The Best 5 Golf Drivers for Beginners and High Handicappers (Easiest to Hit)

beginners high handicappers golfer hitting driver

Erik Schjolberg

By Coach Erik Schjolberg – Jan 7, 2024

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Key Takeaways – The Best 5 Golf Drivers for Beginners and High Handicappers for 2024

  • High launch and high MOI are the best fit for a higher handicap
  • Make sure your driver fits your swing and swing speed
  • Slower swing speeds should consider a lighter driver and shaft
  • The primary focus should be distance, accuracy, and miss-hit results
  • The driver is the hardest to hit as it’s the longest club in the bag

Most beginners try hitting the driver at first; however, after lots of struggles, it ends up collecting dust and never comes out of the bag. Consequently, the majority of beginners and high handicappers resort to hitting a 3 wood, or even an iron, off the tee.

I hate to say it, but this is almost ALWAYS because, unfortunately, they haven’t purchased a driver that was right for them and their swing speed. Moreover, most beginners start with hand-me-down clubs they got from a friend that doesn’t fit them at all.

Therefore, having a driver that fits your swing and swing speed is super important. So, take a look at my top picks for the best golf driver for beginners and high-handicap golfers…

>> Click here to jump to the conclusion <<


Our Criteria for the “The Best 5 Golf Drivers for Beginners” Comparison Test:

I have narrowed my search based on the following primary criteria:
  • Miss Hit Results – how far, and how far offline did the misses travel
  • Distance – carry and roll
  • Accuracy – percent of fairways hit
And the following secondary criteria:
  • Feel – overall weight, swing weight, and feel at impact
  • Ball Flight – using a standard stock shaft
  • Launch Monitor Numbers – spin rate, ball speed, swing speed, smash factor, launch angle
  • Aesthetics – it has to look good
  • Sound – hearing the right sound at impact is very important to me when choosing a driver

Reviews – The Best 5 Golf Drivers for Beginners and High Handicappers:

#1. TaylorMade Stealth 2

🏆 Best Overall 🥇
Me testing the TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver

My Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5.0
My Suggested Handicap: 15 and up
Loft Options: 9°, 10.5°, and 12°
Launch: High
Spin: Mid
Adjustable Hosel: Yes

Pros:

  • Great distance numbers
  • Unique and unmistakable design
  • Springy feel that promotes confidence
  • Carbon face produces interesting impact sound
  • Highly forgiving

Cons:

  • Not very workable
  • No adjustable weight
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My Experience (with pictures):

Opening the Stealth 2 was a treat. Not seeing the Stealth in person until now, I was quite impressed with the design. The red face and sleek design is really the best look on the market right now. The Stealth 2 is not just pretty either. It has the chops to go toe to toe with any other driver.

  • The Stealth 2 was a beast at the range and on the course. I was hitting over 80% of fairways during testing, which was well above my average.
Showing the crown part of TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver in the grass

  • A higher handicapper or new golfer will find a lot of value in the forgiveness of the Stealth 2. Especially on off center strikes. Not much distance or dispersion loss at all.
The TaylorMade Stealth 2 ventus fujikura shaft, clubhead and headcover

The Stealth 2, with the only carbon fiber face on the market, has a very unique sound. It’s familiar, thanks to internal rib structures, but clearly different compared to titanium faces. Muted but clearly the sound of a cannon.

The truly impressive part of the Stealth 2 is its forgiveness. Or as TaylorMade has coined “FARgiveness.” Heel, toe, high face, low face, the dispersion was incredible. Makes for a fun club to hit and frees up the rest of your game.

WHY This Is The Best for Beginners/High Handicappers

  • Easy to launch and get the ball in the air
  • Most forgiving club tested
  • Hard to hit a bad shot

The Bottom Line

The Stealth 2 is built for distance and forgiveness to the absolute max. TaylorMade followed up the original Stealth with some major improvements with the second iteration of the Stealth series. It’s perfect for a new golfer or someone who struggles off the tee. Read my full Taylormade Stealth 2 driver review here.

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#2. Callaway Paradym X

🏆 Runner Up 🥇
A Callaway Paradym X driver clubhead with jailbreak A.I design

My Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5.0
My Suggested Handicap: 10 and up
Loft Options: 9°, 10.5°, and 12°
Launch: High
Spin: Mid
Adjustable Hosel: Yes

Pros:

  • Enjoyable sound and feel
  • Highly consistent across the face
  • Navy and gold design gives premium feel
  • Launch and draw bias help in/out swing path

Cons:

  • No adjustable weights
  • Headcover looks cheap and a little silly
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My Experience (with pictures):

The first thing I noticed after opening the box was the new look. Super dark blue. Almost black. I really like the look at address with that color. Just changing things up a bit made it enjoyable. The bottom is really amazing. This swirling black and navy. Almost camo pattern but not quite.

  • Compared to my gamer, the Paradym X was carrying the ball nearly 10 yards further! Couple that with the sound and feel that I really liked, and Callaway has really won me over with the Paradym X!
  • With the Paradym X in my bag, I posted some of the best scores in my golfing life. Indeed, the Callaway Paradym X is certainly at the top spot of drivers that fit my swing and playing style. Furthermore, I could see it taking a permanent spot in my bag.

