So you’re looking for a forgiving, easy-to-hit driver for a high-handicap golfer? I got you covered. After having the chance to test nearly every new driver this year, I want to make it easy to find the right one for your game.

Because here’s the thing: If you hate your driver and/or are terrified of using it on the tee, golf is 10 times harder. Don’t worry, I’ve been there myself.

But in my evolution from someone who used to shoot in the 100s to the 70s, I can say the driver is one of the two most important clubs in the bag. Leaving it in the bag in favor of a 3W is a losing formula, as you’ll lose out on distance on each hole.

Today, I’ll help you find the right driver by pointing out the three biggest aspects of the club and the best picks.

The Best Driver Options for High Handicappers

When it comes to the most forgiving drivers, you want to consider three features: the clubhead, loft, and shaft. Each aspect will play a big role in helping you hit longer, straighter drives so you can play more consistent golf.

Let’s start with the clubhead itself, since that’s what most golfers focus on. Ninety percent of all new drivers are 460cc, the maximum size allowed by the USGA. You’ll want to make sure you get one of these clubs, as they provide the maximum forgiveness, even if you hit it on the toe or heel.

The other thing to think about with the clubhead is if it has a built-in draw bias. These types of drivers are built so they’re easier to hit straighter and reduce a nasty slice. Or, if it is not a draw bias, you want to find one that is adjustable so you can easily tweak the loft and lie to your ideal swing.

The third thing to consider on your new driver is the loft, which ranges from 8 to 12 degrees for men. Less loft doesn’t mean it’ll go longer, as some golfers believe. Most high handicappers should have 10 or 11 degrees of loft to offset lower swing speeds. This will help the ball carry as long as possible for maximum distance.

The final thing to consider with a new driver is the shaft, which has a big impact on accuracy and distance. If you’re a slower-swinging golfer, you’ll need one that is lighter and preferably high launching. This will help you hit bombs off the tee, even if you’re still learning how to play this awesome but sometimes frustrating game.

Now that you know what to look for, let’s get into the best drivers for high handicappers.

1. Titleist TSR1 Driver

Titleist has a perfect club for every type of player, whether you’re a 25 handicap or a professional like Justin Thomas or Jordan Speith. I loved the TSR4 when I played with it, but I feel that it’s more for lower-handicap golfers. But when it comes to Titleist, it doesn’t matter if you need a new driver, woods, irons, wedges, or putter — they have equipment for every golfer.

In terms of forgiving drivers, it’s tough to beat the TSR1. This is the easiest to hit in their lineup and ideal for higher handicappers thanks to the ultra-lightweight build. A lighter club makes it easier for moderate-swing golfers to add speed (both clubhead speed and ball speed) for longer drives.

This driver is lighter from grip to head, and they’ve made it as light as possible. This makes the club more aerodynamic to max out distance. It also has a multi-plateau face to build a larger sweet spot across the entire hitting area.

The TSR1 does not have a built-in draw bias like some drivers on this list but does have a SureFit hosel. This makes it easy to adjust the clubhead for better contact, launch, and spin.

Finally, this club comes with an incredibly lightweight MMT Speedmesh shaft. This shaft barely weighs 45 grams, which should help increase swing speed alongside the lighter head. But it still has a stiff tip for better stability and hopefully will help you hit more fairways.

2. Callaway Big Bertha Driver

Callaway Golf became a household name when their initial Big Bertha model was released decades ago. I still remember playing one of the earlier versions when I was a beginner and absolutely loved it. It was my go-to club and helped me find fairways, even though I was a high handicapper. These clubs have always inspired confidence off the tee and just keep getting better with each release.

The latest Big Bertha driver is meant for golfers fighting a slice. If it feels like you can’t miss left and are always battling a banana slice, this club can help. The low and forward center of gravity (CG) fights spin, while the weight in the heel helps promote a draw.

This driver also has a new XL face, which increases the sweet spot and uses new AI technology for optimal spin across the face. If you catch it low, off the toe, heel, or even a little high, this club will still perform.

The triaxial carbon crown and lightweight shaft make this insanely lightweight as well. Plus, you can choose from three stock shafts (40–65 grams) and three lofts. Not to mention, you can always increase or decrease the loft with the adjustable hosel.

