Best Drivers For High Handicappers (Our Top Picks For 2023)
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Do you love or hate your driver?
If you’re like most high handicap golfers, you might fear taking the driver out of the bag – worried about what big miss could happen. To curb your fear, you might resort to hitting a 3-wood because it’s a little more predictable off the tee box.
But if you want to shoot lower scores, you need to learn to tame your driver. Because when you can hit a driver on a semi-consistent basis, it makes golf so much simpler.
When you can send it off the tee box, you will have shorter clubs into the greens. Which makes it much easier to find the putting surface in regulation and have more birdie attempts.
Not to mention, golf is a lot more fun when you aren’t scared of hitting a driver off the tee. To help your confidence and long game, we found the best drivers for high handicappers.
Keep reading to learn more about the best drivers and what else you need to consider (besides the clubhead) to become a great driver.
Best Drivers for High Handicappers
So, what is the easiest driver to hit for a high handicapper?
Here are our top picks to help you gain distance, improve accuracy, and hopefully, leave your 3-wood in the bag.
1. TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD
2023 Model
TaylorMade Golf Stealth 2 HD
- The Carbon Reinforced Composite Ring unites the driver head into a singular force and frees up additional mass that has been strategically placed to deliver more forgiveness
- Standard draw bias designs promote a corrective flight at the expense of forgiveness
- The 60X Carbon Twist Face is encased by a polyurethane cover, featuring a revolutionary nanotexture technology
The TaylorMade Stealth was a big shift for the company in 2022 and they refined it even more in 2023 with the Stealth 2. They made this driver even faster with the 60X Carbon Twist Face and used more carbon than ever before. In fact, nearly twice as much which makes it even more forgiving and stable.
The Stealth 2 HD is the best model for beginners thanks to the draw bias and ultra forgiving clubhead. This model doesn’t have a sliding weight track (like the Plus model) but the 460cc head is built for high launch and maximum forgiveness.
For right-handers this club is available in 9, 10.5 or 12 degree loft options (only 9 or 10.5 for left-handed golfers). The only downside is that they only offer one stock shaft – the Fujikura Speeder NX Red. But it’s a great lightweight option (48–62 grams depending on flex).
2. Callaway Paradym X
New in 2023
Callaway Paradym X Driver
- 360° Carbon Chassis promotes unprecedented weight redistribution for maximized distance
- Callaway's new A.I. designed Jailbreak system provides stability in both the horizontal and torsional direction
- An all-new A.I. face optimization enhances speed, launch and spin, and now downrange dispersion
The newest driver from Callaway is their Pardaym X that was just released in early 2023. The “X” model is their most forgiving of the series thanks to its high launch and high MOI characteristics. It also has a slight draw bias to offset a slice making it ideal for higher handicap players.
The new Callaway driver has a new 360 degree Carbon Chassis that promotes more weight distribution for longer distances. They saved 43% of the weight making it super light and easy to swing faster. It still has “Jailbreak” technology like previous drivers but it’s 33% lighter than before but still provides plenty of stability on off center hits.
You can choose from three lofts (9, 10.5, and 12), plus it has an adjustable hosel as well. You can also test out three shafts that range from 40 to 60 grams and ideal for slower swing speeds. This Paradym is already off to a great start on the PGA Tour and sure amateurs will love the X or normal version as well.
3. Cobra AEROJET
High Launch
Aerojet MAX Driver
- A seamless aerodynamic design is adapted to deliver faster clubhead speed for maximized distance
- An innovative suspended bridge weight design enables unrestricted flexibility of the face and sole, and positions the CG low and forward to unleash faster ball speed
- A forged PWRSHELL face insert maximizes flexibility for faster ball speed and higher launch
The Cobra AEROJET is a complete redesign of their previous LTD driver but they both look great. The AEROJET MAX is the best option for high handicappers with this impressive stability to help you hit tons of fairways.
According to Cobra, this is their longest driver ever! Here’s what they said on their website, “The AEROJET Drivers features a raised skirt, symmetrical shaping, and streamlined edges to give you the most speed possible. *Red outline represents a traditional driver shape to highlight aerodynamic shaping improvements.”