The face was noticeably different too; in fact, it reminds me of the Titleist face design. Moreover, I definitely like the look of it better than my trusty Epic Max. Its more modern and angular lines, consequently, make for a sleek look. Overall, I was very impressed with the new look.

Furthermore, I fell in love with the sound and feel of the Paradym X. Specifically, it is a much more muted and solid sound at impact compared to the higher-pitched and hollow sound of the Epic Max.

WHY This Is Runner-Up

  • Most forgiving on off-center strikes
  • No sliding weights to fiddle with. Just swing
  • Gives a beginner or high handicapper a premium-looking driver

The Bottom Line

The Callaway Paradym X was one I was really interested in comparing my gamer to, and I was really impressed with its performance. The look is something different, and the sound at impact is one of the most enjoyable parts of this club. You won’t find much loss of distance and accuracy if you find the toe or heel on contact, and that is great for many of us out there hacking away every weekend.

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#3. PING G430 Max

🏆 Honorable Mention 🥇
Me holding a Ping G430 max driver for testing at the golf course

My Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5.0
My Suggested Handicap: 10+
Loft Options: 9°, 10.5°, and 12°
Launch: High
Spin: Mid
Adjustable Hosel: Yes

Pros:

  • Superb distance
  • Looks great at address
  • Forgiveness is off the charts
  • Adjustability for tuned trajectory

Cons:

  • Most shots ended up left of center
  • Hard to distinguish mishits from pure ones through sound and feel
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My Experience (with pictures):

The PING G430 Max didn’t disappoint once I got out to the range. I was seeing drive totals 15-20 yards farther than my gamer! Part of it was carry distance, but the roll out was impressive too. That would be the handiwork of the new face design and what Ping calls “Spinsistency.”

  • I witnessed a much faster clubhead speed as well as more ball speed off the face compared to my current gamer.
My Ping G430 max driver forged face

  • One thing that really stood out was the left/draw bias. My general miss is right, and those were few and far between… much less than my gamer. However, all of my good strikes were finding their way left of center. Slight adjustments to my setup made for an easy fix though.
A 10.5 Ping G430 max driver at the golf course

The G430 Max Driver comes with an adjustable hosel and movable rear weight. I tuned the 10.5° loft on driver down to 9° for a more penetrating ball flight, but I felt no need to move the rear weight, but it’s there to move if needed.

WHY This Is The Honorable Mention

  • Consistent spin numbers across the face
  • Great forgiveness (especially off the toe)
  • Built in draw bias

The Bottom Line

My Ping G430 Max Driver review proved that Ping really delivered this time around. I was surprised and impressed each time I swung this club.
The distance, the forgiveness, the looks. It seems to be the total package, and I would recommend it to pretty much any golfer.

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#4. Cobra Aerojet Max

🏆 Best Value 🥇
The Cobra Aerojet Max driver on the golf course

My Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5.0
My Suggested Handicap: 15 and up
Loft Options: 9°, 10.5°, and 12°
Launch: High
Spin: Mid
Adjustable Hosel: Yes

Pros:

  • Easy to swing
  • Adjustable hosel
  • Draw biased with heel weighting
  • Slick design with red, white, and blue accents

Cons:

  • Not as long as some Max drivers
  • Dispersion not as tight as competitors
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My Experience (with pictures):

The Cobra Aerojet Max is without a doubt a cool looking driver with an aerodynamic shape, and a draw bias address. If you’re fighting a slice, this should help you out. I was noticing a lot of shots drawing without any effort to do so.

  • That high launch is no joke! The ball gets up and down range with a quickness. If launch is an issue for you, the Aerojet Max can be your best friend!
HOT face close up on my Cobra Aerojet Max driver

  • Cobra improved on their LTDx design, and offers a lot of carry distance and respectable forgiveness.
Front view of my black Cobra Aerojet Max driver in the grass

I was excited to test out the Aerojet Max! The LTDx was a success, and the new construction made for an intriguing release. I no longer struggle with a slice, so the draw bias was pretty noticeable with my first few swings. Duck hooks almost, which really shows the effect of the positioned weights!

Once I found my swing with the Aerojet Max, I was hitting the ball straight. Very straight. It was a little too spiny for my swing and skillset, but that mid to high spin will help new golfers and high handicappers keep the ball in the air longer for further drives.

WHY This Is The Best Value for Beginners

  • Yards gained per dollar is unmatched
  • Coming in cheaper than most OEMs
  • Easy launch and very straight

The Bottom Line

The Cobra Aerojet Max can go toe to toe with pretty much every driver on this list, and at a cheaper price point, this makes for an excellent option for a beginner. A high handicapper will enjoy the distance, and the draw bias.

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#5. Titleist TSR2

🏆 Editor’s Choice 🥇
Showing a SureFit hosel sleeve of Titleist TSR2 driver

My Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5.0
My Suggested Handicap: 5-20
Loft Options: 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°
Launch: High
Spin: Low
Adjustable Hosel: Yes

Pros:

  • Much more forgiving than the TS2 and TSi2
  • Classic Titleist design (sleek and elegant)
  • Solid, square, friendly look at address
  • Great performer with distance

Cons:

  • Hosel codes are confusing
  • Tees and balls mark the face easily
  • Adjusting hosel rotates shaft and grip
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My Experience (with pictures):

Just like any driver I have tested, it took a few balls to get used to the look and feel, but after that, I was off to the races. Most balls had my preferred five yard cut that I am able to control on the course. Trajectory was a little higher than I prefer, but the numbers were outstanding!

