The best drivers for high handicap golfers can help you take your game to the next level.
Improving your golf game can be exciting and a tad overwhelming, especially when trying to buy better golf equipment. But one thing becomes clear as you hone your swing and understand your play style: the right driver can make all the difference, especially for those with a high handicap.
Here are the 9 best drivers for high handicap golfers in 2023:
- Callaway Rogue ST Max
- PXG 0211 Driver
- TaylorMade SIM 2 Driver
- PGX Offset Golf
- Cobra Speedzone Extreme
- Srixon ZX5
- Intech Non-Conforming Driver
- Mazel Titanium Driver
- Callaway Epic Max
Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to improve that high handicap, there’s a driver on this list tailored just for you. I included the pros, cons, key features, and comparisons between drivers. Read on for the best drivers for high handicap golfers in 2023!
At a glance: Our Top 4 Picks for Best Driver For High Handicappers
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team spends thousands of hours trying out and researching golf equipment to help you take your game to the next level. Here’s our product review process.
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How We Reviewed These Products
Golfspan only shares equipment and brands we trust.
I started Golfspan years ago after a 15-year career instructing and coaching golfers, and I meticulously researched and reviewed each of the products below. Following this, an editor combed through all of the information to ensure it reads well and is factual. We also regularly review our content as the market changes to bring you the latest in golfing gear.
To select these drivers, I considered these criteria:
-
- Cost
- Launch
- Spin
- Forgiveness
- Distance
- Durability
Read more: The Best Drivers For Everyone
Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for Best Driver For High Handicappers
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
OUR RATING: 4.5/5 |
Callaway Rogue ST Max |
|
VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
OUR RATING: 4.5/5 |
PXG 0211 Driver |
|
VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
OUR RATING: 4.5/5 |
TaylorMade SIM 2 Driver |
|
VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
OUR RATING: 4.2/5 |
PGX Offset Golf |
|
VIEW ON AMAZON → |
| OUR RATING: 4.2/5 |
Cobra Speedzone Extreme |
|
VIEW ON AMAZON → |
OUR RATING: 4.5/5 |
Srixon ZX5 |
|
VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
| OUR RATING: 4.2/5 |
Intech Non-Conforming Driver |
|
VIEW ON AMAZON → |
| OUR RATING: 4.2/5 |
Mazel Titanium Driver |
|
VIEW ON AMAZON → |
OUR RATING: 4.5/5 |
Callaway Epic Max |
|
VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
The Best Drivers for High Handicap Golfers
1. Callaway Rogue ST Max – Best Overall
Specifications:
- Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
- Material: Graphite
- Lie: 57°- 60°
- Swing weight: D3
- Adjustable hosel: Yes
Pros:
- Combats sliced shots
- Encourages accelerated ball speed
- Launches high
- Adjustable loft and lie
Cons:
- Expensive
The first option on this list is their newest and current best design. The Callaway Rogue ST Max LS promotes a low launch and neutral ball flight for faster-swinging players. However, you can adjust the face’s loft and lie to set up your preferred tee shot.
The ST Max Draw delivers a high launch and draw bias flight to keep you straight and in the air. 20-grams of tungsten is placed low in the head to increase the MOI for maximum forgiveness on off-center strikes.
Furthermore, the Jailbreak Speed Frame provides superb stability at impact. It works with the clubface to produce accelerated ball speed across the face.
Verdict
The Callaway Rogue ST Max Draw driver is an excellent option for players who consistently slice their drives. It helps keep you straighter and long. The higher MOI from the tungsten makes it more forgiving and one of the best drivers for high handicap players. However, these features come at a hefty price.
We got the ball speed to an average of 158 mph in our tests and a maximum distance of around 284 yards. One thing we noticed about this driver is that it tended to promote a left curve short, so if you feel your shots keep missing to the right, this is a good driver to try out. This is a driver a high handicapper should definitely check out.
Rating: 4.6 Stars
2. PXG 0211 Driver – Best Value
Specifications:
- Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
- Material: Graphite
- Lie: 60°
- Swing weight: D3
- Adjustable hosel: Yes
Pros:
- Attractive appearance
- Optimal ball speed across the face
- Forgiving
- High launching
- Affordable
Cons:
- The high-launching nature may cause faster swingers to balloon their tee shots and lose distance.