This driver is great for everyday golfers thanks to the adjustable back and heel weight to make it easy to hit a draw. Like most other drivers on this list it’s available in 9, 10.5 or 12 degree loft options. It also comes with Arccos Smart Sensors to better understand your performance on every shot during the round.
4. Callaway Rogue ST Max-D
ST Max
Callaway Golf Rogue ST Driver
- Rogue ST MAX LS is built for lower spin with a strong ball flight trajectory
- The groundbreaking new Tungsten Speed Cartridge structure places up to 23 grams low and deep in the driver head
- Their patented A.I. designed Jailbreak Speed Frame provides stability in the horizontal and torsional direction.
The newest driver line from Callaway has become quite popular with all types of golfers. With four models to choose from in the Rogue series, it’s never been easier to find a driver that’s right for your swing.
For high handicappers, we suggest going with the Max-D model. As Callaway stated on their website, “Rogue ST Max D is designed for golfers who want maximum levels of forgiveness from their driver.
It’s built for very high MOI, with a reduced face progression, and a more upright lie. Internal and external draw weighting have also been added, along with a generously stretched profile at address for maximum shot shape correction.”
Not to mention, they have a variety of shafts to fit a higher handicap player. The Tensei AV Blue is a mid-launch shaft while the Ventus Blue is designed for higher swing speeds. Or, opt for the Project X Cypher which is incredibly lightweight (50 grams) and a higher launching shaft.
The Rogue ST Max is also a great looking club and sounds powerful with every shot you hit. Your misses are about to get a lot better with the Max-D model.
Also Read: Best Straightest Golf Balls
5. Titleist TSi1
Highly Rated
Titleist TSi1 Driver
- This driver features an ATI Aerospace Titanium face that produces the longest, straightest and best sounding Titleist driver ever
- Adjustable SureFit Hosel with 16 Loft and Lie Settings, Designed for Players with Swing Speeds under 90mph
The TSi drivers from Titleist have been quite popular since their release and like Callaway, have four options to choose from. For higher handicap players, we suggest the TSi1 as it’s the most forgiving and easiest to hit straight off the tee.
This club is ideal for golfers with moderate swing speeds as it has an ultra-lightweight design and will help naturally increase ball speed. It has multidimensional stability to make it extremely forgiving and deliver a tighter shot dispersion than previous models.
Like the other drivers in the TSi series, this TSi1 has an adjustable hosel for finely tuning the loft and lie settings. This is great if you’re someone who needs help straightening out a slice. Unlike other drivers on this list, it’s not a draw biased club so you’ll need to adjust it manually.
The one downside to the TSi is the lack of shaft options. They only offer one stock shaft – the Aldila Ascent which is between 41-48 grams (depending on shaft flex). This might be too light for some players and reduce accuracy so just make sure your swing speed isn’t too fast. Or, opt for the Titleist TSi2 for additional shaft options and nearly as much forgiveness.
Lastly, I suggest going with the 10 or 12 degrees loft and skip the nine degree model until you increase swing speed.
6. Cobra LTDx Max
2022 Model
Cobra Golf LTDX Max Driver
- Pwr-cor technology
- Hot face-highly optimized technology uses artificial intelligence & machine learning
- Cnc milled infinity face
- Multi-material chassis
- Adjustable weighting
Cobra continues to innovate as they expand their product line and the LTDx series is another great choice. For higher handicap players, we suggest the LTDx Max driver model as it’s the most forgiving and the easiest to hit straight.
The LTDx Max is a low-mid spin driver (the highest of the three models), high launching, and incredibly forgiving. Plus, it has tons of adjustability both in the head and the hosel to make sure it’s perfect for your swing. The Max model lets you find the perfect trajectory with three separate settings, all to promote a draw (or at least minimize a slice).
The PWR-COR technology also moves the weight forward and low to minimize spin and maximize distance. The face offers H.O.T face design which uses machine learning to improve the face from previous models for the most ball speed yet.
Unlike Titleist, they offer premium aftermarket shafts at no extra cost either. You can choose from one of the three shafts, allowing you to customize your driver exactly for your swing.