  • I averaged 234/256 (carry/total) with the TSR2 at the range. Factoring in the roughly 15% distance drop with range balls compared to a premium ball, that is right around 270 carry. At sea level?! I will gladly take that to the course any day!
A closer view of Titleist TSR2 driver crown part

  • The launch was very impressive with the TSR2. I pictured having a mid to low launch like previous TS2s, but this one is easy to hit, and flies FAR!
An Aerospace grade titanium face design of Titleist TSR2 driver

The round I shot a 79 found me only hitting 53.8% of the fairways, but the fairways are narrow on this particular course, and a large part of the missed fairways was the length I was getting from the TSR2. Having some extra yards in the tank was allowing me to make bold moves cutting doglegs and carrying waste areas.

The sound and feel of the TSR2 is about what I would expect from Titleist. Just right. Impact feel was slightly soft, but not spongy, and the sound is not loud but certainly not quiet. Overall it couples well with the powerful shots behind it.

WHY This Is The Editor’s Choice

  • Nice easy launch off the tee
  • Longest distance in this category
  • Not the most forgiving option, but still really good

The Bottom Line

Although the TSR2 is found in the bags of some tour pros, it is a good option for beginners and high handicappers too. The added forgiveness, powerful distance, and how easy it is to hit are all reasons it’s a winner for so many types of golfers.

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Loser – Srixon ZX5 MK II

Our Loser
Here is my Srixon ZX5 MK II driver on the golf course

My Rating: ⭐️ 3.3/5.0
My Suggested Handicap: 15+
Loft Options: 9.5° and 10.5°
Launch: High
Spin: Mid
Adjustable Hosel: Yes

Pros:

  • Decent distance
  • Straight to mid draw bias

Cons:

  • Not as forgiving as I expected
  • No real improvements from the last model
  • Impact sound makes you think you mishit it
  • Adjustments to hosel rotates the grip and shaft
  • Model numbers are confusing to find the right one
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My Experience (with pictures):

The ZX5 MKII is the “new and improved” version of the original ZX5. Srixon is trying to make itself some space in the driver world, and this is their “forgiving” option. It seems like they missed the mark on forgiving.

  • Good strikes were great, but mishits seemed to be punished both with distance and direction. Not much room for error, which makes it a tough choice for a beginner.
The Srixon ZX5 MK II next to its black cover

  • The club face is not very tall, and seems much wider than other clubs tested. Missing that extra height seemed to make it hard to find the right tee height and launch the ball high.
The club face of the Srixon ZX5 MK II driver

Although the matte crown is an improved look of the ZX5s original gloss crown, the alignment aid seems to be off center a bit, which played tricks with my eyes at address. I just didn’t feel comfortable standing over the ball, which is a foreign feeling.

Overall with the distance being middle of the pack, and forgiveness at the bottom of forgiving drivers, this one seems to be a better fit for a mid handicapper over a new golfer or high handicapper.

WHY You Should Avoid This Club

  • There are better distance options
  • High launch was not very high
  • Off center strikes lost distance

The Bottom Line

Srixon makes some quality stuff, but it’s really a ball strikers brand. Their forgiving option in the ZX5 MKII is definitely more forgiving than the ZX7, but still isn’t a great choice for a newer golfer or a high handicapper.

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Final Thoughts on The Best 5 Golf Drivers for Beginners

New players need a lighter club to help increase their swing speed. Additionally, a club with more weight in the bottom, as well as as far back as possible, can produce a higher launch angle.

Furthermore, a club with an adjustable center of gravity weight and hosel allows you to make changes to the club..rather than to your swing.

Ultimately, I want more people to play this great game, because if the game is too hard, people will quit. Consequently, the manufacturers know this, and it’s why they’re producing such amazing products for the beginner golfer.

**Moreover,** if you can swing your swing and see the ball fly straighter, higher, and further, it’s a win for everyone.

Therefore, consider these new drivers, get one in your bag, watch your handicap go down, and enjoy many years of happiness on the golf course!

a golfer hitting a driver with adjustable loft

For Some Beginner Golf Tips…

If you’re looking for general tips on how to get started, golf 101, etc check out this article here.  We cover EVERYTHING you need to know to get started playing this great game!

For our review of The Best 5 Golf Drivers…

If you’re not a beginner or high handicapper, we have an entirely separate article geared more towards golfers who already have been playing for a while; furthermore, they have more accuracy and control, as well as higher swing speeds with their driver.

However, I’ll warn you though, the drivers in that review are more advanced and, consequently, maybe a little more difficult for golfers who can’t control their shot shape or hit the sweet spot somewhat consistently.

But if you think you’re ready, go ahead and check out our best golf driver reviews.