The PXG 0211 driver will pique your interest if appearance matters to you. Its hybrid crown construction and Railed Sole Geometry make it the best-looking driver for beginners.
Its high-speed Ti412 face delivers accelerated ball speed across a wider area of the face that helps you achieve maximum carry and total distance.
The Railed Sole Geometry contains a low and back CG that works with the face to produce a high-launching tee shot.
Furthermore, Precision Weight Technology heightens the MOI of the driver and induces a high launch. The optimal MOI provides extra forgiveness to keep you long and straight off mishits.
Verdict
The PXG 0211 driver is a good-looking driver and one of the cheapest drivers out there (when you compare its cost-to-quality ratio). It delivers consistent distance to get you airborne, even on off-center strikes. Finally, the driver is suited to the majority of high handicappers.
When we got the perfect strike, we got a maximum carry distance of 282, but we noticed that if you don’t hit the ball quite right, the carry distance was lower at around 253 yards. Otherwise, these were still some impressive numbers for a driver of its price. If you are looking for affordable high handicap drivers, try the PXG 0211 Driver.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
3. TaylorMade SIM 2 Driver – Best Overall Offset Driver
Specifications:
- Lofts: 80, 90, 10.50
- Material: Graphite
- Lie: 560- 600
- Swing weight: D5
- Adjustable hosel: Yes, four-degree hosel sleeve
Pros:
- Accelerated clubhead speed
- Reduces spin
- Prompts increased ball speed
- Delivers consistent distance
- Forgiving
Cons:
- Costly
- The natural low launch may not work for slow swingers
The best high handicap driver for forgiveness in 2022 is the TaylorMade SIM 2. Its forged ring construction produces optimal aerodynamics and partners with a SIM inertia generator to accelerate clubhead speed.
In addition, the Speed Injected Twist face employs corrective face curvature to promote straight shots on off-center strikes. Plus, a Thru-Slot Speed pocket increases the flex of the face to maintain ball speed on low-face strikes.
Finally, the SIM 2 produces low spin and high forgiveness from increased distance and accuracy off the tee.
Verdict
Overall, the TaylorMade SIM 2 driver, is a work of art packed with game improvement technology. It keeps you long and straight but costs a premium.
We got really incredible results with this driver, with a ball speed of up to 167 mph and a maximum carry distance of 262 yards. It also had a quieter sound compared to the other drivers we tested.
On top of these numbers, it’s clear that the Taylormade SIM 2 is the most forgiving driver for high handicappers. The price and the natural low swing were the only reason it did not make the best overall.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
4. PGX Offset Golf – Best Budget Offset
Specifications:
- Lofts: 10.5°
- Material: Graphite or Steel
- Lie: 58°
- Adjustable hosel: Yes
Pros:
- Made of superb graphite
- Fully adjustable
- Modern and attractive appearance and clean finish
- Great value for money
- Features an Offset Technology for straighter ball trajectory
- It is a lightweight driver
- Massive ‘sweet’ spot
- It is a light driver that any golfer can swing almost effortlessly
Cons:
- Complicated Adjustment process
- The extra-large sweet spot can be illegal in some tournaments
- This driver is shorter than most other top brands
Most golfers, especially high handicap golfers, constantly fight left-to-right directional drives or the dreaded slice. There are several draw-biased drivers on the market, and the Pinemeadow PGX deserves a chance when you are looking at purchasing a driver.
The offset technology found in the PGX driver aims to present a square face for straighter ball flight and less slice potential.
A pleasing visual appearance faces you when lining up on the tee box. You are met with a matte black head adorned with green and white stripes that finish the clubhead head off in style.
With lightweight technology embedded into the PGX offset design, the designers produced a well-balanced club yet limited the driver to 200g. This is partly achieved through graphite’s use in the construction of the shaft and clubhead. Not only does it save weight, but it improves flexibility and strength.
Adjustable settings on this driver are not always available on budget options but are on this club. The specially developed hosel on the PXG Offset can be adjusted upwards and downwards to suit your requirements. Small plugs can add weights between 0.5 and 2 grams to the head. This is a complicated process and would not be recommended for golfers new to the adjustable technology.
