Russell Hodges

Nov 14, 2024

8 minutes

If you’re a beginner golfer on the hunt for the perfect driver, you’re in the right place. Choosing the right driver can be a game-changer, especially when you're new to golf.

With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to find one that suits your swing, helps you get the ball airborne, find more fairways, and boosts your confidence on the tee box.

We've rounded up some of the best drivers for beginners and new golfers, with a specific focus on forgiveness, distance, and ease of use.

Whether you’re looking for extra distance, a more forgiving face, or a club that makes it easy to generate extra swing speed, there’s something here for you.

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1. TaylorMade M4

The TaylorMade M4 driver is a solid choice for golfers who want a forgiving, easy-to-launch driver that can help them achieve more distance. It’s also a great choice for players who struggle with consistency and need a bit of assistance in finding the fairway.

The M4 utilises TaylorMade’s Twist Face technology. Traditional club faces have a uniform curvature, but the Twist Face technology introduces a slightly different shape where the face curves more in specific areas counteract the most common mishits. This can really help improve accuracy, making it easier to hit straighter shots even when you don’t hit the exact centre.

The M4’s weight distribution helps to create a stable and forgiving feel, while the sound is a satisfying mix of soft yet solid.

The M4, however, doesn’t provide much adjustability, with only loft and lie angle via the hosel. This may be a drawback for players who like to fine-tune their driver settings with moveable weight technology.

2. Callaway Rogue

The Callaway Rogue driver is known for its combination of speed and forgiveness, making it an excellent choice for players who struggle with slower swing speeds. The Rogue’s Jailbreak Technology helps create faster ball speeds across the face by stiffening the body for more efficient energy transfer back into the ball, leading to more distance even on mishits.

In my experience, the Rogue driver promotes a high, straight ball flight, which is ideal for players who want to keep the ball in play without sacrificing distance with some adjustability.

The larger, more forgiving face minimises side spin on off-centre hits, further helping with accuracy.

The Rogue can sound and feel slightly muted compared to other drivers, and it may not offer as much workability for players looking to shape their shots. It’s built for easy launch and forgiveness rather than fine-tuned control.

Fair condition available from £137.99

3. Ping G425 SFT

SFT stand for Straight Flight Technology meaning the Ping G425 SFT is built with a draw bias to help players who struggle with slicing. This makes it a strong choice for golfers seeking straighter, more accurate drives.

The G425 SFT has high forgiveness due to its large head and high moment of inertia (MOI) or resistance to twisting at impact, which provides stability and reduces side spin. I’ve seen players who need help correcting a slice find it particularly useful.

The sound is solid, and the feel is very stable, giving you confidence when you need it! This model does lack the extensive adjustability of some other high-end drivers so it you like tinkering perhaps consider something with moveable weight technology, too.

Fair condition available from £242.99

4. Cobra Air X

The Cobra Air X driver is specifically designed for golfers with slower swing speeds, featuring an ultra-lightweight design that helps generate more speed without extra effort.

The Air X is available with an offset hosel to reduce your slice, promoting a straighter ball flight that can help boost confidence.

Many players who struggle with swing speed find this driver easy to handle and highly forgiving. The feel is light and responsive, making it easier to generate a smooth, controlled swing.

The Air-X from Cobra is strictly for slower swing speed golfers. If you need something more suited to your higher swing speed, then cobra have plenty of other options for you.

Additionally, the focus on forgiveness may mean sacrificing some shot-shaping ability, faster swingers, or better players prefer.

Fair condition available from £148.97

5. Titleist TSR1

The Titleist TSR1 is the lightest in the TSR family and designed for golfers with moderate-to-slower swing speeds who want to achieve a higher launch and more distance.

The lightweight construction is engineered to make it easier to generate speed, giving you more carry and overall distance. The TSR1 produces a higher ball flight, which is ideal for golfers who struggle with getting the ball to launch.

The TSR1 has the classic look of all Titleist drivers address, and the feel is solid with the weight set up as the engineers wanted. That means, if you’re looking for a driver that will perform from day one, this is the one for you. But if you prefer more levels of adjustability, perhaps consider another driver from the TSR family.

