The driver is the most expensive club in most bags, and the one golfers change most often. It is also the club that most affects your score on long holes: a good drive sets up the hole, and a bad one can cost you two shots. The right driver for you is not necessarily the newest or the one the longest hitters use. It is the one whose loft, head and shaft match your swing, so that you hit more fairways with good distance.
What a driver is designed to do
The driver is designed to hit the ball as far as possible from a tee. Its large head, long shaft and low loft produce the highest ball speed of any club. The rules of golf limit how "springy" the face can be, the size of the head (460cc) and the length of the club, so all modern drivers are close to the limit for ball speed. The differences between them lie in forgiveness, launch, spin and feel, and in how well they fit your swing.
Loft
Driver loft usually ranges from about 8° to 12°, with some models higher still.
| Swing speed (driver) | Typical carry | Suggested loft |
|---|---|---|
| Under 85 mph | Under 190 yards | 12° or higher |
| 85 to 95 mph | 190 to 220 yards | 10.5° to 12° |
| 95 to 105 mph | 220 to 245 yards | 9° to 10.5° |
| Over 105 mph | Over 245 yards | 8° to 10° |
These are starting points. Your angle of attack matters too: golfers who hit up on the ball can use less loft; those who hit down need more. Most amateurs benefit from more loft than they expect, because it gives a higher launch, less sidespin relative to backspin and straighter shots. Read how to hit a driver.
Head design and forgiveness
Moment of inertia (MOI)
MOI measures how much the head resists twisting on off-centre hits. A high-MOI head keeps the face squarer when you miss the centre, so mishits lose less distance and fly straighter. Most club golfers should prioritise high MOI.
Centre of gravity (CG)
- Low and back CG: higher launch, more forgiveness and a little more spin. Good for most golfers.
- Low and forward CG: lower spin and a more penetrating flight, but less forgiveness. Suits faster, more consistent swingers.
- Heel-weighted (draw-biased) heads: help the face close, reducing a slice. Useful if you slice, but they will not cure a poor swing path. Read how to fix a slice.
Head shape and looks
Some heads look larger and more confidence-inspiring at address; others are more compact or pear-shaped. Looks matter: if a driver looks good to you, you are more likely to swing it freely.
Adjustable drivers
Most modern drivers have an adjustable hosel and sometimes movable weights.
- Hosel adjustment changes loft (typically by one or two degrees either way) and affects face angle and lie.
- Movable weights can shift the CG towards the heel (to promote a draw), the toe (to reduce a hook), or forward and back (to change spin and forgiveness).
Adjustability is useful for fine-tuning, but it cannot turn the wrong driver into the right one. Get the basic loft and shaft right first, then use the settings to tweak the ball flight. Check your driver's manual before adjusting, and use the correct wrench.
The shaft
The shaft has a big effect on how the driver feels and performs.
- Flex should match your swing speed and tempo. A shaft that is too stiff tends to launch low and leak right; one that is too soft can launch high and spin, or curve left. Read our golf shaft flex guide or try the shaft flex finder.
- Weight. Lighter shafts (around 40 to 55 grams) can help slower swingers gain speed; heavier shafts (60 grams and more) give stronger players more control.
- Kick point and torque affect launch and feel. Lower kick points and higher torque generally help launch the ball higher with a softer feel.
Length
Most drivers are sold at around 45 to 46 inches. A longer shaft can add club head speed, but it also makes the centre of the face harder to find. Many golfers hit more fairways, and often hit the ball just as far, with a driver an inch or so shorter, because they strike it more consistently. Ask about length when you are fitted.
Grip
A grip that is too thin or too thick affects how the face closes. Make sure the size suits your hand, and replace worn grips. Read how to regrip golf clubs.
How to test drivers
- Warm up properly before testing so your swing is representative.
- Use your own golf ball model if possible, or a premium ball, rather than range balls.
- Hit at least 10 shots with each driver and setting.
- Look at the numbers on a launch monitor: ball speed, launch angle, backspin, carry distance and, above all, dispersion (how spread out your shots are).
- Ignore your single longest drive. The best driver is the one with the best average and the tightest grouping.
- Compare with your current driver, so you know whether the new one is really better.
| Measurement | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Launch angle | Typically 12° to 16° for most amateurs |
| Backspin | Typically around 2,000 to 3,000 rpm |
| Smash factor | Close to 1.45 to 1.50 indicates good strikes |
| Dispersion | The tighter the better |
Read custom golf club fitting to get the most from a fitting session.
New, used or older models
- Last year's models often perform almost identically to the latest releases at a much lower price.
- Used drivers can be excellent value, but check the face for cracks or dents, the crown for damage, and the shaft for splits. Make sure the hosel adaptor and head cover come with it.
- Avoid counterfeits, which are common online. Buy from reputable sellers. Read buying golf equipment online and buying golf clubs on a budget.
Who should consider not using a driver?
Some beginners and slower swingers hit a fairway wood or hybrid off the tee straighter and almost as far. If your driver regularly costs you penalty shots, try a 3-wood or 5-wood off the tee for a few rounds, and compare. Read hybrid golf clubs explained.
Frequently asked questions
What loft driver should a beginner use?
Usually 10.5° to 12°, or higher for slow swing speeds. More loft gives a higher launch and straighter shots.
Will a new driver add distance?
It may add a few yards if your current driver is old or poorly fitted, especially through better launch and spin. A well-fitted driver is more likely to give you more fairways than dramatic gains in distance.
Should I buy a draw-biased driver?
If you slice, a draw-biased head can reduce the curve. Combine it with work on your swing for lasting improvement.
How often should I replace my driver?
There is no fixed rule. Many golfers keep a well-fitted driver for years. Replace it when it is damaged, or when testing shows a clear improvement with a new one.
Do I need a custom fitting?
It is not essential, but it is the best way to find the right loft, shaft and length. Even a short session on a launch monitor can help you avoid an expensive mistake.
The bottom line
The best driver for you has enough loft to launch the ball well, a forgiving head, a shaft that suits your speed and tempo, and a length you can control. Test drivers on a launch monitor, judge them by your average results and dispersion rather than your one best hit, and do not be afraid to choose last year's model. For the rest of your bag, read how to choose golf clubs.