3. Cobra AeroJet Max Driver

Cobra is known for making solid equipment for mid-high handicappers. While they have some players on the PGA Tour using their clubs (I liked the Aerojet LS when I tested it because of its lower spin), they’re mostly known for easy-to-hit equipment. Their driver is no exception, either.

The latest drivers in the Cobra lineup are the Cobra Aerojet with the Max model being the most forgiving. It has a built-in draw bias with the most stable profile to help you hit it straighter than ever. Everything about the shape is meant for increased speed and distance. The streamlined edges, raised skirt, and new shape should help you swing faster and hit it longer.

What’s perfect about this driver is the maximum adjustability. Not only is the hosel adjustable like most on this list, but it also has two interchangeable weights. The back and heel weight allow you to manipulate the ball flight and shape with ease.

The Max model is the highest launching, with mid-low spin and slight draw bias. It also has two lightweight stock shaft options to fit different types of golfers.

4. TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Driver

TaylorMade is another brand, like Titleist, that makes some of the most trusted and dependable equipment in golf. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have signed Tiger Woods, who uses mostly TaylorMade equipment in his bag.

Their driver line is the Stealth 2, which has a few improvements over the successful TaylorMade Stealth drivers in 2022 that I really liked when I tried it. These clubs used even more carbon and a 60X carbon Twist Face to make them even longer. It also has Inverted Cone Technology, which helps maintain ball speed on off-center strikes, so you can avoid trouble and find the short grass more often.

The Stealth 2 HD model has more moment of inertia (MOI), aka forgiveness, than the Stealth 2 or Stealth 2 Plus model. Not to mention, this club is made with a built-in draw bias and has an adjustable head. The Fujikura Speeder NX TCS shaft is 48–62 grams, depending on the flex. It’s a little heavier than most stock shafts on this list but ideal for moderate swing speeds.

5. Wilson Dynapower Carbon Driver

If you haven’t noticed, the use of carbon is a big theme in the newest drivers from nearly every brand. Wilson is no exception, and the new Dynapower is one of their best-looking clubs yet. The all-black design looks fantastic and is built for performance off the tee. I haven’t gotten a chance to hit this one yet but plan to at the 2024 PGA Show.

While it doesn’t have a built-in draw bias, it does have a six-way adjustable hosel. This makes it easy to tweak the loft and spin. Like most drivers in the high-handicap category, it has CG low and forward to promote high launch. Wilson also uses AI to find the perfect face thickness for longer drives and a good ball flight, even on mishits.

If you want to save money and buy a top club for under $200, check out the Wilson Launch Pad 2. It’s a 2022 model but ideal for high handicappers and beginner golfers who need a new driver. It’s also a fraction of the price of any new 2023 driver.

6. Callaway Paradym X Driver

Callaway made this list twice as they have such great equipment. The Paradym series is my favorite one yet, and I’ve been playing the Triple Diamond version of this club since its release in spring 2023.

I can’t rave about them enough — they look good, feel good, and perform unlike any other driver ever. Somehow, they're even longer than the Callaway Rogue ST Max (which was also a high-MOI driver that I loved).

The Paradym drivers are 43% lighter thanks to a forged carbon sole (instead of titanium). This became popular with drivers in 2023 as mentioned with the TaylorMade Stealth 2 drivers above.

If you want the most forgiving model, opt for the Paradym X. This club has Jailbreak AI technology, which also makes it lighter for more stability and faster ball speeds. It also has speed-enhancing Face Cup technology in a forged titanium face for a larger sweet spot.

The Paradym X is the best fit for higher handicaps because of the higher launch and stretched profile. It provides extreme forgiveness and has a slight draw bias to help curb that nasty slice.

This club is also adjustable, so you can tinker with the settings to find the right lie/loft for the best launch angle. It also has two lightweight shafts (40 or 50 grams) and three lofts to choose from. Trust me, you won’t regret buying this club. It’s transformed my tee box game!

Connect with a Golf Expert to Find the Right Driver

Do you have more questions about finding the right driver? If so, make sure to contact a Curated Golf Expert so you can buy with confidence. When you find the right driver for your game, you’ll score better than ever.