The 5 Best Golf Drivers for Beginners and high handicappers of 2024 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7XIG5PeTEI&pp=ygU7VGhlIEJlc3QgNSBHb2xmIERyaXZlcnMgZm9yIEJlZ2lubmVycyBhbmQgSGlnaCBIYW5kaWNhcHBlcnM%3D


FAQ – The Best 5 Golf Drivers for Beginners and High Handicappers

Note – Some of these FAQs were covered throughout the article, but I still get these questions a lot… so here are the “short and sweet” answers to the most common questions:

Does a golf driver make a difference?

A golf driver makes a HUGE difference. Furthermore, being able to keep the golf ball in play off the tee is, indeed, the most important aspect when starting.

What is the hardest club to hit in golf?

The driver is usually the hardest club to hit in golf. This is mostly due to the following:

1. Longest club in the bag – the physically longer the club, the harder it is to control the club face at impact… simply because it’s that much further away. Imagine trying to swing a club that’s 10 feet long! This is why I always say that choking down on your driver is so important.

2. You’re hitting it much further – you’re going to be hitting your driver further than any other club. Consequently, this means that a small error in ball striking has much more time to propagate through the ball’s path. For instance, a slice with a 100-yard shot may only take you offline a few yards; however, the same slice with a 250-yard shot could very well leave you in the woods.

3. Lowest lofted club in the bag – Indeed, the lower the loft, the harder it is to get the ball up in the air. Furthermore, we’ve all hit those dreaded low grounders before that, unfortunately, only go 100 yards at best.

4. Swing arc and impact position – Typically with the driver, you’re going to be hitting UP on the ball vs down with every other club; however, fairway woods could be either, depending on if you’re teeing up. Consequently, this is a hard concept for beginner golfers to understand, at least after they learn to hit down with the irons. Furthermore, it’s not a different swing per se; rather, you’re just contacting the golf ball later in the swing arc.

Should high handicappers use a driver?

High handicappers should be using a driver, in my opinion. However, it depends on how well you can already hit it. Additionally, your goals play a significant role; for instance, if you are going for long-term progress, then you should learn to hit the driver. On the other hand, if you’re trying to post a score, then perhaps you should stick to 3 wood, particularly if you know the driver is a struggle for you.

What about Balls for High Handicappers?

If you’re a high handicapper and you’re not sure which ball to use, check out our test results and rankings of the best golf ball for high handicap golfers.

What is the best driver for beginners?

I believe the best driver for beginners to buy is the Tour Edge Hot Launch E521. It’s forgiving on missed hits, has good distance and accuracy, cures a slice, AND it’s cheap!

For females though, it’s going to be the Wilson D9 Women’s edition. The best beginner golf clubs for ladies are usually complete sets when you’re just starting.

What is the easiest driver to hit?

The easiest driver to hit in 2022 is, in our opinion, the Callaway Rogue ST Max. Furthermore, there is just so much forgiveness on strikes that miss the sweet spot; as a result, you almost can’t hit a bad drive with this club.

How far does a beginner hit a driver?

A beginner golfer can hit a driver usually around 170 – 225 yards. However, it depends on your swing speeds, ball speed, ball flight, shot shape, and ability to hit the sweet spot. If you can do this consistently (and you’re just starting), then you’re doing great! Moreover, the keyword is CONSISTENTLY

Should beginners hit a driver?

If you’re a complete beginner golfer, I would recommend NOT hitting a driver yet. Instead, stick to 3 or 5 wood off the tee, or even a 6 or 7 iron if that’s all you can hit. Ultimately, it will make the game much more fun for now. However, you should be practicing with the driver and adding it to your arsenal once you can hit it somewhat consistently.

Should I look at the most forgiving drivers?

There are a lot of similarities between beginner-based drivers and the most forgiving drivers. But there are some differences as well. Check this out if you’re specifically looking for forgiving drivers.

a girl hitting the golf ball with a driver

Discount Section – Our Picks for the Easiest Driver to Hit from 2022

#1. Callaway Rogue ST Max

🏆 Best Overall 🥇
Callaway Rogue ST Max driver

My Rating: ⭐️ 5.0/5.0
My Suggested Handicap: 12 and up
Lofts Available: 9°, 10.5°, and 12°
Launch: High
Spin: Mid
Adjustable Hosel: Yes

Pros:

  • Matte crown is a focus factor
  • Variable face thickness = super forgiving
  • Distance on top of distance
  • Great roll out after carry
  • OptiFit Hosel can add 2 degrees of loft as well as shot shape bias

Cons:

  • No adjustable weight
  • Head shape not everyone’s favorite
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My Experience (with pictures):

(our full test results and review of the Callaway Rogue ST Max Driver is here)

Last year I was an Epic FANATIC. I felt the Epic line was way ahead of the competition. So the Rogue ST Max has big shoes to fill. It definitely didn’t disappoint! Callaway hit the mark here!

Callaway brought back the flash face and speed frame for the Rogue ST Max, and are put to good use. I really felt the forgiveness across the face, and astonishing distance. The driver is absolutely user friendly.

Real photo of the Rogue ST Max

The sound at impact is classic Callaway. Strong, but not loud. Metallic, but not high pitched. A feel of stability and power that I’ve come to expect from Callaway. A slight draw bias will help you a bit if you come over the top, like most beginners.

