The Best Golf Driver For Beginners | 10 Of The Best With Helpful Guide

You are just getting started with the game golf and you love it. Maybe you have been using a friend’s set of clubs or an old set from a family member, but you are ready to make the plunge and buy your own. What is the first club you want to buy? What is the best golf drivers for beginners?

You want to let the big dog eat – you want a sweet new driver, but as a beginner, what should you buy? Do you want the best driver released this year, regardless of price, or are you looking for a slightly more economical option? Should you focus on large sweet spots, swing speeds, adjustable lofts and loft sleeves? or Will a better driver actually improve your game?

Outside of your putter, you will hit your driver more than any other club in your bag. With a big head and tons of technology, it is the most fun to hit. It does make sense to invest a decent chunk of your golf budget on the driver, but you want to make sure you get a club that you can hit now and continue to use as your golf journey progresses.

Take your time.  Consider all of the options. The best drivers for beginners and high handicappers usually has a positively profound impact on your enjoyment during a round. Life is always better in the fairway.

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Looking to buy a new driver? You will not think, “I wish there were more options”!

Many different brands, models, and prices to consider.

If you’re looking to get the best drivers for beginners and high handicappers, you’re in the right place.

This will be an expensive piece of sports equipment, but there are options to reduce the cost by going with a model that is a few years old or selecting a mid-range brand. Driver technology is worth the investment for beginners.

The best golf drivers for beginners

  1. Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Subzero Driver
  2. TaylorMade Men’s RBZ Black Driver
  3. PING G400 Driver
  4. Callaway Golf 2017 Men’s Great Big Bertha Epic Driver
  5. Wilson Staff c300 Driver
  6. Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo Driver
  7. Cobra 2018 Golf Men’s King F8 Driver
  8. Titleist TS2 Driver
  9. Cobra King Speedzone Driver
  10. Tour Edge Hot Launch 4 Driver

Top picks

Best Overall
Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Subzero Driver
Best Value
TaylorMade Men's RBZ Black Driver
Titleist TS2 Driver
Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Subzero Driver (Right Hand, Aldila Rogue White 60G, Stiff, 9 Degree)
TaylorMade Men's RBZ Black Driver, Black, Right Hand, Regular Flex, 10.5 Degrees
Titleist Ts2 Driver 10.5 Degree Kurokage 50 Regular Right Hand
Golf Club Flex
Stiff, Regular or Extra Stiff
Regular, Stiff or Senior
Regular
Hand Orientation
Left or Right
Left or Right
Right
Golf Club Loft
9 or 10.5 Degrees
9, 10.5 or 12 Degrees
10.5 Degrees
Shaft Material
Aldila Rogue White 60G Graphite
Matrix 45x4 White Tie Graphite
Graphite
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-
-
-
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Best Overall
Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Subzero Driver
Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Subzero Driver (Right Hand, Aldila Rogue White 60G, Stiff, 9 Degree)
Golf Club Flex
Stiff, Regular or Extra Stiff
Hand Orientation
Left or Right
Golf Club Loft
9 or 10.5 Degrees
Shaft Material
Aldila Rogue White 60G Graphite
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-
Best Value
TaylorMade Men's RBZ Black Driver
TaylorMade Men's RBZ Black Driver, Black, Right Hand, Regular Flex, 10.5 Degrees
Golf Club Flex
Regular, Stiff or Senior
Hand Orientation
Left or Right
Golf Club Loft
9, 10.5 or 12 Degrees
Shaft Material
Matrix 45x4 White Tie Graphite
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-
Titleist TS2 Driver
Titleist Ts2 Driver 10.5 Degree Kurokage 50 Regular Right Hand
Golf Club Flex
Regular
Hand Orientation
Right
Golf Club Loft
10.5 Degrees
Shaft Material
Graphite
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1. Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Subzero Driver

Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Subzero Driver

Not just one of the best Callaway drivers for beginners, but one of the best drivers for all players. The Callaway Mavrik Subzero was awarded the Golf Digest Hot List Gold award and is loaded with technology.

This driver has the newly designed Flash Face SS20 that creates more golf ball speed and distance across a large sweet spot. The face was built with a new titanium that is stronger and lighter. 