Fair condition available from £288.97

6. PXG 0311 XF Gen5

The PXG 0311 XF Gen5 driver is built to offer premium feel and forgiveness, ideal for players with moderate-to-slower swing speeds who prioritise control and consistency. It features a larger profile, providing a confidence inspiring look at address and a forgiveness on mishits.

The carbon fibre crown and lightweight titanium clubhead help reduce overall weight, making it easier to swing faster. In my experience, players who want a slightly lower spin rate with a penetrating launch will benefit from the 0311 XF’s design.

Additionally, it’s optimized more for forgiveness than outright distance, which might not appeal to players primarily focused on achieving maximum yardage down the fairway.

Fair condition available from £158.99

7. Mizuno ST-G 220

The Mizuno ST-G 220 driver offers exceptional adjustability and a refined balance of distance, spin control, and workability for players who like to fine-tune their game. With three adjustable weight tracks, the ST-G 220 allows for in-depth customisation of launch, trajectory, and spin, making it ideal for golfers who appreciate control over their ball flight.

Its innovative CORTECH face works alongside its titanium body, maximising energy transfer for high ball speeds and a powerful, penetrating launch. The club’s sturdy, low-spin design increases accuracy and stability, creating a reliable, balanced feel and a premium sound at impact.

However, the Mizuno ST-G 220’s advanced adjustability may be best suited for experienced players who are comfortable experimenting with settings to optimise performance. Additionally, golfers looking for inherent draw bias may find other models more suitable for correcting their shot shape.

Fair condition available from £155.97

8. Yonex Ezone GS I-Tech

The Yonex Ezone GS I-Tech driver is an alternative for players looking to improve their swing speed and distance.

Yonex design and build all their components so the lightweight shaft and aerodynamic head work perfectly together to help increase swing speed. By building their own shafts with proprietary technology Yonex enhances stability while offering a soft, comfortable feel – perfect for slower swinging golfers.

The driver’s design encourages a higher launch, ideal for players with slower swings who struggle to get the ball airborne.

It may feel a bit too light for players who need more stability through a faster and stronger swing. Additionally, the limited shot-shaping capability might not suit more experienced players who want a versatile driver for various types of shots.

Fair condition available from £222.97

9. Callaway Big Bertha 2023

The Callaway Big Bertha from 2023 driver is tailored for players who need extra launch and distance with forgiveness in mind. The offset hosel helps reduce slices, making it easier to hit straighter drives. It has a generous head size (the maximum 460cc allowed) that boosts forgiveness and promotes confidence at address.

In my experience, this model helps slower swingers get better height and distance on their drives without struggling to keep the clubface square. The large face area minimises spin on off-centre hits, which helps maintain accuracy.

That said, the Big Bertha may feel bulky to players who prefer a sleeker look, and the focus on forgiveness over control might not appeal to those who like to shape their shots.

Good condition available from £252.99

10. TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD

Finally, The TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD driver is designed for high launch and forgiveness, making it suitable for players with slower swing speeds looking to boost their distance.

It features a carbon fibre face, which helps reduce weight and increase speed. The high draw (HD) bias helps counteract slices, promoting a straight and consistent ball flight. The Stealth 2 HD also provides a solid feel at impact, and the sound is satisfying without being too muted.

One potential downside is that the draw bias may be too pronounced for players who already hit the ball straight, potentially leading to pulls or hooks. Additionally, while forgiving, the focus on launch and forgiveness may mean it’s less workable than other models designed for better players.

Fair condition available from £210.99

Conclusion

Selecting the right driver as a beginner is about finding a club that matches your swing speed, delivers forgiveness, and feels comfortable from the first tee shot. Each driver we’ve reviewed offers unique advantages, from high-launch options to models that counteract slices and maximise distance.

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As a beginner, consider what’s most important for your game: forgiveness, distance, or easy launch. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all, so finding the right driver can give you a solid start and set you up for progress. A carefully chosen driver will not only support your current swing but also help you develop consistency and confidence as you continue to improve.

For more information don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service team who are more than happy to help.