High handicappers need a driver that prioritizes forgiveness and getting the the ball in the air. The good news is that there are drivers designed specifically for this reason.
In this guide, I break down my top picks for high handicap drivers on the market.
I’ll break down each driver’s features and benefits, discuss the essential factors to consider when choosing your ideal driver, and even share some tips to help you improve your game.
Also, be sure to check out my other high handicap guides for best fairway woods, best irons, best balls, and best wedges.
Best Drivers for High Handicappers: Our Top Picks
Callaway Paradym X (Top Pick)
Cleveland Launcher XL (Budget Pick)
Ping G430 SFT (Anti-Slice)
Titleist TSR2 (More Workability)
Cobra Aerojet Max (Anti-Slice)
TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD (High Flight)
Wilson Launch Pad 2 (Value Pick)
Callaway Paradym X
Designed for forgiveness, slight draw-bias, and higher launch flight.
- Maximum distance, higher MOI, and increased forgiveness
- Suitable for players of all skill levels
- Fast ball speeds and long-distance shots with unbeatable forgiveness
- Forgiving on off-center strikes
- Ball flight may be too high for some
- Pricey
- No sliding back weight
The Paradym X is a high-MOI driver designed for extreme forgiveness, high launch, and a slight draw bias. It’s praised for its outstanding ball speed and draw bias, and is suitable for higher handicaps seeking modern game-improvement performance.
The Paradym X Driver is made with a number of innovative technologies, including a carbon fiber face, a 3D carbon crown, and a movable weight system. These technologies help to improve the performance of the driver and make it a more forgiving option for golfers.
The carbon fiber face is designed to be more flexible than traditional metal drivers. This flexibility helps to improve the forgiveness of the driver on off-center hits. The 3D carbon crown helps to lower the center of gravity of the driver, which makes it more forgiving and easier to hit. The movable weight system allows golfers to adjust the weight of the driver to their liking. This can help to improve the accuracy of the driver.
It’s a forgiving driver that can help you improve your game, and it’s also a very accurate driver that can help you hit the ball straighter. If you’re looking for a new driver, the Paradym X Driver is definitely worth considering.
The Callaway Paradym X driver is a great choice for golfers who are looking for a high-quality, forgiving driver. It offers a great balance of distance, forgiveness, and adjustability, and it’s perfect for golfers of all skill levels.
Cleveland Launcher XL
A forgiving and easy-to-hit driver with a large sweet spot and high MOI.
- The driver is slightly longer to increase the total distance
- High launching from a deep low, weight
- Adjustable hosel
- Accuracy build option available
- Takes a little while to get used to the longer driver
- Generates less speed than other options
The Cleveland Launcher XL Driver is a great option for high handicap golfers who are looking for a high-launching, forgiving driver. It has a large sweet spot and a lot of MOI, which makes it easy to hit straight shots even if you don’t make perfect contact.
The large sweet spot of the clubface further adds to the forgiving nature of the driver, making it easier to hit straighter, longer drives. The Launcher XL Driver has a lot of MOI, which makes it more forgiving on off-center hits.
The adjustable hosel on the driver allows you to adjust the loft in 1.5 degree increments from 9 to 12 degrees, helping high handicappers find the optimal launch angle for their swing.
Ping G430 SFT
- Reduces slices and hooks, ideal for accuracy-challenged golfers
- Weighting system and draw-biased design promote a straighter ball flight
- Sleek matte black finish looks professional
- Sound improved from previous year
- Offers ample distance and forgiveness for all skill levels
- May not be effective for severe swing flaws
- Draw-biased design may worsen natural draw or hook tendency
The Ping G430 SFT Driver is a fantastic option for golfers looking to reduce slices off the tee.
It has an adjustable sliding weight in the sole that you can adjust from Draw to Draw+ to fight a slice and help golfers hit more fairways.
The sleek matte black finish gives it a professional look and Ping really improved the sound from the previous G425 lineup.
Despite being marketed towards mid-high handicappers and slower swing speeds, this driver offers ample distance and forgiveness for golfers of all skill levels.
Overall, the Ping G430 SFT Driver is a well-designed club that can significantly improve a player’s accuracy off the tee.
Titleist TSR2
The Titleist TSR2 has an aerodynamic shape, forgiveness for the average player, and, most importantly, the SureFit Adjustability system in place.
- Refinements to add more ball speed
- A very playable driver for the majority of golfers
- Fast-looking clubhead that produces incredible speed
- SureFit Adjustability in place
- The TSR2 is not as workable as the TSR3
- Lower handicap players may find the clubhead too forgiving
Titleist has become one of the best brands on the market for custom golf equipment, and their Surefit Adjustability system has helped them to get there. With this adjustability system, you can simply learn what type of player you are and then set the club to match your preferences.
We like it because you can move from one Titleist golf club to another and simply adjust to your preferences. With the TSR2, golfers will notice plenty of distance and forgiveness built in; the clubhead shape was entirely redesigned from the previous models.