Between the acoustics, simple high ball flight, slight draw bias, killer forgiveness, and jaw dropping distance, I am hard pressed to say anything negative about this driver. If all you want is your next shot to be playable, this is going to get you desired results.

The new Rogue ST Max driver about to hit a golf ball

WHY is it one of the Best Drivers for Beginners?

The Callaway Rogue ST Max is a beginner’s best friend. It’s the easiest driver to hit in 2022 in my opinion.

The 26 grams of tungsten at the rear makes this driver have the highest MOI of any Callaway driver to date! MOI is also a beginner’s best friend. MOI equals forgiveness, and forgiveness is key for a beginner.

The new Flash Face was designed with ball speed and lowering spin in mind. The variable thickness, produced over thousands of AI simulations, generates consistent speeds across the face. A beginner tends to struggle finding the center of the face with consistency, so this is a key factor also.

So why beginners? Easy… high ball flight, high MOI, consistency across the face, and impressive distance… it checks all the boxes!

The Bottom Line

There are some real gamers to pick from this year. The difference between manufacturers is the thinnest it has ever been. Callaway however, always seems to have that next little step up.

This year is no different. As a beginner, you are looking for a driver that you can count on, that gives you extreme distance, ultimate forgiveness, and gets up and down range quickly…

The Callaway Rogue ST Max is the best choice for all beginners and high handicappers.

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#2. Ping G425 MAX

🏆 Runner Up 🥇
ping g425 driver for improved ball flight

My Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5.0
My Suggested Handicap: 12 and up
Lofts Available: 9°, 10.5°, & 12°
Launch: High
Spin: Mid
Adjustable Hosel: Yes

Pros:

  • Excellent distance + accuracy on solid hits
  • Miss hits saw very little decline in distance and accuracy as well
  • The feel is very very solid

Cons:

  • Overall distance was slightly less than the competition
  • Sound was a bit muffled
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My Experience (with pictures):

Ping made a driver that many will buy immediately after hitting.

Ping G425 Max

The new Ping G425 MAX has impressed everyone that’s tried it. They made a perfect club for beginners by doing a few key things…

First, they made the overall club lighter (and lighter is better for increasing swing speeds). But they’re also using something new called the dragonfly crown technology, specifically making the top of the club lighter.

real life photo of the ping g425 max driver

This allows Ping to add a 26 gram movable weight called the center of gravity shifter to the bottom of the club. You can set it to draw, fade, and neutral.

WHY is it one of the Best Drivers for Beginners?

By moving the center of gravity weight, Ping increased the MOI 14% from its previous model!

Basically, this means you don’t have to hit it on the sweet spot to see great results. I hit several off centered balls that flew high and far. It’s a very impressive club that needs to be part of your search.

By the way, we have a full in depth review and testing results of the Ping G425 Max driver if you want to check that out.

The Bottom Line

This was the driver I could’ve sat on the range and hit all day!

The look and feel of the club, the distance and accuracy… all of it was so fun to watch.

Yes, you’re allowed to admire your own golf shots when they’re good. I played around with the center of gravity shifter and hit great shots one after the other.

The high launch angle is also perfect for new players. Seeing the ball climb into the sky with such ease was a joy to see. Most beginners try to help the golf ball get in the air but that’s not necessary with this Ping.

This is why I think it’s one of the best drivers for beginners available today.

I came out of this session thinking every beginner will want this club in their bag!

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#3. Cobra LTDx Max

🏆 Best Value 🥇
Cobra LTDx Max Driver

My Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5.0
My Suggested Handicap: 10 and up
Lofts Available: 9°, 10.5°, and 12°
Launch: High
Spin: Low-Mid
Adjustable Hosel: Yes

Pros:

  • Easy to hit
  • Adjustable weights
  • Good looks at address
  • Top of the heap in distance
  • Consistent ball speed across the face

Cons:

  • A little too spiny
  • Not my favorite sound wise
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My Experience (with pictures):

(for our full review and write up, and my personal test results with this diver, click here)

This was the year for COBRA to step their game up. Following one of the most popular players on tour saying last year’s model “sucks,” COBRA had an uphill climb ahead of them. COBRA did more than step their game up. The LTDx Max is truly an impressive driver.

Cobra hosel adjustment

A computer generated “H.O.T Face” perfected face thickness in 15 different zones across the face. A tour pro may need three of those zones. A high handicapper, or beginner, will likely need all 15 of those zones in a round. Finding similar results across the face is next level improvement.

I was very happy swinging this club. It’s strong, long, and oh so forgiving. I was excited to tee up the next ball and send it again and again.

A new construction saved weight that was positioned directly behind the impact zone, which maximizes distance and forgiveness.

Real life photo of the LTDx Max by Cobra

What really impressed me was the interchangeable weight system. A 10g weight and a 3g weight can be traded between the heel and back. Put the 10g in the back to a get higher flight and neutral shape, or swap it to the heel for maximum draw bias.

WHY is it one of the Best Drivers for Beginners?

The COBRA LTDx Max is the perfect club off the tee for beginners and high handicappers. Arguably the most forgiving face, adjustable weights, and a near zero center of gravity will help any golfer off the tee.

