To choose a driver golf club, match the loft (usually 9 to 12 degrees), shaft flex and length to your swing speed and height: slower swings need more loft and a softer shaft. This guide explains how to choose a golf driver, the difference between a driver and a fairway wood and what to look for as a beginner or improver.
Choosing a golf driver at a glance
| Swing | Loft to consider | Shaft flex to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Slower swing, beginners, seniors | 11 to 12 degrees | More flexible |
| Average swing | 10 to 10.5 degrees | Regular |
| Faster swing | 8.5 to 9.5 degrees | Stiff |
Use this as a guide only: a fitting session checks your actual numbers.
Loft: 9, 10.5 or 12 degrees?
More loft helps the ball launch higher and reduces sidespin, which suits slower swings and golfers who slice. Less loft suits faster swings that launch the ball high already. If you are unsure, 10.5 degrees suits most golfers, and many beginners do better with 12.
Shaft flex and length
Shaft flex should match your swing speed. A shaft that is too stiff feels hard to load and makes the ball go low; one that is too flexible can feel unstable. Length affects control as well as distance, so a driver a little shorter than standard can help accuracy.
Head size and forgiveness
Driver heads are limited to 460cc under the Rules of Golf equipment standards, and most modern drivers are at or near that limit. A larger head is more forgiving on off-centre hits, which helps beginners and mid-handicappers.
Driver vs fairway wood vs hybrid
A driver is for the tee on long holes. A fairway wood has a smaller head and more loft, so it is easier to hit from the fairway and works for second shots on long holes. A hybrid replaces a long iron and is often easier to hit. See what golf clubs you need.
Common driver mistakes
- Choosing a stiff shaft for a swing that does not need one.
- Using too little loft for a slower swing.
- Choosing a driver by headline distance claims rather than how it feels.
- Never getting a fitting or testing a few drivers.
- Keeping the same driver for a decade after your swing has changed.
How to test a driver
Hit at least 10 shots with each driver you are comparing, on the same day and with the same ball. Note where the ball ends up, not just how far it goes. A driver that puts more shots in play is usually the better choice.
Which driver suits you?
| If you... | Look for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Are a beginner | Higher loft and a large, forgiving head | Easier to launch and straighter on mishits |
| Slice the ball | More loft and a draw-biased setting | Helps reduce sidespin |
| Hit it high already | Lower loft | Keeps flight lower and further |
| Are a senior golfer | Lighter weight and a flexible shaft | Easier to swing at slower speeds |
| Are on a budget | A last-generation driver | Most of the performance for less |
Glossary: driver terms
- Loft: the angle of the face, usually 8 to 12 degrees on a driver.
- MOI: resistance to twisting. A higher MOI is more forgiving.
- Launch and spin: how high the ball goes and how fast it spins. Too much spin costs distance; too little can make the ball drop.
- Face angle: whether the face points left, right or square to the target at address.
- Shaft kick-point: where the shaft bends most, which affects launch.
Tee height basics
Tee the ball so that about half of it sits above the top of the driver's face. Too low produces pop-ups, too high can produce low, weak hits. Experiment on the range until you find the height that gives you a solid strike.
Looking after a driver
Use a head cover, wipe the face after use and check the grip. Check the head and shaft for cracks or loose parts, and avoid hitting hard surfaces. See our driver and iron range.
Driver set-up checklist
- Check the loft against the guide above and your own ball flight.
- Check the shaft flex against your swing speed.
- Check the length: a shorter driver is easier to control.
- Check the grip size, since hands that are too small or large for the grip reduce control.
- Check the head cover and face for wear.
- Hit at least 10 shots before you decide.
A few simple checks can make a driver feel much more comfortable and give you more shots in play.
Our driver
We stock a Golf Driver at $449. See our golf drivers and iron sets and our guide to choosing an iron set. Call 0480 811 308 if you want help.