Two interchangeable weights in the front and back allow you change the launch angle and spin rate to fit your game. This club also offers adjustability for loft as well. 

This is a top of the line club. A gem of a driver.

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  • Speed & Distance – new face design means if you make contact, the ball will travel
  • Flexibility – adjustable weights on the bottom and a hosel adjustment mean you can get this driver dialed in for your swing
  • Play the club tour pros are playing – if they trust it with millions on the line, you can trust it for your weekend 18
  • Customize – premium shaft options are included with your purchase
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  • Expensive – you may have some sticker shock – you will pay a high price to play what the pros play
  • Too much? – may be more club than a beginner needs – options and adjustability can be overwhelming – definitely will help, but might be overkill

2. TaylorMade Men’s RBZ Black Driver 

TaylorMade Men's RBZ Black Driver, Black, Right Hand, Regular Flex, 10.5 Degrees

The TaylorMade Men’s RBZ Black Driver has been designed to increase performance.  The 460cc head is the legal limit for size and provides golfers with maximum confidence at address. 

The UltraLite Titanium Core allows TaylorMade to move more weight to the driver’s perimeter. This creates a higher launch angle and gives the club additional forgiveness on mis-hit shots on what is already one of the standout best drivers for high handicappers and beginners.

Finally, the Speed Pocket is in the sole of the club. It reduces spin to give the player more distance.  TaylorMade has used the Speed Pocket throughout their RocketBallz line of clubs to golfers’ delight and has consistently provided more pop.

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  • Proven in the marketplace – driver has been out for several years and continues to sell
  • Maximum legal-size head – tee it high and swing hard
  • Enough new driver technology for a beginner, with an economical price
  • Proven golf brand – TaylorMade has been making high quality drivers for many years
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  • Less options – comes with a quality graphite shaft, but no option to choose
  • Less adjustability – you can tweak loft, but less choices than some newer drivers on the market
TaylorMade Men's RBZ Black Driver, Black, Right Hand, Regular Flex, 10.5 Degrees
  • A large, 460cc titanium head with an adjustable loft sleeve allows for optimized launch and trajectory

3. PING G400 Driver

PING G400 Driver, Men's, Right Hand, 9.0°, ALTA CB Graphite Shaft, Stiff Flex

PING has offered a great combination of driver technology in their G400. A hot face with a deep center of gravity provides distance with accuracy.

You have the ability to alter a Tungsten weight in the back of the head, which gives you options for launch angle based on your unique game.

When the PING engineers built this driver, they paid close attention to the aerodynamics and created a more streamlined shape and added “turbulators” on top of the club to improve control of golf ball flights. Reduced air restriction means more speed off the face.

You have several shaft options, but many come with an upcharge. If you’re looking to find the best driver, this can be a great choice of driver as a beginner.

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  • Great looking club – promotes confidence at address – turbulators make the club look like it is ready for take-off 
  • Flexibility – as you would expect for a driver in this category, you can make changes to weight and loft
  • Designed for forgiveness – key detail for beginners is forgiveness and not just more speed
  • Grip options – you can select from different models and sizes
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  • Expensive – G400 has been available for some time, but you will still pay premium price
  • Upcharge for Premium shafts – for the price you are paying, disappointing that you have to pay more to get many of the shafts offered

4. Callaway Golf 2017 Men’s Great Big Bertha Epic Driver

Callaway Golf 2017 Great Big Bertha Men's Epic Sub Zero Driver, Right Hand, Project X HZRDUS, 50G,...

You love the idea of hitting a Callaway driver, but not sure you want to spend the money on the Mavrik? The 2017 GBB Epic is another great option. This club gives your several different options to adjust the club to fit your swing.

A 17-gram sliding weight in the rear of the head, allows you to protect against a slice or a hook. The hosel is designed to give you the ability to adjust loft by several degrees and you can set as neutral or draw biased.

The head was designed to provide high launch and speed with forgiveness. Every beginner’s dream scenario. This was the first driver to include the Jailbreak Technology, providing more speed from a larger portion of the face.