The CNC Milled Infinity Face comes across the leading edge, which helps keep consistent ball speeds all across the face. I had a hard time finding a strike that was less than optimal. Easy to hit and impressive distance are the two biggest pros for a beginner.

The Bottom Line

COBRA heard the criticism and responded in a big way. To have Bryson DeChambeau and Kyle Berkshire, the longest hitters around, using your driver, there’s something to be had here. Even though those two are pros at the long ball, this club works great for beginners.

Easy to hit, and strong at impact will produce confidence for any style player. Throwing in the adjustable features just makes the LTDx Max that more attractive.

If you’re new to the game, or struggle off the tee, you should consider this club. Retailed significantly cheaper than its competitors, it’s perfect for someone new to the game and not committed enough to spend top dollar.

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#4. TaylorMade Stealth

🏆 Honorable Mention 🥇
TaylorMade Stealth red face driver

My Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5.0
My Suggested Handicap: 10 and up
Lofts Available: 9°, 10.5°, and 12°
Launch: Mid to High
Spin: Mid to Low
Adjustable Hosel: Yes

Pros:

  • Looks amazing
  • Sound/feel is premium and new
  • Larger face is more forgiving
  • Carbon face adds distance
  • Adjustable hosel to add loft

Cons:

  • Not the most forgiving option on this list
  • Red face can distract some
  • Face durability could be a concern
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My Experience (with pictures):

(our full review and test results: TaylorMade Stealth Driver 2022)

Carbonwood! Finally, something to shake things up a bit in the driver space. Carbon Fiber face has been tried before, but never panned out. TaylorMade seems to think this is the future of driver faces.

Picture at address of the Stealth driver

Going into it, I had an idea of a dead face, and a strange muffled sound. TaylorMade was able to use that saved weight to create some really impressive acoustics. Sound is a big part of feel, and the sound at impact is familiar, yet different, all at the same time.

Shots felt hot off the face, and almost springy. This club generated the most ball speed and distance out of the candidates for the number one slot, which is a HUGE bonus.

Top down view of the new TaylorMade Driver

Overall, this is an impressive driver, not only in looks, but in performance as well. A premium offering with a nice high launch, impressive distance, and good forgiveness. Getting the ball in the air is effortless. This is the best I’ve seen from TaylorMade in a while.

WHY is it one of the Best Drivers for Beginners?

The new Carbon Twist Face is 40% lighter, and up to 20% larger than previous models like the SIM Max.

A lighter face allows for the saved weight to be placed for a more favorable MOI, and a larger hitting area is great when learning the game. I found this club easy to get up in the air, and keep straight too.

The Bottom Line

For a beginner or someone that struggles off the tee, you can’t really go wrong with this beauty. It’ll keep you strong and long off the tee throughout the round!

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#5. Titleist TSi1 Driver

🏆 Best Looking 🥇
titleist Tsi1 Driver

My Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5.0
My Suggested Handicap: 12 and up
Lofts Available: 9°, 10°, and 12° (10° is the only option available for left handers)
Launch: High
Spin: Mid
Adjustable Hosel: Yes

Pros:

  • High launch
  • Moveable weight and hosel
  • The look is the best on the market

Cons:

  • Lacked a little miss-hit accuracy outside the sweet spot compared to competition
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My Experience (with pictures):

(full review and test of the Titleist TSi1 Driver is in this post)

Most think Titleist only makes great golf balls, but they make great golf clubs as well.

Titleist tries hard to make sure you know their golf clubs are as good as their golf balls too.

titanium tsi 1 driver by titleist

They’re using a new ATI425 aerospace titanium club face that’s being manufactured in Pittsburgh. Its stability helps with distance and accuracy, and they’re the only ones in the business who have it.

The results are higher ball speed, longer drives, and a nice booming sound at impact. It also has the adjustable sure fit hosel and sure fit adjustable weight to make minor adjustments to the overall performance of the club.

WHY is it one of the Best Drivers for Beginners?

With a more forgiving face, a lightweight design, and a higher launch, this club will most definitely give the beginner the results you’re looking for.

The Bottom Line

This is my favorite looking driver on the market. Whenever I see a classic black pear shaped club head driver, I NEED to hit it.

Most players have to like the look of the club or they won’t buy it. This is no different than buying a car. We buy a car we like looking at. This driver does that for me. I made my best swings with this club!

Having confidence is a huge aspect when playing golf so having the right club increases confidence.

My only gripe would be when I miss-hit shots, they traveled off line a little more than the competition, but not enough to keep me away from it.

Playing around with the weight and hosel is also fun. Seeing the golf ball launch higher is also wonderful for new players. You need to find clubs built for you… and Titleist did a great job building one of the best drivers for beginners and high handicappers. Give this one a try.

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And the 2022 Winner of The Best 5 Golf Drivers for Beginners and High Handicappers is…

My goal here was to find the best driver for a beginner/high handicap player; however, the task was harder than I thought. I assumed there would be one clear winner, and then everyone else.

Not so much! Instead, I found benefits with all offerings this year that will help any new golfer or double-digit handicapper.

