It is a complete review of the best golf drivers and shopping guides every golf beginner needs to know this year.
If you are a newbie, you are probably extremely confused and have no idea how to choose your equipment.
Buying the best golf drivers for the beginners’ stage is one of the most difficult challenges you face on your new journey.
Today, I will show you how to choose the correct driver and know things before buying the club. So let’s jump right into it.
Here is the 7 Best Golf Drivers For Beginners (Novice Golfer) list:
- Callaway Epic Flash Driver
- Callaway Men’s XR 16 Driver
- TaylorMade M2 Driver
- Pinemeadow PGX Offset Driver
- Callaway Big Bertha B21 Driver
- Ping G400 Driver
- Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo Driver
Best 7 Golf Drivers for Beginners (Novice Golfer)
1.Callaway Epic Flash Driver
Pros
- The stabilized thin face giving it exceptional forgiveness
- Jailbreak Technology
- ball speed is tremendous
- allows for ultimate control on ball flight
Cons
- 45.5 inches length is quite a bit long
Features
- The Callaway Epic Flash Driver employs a new technology called Flash Face to help golfers get more ball speed for more distance.
- Artificial Intelligence created flash Face’s sophisticated architecture – the first known instance of using A.I.in the golf industry – to make a radically different face.
- Jailbreak Technology features two internal bars that stiffen and stabilize the crown and sole, placing more impact load on the face to promote faster ball speed.
- A new lighter Triaxial Carbon Crown saves weight that’s redistributed within the head to raise MOI for exceptional forgiveness on off-center hits.
- Adjustable Perimeter Weighting gives golfers the power to promote draws, fades, or a straighter flight quickly.
Improved in every area, the Callaway Epic Flash comes into 2019 as a hot new driver with a lot to offer.
Technology
Perhaps the most prominent edge the Callaway Epic Flash is offering is the newly designed face.
Callaway has called it “flash face technology,” and for a good reason. The ball speed is tremendous and aims to have the ball travel through the center of the face.
Jailbreak technology is also present, which helps stiffen the crown, creating the impact at the center.
The crown material itself is T2C Triaxial Carbon. It is a new, lighter carbon that also has created a tighter weave.
It allows weight to be redistributed and qualify for optimal forgiveness and some of the cleanest I’ve seen.
Also, I’d say my favorite touch to the Callaway Epic Flash that we don’t see on some of the premier drivers is an adjustable perimeter weighting. It allows for ultimate control on ball flight and is on a 16-gram slide.
Design
When you envision “innovation” in a golf club, you’ll picture the Callaway Epic Flash.
With a word such as “flash” in your title, you better expect some glare to the design, and Callaway has done so in a way that isn’t too much but certainly makes it stand out.
Green, yellow, and black designs run through the head and make it one of the most modern-looking clubs on the market.
What is so unique about this head, though, is that AI designed it.
Yes! You read that right; artificial intelligence created one of the sleekest and tech-loaded drivers available today.
Performance
With the Callaway Epic Flash, you are getting an all-in-one package. All modern technologies available for a driver are included in this pricey package but seem to be worth every penny.
The ball travels at insane speeds, and the CoG available to tweak creates ultimate customizability for the player. I also enjoy how much forgiveness gives as well.
The new carbon crown also provides excellent control on hits that I’ve never seen before, at least not at this level.
Throughout many golf drills, this driver performed and executed in all areas. Leaving to scratch my head that I found no fundamental flaws performance-wise with Callaway’s latest innovation.
The Callaway Epic Flash is genuinely the driver of the future. With all of this new technology, including being created by AI, I am excited to see what directions we will see clubs make in the coming years.
2.Callaway Men’s XR Driver
Pros
- Attractive streamlined design
- High launch angle
- Powerful feel
- Provide LONG distance shot
Cons
- A little too wide of the clubhead for some players
Features
- Speed From Speed Step Crown To reduce drag and maximize speed through the swing, we’ve put in a Speed Step Crown and combined it with an optimized aerodynamic head shape.