Better players should opt for the HZRDUS Smoke RDX Blue 60 as it’s stiffer and heavier. While players with slower swing speed should opt for the Project X HZRDUS green or the UST Helium Nanocore (which is the lightest).
7. Ping G425 Max
Forgiving
Ping G425 Max Driver
- A proprietary high-strength, precision-machined T9S+ forged face maximizes flexing to deliver fast ball speeds and more distance
- Refined crown turbulators reduce aerodynamic drag for increased swing speed and ball velocity
- Lightweight, aerodynamic hosel sleeve that provides eight positions to customize your trajectory for maximum distance and accuracy
Ping has a hit with high handicappers in the G425 Max driver. While they have a ton of golf clubs to choose from, this one is best for the everyday golfer.
This club is incredibly forgiving thanks to the 26-gram Tungsten moveable weight. You can shift the weight to make it a neutral, fade, or draw setting too.
The precision forged face also helps increase ball speed for more distance off the tee. Paired with aerodynamic design, this club will also help increase swing speed.
Aside from the moveable weight it also has Trajectory Tuning 2.0 to change the loft up to 1.5 degrees. With all this customization you should have plenty of consistency off the tee.
8. Cleveland Launcher XL Lite Draw Driver
Maximum Forgiveness
Cleveland Launcher XL Lite Draw Driver
- Lite-Weight Design
- A reworked chassis is purpose-built to fight the slice
- Ultra-lightweight shaft
If you want a driver that is ready to go without any customization or adjustability, the Launcher XL Lite draw driver is a great choice. Don’t get me wrong, I love adjusting my driver settings, but some players just want something simple and easy. If that sounds like you and consider yourself more of a casual, recreational golfer the XL Lite draw is a great club.
While the XL Lite made the list for our most forgiving drivers, the Draw version is ideal for high handicappers. Even though you can’t adjust the hosel or clubhead, it has a built-in draw bias to help straighten out your ball flight.
Plus, the club is incredibly lightweight! It’s easy for higher handicap golfers to swing faster and hit it longer. The only downside is that it’s only offered in 10.5 degrees (some players might benefit from 11-12 degrees) and only one shaft.
But it’s significantly cheaper than a lot of other comparable drivers so that is something to consider. Overall, it’s a great lightweight driver with a reworked chassis to help fight that pesky slice off the tee.
9. Srixon ZX5
Large Footprint
Srixon ZX5 Driver
- Large footprint and flattened shape
- Single sole weight
- Ideal for straight drives that launch high and carry huge distances
- A 15% larger carbon crown repositions mass low, pushing MOI up and increasing forgiveness
While Srixon is a more prominent brand in the golf ball market, they have a great new driver for higher handicap golfers. The new ZX5 made the Golf Digest Hot List in 2022 thanks to its incredible design and easy to hit features.
What’s great about this club is the Rebound frame, which adds a second layer of flexibility for more recoil at impact. As they said on their website, “It’s like a spring within a spring. By refocusing the energy you’d normally lose, Rebound Frame is faster on every strike, especially center-face impacts.”
Plus, you can gain more confidence with tons of adjustability features. This high launching driver unfortunately only comes with one shaft, otherwise it’s nothing but positive reviews.
10. Yonex Ezone Elite 3.0
If you’re looking for a simple driver and one that won’t dent the wallet as much, the Yonex Ezone Elite is a great choice. This driver is very forgiving, looks great at address, and a fraction of the price of most big name drivers.
Don’t worry though, you aren’t sacrificing quality for the price.
The forged titanium face, and lower center of gravity makes this a great choice for beginners and less experienced players. It’s also available in regular, stiff, or super-lite shafts with 10.5 or 12 degree loft options.
Click here to learn more about it now.
11. PXG 0211
Most PXG golf clubs cost a fortune, but the PXG 0211 driver is a 2021 model at an incredible deal. Not to mention, it’s wildly forgiving, great looking with its stealth black design, and tons of adjustability.
You can choose from five different shaft flexes, three loft options (including 12 degrees), and see instant improvements to your game. The Precision Weighing Technology helps support a high launch and tons of forgiveness, especially on off center shots. It also sounds great thanks to their Railed Sole Geometry design.
