What Could Be Better
- Some of the tech is gimmicky
- May be a bit expensive for some beginners and high-handicappers
The technology behind this driver includes a Jailbreak Speed Frame, Flash Face Ss21, Advanced Composite Design, and 16gram adjustable perimeter weight, all put together to produce a driver with high launch, mid-spin, and maximum forgiveness. The Jailbreak technology is designed to lower spin on off-centered shots so that even those poor shots have potential.
The Callaway Epic MAX Driver is available in 3 lofts, 9, 10.5, and 12 degrees, and has two shaft options. What about the performance? If you come from a low-quality driver, this driver will feel different. It feels great and sounds incredible. Even without doing much, you will notice some improvements.
Since no player would not benefit from a highly forgiving driver, this driver has been played by tour players such as John Rahm and Phil Michelson. If you are looking for the most technologically advanced driver for beginners, this is our recommendation.
Callaway Rogue ST Max Driver
The fastest and most stable driver among Callaway drivers features an advanced Tungsten design
Another driver that high handicappers will love is the Callaway Rogue ST Max Driver. Callaway says this is their fastest and most stable driver among their drivers. This driver is one of the four drivers in the Rogue ST line. The other three include Rogue ST Max D, Rogue ST Max LS, and Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS. The ST in the name is an abbreviation for Speed Tuned.
The Callaway Rogue ST Max Driver is a forgiving and high-performing driver designed to help beginner and high-handicap golfers hit longer and straighter shots. It features Callaway's Jailbreak Technology, which helps increase ball speed by stiffening the driver's body. Additionally, it has a large clubface and a lightweight carbon crown, which provide more forgiveness and stability on off-center hits.
- Brand
- Callaway
- Loft
- 9, 10.5 and 12
- Shaft
- TENSEI AV BLUE 55 GRAPHITE, TENSEI AV BLUE 65 GRAPHITE, TENSEI AV WHITE 65 GRAPHITE, VENTUS BLUE 5 GRAPHITE, VENTUS BLUE 6 GRAPHITE
- Flex
- Light, Regular, Stiff, Extra stiff
- Grip
- Gold Pride Tour Velvet Align
- Length
- 45.75"
- Hand
- Right and Left
- Head Size
- 460cc
- Lie
- 60° (ADJUSTABLE)
What We Like
- Forgiving and easy to hit
- Adjustable weighting system for customizability
- Fast ball speed and low spin for greater distance and accuracy
- Sleek and modern look
What Could Be Better
- Lots of options to choose from can cause confusion
To improve speed and stability, this driver features an advanced Tungsten Speed Cartridge design that includes a 26g in the driver’s head to boost speed on off-center hits. This is the most revolutionary feature of this club. The weight is placed in the most key positions moving most of the weight from the club’s face. This weight placement design shifts the COG rearward.
Like the Epic MAX Driver, this driver has the Jailbreak Speed Frame and Flash Face SS22 construction. The Jailbreak construction technology is key in keeping the weight down. The driver has a titanium unibody construction that keeps the center of gravity low and adds stability. One thing about this driver is that every part is fine-tuned for speed, distance, and forgiveness to help you hit more fairways.
The Callaway Rogue ST Max Driver has a high launch, mid-spin, and semi-draw flight bias. Also, note that all the variations have an adjustable loft of up to 3 degrees and an adjustable lie.
In terms of aesthetics, the Rogue ST Max Driver has a sleek and modern look, with a matte black finish and green accents. The head shape is also visually appealing, with a large profile and a squared-off shape that inspires confidence at address.
Cobra LTDx Driver
Get more bang for your buck with a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on performance
The Cobra LTDx Driver is a great option for beginners and high-handicappers who want to upgrade their driver without breaking the bank. This driver has a traditional shape and is made with high-quality materials, giving it a premium feel without the price tag.
- Brand
- Cobra
- Loft
- 9, 10.5 and 12
- Shaft
- PROJECT X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 60, PROJECT X HZRDUS Smoke RDX Blue 60, UST Helium Nanocore 40, 50
- Flex
- Extra stiff, stiff, regular and lite
- Grip
- Lamkin Crossline (58R)
- Length
- 45.50"
- Hand
- Right and Left
- Spin
- Low
- Launch
- Medium
What We Like
- Not as expensive as some other clubs on this list
- milled face for consistent ball speed and distance
- Carbon fiber crown for a lower center of gravity and easier launch
- Adjustable weights and MyFly8 hosel for customizability
What Could Be Better
- A bit oversized in our opinion; YMMV
- Some golfers may prefer a more modern, unconventional look to the driver's traditional shape.
Cobra says the LTDx Driver is their first drive to achieve zero CGna. What does that even mean? Most drivers have their COG away from the natural axis line. But for this line of drivers, Cobra managed to position the COG on the neutral axis line. One thing with all drivers is the lower the COG, the better.