- Speed From RMOTO Face Technology This is how we increase ball speeds across the face by reducing 10% of face weight to make it thinner. RMOTO leads to more energy-efficient energy transfer all over the face, putting the CG 17% lower.
- Speed From Maximum Shaft Load The shaft is a crucial component to speed; that’s why XR comes stock with the new Project X LZ. It produces maximum shaft load during the downswing loading zone for more excellent energy transfer to the ball.
- OptiFit Adjustability Choose from 8 different loft and lie configurations to find the perfect launch for your ball flight. When you get the right launch conditions, you get more distance.
- Everything about this driver optimizes for aero efficiency, which is critical to add speed with less drag.
A solid driver that combines many perks from previous drivers into one let’s find out why the Callaway XR 16 is one of the top drivers from the golf giants to date.
Technology
The Callaway XR 16 features a large head with a new step feature, which helps speed on the initial swing.
It helps it flow through the air much more efficiently before, eliminating some of the “stiffness” ones may have felt through their swing beforehand.
Also, the club itself is pretty lightweight. The shaft is titanium alloy and has a more prominent front to allow a lower CoG.
It makes the forgivability levels go up tremendously. The lower CoG will help the startup of the drive as well.
Design
The sleek black design keeps a classic look on the head of the Callaway XR 16.
With the sleek black design, it features a royal blue trim that gives it a bit of flair while not being an eyesore at the same time.
As I mentioned before, the new step feature has made the club much more aerodynamic and one of the most current on the market.
The shape of the head speaks thinness and quickness.
It indeed produces quite a bit of speed and allows for ultimate torque while giving quite a bit of forgiveness as well.
Forgiveness always comes in handy against splicers, and it’s always a great feature to see on drivers. And it’s something I think all newer models will have these days.
Performance
You’ll notice first-hand that this is one of the fastest drivers on the market.
The Callaway XR 16 means business in aerodynamic design, and it proves its performance.
Forgiveness is there as well, and it noticeably helps deal with splicers.
The low CoG aids in torque, and combined with the lightweight shaft, this is a complex deal to pass up, especially if speed is one of your primary concerns on drives.
However, an underlying issue with Callaway models exists here as well, which is the spin rate. It is not as bad as before and has undoubtedly improved, but it may be troublesome to certain players.
Speed kills. With the Callaway XR 16, you’ll be getting one of the fastest drivers available. Whether you golf monthly or play every day, I can see this in most players’ hands at any level of play.
3.TaylorMade M2 Driver
Pros
- Lightweight crown and low CoG
- Given more forgiveness
- Large flexibility
- Excellent solid sound and feel at impact
Cons
- Not that much Adjustability
Features
- All new multilateral construction saves weight and repositions CG low and back.
- Geocoustic technology
- Deep more active speed pocket
- FF2FF PRECISION PROCESS
- Premium features and personalization
Some consider the TaylorMade M2 to be the best driver out there to use on the market. So let’s dive into the review and see how much truth is behind that kind of bold statement.
Technology
The TaylorMade M2 has a bit of similarity to the Callaway XR 16, such as a lightweight crown and low CoG.
However, the luxuries that TaylorMade has offered in the M2 are outstanding.
The face features a titanium face, an ultra-light carbon composite crown, an aluminum loft sleeve, and ultra-thin wall Ti casting.
The carbon composite has a total of 6 layers to it as well and offers most of the weight in the lower back sole.
It means that you’ll give more forgiveness, which ties into the overall CoG offered by the TaylorMade M2.
Design
It is truly a beautiful driver.
Combining elegance with new technology, the TaylorMade M2 may be one of my favorite drivers in terms of looks.
At address, the classic, clean combination of black and white is a fantastic look.
Also, the aerodynamics of the club is present as well, with the low CoG and lightweight design.
It is mainly due to the new flexibility of the pocket, which has dramatically increased the overall speed from previous models.
Performance
There aren’t many negatives to say about the TaylorMade M2. However, when it boils down to how does this driver performs, it’s near perfection.
The driver’s ability to distance while still maintaining a good level of forgivability is a bit mind-boggling.