Even though it’s a 2021 model, it’s a great choice to help your performance off the tee. Click here to learn more about it now.
12. Wilson Launch Pad
Great Value
Wilson Launch Pad Driver
- Extreme forgiveness and incredibly fast speed
- Draw bias helps reduce slices for straighter, more accurate shots
- The Launch Pad 2 driver delivers more carry, straighter shots and solves that nasty slice
Rounding out our list is the Wilson Launch Pad. This game improvement driver is sleek, extremely forgiving, and ready to go as soon as you take it out of the box.
No sliding weight or adjustable hosel with this driver. Instead, they kept it minimal to make it as lightweight as possible to help you naturally swing it faster.
Like a lot of other drivers it has a built-in draw bias to help straighten out your slice. It also has a small amount of offset to help as well.
Plus, it comes in three loft options; 9, 10.5, and 13 degrees. The 13-degree option is great for newer players or high handicappers who need help getting the ball airborne to promote distance. Not to mention it’s a fraction of the rice of most new drivers in 2023.
Top Questions
Still not 100% sure what you should be shopping for in a new driver? No worries, our top questions and answers should help make your buying decision easier.
What degree driver is best for a high handicapper?
This is an incredible question and one that not enough golfers think about as loft plays a major role in carry and total distance. The biggest mistake that most amateur golfers make when picking a driver is having too little of loft.
For some reason, call it ego or trying to play like your favorite professional golfer, most amateurs buy 8-9.5 degrees. But this amount of loft is actually killing your distance off the tee.
Why?
Because higher handicap golfers don’t normally have a fast enough swing speed to warrant that little loft. So even if you hit it in the sweet spot, the ball won’t stay in the air long enough and will end up much shorter off the tee.
Instead, higher handicappers will benefit from at least 10 degrees of loft but likely 11 or even 12 degrees is even better. Some drivers on this list you can adjust the hosel and loft so it’s easy to tinker and find the right loft setting. But others don’t have adjustable hosels to reduce the total weight of the club, so the loft can’t change.
Choose wisely because in general, more loft is better for higher handicap players! Check out other tips on how to hit longer drives now.
What are the most forgiving drivers?
The drivers listed are all very forgiving and easy to hit. But if you want to compare with our list of the most forgiving drivers, click here.
What is the easiest golf driver to hit straight?
Tiger Woods once said the straightest shot is the hardest shot in golf. After playing for quite some time myself, I can’t disagree with him either.
But as technology has changed over the years, new drivers like the ones on this list are easier than ever to hit straight. With so much adjustability you can straighten out your hook or slice without overhauling your swing.
If you struggle with accuracy off the tee, I would suggest buying one of the drivers that has adjustability features. Whether it’s a sliding weight track or an adjustable hosel, it can make a big difference in finding more fairways.
I think the Cobra LTDx Max is the best choice for higher handicappers as it has the most adjustability. Not to mention it’s forgiving and focused on distance above all else.
What type of shaft flex should I buy?
The last thing to consider when buying your new driver is the shaft flex and weight. Both play an integral role in making sure you get the most yardage out of every driver swing.
Most high handicappers should have a lite, regular or senior flex shaft. Additionally, you need to consider the weight of the shaft too. Lighter shafts are easier to swing faster and thus increase distance. While heavier shafts make it easier to control the ball and improve accuracy off the tee.
Wrapping Up
The driver is one of the most important clubs in the bag so make sure to find the one that is right for your swing speed.
Quit trying to play it safe by using a 3-wood off the tee and learn to make your driver your best friend on the links. Playing the right equipment can make a huge difference in your total scores, confidence, and long game.
When choosing your new driver, make sure to consider:
- Loft
- Adjustability features
- Forgiving driver head
- Shaft (both flex and total weight)
Any of the drivers on this list are a great option and we hope they help you bomb it off the tee!
What’s your favorite brand of driver? Has it changed over the past few years with so many new models being released?
Let us know in the comments below!
Phil Grounds
Phil is an avid golfer, and the creator of The Golfers Gear. He’s been playing golf for 30 years, and is obsessed with improving his game and sharing his experience helping fellow golfers score better.