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  • All of the technology, without the “just released” premium price
  • Premium shaft options come stock – 4 options to choose from
  • Jailbreak Technology included – a great breakthrough for Callaway, that continues to be used in their newer driver releases
  • Proven brand – Callaway is one of the most trusted driver brands on the market
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  • Has been on the market for several years – may not be for you, if you only want the “newest thing”
  • Does have a slight draw-bias – may not be among your best drivers if you fight a hook
Callaway Golf 2017 Great Big Bertha Men's Epic Sub Zero Driver, Right Hand, Project X HZRDUS, 50G,...
  • Innovative new technology changes how the head and face behave at impact to promote more speed across a larger area of the face for increased average distance

5. Wilson Staff c300 Driver

Wilson Staff C300 Driver MRH 9 S

You may not immediately think of drivers when you hear the name Wilson Staff, but the c300 can certainly be looked at when searching for the best golf drivers for beginners and looking for value. In this driver you will find a combination of swing speed and adjustability.

Wilson Staff built the club head with Power Hole technology. Two holes on the top and two on the sole create a more forgiving club.

The sole of the driver contains 3 adjustable weights, allowing you to customize the feel of the driver. The driver comes with a premium graphite shaft.

In what could be a Pro or a Con, how do you feel about playing a red driver? The c300 has a matte Red finish.

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  • A large headed driver, with speed technology, for less money 
  • Adjustable weights allow you to determine the feel you prefer
  • Less is more – comes with a premium graphite shaft – you don’t have to make a choice
  • Unique looking – it may not be for everyone, but red color definitely stands out
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  • Wilson Staff is not a familiar driver brand
  • Less options to tinker than other drivers on our list
Wilson Staff C300 Driver MRH 9 S
  • The C300 driver is the first and only driver to feature our award-winning power Hole technology

6. Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo Driver

Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo Driver 10.5 R RH

The Launcher Turbo driver is a new release from Cleveland that won Gold on the 2020 Golf Digest Hot List of the best drivers.

Built with a turbocharged cup face, this driver increases swing speed over a larger portion of the face. Not only built for swing speed, the club has been designed to help you hit straighter tee shots.

Another unique quality – the hosel is not adjustable. This allows Cleveland to redistribute that weight to a different part of the club. This was a conscious choice be Cleveland, believing that many players never adjust their driver, so why include it.

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  • Cheaper than other premium, just released clubs – not cheap, but cheaper
  • More of a plug-n-play driver – no adjustability means a beginner can simply grab the club and hit it, without worrying about a bunch of options
  • More accurate – designed for straight ball flight
  • Speed and distance – you can hit bombs with this club
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  • Do you want options? If you want options, this is not your club – only one choice for shaft and not adjustable
  • Cleveland may not be as well known for drivers as some brands, but this is a quality stick

7. Cobra 2018 Golf Men’s King F8 Driver

2018 Cobra King F8 Driver Nardo (Men's, Right Hand, MRC Tensei Blue 50, Lite Flex)

The Cobra King F8 driver is another great example of a driver that has been on the market for a couple years but continues to sell. Built with a hot face and aerodynamic design, this club offers plenty of speed.

Built with a deeper and lower center of gravity, this club offers the beginner high launch and more forgiveness just like the cobra f max.

If you want to tinker, this club offers you adjustability. You can fine tune for your optimal ball flight and you have 8 different loft options.

You have the choice for two different premium golf shafts.

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  • Beautiful looking club – at address, it looks like your golf ball wants to fly off the face
  • Forgiveness – club has been built to help the golfer hit more fairways
  • Economical – for the quality of driver, may be the best value on our list
  • Cool Factor – Cobra clubs/brand have been known for “being cool” and the King F8 is another example
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  • Has been out for a couple years, so if you want something just released, not the best option
  • Slightly less technology, then some others on the list
2018 Cobra King F8 Driver Nardo (Men's, Right Hand, MRC Tensei Blue 50, Lite Flex)
  • Precision milled face-our first fully Machined driver face is CNC milled to create our thinnest, hottest, and most precise face EVER

8. Titleist TS2 Driver

Titleist Ts2 Driver 10.5 Degree Kurokage 50 Regular Right Hand

The Titleist TS2 driver has a new face design and 20 percent thinner titanium crown, you can expect to have one of the longest and most accurate golf drivers available. The 20 percent refers to the decrease in drag, owed to the titanium crown. Additionally, the crown allows for a deeper and lower weighted style, which translates to a considerably low center of gravity.

