Drivers / Fairway Woods

The good news is that drivers in the marketplace today are easier than ever to hit. You should never underestimate the importance of splashing out on a good one. In the past new golfers were initially introduced to a 3 wood as it was easier to hit straight, this is not necessarily the case. Try going straight for a driver. Many people now find drivers just as easy, if not easier, to hit off the tee than a 3 wood. The advantages of a driver are the huge clubhead (up to 460cc), large sweet spot on the face and the all important ability to hit the ball a lot further than a 3 wood.

Modern Driver Technology

There are many different types of driver and technology on the market. From the top brands we have moveable weight technology that allows you to vary the trajectory of your shots by adjusting the weights in the head of the club. There are square drivers that increase the MOI (moment of inertia) of the club head, thus increasing the resistance to twisting and resulting in straighter shots even if you don't catch the ball in the centre of the club face. We also have a multitude of miracle metals and composite materials that promise lighter, faster, stronger performance and all sorts of other claims that you know you want to be a part of.

The only way to get it totally right is to try a few and see what you like best. Don't forget at onlinegolf.co.uk we offer a unique 90 day playing trial that gives you complete peace of mind when contemplating a large investment in a driver.

Leading brands such as TaylorMade, Callaway Golf, Cleveland, Nike, Yonex and Cobra make fantastic drivers so you can't go too far wrong here. Other good value drivers can be found from Ben Ross, Hippo, MD Golf, Ram and Wilson Staff.

Driver Loft & Graphite Shafts

Once you have selected your model then you need to consider the loft of the driver, the shaft and the grip. Lofts tend to vary from 8.5 to 12 degrees commonly, although you can find lofts outside this range. The higher the loft the easier it is to hit straight, but if you hit the ball too high then this can cost you distance. As a general rule if you are new to golf then go for 10.5 to 12 degrees of loft. Don't rule out the higher lofts as you'll find the game more enjoyable if you are consistently hitting the middle of the fairway from the tee.

Most shafts in drivers are graphite which is the best to go for. Consider the flex of the shaft next. Most golfers will be fine with a regular flex (particularly those new to the sport), however, there are stiffer flex available for more accomplished golfers, as well as a senior and lady flex for older players and female golfers respectively. As you swing speed increases, stiffer flexes give you more accuracy and control, but at the potential sacrifice of distance.

Finally consider your hand size and ensure that the correct grip is fitted. Most clubs come with a "standard" grip, though this can vary depending on the manufacturer. It is easy to buy your club and get the grip changed later, but if you have small hands then a thinner grip will help you to square the club face and produce straighter shots. If you have larger hands then you may require a thicker grip.