The new models from Callaway, COBRA, and TaylorMade are fantastic clubs. Moreover, the PING G425 Max and Titleist TSi1 are still modern marvels that are great picks for newbies and weekend warriors. Overall, there is great distance with all of them, and forgiveness is off the charts! So, which is best?!

Best Overall – This is the Easiest Driver to Hit!

Callaway delivered an incredible sledgehammer this year in their Callaway Rogue ST Max. The extreme MOI, Flash Face, and Speed Frame all make this club long and forgiving. Dispersion was tight, regardless of where the ball found the face.

Callaway continues to be the front-runner in the driver space, picking up right where the Epic Max left off. The clear winner here for the easiest driver to hit!

Runner Up

The PING G425 Max has some really impressive features that give the winner a run for its money. Adjustability, forged face, great sound and feel, and a counterbalanced shaft help beginners and high handicappers get some consistency off the tee.

I just love the sound and feel, and that counterbalance helps keep momentum on the downswing. You’ll be happy with this one!

Best Value Pick

The Cobra LTDx Max… I am still blown away at how impressive this club is. To put up competitive numbers against the likes of Callaway and Titleist, and come in at almost $100 cheaper, “value” is the first word that comes to mind.

If you aren’t 100% committed to the game of golf yet, I would suggest the LTDx Max. Big distance, BIG savings.


Discount Section – Our Picks for the Easiest Driver to Hit from 2021

#1. TaylorMade Sim 2 Max Driver

🏆 Best Overall 2021 🥇
TaylorMade SIM best high handicap driver

My Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5.0
My Suggested Handicap: 12 and up
Lofts Available: 9°, 10.5°, and 12° (12° is only available in the right handed version)
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Colors: All models have the black base, but you can customize the blue trim to Chrome, Orange, Gold, Red, Black, Green, Light Blue
Average Cost New: $529.99

Pros:

  • The feel and sound are exceptional!
  • Tremendous distance with both solid strikes and miss-hits outside the sweet spot

Cons:

  • No movable weight
  • The shape and color scheme
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My Experience (with pictures):

The SIM2 MAX is definitely a step up from the SIM MAX (last year’s model). TaylorMade is marketing a new forged ring technology as their breakthrough for distance and accuracy. It has a 9 layer Inertia generator sole, which helps increase swing speed at the bottom of the swing, ultimately increasing ball speed.

Combine these features with a 24g back weight and you have a driver that’s built perfectly for the beginner or high handicap golfers.

Due to the movement of the weight, it has a 5% increased sweet spot from the SIM MAX. One thing beginners do a lot of… miss-hit the center of the club (or sweet spot)! So finding clubs with larger sweet spots is super important.

alternate color of the taylormade SIM driver for beginners

Note – these photos are of the SIM 2, not the SIM 2 MAX. However, those custom colors are available for both drivers.

Looking down at the driver is a little weird to me. The club head is no longer all white like the previous M series, but a black carbon crown with a white club face wrapped around the top of the club.

It has become TaylorMade’s look over the last several years, so once I got over the colors, the results followed.

It’s indeed a very long and accurate driver. The launch angle in the Taylormade SIM MAX 2 was higher, but perfect for the player just starting out.

A higher initial launch with more forgiveness on miss-hits gives this club the five star review it deserves.

Taylormade Sim2 and sim2 max beginner driver

Note – If you’re considering this driver, but you want to check out the other models offered in this series, we’ve done a full write up on the TaylorMade SIM2 driver review family here if you want to give it a read.

The Bottom Line

TaylorMade continues to be a leader in golf club technology.

The TaylorMade SIM 2 MAX is a very forgiving driver. Miss-hits traveled a good distance, and the ball stayed within the tree line. Keeping the golf ball in play is very important and this driver definitely helped me keep the ball in play.

The shape and color scheme didn’t bother me after a while so my swings became a little better…. and the results followed.

I liked the high launch compared to the SIM. Seeing the golf ball take off higher is very helpful for beginners with slower swing speeds so it’s definitely a club that focuses on you. It should definitely be a final contender during your search.

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#2. Callaway Epic Max Driver

🏆 Runner Up 2021 🥇
Callaway epic easiest driver to hit for high handicapper

My Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5.0
My Suggested Handicap: 10 and up
Lofts Available: 9°, 10.5°, and 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Average Cost New: $529.99

Pros:

  • Adjustable weight and hosel
  • Miss hits didn’t travel far offline
  • The feel, look of the club head, and sound are exceptional

Cons:

  • Not as much overall distance as competitors
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My Experience (with pictures):

Callaway drivers continue to lead the industry in almost every category. Their technology is always one step ahead of the rest… and my results proved it.

They use artificial intelligence (AI) to help create this new line of drivers. The Epic Max has a new Jailbreak Speed Frame, which provides optimal ball speed and more stability during miss-hits outside the sweet spot.

The frame also has vertical stability bars which increase the sweet spot, resulting in more distance and accuracy on miss-hits.

The Epic Max also leads the competition in movable swing weights. It has a 16 gram adjustable weight, along with an adjustable opti-hosel.

This driver was flat out fun to hit! It has an exceptional feel and look to it, and my ball speed was much higher with this club than the rest.

real life photo of the callaway epic driver

My miss-hits didn’t wander off line all that much, so again, keeping the ball in play should be the primary focus… and this driver did just that!