Titleist further integrated the 460cc Ts2 club with Variable Face Thickness (VFT) Technology. This feature implies that users enjoy an increased ball speed throughout the whole thin face area, and the effect is consistent even for badly hit shots.

Four shafts are available for use, each sporting its unique benefits – Tilteist KUROKAGE black shaft, HZRDUS Smoke shaft, TENSEI AV Series shaft, and EVEN FLOW shaft.

You can also set up the driver to suit your style as the SureFit hosel is there to adjust the face, loft, and lie angle conveniently.

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  • The efficient weight distribution and face design serves to increase clubhead speed
  • SureFit technology is available to make sure players can accurately control launch characteristics.
  • Compared with older Titleist models, there is a significant improvement in consistency and distance
  • Forgiveness is just about average
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  • Similar drivers cost less
  • The slightly metallic sound is not the best sound to hear off the tee for some players.

9. Cobra King Speedzone Driver

Cobra Golf 2020 Speedzone Driver Black-Yellow (Men's, Right Hand, MCA Tensei AV Blue 65, Reg Flex,...

No doubt, the Cobra Speedzone club family’s technological uniqueness lies in its use of Arccos grip sensors. The sensors pair with the Arccos Caddi app on your smartphone to improve your overall technique and strategy, which qualifies it to be among the best drivers for beginners.

Cobra has chosen to use an infinity milled face, the first of its kind, in response to contemporaries attempting to create fast driver faces. Compared with the F9 Speedback, there’s a 95% increase in milled area, which only translates to a thin, hot face, hence efficiently generating golf ball speed.

The new Carbon Wrap Crown design saves up to 25 grams in weight, reallocated back and low, providing prime launch conditions for every swing.

As you would expect of one of the best golf drivers for beginners, a low center of gravity is optimum. The 69 grams of mass that the Speedzone driver embodies does great justice to the resultant optimal ball speed, spin, and launch that you’ll soon accustom yourself to with ease. Considerably one of the best drivers for high handicappers, especially mid and low handicappers.

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  • Its price point relative to other brands is affordable and competitive
  • A sleeker design than most Cobra drivers
  • There is a considerable level of stability through the hitting zone. That translates to straighter and longer drives.
  • Forgiveness is more than sufficient
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  • The high-pitched, loud sound may not suit some people’s tastes.
Cobra Golf 2020 Speedzone Driver Black-Yellow (Men's, Right Hand, MCA Tensei AV Blue 65, Reg Flex,...
  • CNC Milled Infinity Face-The Power Zone-The face is the engine of the driver and foundation for speed.

10. Tour Edge Hot Launch 4 Driver

TOUR EDGE HL-4

The Tour Edge Hot Launch is at the budget end of the best drivers for beginners, but still offers excellent value.

This 460cc thin-faced clubhead sports a classic design that’s well-matched premium shaped ‘Houdini’ soles, which help place weight low and deep in the head and be one of the best drivers for high handicappers.

The sloped crown design increases MOI significantly, and as such, shots are straighter with high ball speeds even on miss-hits.

The use of a Titanium Cup Face and Variable Face Thickness technology further keeps ball speed consistent at optimal performance. In specifics, what seems to be the most consistent part of this driver is the high launch and low spin as a result of the clubhead’s deep center of gravity.
Pros

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  • Most noticeably, its price tag is exceptionally budget-friendly, yet the driver is high-quality
  • Variable face thickness allows for extra launch
  • The deep CG and Super High MOI serve to provide excellent forgiveness on off-center hits.
  • You get customizable flex, custom grip length, and radical loft choices.
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  • While performance is exceptional for its price, the look and sound are just about average.
Get ahead and own one of the best golf driver for beginners to destroy the fairways

Golf Driver Buyer’s guide

Elements of a driver

The driver is made up of three elements, the grip, the shaft, and the head. As you determine the club you want to purchase, here is what to consider for each element.

The grip

The easiest part of your decision, most grips are similar and if you dislike the one that comes with your driver, you can get the grip switched at most pro shops for a just a few dollars. Do you want a grip that is the same as your other clubs?

