Golf drivers belong to the woods family and are named as such because they are used for the first stroke when teeing off, literally driving the ball up and onto the fairway. Your golf driver will have the longest shaft and biggest clubhead in your bag to promote a heavier, more momentous swing that wraps around the ball. However, the best golf driver for you comes down to how you play, as there are many customisations and variations available to finetune your approach. Modern developments see clubheads in sizes of anything up to 460cc, far larger than traditional drivers. This prioritises forgiveness and a larger sweet spot, meaning it’s easier than ever to hit a straighter shot even if your swing isn’t central. The club’s shaft is also subject to customisation. If you have a higher swing speed for example, then you’ll favour a stiffer shaft, and conversely a slower swing will benefit from a more flexible shaft. However you tee off, we’ve got the club for you. Find golf drivers by industry-leading brands such as Cobra Golf, TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, PING, and more with Online Golf, and shop our full golf clubs range today.
To consistently and successfully tee off with a golf driver, you need to begin with a wide stance. This helps to compensate for the length of the shaft - by far the longest club in your bag - and better balances you with the weight and size of the clubhead, as the momentum this generates provides the driving force behind your shot. Approach the ball on your front foot (your left foot if you are right-handed, and vice versa for left-handed). Keep your hands high up the club grip to take advantage of the full length of the shaft, point the butt at your waistband, and tilt your hips backwards away from it to place your weight in your heels. Pull back and scoop through your swing to start your game with power.
It’s difficult to shop for a new golf driver if you’re not sure what your correct measurements are or even what your current club measures in at. To measure your current driver accurately and therefore inform your new upgrade, don’t measure it against a wall or by lying it on the floor. This will give you a skewed measurement that isn’t true to your game and could have you out by a good few inches. Instead, hold your driver at a 45-degree angle to the ground or in your usual stance. Measure from the sole of the club up to the butt of your grip - this is the true measure of the shaft and will give you a far more accurate steer in selecting your new driver.
The degree of a golf driver, and of all clubs, is known as the loft or face angle and it directly influences the flight, distance, and quality of your shot. For example, a driver’s loft usually sits between 8.5 degrees to 13 degrees, and which loft you end up choosing depends on how you play. Lower angles or lofts promote a lower flight trajectory and higher angles a higher trajectory. Confident players with more controlled shots may therefore prefer a lower lofted driver, whereas recreational players or beginner golfers will most likely find the forgiveness of a higher loft better suited to them.