The PGX Offset comes in a 10.5-degree loft, and 58-degrees lie. On the face of the enjoyable 460cc head, you will find one of the biggest sweet spots in the game of golf, affording you maximum forgiveness wherever the point of impact is.
Verdict
In fighting your slice, few clubs will offer you the benefits, you will receive from the Pinemeadow PGX Offset at it’s price point. We found that this golf driver’s club head is designed to be the most forgiving, which is why it is perfect for high handicappers. However, we also noticed that it instead encouraged hooks. We reached an average 123 mph on the golf speed and a distance of 223 yards.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
5. Cobra Speedzone Extreme – Fastest Face
Specifications:
- Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
- Material: Graphite
- Lie: 57.50°- 59.50°
- Swing weight: D1-4
- Adjustable hosel: Yes
Pros:
- Encourages increased ball speed off the face
- Prompts accelerated clubhead speed
- Enhances stability at impact
- Adjustable loft
Cons:
- It does not include an adjustable weight to alter your preferred ball flight
When we talk about distance in the modern game, Bryson DeChambeau and his Cobra equipment are sure to come up. That is why it is unsurprising that the Cobra Speedzone Extreme is the best golf driver for beginners seeking distance.
Its CNC Milled Face prompts explosive ball speed off the clubface, while the T-Bar speed chassis offers stability at impact. These features combine to produce forgiveness and high-launching shots.
Furthermore, the engineers placed 69 grams low and back for a lower CG position. That helps you consistently launch your ball high.
Moreover, a streamlined head shape helps beginners maximize clubhead speed on the downswing for a superior coefficient of restitution (COR).
Verdict
The Cobra Speedzone Extreme delivers an improved COR, accelerated ball speed, and a high launch for superior yardage. It is best suited to those beginners who could use the assistance of a few extra yards.
Rating: 4 Stars
6. Srixon ZX5 – Best Low Launch
Specifications:
- Lofts: 9.5°, 10.5°
- Material: Graphite
- Lie: 58°
- Swing weight: D4
- Adjustable hosel: Yes
Pros:
- Optimal ball speed
- Promotes straighter shots
- Forgiving
- Delivers consistent distance
- Suited to players with faster swing speeds
Cons:
- Not suited to players with slower swing speeds
The Srixon ZX5 driver takes the prize for the best driver for a high handicapper looking for a low launch. This only suits beginners with rapid swing speeds, who tend to balloon drives with higher launching designs.
Its light Ti51AF Cup Face ignites supreme ball speed off the face to help you increase your distance off the tee. In addition, the driver is available in a 9.5 or 10.5-degree loft, making it better suited to fast and moderate swing speeds.
A lightweight carbon crown enabled the engineers to reposition mass around the perimeter of the face. This enhances its MOI to reduce side spin on off-center strikes to deliver straighter drives.
Lastly, the Quick Tune System enables you to adjust the swing weight and loft of the club for optimal launch and ball flight.
Verdict
In conclusion, the Srixon Z5 is a low launching driver that offers a combination of distance and forgiveness. I do not recommend that players with slower swing speeds try this, as they may struggle to launch their tee shots.
Rating: 4 Stars
7. Intech Non-Conforming Driver – Best Illegal Driver
Specifications:
- Lofts: 10.5°, 12.5°
- Material: Graphite
- Adjustable hosel: No
Pros:
- Affordable
- Forgiving
- Encourages straighter shots
- Optimized distance
- Easy launching
Cons:
- Not allowed in USGA or R&A-sanctioned tournaments
An illegal golf driver is prohibited from use in USGA tournaments. However, they are helpful and affordable for beginners to produce consistent distance and accuracy. The best illegal golf driver for 2023 is the Intech Non-Conforming Driver.
The Intech Non-Conforming driver features a 12.5-degree 520cc head which exceeds the limit applied by the USGA. The oversized club head offers maximum forgiveness by maintaining ball speed and restricting side spin on off-center strikes.
As a result, you enjoy consistent distance and straight shots, even when you mishit the ball.
Verdict
The Intech Non-Conforming driver is ideal if you are simply looking to have fun, keep straight and go long.