Titleist put out a line of these TSR drivers, and the TSR2 is designed for the golfer looking for a little extra forgiveness and distance. The club head has a lower center of gravity, improved launch, and low spin from the tee box.
The shaft is also an important consideration when you purchase an adjustable driver. The TSR2 driver features a new design for Titleist, manufactured by Graphite Design. The shaft features carbon fibers that will allow for personalized ball flight and spin characteristics.
Cobra Aerojet Max
Cobra's most forgiving, anti-slice driver is an excellent choice for golfers who need to straighten their shot out.
- Draw-bias weights to fight slice
- Maximum forgiveness
- High MOI for increased sweet spot
- Adjustable hosel for loft
- Only fights slice. Not a hook.
The Cobra AEROJET MAX driver is best suited for high handicap golfers who struggle with slicing the ball off the tee. With two adjustable weights in the back and heel, its draw bias technology helps mitigate slice, making it easier for golfers to find the fairway consistently.
The AEROJET MAX is comparable to the LTDx MAX from 2022. It’s designed for maximum forgiveness and has high MOI which helps with off-center hits.
Overall, the AEROJET MAX is a solid high handicap driver that can benefit many golfers.
TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD
- Massive forgiveness and draw bias, making it ideal for slicers.
- High launch and mid-low spin for added distance.
- Solid feel and crisp sound at impact.
- Sleek and retro look with clean, gloss black crown.
- Draw bias may be too strong for some golfers.
- Launch and spin may not be suitable for those with high ball flight.
- Limited adjustability options.
The TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD (high draw) driver is designed for high, right-to-left shots with great forgiveness and a strong draw bias. The club’s carbon fiber construction provides stability gains, and the driver produces a crisp and sizzling sound when the ball is struck.
It has a strong draw bias, a high launch with mid-low spin, making it suitable for golfers with slow swing speeds who need help correcting their slice. It lacks a sliding rear weight for adjustability. It’s a true slice fighter.
If you’re a TaylorMade fan with a slow swing speed and need help fighting a slice, the HD is the TaylorMade driver for you.
Wilson Launch Pad 2
- Excellent value for the price
- Designed specifically for golfers with slow swing speeds
- Easy to hit, promoting straighter shots
- Attractive, confidence-inspiring look at address
- Limited adjustability compared to other models
- May not be the best option for golfers with faster swing speeds
- Not available in left-handed
The Wilson Launch Pad 2 driver is a fantastic option for golfers with slow swing speeds who want a driver that’s easy to hit and doesn’t break the bank. This driver is designed with a lightweight construction to help players generate more clubhead speed, leading to longer drives.
The moderate offset of the Launch Pad 2 reduces the chances of slices, making it perfect for golfers who struggle with that common issue. The large and forgiving clubface helps ensure consistent contact, even on off-center hits, while the variable face technology improves ball speed across the entire face.
Although the Wilson Launch Pad 2 Driver doesn’t offer the same level of adjustability as some other models on the market, its performance and value more than make up for it. This driver is an excellent choice for slow swing speed golfers who want a reliable, easy-to-hit driver that can help them improve their game and have more fun on the course.
Factors to consider for high handicap drivers
When selecting a driver for high handicappers, consider factors such as forgiveness, loft, shaft flex, clubhead design, weight distribution, and adjustability. By taking these factors into account and applying a personal touch to your selection process, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect driver to elevate your game.
Forgiveness
As a high handicapper, mishits are part of the learning process. Therefore, it’s essential to find a driver with maximum forgiveness. When looking for a driver as a high handicap, always prioritize one with a larger sweet spot and perimeter weighting. These features help reduce the impact of off-center strikes, allowing you to achieve better results even when your swing isn’t perfect.
In my experience, drivers that offer more forgiveness can significantly boost your confidence on the course, making it easier for you to focus on improving your swing and overall game.
Loft
Another crucial factor to consider is the loft of the driver. As a high handicapper, you’ll typically benefit from a higher loft, as it helps get the ball airborne and generates more carry distance. I recommend looking for a driver with a loft between 10.5 to 12 degrees. This range should provide the optimal trajectory for your shots, helping you achieve greater distance even with a slower swing speed.
As your skills progress, you might find that adjusting the loft to match your swing speed and angle of attack can further optimize your performance on the course.
Shaft Flex
The shaft flex is a vital aspect of a driver’s performance, especially for high handicappers. A more flexible shaft, such as a regular or senior flex, can help generate more clubhead speed and distance, making it easier for you to cover more ground with each shot.
When selecting a driver, I always ensure that the shaft flex is appropriate for my swing speed. It’s worth experimenting with different flexes to find the perfect match for your swing, as it can make a noticeable difference in your overall performance.