Despite its use at the top level of golf, the TaylorMade M2 is also an easy-to-use club, and a newcomer can pick it up and play, which is impressive.
However, if there would be a slight flaw to this near-perfect club, It cannot adjust the CoG. But, with all of the hype behind this club, it certainly lives up to it and more. Here are some pros and cons for TaylorMade M2:
The TaylorMade M2 is easily top-3 in the most significant drivers on the market. Moreover, it is priced exceptionally well for all it offers.
In terms of the “best,” it is debatable, as there are many great drivers up there. Still, you will not be disappointed whether you make this decision for a unique golf gift or are getting it for professional use.
4.PGX Pinemeadow Offset
Pros
- Incredible price for an excellent driver
- Anti-slice technology gives you a better slice shot
- Gives more accuracy
- Extraordinary consistency of distance shots
Cons
- The large sweet spot for some tournaments might be illegal
- The anti-slice technology may let you lose a couple of yards
Features
- Offset anti-slice technology
- 460Cc clubhead
- Headcover included; The matte black finish and white and green give the driver a clean and sleek look.
- Club 1
- The offset of the driver helps you square the ball at impact. Having a square face at impact is essential and will result in straighter drivers.
A driver is truly a bang for your buck; read below why PGX has offered one of the best drivers on a budget below.
Technology
Before starting, it is worth noting that the PGX Pinemeadow is an under $100 driver, so with this in mind. I’ll fair it to budget drivers, not the premium ones that I have listed previously. With that out of the way, let’s see dive into the tech behind the PGX Pinemeadow.
For starters, this is a very lightweight club overall, weighing just 200 grams. The offset technology that features in the name also adds, which aids in lessening the slice. It does this by consistently providing a square face.
Design
The classic look reappears in the PGX Pinemeadow, offering a matte black design trimmed by green and white stripes. It’s a sleek, compound look that should be appealing to most. But, overall, it produces a simple, compelling look, just as a price-conscious club should.
Performance
Overall, the performance of the driver is solid. There is not a whole lot behind it. Besides, it is pretty easy to control and lightweight.
Despite the low cost of the driver, the offset technology is very effective, and the large sweet spot provides a nice cushion for forgiveness and consistency in every swing.
I think this driver would be perfect as something uses for golf practice drills.
It doesn’t cost heavy and will give your main driver a nice break when you want to practice.
However, the natural beauty behind the PGX Pinemeadow is that it can be used as a gamer just as well.
I’d say for the price alone; the PGX driver is worth getting. As I mentioned, this is the perfect, ideal club for golf practice drills and uses as a gamer.
The lightness and offset technology put in a much higher class of drivers than the price would say.
However, the driver is shorter than many other top brands, and the large sweet spot may be illegal if you use it in tournaments.
Also, the quality won’t hold up like a premier driver, but it’s hard to pinpoint this as a con precisely for the price.
Whether you choose to use it for golf practice drills or as your gamer, the PGX Pinemeadow is undoubtedly one of the most cost-effective drivers currently on the market.
5.Callaway Bertha B21 Driver
Pros
- Incredible Club-head Design
- Sweet impact sound
- Powerful feel
- Extraordinary consistency of distance shots
Cons
- It could potentially confuse the average golfer into which weight setting is best
Features
- The Big Bertha B-21 Driver is designed for distance any way you swing it.
- To help eliminate your slice or big miss, we’ve created our first high launch driver with an ultra-low forward CG for a low spin.
- The giant Big Bertha head is engineered explicitly with internal draw bias weighting. It helps improve your launch angles and promotes a straighter, more extended ball flight.
- We’ve advanced our AI-designed Flash Face to promote fast ball speeds across a more expansive area.
- This face architecture requires solid materials that are lighter and stronger than traditional titanium to promote optimal speed, forgiveness, and spin characteristics.
The GBB is simply one of the most dominant forces in the driver world today. Find out just why Callaway has genuinely produced one of the best drivers on the market below:
Technology
The GBB epic driver is coming loaded fully with new tech. One of the new introductions dubb “jailbreak technology.”
It is referring to the new stability rods that also reduce weight and increases flexibility.
