The Sports Equipment GuideGolf drivers for beginners
What to look for in your first driver, and how to spend less.
If you are new to golf, you want a driver that is forgiving, easy to launch and not too expensive. The good news is that it does not need to be the newest one.
What to look for
- A forgiving (“max”) head so off-centre hits still go reasonably straight.
- 10.5 degrees of loft or more, which makes the ball easier to get up.
- A draw-bias or offset head if you slice, which most new golfers do.
- A light, soft shaft if your swing is slower.
Drivers that suit new players
| Driver | Head type | Forgiveness | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| TaylorMade Qi4D Max Lite | Max (lightweight) | Very forgiving | £549 at ClickGolf |
| Cobra Baffler Offset | Draw bias (offset) | Very forgiving | £299 at American Golf |
| Cobra OPTM Max-D | Draw bias | Very forgiving | £479 at American Golf |
| Ping G440 K | Max (highest forgiveness) | Very forgiving | £599 at ClickGolf |
| Benross RS Max | Budget (max) | Forgiving | £249 at American Golf |
If you are on a tight budget
These came top when we capped the budget at £300.
| Driver | Head type | Forgiveness | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobra Baffler Offset | Draw bias (offset) | Very forgiving | £299 at American Golf |
| Wilson D7 XS | Budget | Forgiving | £179 at American Golf |
| Callaway Rogue ST Max | Max | Very forgiving | £251 at American Golf |
This list comes straight from our matching tool for a beginner who wants forgiveness and an easy swing. Commission plays no part. Ratings are estimates from each driver’s head type, and prices were checked on 20 October, so check the shop. Run the quiz for a list based on your own answers.
Spend less: older and used
New drivers lose a lot of their price once the next model launches, and the old one is rarely much worse. Previous-generation drivers at a retailer, or used ones from a specialist such as Golfbidder, can be a fraction of the price. Check the condition grade, the loft and the shaft flex before you buy.