Clubhead Design
Look for drivers with a low center of gravity (CG) and high moment of inertia (MOI). These features promote higher launch and better ball flight, helping you achieve the desired distance and trajectory on your shots.
Weight Distribution
Weight distribution is another essential factor to consider when selecting a driver. I’ve found that drivers with weight distributed towards the back and perimeter of the clubhead provide more forgiveness and a higher launch angle, which can be incredibly beneficial for high handicappers.
Some drivers also offer adjustable weighting, allowing you to fine-tune your shot shape and trajectory to suit your individual needs. As your skills develop, this feature can become increasingly valuable in optimizing your performance on the course.
Adjustability
Lastly, I believe that adjustable drivers can be an excellent option for high handicappers. Adjustable drivers enable you to modify the loft, lie angle, and weight distribution to better suit your swing, allowing for a more personalized fit and performance.
In summary, when selecting a driver for high handicappers, consider factors such as forgiveness, loft, shaft flex, clubhead design, weight distribution, and adjustability. By taking these factors into account and applying a personal touch to your selection process, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect driver to elevate your game.
Tips for high handicappers to improve their game
Now that you know what to look for in a driver, let’s talk about some ways to elevate your game:
- GET LESSONS: I can’t stress enough how important it is to get lessons from a PGA professional. No equipment in the world will correct your swing flaws. As a high handicapper, this is the best investment you can make.
- Practice makes perfect: Regular practice sessions can help you hone your skills and develop consistency. Dedicate time to work on your swing mechanics, and don’t forget to practice your short game, too.
- Get a club fitting: A professional club fitting can make a world of difference in your game. A fitter will assess your swing and recommend the best club specifications for you, ensuring that your equipment is tailored to your needs.
- Swing drills: Incorporate swing drills into your practice routine to help improve specific aspects of your game. For example, try the “tee drill” to help you focus on hitting the ball with the center of the clubface: Place a tee in the ground, and without a ball, practice swinging so that the clubhead grazes the tee.
Frequently asked questions
High handicappers should look for a driver with maximum forgiveness, a higher loft, the appropriate shaft flex, a large clubhead (460cc), a low center of gravity (CG), high moment of inertia (MOI), and possibly adjustable features. These factors will help improve distance, accuracy, and consistency on the course.
A driver can help reduce a high handicapper’s slice by having a draw bias or offset design, which promotes a more closed clubface at impact. This can help straighten out the ball flight and minimize the effects of a slice, resulting in more accurate and consistent shots.
The most forgiving driver for a high handicapper is one that offers a large sweet spot, perimeter weighting, a low CG, and a high MOI. These features help minimize the impact of mishits and promote higher launch angles, making it easier for high handicappers to achieve better distance and accuracy.
As a high handicapper, you should look for a driver with a loft between 10.5 and 12 degrees. This range will help you get the ball airborne more easily and achieve greater carry distance.
High handicappers typically benefit from a more flexible shaft, such as regular or senior flex. These shafts can help generate more clubhead speed and distance, which is often a challenge for high handicappers.
Yes, you should consider an adjustable driver, as it can be beneficial for your game. Adjustable drivers allow you to modify the loft, lie angle, and weight distribution to better suit your swing. While this feature may not be a top priority for high handicappers, it can be helpful as your skills develop over time and you start fine-tuning your swing.
The center of gravity (CG) and moment of inertia (MOI) are crucial factors in a driver for high handicappers. A low CG and high MOI promote higher launch angles and better ball flight, resulting in more forgiveness and distance on off-center hits.
To determine the right driver length, you can consult with a professional club fitter or follow general guidelines based on your height. Typically, taller players require longer drivers, while shorter players need shorter drivers. However, swing mechanics and personal preferences also play a role in finding the right length.
While not absolutely necessary, getting a custom club fitting can make a significant difference in your game. A professional club fitter will assess your swing and recommend the best club specifications for you, ensuring that your equipment is tailored to your needs and helping you improve your performance on the course.
A driver specifically designed for high handicappers will typically have features such as a large clubhead, high MOI, low CG, higher loft, and more flexible shaft options. Manufacturers often market these drivers as being more forgiving or game-improvement models.
The key differences between drivers for high handicappers and those for low handicappers or professionals are usually found in the design and features of the club. Drivers for high handicappers focus on forgiveness, higher lofts, and flexible shafts
Conclusion
Finding the right driver is essential for high handicappers to make the most of your abilities and enjoy the game. A driver tailored to your needs can help improve your performance on the course, increase distance, and enhance accuracy. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can make a more informed decision when choosing the best driver for your game.
Go with the Callaway Paradym X driver if you want the best overall high handicap driver. The Cleveland Launcher XL is a great budget pick.
Remember, golf is a journey, and with the right equipment and dedication to practice, you’ll see progress in your skills over time. Best of luck on your quest for the perfect driver, and here’s to lower scores and more enjoyable rounds on the course!
Designed for forgiveness, slight draw-bias, and higher launch flight.