The shaft

The shaft will have great impact on how well you hit your new driver. Features of a shaft include flex, launch, and weight. With most new drivers, you will get to select the shaft, and this is a critical decision. You want the flex to match your swing speed and you want the launch to support your normal shot flight.

The best solution – have someone “fit you” for the correct shaft. This can be done at your local course or at the golf retailer. 

If that isn’t an option, here is the safest bet. The majority of beginner golfers should go with a regular flex, unless you swing the club fast/hard. Maybe you are young and athletic – in this case, go with a stiff flex. If you are 55+ years old, you may want to select a senior/firm flex.  Launch is simpler – if you typically hit it low, go with a high launch shaft and vice versa.

The head

Most golfers will pick their new driver based on the head. This is where most of the design-work and technology exist in the club. Look for features that help with your misses – high launch if you hit it low, or draw-biased if you fight a slice.

Do you like to tinker and try different things? If so, pay attention if the head includes adjustability options.

Finally, make sure you like the look of the head – it will be the last thing you see before you swing, so you want it to be pleasing to your eye.

Key driver features for a beginner

What are the most important driver features for a beginner to consider?  Number one must be forgiveness! As you are learning the game, you won’t hit every drive perfectly on the button. Look for clubs that have a larger sweet spot or have technology built-in to help you hit it straight.

You also need to pay attention to the loft of the club you are purchasing. A common mistake for amateur golfers is not getting the driver in the air. Most drivers are offered in different lofts, so don’t accidentally buy an 8.5 degree, when a 10.5 degree is available. Does the club you are buying allow you to adjust the loft?

We just discussed in the above section, but if your driver comes with a shaft of your choice, take some time to consider the options. Selecting the right shaft is just as important as selecting the correct brand and model.

Finally, all golfers can use more distance. Pay attention to the features that offer you more yardage from the tee box. How hot is the face? Has it been proven to give players more swing speed?

tee it high and let it fly

FAQs

Yes. All of the drivers we have reviewed in this post are on the USGA conforming list.Will a good driver make me a better golfer?

A new driver is not a magic wand, but the design of new clubs is an advantage. They are easier to hit solid and will help correct your slice or hook. These is also no doubt they are longer – high quality drivers have a much hotter face and your ball will jump off it. Can you still top it or slice it out of play? Of course, but a good driver will make the game more enjoyable and will improve your play.

As a beginner, do I really need adjustability in my driver?

You don’t need it – the better question is, do you want it? If you simply want to grab you driver and head to the course, you should select a club with limited or no adjustability.
If you enjoy going to the range and trying different shots, you will probably enjoy playing around with your driver setup to find the best option for your swing.  The other thing to keep in mind – adjustability gives you options, if you aren’t sure of exactly what you need.
For example, would more loft help your game? Would a draw bias reduce your slice? With an adjustable driver you can try these things and if they don’t work, simply change the setting back to default.

Is these Drivers all legal? Is it considered conforming by the USGA?

Yes. All of the drivers we have reviewed in this post are on the USGA conforming list.

As a beginner, will I get value from buying a club that was just released this year versus one that has been on the market for a while?

Probably not. The driver technology that was offered two or three years ago will still help you improve. An elite player can tell the difference between 2017 drivers and 2020 drivers, but the beginner probably cannot.
The only reasons for a beginner to buy a “just released” driver would be if you are not concerned about the cost and/or you want to play the same club as your favorite PGA tour professional.

Does the driver come with a headcover and an adjustable wrench?

If you buy new and the driver is adjustable, it will come with both a headcover and a wrench. If you buy a used driver, recommend you check with the seller to confirm they are offering both items.

Final thoughts on the best golf drivers for beginners

One of the best feelings in golf is taking your new driver out to the course for the first time. The sun feels warmer, the air smells sweeter, and you can hear the birds singing!  Buying a new club is a significant investment and you want to select something you can play with for years.

Don’t rush your decision. If you have the opportunity, hit a few demo clubs to see how they feel in your hands. A new driver will help you hit the ball better. It won’t cure all of your challenges, but you will notice the ball goes straighter and longer.

Don’t be disappointed if your first couple rounds with the new club are rough. There will be an adjustment period and you probably should spend time on the driving range before heading to the course.

Enjoy your new driver. Tee it High, and Let if Fly!

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