The face of the GBB epic driver comes in around 20 percent lighter than the model beforehand.
Design
Callaway is one of the most dominant clubs for its groundbreaking golf technology and sleek and innovative designs.
The GBB epic driver is no exception to this. The head allows for more impact focused on the ball, which means the swing requires less work than before.
The look of the head is also remarkable, with a glossy tone that goes into carbon fiber.
However, there isn’t so much going on that the club becomes distracting.
The GBB epic driver features details galore as well, featuring a green strip circling the head.
Performance
The addition of jailbreak is genuinely a new height for golf technology. It has been dubbed one of the most forgiving drivers on the market, and for a good reason.
Everything from the follow-through to the precision control is remarkable. This technology also helps consistently give each hit, which is one of the more important factors when choosing a driver.
Again, the forgivability that forge into this club plays a significant role in this. The weight adjustment is excellent as well, which features a 17-gram sliding weight. It can dramatically change how the club will feel and allows for a nice customization feature.
As I sit here and ponder what possible negatives could come out of this club, there is not much, if any. The GBB epic driver truly has revolutionized golf technology and has met just about everything it has promised.
The only possible downside I can see here is the standard length that package is just a bit too long, it seems. However, I can say with complete confidence that this driver will be hard to top.
6.Ping G400 Driver
Pros
- Incredible solid and satisfying sound at impact
- Truly the inspiration for the design.
- Low CG delivers excellent forgiveness.
Cons
- Ridges on the crown can distract at setup
Features
- In addition to improving the feel, the internal rib structure of the G400 head rewards you with a rich, full sound at impact. Bolder crown Turbulators enhance clubhead speed and visual appeal.
- Streamlined shaping harmonizes with bolder Turbulators and Vortec Technology to reduce drag by 40% mid-downswing and 15% overall to increase clubhead speed and ball velocity for added distance with stability.
Ping has undoubtedly been making their marks over the past few years with new technologies added to its drivers. Check out below on why the Ping G400 may or may not be the right fit for you:
New Tech
The overall design of the head is gorgeous, and with its dragonfly pattern, the Ping G400 has some of the thinnest crown sections we’ve seen.
They call the process that gone into their design “biomimicry,” like a dragonfly indeed the inspiration for the procedure.
The added Turbulators also enhance the aerodynamics when the club swung.
Now, with the G series, we are introduced to yet another newly added tech from Ping. This time around, we are witnesses to “Vortec velocity.”
Essentially, Ping has taken out a small piece near the bottom of the crown.
It cuts down on the wake produces by the swing, which now opens up faster speeds for the club to travel.
Also, it is worth mentioning that a CoG locates by the heel has also improved slicing.
Design
Ping has kept it simple and classy for the design of the Ping G400 TEC Driver.
The slick, matte black design keeps a traditional look, but the new dragonfly design helps it stand out amongst the crowd.
The head design features some blue splash, but overall, Ping has kept it original for the look of the Ping G400 TEC Driver, and it looks great.
Performance
As mentioned previously, the new technologies of the dragonfly pattern and the Vortec velocity have improved the performance aspect for this Ping series.
The drive itself has more speed overall, and the swing will follow through faster. Also, the CoG has genuinely made quite an impact on aiding slicers.
With the consistency that is provided as well in this club, it can easily handle the best golf contact drills with ease.
The faith you can put into it is exceptional and only increases the comfort level just that bit more.
Overall, the new Ping G400 Driver is lightweight, features many great technologies, and has made tremendous improvements with helping deal with splicers.
However, one lacking feature of this club is that there is no CG adjustability featured.
Despite this minor potential issue, I’d still recommend this club highly for a golfer at any level.
7.Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo
Pros
- Large deep driver face
- Very forgiving
- Optimal center of gravity
- Premium aftermarket Miyazaki shaft
Cons
- The sweet spot performance can vary.
- It takes a bit of getting used to
Features
- Turbo-charged cup face: The new Turbo-charged cup face, enhanced with a new variable look. It provides higher COR over a more significant impact area for increased ball speeds and more distance.