Rating: 4 Stars
8. Mazel Titanium Driver – Cheapest Titanium Driver
Specifications:
- Lofts: 9.5°, 10.5°
- Material: Graphite, Titanium
- Lie: 59°
- Adjustable hosel: No
Pros:
- Light
- Expanded sweet spot
- Affordable
- Prompts increased ball speed
- High launching
Cons:
- Durability
- The high launching setup may cause some players to sky their shots and lose distance.
If your clubhead speed is slow, one reason may be that your driver is too heavy. The Mazel Titanium claims the title of the best driver for a high handicap golfer to increase clubhead speed.
The lightweight construction of this affordable driver helps you ramp up clubhead speed for optimal COR at impact. Plus, its Cup Face Design increases ball speed for superior carry and total distance.
Furthermore, the driver sports an expanded sweet spot, which restricts side spin and maintains ball speed. That means that even on mishits, you still enjoy consistent distance and accuracy.
Lastly, the Mazel placed the CG deep and low, which helps you get your ball airborne with ease.
Verdict
The Mazel Titanium driver is affordable, forgiving an easy launching option that serves the needs of beginners well.
An interesting thing we noticed was that the gold actually helped with the alignment. With this driver, we got a maximum carry distance of 238 yards and an average ball speed of 141 mph. These were some really good numbers for a driver that costs around $135.
Rating: 4 Stars
9. Callaway Epic Max – Great Premium Pick
Specifications:
- Lofts: 9, 10.5, 11
- Material: Graphite
- Lie: 590 (adjustable)
- Swing weight: D2 (40G), D3, (50G), D4 (60/70G)
- Adjustable hosel: Yes
Pros:
- Supreme forgiveness
- Rapid ball speed off the face
- Adjustable weight for your desired shot shape
- Promotes a high launch
- Produces consistent carry distance
Cons:
- Expensive
The Callaway Epic Max is racing off our list to find the best golf driver for beginners in 2023. A Jailbreak Speed Frame combines with an A.I.-designed Flash Face to deliver stability, speed, forgiveness, and distance on all tee shots.
Furthermore, the engineers at Callaway added a 17-gram rear weight, which enables you to adjust your ball flight. For example, If you are prone to a slice, you can adjust the position to produce a draw bias shot and alter your shape by 20-yards.
Finally, the high launching driver is available in 9, 10.5, and 12-degree loft to cater to fast and slow-swinging golfers.
Verdict
The Callaway Epic Max produces supreme forgiveness for beginner golfers looking for distance and accuracy off the tee. While it performs exceptionally well in assisting high handicappers, it does cost a premium and is out of the budget of many golfers. Not only is it one of the most forgiving drivers, but it’s also a very adjustable driver.
The feature that impressed us most about this driver is the amount of control it gave us on the direction of our shots. We got an average ball speed of 157 mph and a maximum of 285 yards of carry distance, making it one of the most forgiving drivers.
Rating: 4 Stars
How To Pick the Best Driver for High Handicap Golfers
When choosing a driver, consider a club fitting to ensure the best match for your needs. Your skill level and golfing experience will influence your choice. Remember, beginners and high handicappers need guidance in picking the right driver, especially if still mastering a consistent swing.
It will be beneficial to start with the most forgiving drivers you can lay your hands on that still conform to your swing requirements. The most expensive driver is not always the best for your circumstances.
At this stage of your golf game, it is more about enjoying the game and improving than selecting clubs based on your playing partners’ choice of club. When selecting a driver, ensure that you select the biggest head available that conforms to the maximum of 460cc as set out by the golfing authorities.
Loft
Selecting a club with the correct loft to suit your clubhead speed is important. This is where a club fitting will be extremely beneficial in determining your swing speed. Most beginners and high handicap golfers will have low swing speed and require the most assistance getting the ball into the air.
For clubhead speeds below 85 miles per hour, it is recommended that your loft should be between 14 degrees and 20 degrees. Clubhead speeds between 85 miles per hour and 94 miles per hour require a loft of between 12 degrees and 13 degrees, and clubhead speeds between 95 miles per hour and 104 miles per hour require a loft between 10 degrees and 11 degrees.
Steel vs Titanium
All types of materials are used in the construction of the clubheads, and they impact the price and performance of your driver. In the early years, most driver heads were manufactured from stainless steel. This is still a popular option for entry-level drivers and will do little harm to your budget and last forever.
