The Best Drivers for High Handicap

As a high handicap golfer, you know the joy of the game isn’t dependent solely on low scores. There’s so much more to love about golf: the camaraderie, the challenge, and the exhilarating feeling of hitting that perfect shot. However, improvement is always a welcome aspect of any sport, and golf is no different. Having the right equipment in your golf bag, especially your driver, can make a world of difference.

What Do High Handicap Golfers Need From Their Drivers?

A high handicap golfer typically struggles with inconsistent ball striking, leading to frequent slices or hooks. Therefore, the key for high handicappers when choosing the best golf driver for them is to find one that offers maximum forgiveness and helps in achieving a higher launch angle and loft.

Forgiveness in golf terms refers to the design elements and materials used in golf clubs to keep off-center shots closer to the intended path. Drivers with larger sweet spots reduce the impact of mishits, allowing high handicappers to keep the ball in play more often.

In terms of loft, higher handicap golfers generally benefit from a higher lofted driver. More loft means more backspin, which in turn means straighter shots. If you're consistently slicing the ball, a higher loft could help straighten out your ball flight.

The launch angle is the angle at which the ball takes off from the clubface. A higher launch angle helps get the ball in the air quicker, leading to more carry and overall distance. A driver with a low center of gravity and more rearward weight placement can help achieve a higher launch.

Understanding the Difference: High Handicap vs. Low Handicap Drivers

Understanding the difference between drivers designed for high handicap players versus those designed for low handicap players can significantly impact your performance on the course. Lower handicap golfers generally seek drivers that provide more control and allow for shaping shots, while high handicappers need drivers that offer more forgiveness and help get the ball airborne more easily.

Drivers designed for lower handicap golfers often have a smaller clubhead size. They may also have adjustable weight systems, which allow the player to modify the club’s center of gravity to alter the ball flight. These drivers are designed for players with consistent and powerful swings, who want to manipulate their ball flight and distance.

On the other hand, high handicap drivers usually have larger clubheads, often the maximum size allowed by the rules of golf (460cc), providing a larger sweet spot and creating a more forgiving driver. The shaft is generally lighter and more flexible to help generate more clubhead speed to make up for slower swing speed in a beginner golfer.

Top 5 Drivers for High Handicap Golfers

Selecting the right driver can be an overwhelming task given the number of options available. Here we will highlight the five best drivers currently on the market for high handicap golfers:

1. TaylorMade SIM Max: Known for its forgiving nature, the TaylorMade SIM Max features an asymmetric sole design and a powerful Inertia Generator. meant to combat slow swing speed. These aspects combine to provide faster clubhead speeds, higher launch, and low spin.

2. Callaway Mavrik Max: Callaway Golf provides an excellent choice for players who fight a slice with the Mavrik Max. This golf club offers two interchangeable weights to manage spin and trajectory, along with a larger clubface for added forgiveness.

3. Ping G410 Plus: The G410 Plus has an aerodynamic crown and more weight concentrated at the perimeter of the club head, making it a great option for golfers seeking high launch and low spin. It also provides three loft adjustments to fine-tune your ball flight.

4. Cobra F9 Speedback: This golf club design optimizes aerodynamics and a low center of gravity for faster ball speed and stability. Additionally, it features E9 Speed Tuned Technology, ensuring optimal performance for various swing speeds.

5. Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo: The Launcher HB Turbo boasts a turbocharged cup face that provides a higher COR over a larger impact area, leading to increased ball speed and more distance. This driver is ultra-forgiving, making it an excellent choice for high handicappers.

Drivers High Handicap Golfers Should Avoid

It's crucial to understand that not all drivers are made equal. Some golf drivers on the market are aimed at low handicap golfers, and these might not be the best choice for higher handicap golfers. These include drivers like the Titleist TS3 or the TaylorMade SIM Driver. While excellent for professional or low-handicap amateur players, their design characteristics may not benefit higher handicap players.

These drivers often feature smaller, more compact heads and adjustable weights, allowing for a high degree of workability but offering less forgiveness on off-center hits.

Beyond the Driver: Other Factors A High Handicapper Should Consider

While a driver is a critical tool in your golf arsenal, it's essential to remember that it isn't the sole factor determining your performance. Regular practice, good course management, and overall physical fitness also play an integral part in improving your game.

Getting your driver custom fitted can help ensure the club suits your individual swing characteristics. A custom fitting can determine the correct driver loft, shaft flex, and club length for you, leading to more consistent and efficient swings.

Lastly, improving your short game and putting can significantly reduce your scores. Remember, drives for show, putts for dough!

With this knowledge and the right driver in hand, high handicap golfers can expect to see improvements in both their performance and enjoyment of the game. Remember, you're not going on the PGA Tour anytime soon--so enjoy the journey!

Swing Tips for High Handicap Golfers

Beyond your golf club selection, there are also adjustments you can make in your swing that can result in improved performance. A common issue high handicappers face is swinging too hard. When you swing with maximum effort, you increase the chance of off-center hits. Try swinging at 80% effort, and you'll likely see more consistent shots with little to no loss in distance.

Another useful tip is to focus on making a good rotation in your backswing. A common tendency for high handicappers is to use the arms and wrists too much, leading to a lack of control. Instead, focus on turning your shoulders and hips away from the target in your backswing. This should lead to a more consistent and powerful swing.

Essential Gear for High Handicap Golfers

While the driver is an important piece of gear for high handicappers, it isn't the only one. Investing in game improvement irons can make your approach shots easier and more consistent. Similarly, a good putter that suits your stroke can help reduce the number of putts per round, which is a surefire way to lower your scores.

Hybrids are another excellent investment for high handicap golfers. They are more forgiving and easier to hit than long irons and can help you get the ball airborne more easily from a variety of lies.

Don't forget about golf balls. As a high handicapper, you want a golf ball that offers a good mix of distance and feel. Golf balls designed for high handicappers typically offer lower spin off the driver, which can help reduce the side spin that causes slices or hooks.

 

Try Golf Balls Risk-Free

Next Round offers an affordable Mixed Golf Balls package that lets you try out different golf balls to see which one works best for you. This is a fantastic way to test a variety of golf balls if you're a high handicap golfer without breaking the bank.

Wrapping Up

The journey of a high handicapper is filled with learning, progress, and, of course, a fair share of frustrations. But with the right driver, the right approach, and plenty of practice, you'll see consistent improvement in your game.

Remember, the best driver for you is one that helps you play your best and enjoy the game. By understanding what to look for and what to avoid, you can make an informed decision that will have you confidently stepping up to the tee box. Here's to straighter drives and lower scores!