Regarding construction, this driver features a multi-material construction combining carbon and tungsten. The face technology uses machine learning to widen the sweet spot, while the weight placement design adds to the forgiveness making this driver great for almost every player.
Despite the 460cc head being oversized, the driver looks great at address and feels great when shooting. While this driver matches the performance of most of the drivers on this list, it is a bit cheaper.
So if you are looking for a budget-friendly and beginner-friendly driver, this is our recommendation.
Cobra Golf King RAD Speed XB Driver
An excellent choice for beginners and high-handicappers who want a quality driver at a great value
Our last pick is another driver from Cobra, the Radspeed XB Driver, which is also the cheapest on this list. It is one of the three Radspeed drivers. The other two are Radspeed Driver and Radspeed XD.
The Cobra Golf King RAD Speed XB Driver is built with beginners and high-handicappers in mind. This driver is designed to be forgiving and easy to hit, allowing players to achieve maximum distance and accuracy with each swing. The clubhead is made of lightweight materials that increase swing speed, and the adjustable weighting system helps players fine-tune their shots.
- Brand
- Cobra
- Loft
- 9, 10.5 and 12
- Shaft
- Fujikura Motore X F3, Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX Blue, Project X Even Flow Riptide
- Flex
- Lite, regular, stiff, extra stiff
- Grip
- Lamkin Crossline - Black
- Length
- 45.75"
- Hand
- Right and left
- Head Size
- 460cc
What We Like
- Best name!
- Forgiving design for better accuracy and distance on off-center hits
- Affordable price point for budget-conscious golfers
- Adjustable weights to fine-tune ball flight and trajectory
- Large sweet spot for consistent performance
What Could Be Better
- Doesn't have the same brand recognition, which can affect resale value
- Some golfers may find the driver's shape too bulky or unconventional
- The stock shaft may not be ideal for all golfers, but it can be upgraded to a better option
The first thing you will notice with this driver is the oversized profile. This is done deliberately to allow for radial weighting that results in a low spin, improved speeds, and maximum forgiveness. The longer distance between the back and front weights is a mechanism to improve speeds and forgiveness.
At the back of the driver is a 20g weight, while at the front, there is an 8g fixed weight. This weight placement improves the stability and lowers the spin adding to the ball speeds. On the course, you will love how this driver feels and sounds.
While Cobra is not the biggest or most known driver brand, it has proved to be a premium brand, as seen with this driver.
Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Best Driver for Beginners (High-Handicappers)
When searching for the perfect driver to help improve your game as a beginner or high-handicapper, it's essential to consider several key factors. This buyer's guide will provide you with some crucial aspects to remember when selecting the right driver for your needs.
- Forgiveness: One of the most important features for beginners and high-handicappers is forgiveness. Look for a driver with a larger sweet spot and a high moment of inertia (MOI), which can help minimize the impact of off-center hits and improve consistency.
- Loft: Choosing a driver with the right loft is crucial for a beginner or high-handicapper. Higher lofted drivers (10.5 to 12 degrees) can help promote higher launch angles and more carry distance, making them more suitable for golfers with slower swing speeds.
- Shaft Flex: The shaft flex plays a significant role in optimizing your driver's performance. Beginners and high-handicappers typically benefit from a more flexible shaft (regular or senior flex) as it can help generate more clubhead speed and get the ball airborne.
- Adjustability: Adjustable drivers allow you to customize loft, lie angle, and even weight distribution to suit your swing and preferences. While not necessary, adjustability can be a valuable feature as your skills progress and your swing evolves.
- Clubhead Size and Design: For beginners and high-handicappers, a larger clubhead (460cc) with a more aerodynamic design can help increase clubhead speed and provide additional forgiveness. Look for drivers with features that promote a low and deep center of gravity for optimal launch conditions.
- Budget: Drivers can vary significantly in price, so it's essential to find one that fits your budget while still offering the features you need. Don't be afraid to consider previous models or discounted options, as they can still provide excellent performance at a lower cost.
When selecting the best driver for your game, keep these factors in mind and remember that the right driver can make a significant difference in your performance and enjoyment on the course.
Conclusion
Investing in the right driver can make a significant difference in your game, especially if you are a beginner or high-handicapper. With the six drivers we've reviewed, there is an option for every budget and skill level. From the TaylorMade SIM2 Max Driver's maximum forgiveness to the Callaway Epic MAX Driver's AI-powered performance, each driver has unique features that cater to different needs. We hope our review has helped you find the perfect driver to take your game to the next level. So go out there, hit the course, and enjoy your new driver!
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our frequently asked questions section where we address some of the most common queries and concerns about golf drivers for beginners and high-handicappers.