I also enjoyed seeing the ball maintain its distance on miss-hits. That’s another great advantage for Callaway.

Playing around with the weight and hosel was also fun. Callaway claims you can shape correct the golf ball 16 yards! If you combine that with the opti-fit hosel, it could be up to 20 yards. This is huge for beginners who normally hit the dreaded slice.

Just making adjustments to the club and not your swing is important so this club will help straighten the ball out without a single swing change. It was built to keep the ball in play so another exceptional product from Callaway that you must consider.

We also have a full in depth write up of the Callaway Epic Max Driver review here.

The Bottom Line

I love the look, feel, and sound of this driver! It’s as good as anything on the market. When I hit a shot I thought would wander off into the woods, it didn’t. When I miss-hit a shot that I thought would lose a lot of distance, it didn’t.

When you can have the confidence to swing a club knowing it won’t travel far offline and not lose much distance, it’s a club you WANT to hit.

Callaway always finds a way to impress the masses and they did so again with the Epic Max. Include this driver in your search because it’s definitely one of the best drivers for beginners and high handicappers on the market.

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#3. Tour Edge Hot Launch E521 Driver

🏆 Best Value 2021 🥇
tour edge driver for better ball flight

My Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5.0
My Suggested Handicap: 16 and up
Lofts Available: 10.5°, 12°, and 15°
Adjustable Hosel: No
Average Cost New: $229.99

Pros:

  • Cost to performance ratio
  • Weight distribution
  • Offset club face

Cons:

  • Lacks the technology the bigger players in the market have
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My Experience (with pictures):

Tour Edge continues to surprise more and more golfers each year.

I knew that since this testing/review session was geared towards the best golf driver for beginners, I needed to try Tour Edge, and I’m glad I did!

They have the C521 for better players, the E521 for beginners… and there’s a noticeable difference. The E521 was designed with an offset club face. This means they designed a club that will help eliminate slices.

houdini sole driver by tour edge

Another key design difference was the size and length of the club head. It’s longer from front to back. This is also good for the new player because Tour Edge can transfer the center of gravity weight more towards the back of the club, helping the golf ball get in the air.

They also have something called the Houdini Sole. This puts more weight on the bottom of the club (again, more center of gravity tweaking) which also helps get the ball in the air easier.

Combine these attributes, and you get a driver that is really easy to hit and great for beginners.

The Bottom Line

This driver is a must try for the beginner. I’ll be honest, when trying value drivers, you don’t expect much on miss-hits or distance, but I was pleasantly surprised by the E521.

It has shockingly great feedback. The distance was definitely there, and when I missed the sweet spot, the accuracy and distance didn’t suffer too badly.

With the offset face, beginners will love NOT seeing their ball slice into the woods every other hole. And with a heavier sole and lower center of gravity, they’ll love seeing the ball get airborne with ease.

When searching for the best driver for beginners, this golf club deserves to be in the conversation with the big players. And with a much lower price, that’s why I think it will be the right driver for many new golfers just starting out.

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And the 2021 Winner was…

I honestly think each of these drivers will work depending on your swing type, swing speed, and budget; however, there was a clear-cut winner in my eyes for the beginner and high handicap player.

Best Overall (and the easiest driver to hit in 2021)

So, the winner of the best driver for beginners and high handicappers is… the Callaway Epic MAX.

I do think, indeed, all of these drivers will find plenty of homes; however, this driver has it all. Specifically, being able to change the weight and hosel settings is the new norm, and, consequently, Callaway has it figured out with this driver.

From the launch angle, which helps you get the golf ball airborne, to the adjustable center of gravity weight, which assists in fixing a slice upwards of 20 yards, this driver truly excels. Furthermore, swinging something so light, it’s no wonder Callaway has a huge stable of PGA and LPGA tour pros playing their products.

I loved the sound, feel, distance, and accuracy of this club. Moreover, because it’s so light, my swing speed increased, thereby increasing my ball speed and distance. After all, who doesn’t want a higher swing speed?

Furthermore, Callaway has made a driver perfect for the new player. It’s the easiest driver to hit for 2021, and I’m sure it will impress you the second you try it, and hopefully find its way into your bag.

Runner Up

A close second pick for the best driver for beginners and high handicappers is, indeed, the Ping G425 Max. Like I said in my write-up, this driver is, without a doubt, so much fun to hit!

Furthermore, with the adjustable hosel and the huge 26-gram center of gravity shifter, you can miss a hit with no worries. Additionally, you can fix the dreaded beginner slice with no problem.

Moreover, I do think a ton of beginner golfers (and even decent mid-handicap players) will, ultimately, end up with this one in their bag this year.

Best Value Pick

This may be a surprise to most; however, we’re talking about the best driver for beginners and players who are just starting.

Because of that, I’m consequently giving the best driver value pick award to the Tour Edge Hot Launch E521.

Furthermore, the biggest error a beginner makes is slicing the golf ball. Fortunately, this club, with the offset face and weighting, will help correct that problem so easily.

Moreover, when you combine that with a high launch angle and extremely low price tag, you have a winner for many, many new golfers. Ultimately, this is a great choice for the best driver for beginners.

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