The downside of stainless steel drivers is that they are not quite as forgiving. Look at club heads made from composite alloys for a more forgiving clubhead at a manageable budget.
You can look at titanium clubheads for ultimate performance and the highest price. Beginners and high handicap golfers will gain from the forgiveness titanium heads offer if you are willing to pay the premium.
Adjustability
Selecting a driver with too many highly adjustable options will confuse you and distract you from getting the ball off the tee and into the fairway.
Use Regular Shaft Flex
Selecting the shaft that suits your swing speed is another important factor in your decision. The incorrect shaft can cause you to push the ball when too stiff or pull the ball when there is too much whip in the shaft.
When selecting the correct shaft, you need to measure your swing speed, which differs from the clubhead speed discussed in selecting the driver’s loft.
Swing speeds below 62 miles per hour would fit an L (Ladies) flex. Swing speeds between 63 miles per hour and 76 miles per hour require an A (Seniors) flex.
Most beginners and high handicap golfers fall in the R (regular) stiffness category, where swing speeds vary between 77 miles per hour and 92 miles per hour. Swing speeds above 93 miles per hour will require an S (stiff)) flex.
The selection of weight of the shaft will not play a major consideration in the selection of a driver for beginners and high handicappers; however, it is beneficial to understand that lighter shafts will allow you to swing faster and are usually whippier than the heavier shaft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Forgiving Driver For A High Handicapper?
The most forgiving driver is the TaylorMade SIM 2. That is because it promotes straighter shots and provides consistent ball speed on off-center strikes.
What Degree Driver Should A High Handicapper Use?
Golfweek suggests that players with swing speeds below 85 mph should use a driver loft above 14-degrees. While I agree that the higher loft is easier for beginners to launch, you will be fine with anything above 12-degrees.
What Loft Driver Should A Beginner Use?
As I suggested above, a beginner should use a driver with at least 12-degrees of loft. However, if you are a moderate to fast swinger, you can get away with less loft.
Should A Beginner Golfer Use A Driver?
Yes, a beginner should use a driver. Even though it is a difficult club to master, you will need it if you intend to tackle a golf course.
What Is The Easiest Golf Driver To Hit?
The Intech Non-Conforming Driver is the easiest to launch. The driver needs a low and deep CG and rapid ball speed to earn this title.
How Many Drivers Should I Own?
You only need one driver unless you are a serious golfer with different options for various conditions.
Do I Need A Driver With An Adjustable Loft?
No, you do not need a driver with an adjustable loft, but it is nice to have. If you get fitted for clubs, you will determine your optimal loft and not require any adjustments.
Conclusion
High handicap golfers are spoiled with a choice of offset drivers suitable for all swing speeds and drivers that will provide the extra distance for golfers that are not fighting a slice.
There are many options available, and drivers are of such a nature that an investment made early in your golfing career can be utilized for a long time.
The divers evaluated all serve a specific group of players, and your swing and circumstances will define your ultimate selection. Choose wisely and ensure that the driver benefits you in the most difficult swing in your golf game.
Before signing off, the best driver for high handicap golfers in 2023 for top categories are:
- Callaway Epic Max is an all-round combination, and deservedly our choice as the best driver for high handicappers
- PXG 0211 Driver stands out as the best value for money and deserves to be our Budget Pick
- TaylorMade SIM 2 is the best overall offset driver. Slow swing speeds will benefit tremendously using this club
- The PGX Offset is, in our opinion, the best adjustable offset driver on the marke that won’t break the bank.
Evaluate your game and look at your strengths and weaknesses. This will guide you in selecting the best driver for your needs.
Matt has played golf since he was 4 years old and has written over 150 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. Matt specializes in product reviews using his postgraduate degree in Sports Marketing from Johan Cruyff Institute. Matt has a handicap index of 10.8 and currently plays weekly at Pilar Golf Course near his home in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He also loves his Callaway Odyssey Exo Rossie putter and likes a pepper steak pie with curry gravy at the turn. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.
- Best score: 70
- Favorite club: Callaway Odyssey Exo Rossie
- Favorite ball: Srixon Q-Star Tour
- Favorite food at the turn: Pepper steak pie with curry gravy