- HI bore Crown: The redesigned HI Bore Crown lowers the center-of-gravity (CG) by 2. 2mm, enabling a lower CG position for optimal launch conditions.
- Deep weighting: discretionary mass savings positioned for significant increases to MOI, delivering more speed.
- Ultralight housel: external and internal weight reduction, redistributed low and deep for a higher launch and more forgiveness.
- Counterbalanced shaft design: It explicitly designs the launcher HB Turbo driver. The MIYAZAKI C. Kuma center of gravity is relocated higher toward the grip, enabling additional head mass for increased MOI.
Is the Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo worth purchasing over the large-name clubs a driver who often flies under the radar? Let’s find out.
Technology
At first glance, you’ll notice that this driver has quite a deep face. It increases the hit area dramatically and is one of the deepest I’ve seen.
The variable face is quite thick as well, which allows for the ball to travel faster as well.
These two designs make this driver become one of our best-rated drivers for beginners selections.
The sweet spot is LARGE, and that is no joke.
The forgiveness in this club is off the charts, and it is noticeable on the first swing.
Also, with a similar theme as the previous two clubs, the CoG is located deep in the head, creating a more meaningful height on the ball.
Design
The Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo is not the most visually appealing club on this list, but it doesn’t mean it’s ugly. Instead, it’s a simple, classic look that features a black face with gold trim and a white “Cleveland” logo.
Some will find it quite attractive with this simple look, but I wish it had more to make it stand apart from the crowd.
The head shape, as I have mentioned, features a deep face and a big sweet spot. But, overall, it’s a natural nostalgic feel to it, which I can appreciate.
Performance
So, how does the Cleveland Classic XL fair in play?
Well, for starters, the launch the ball receives from the improved CoG is noticeable.
It certainly carries more height than its predecessors.
What I was most impressed with, however, was the low spin the hit generated.
The distance mixed with forgiveness makes the Cleveland Classic XL gain quite a bit of point for me.
The elements of distance, forgiveness and a great height for the drive combine for a driver that is a complete package.
However, I would notice that the low spin could be an issue for players who generate quite a bit of it, as you won’t find that here.
Overall, the Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo is a great package bundle here for a driver.
For newcomers, this is a dream come true with the ultimate forgiveness provided here, as well as the deep face.
I think Cleveland sometimes overlooks, but that should not be here. Not only do they have success in drivers such as this, but the Cleveland wedge sets are tremendous as well.
Here are some crucial factors that you need to consider when buying the best golf drivers for beginners.
7 things you should know before buying the driver (Beginners Tips)
Head Shape Matters
One of the most important things when choosing a driver is to pay attention to the shape of the head, which can be round or square.
Both are different when it comes to performance. Still, beginner golfers should choose a driver that is more comfortable while swinging.
As a newbie, you should choose a round head that is less likely to get stuck on the turf. Also, round drivers are perfect for golf practice drills and improving the speed of your swing.
With increasing the speed of the swing, the rate of the ball will increase as well, which will help you cover more distance in fewer shots.
Length of the Shaft
When shopping for the best golf clubs for beginners, you need to pay attention to the shaft length.
The first and most important is to choose a driver compatible with your height.
If you are a short player, choosing a long shaft driver will disable your swing, which is the last thing you want as a beginner.
Measuring the length of your arm is also essential when choosing the best-rated driver. First, however, you need to know that the new designs are lighter and have longer shafts than the old models.
Lightweight means that you can hit the ball further with ease, after some golf practice drills, of course.
Material
The head and shaft material can affect your driver’s performance, so you need to be careful with this.
Manufacturers use a plethora of materials when it comes to fabricating golf club heads.
What you can find on the market are heads made of stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, and zinc.
Titanium heads provide the best performance for beginners. Still, they are also the most expensive ones. In contrast, the ones made of stainless steel are the least expensive and suitable for limited-budget golf beginners.
As for the shafts, you can choose between steel and graphite ones. However, as a beginner, we recommend you purchase a graphite shaft as it offers more flexibility.
Head Design
One of the factors that you mustn’t neglect is the design of the clubhead.
The most crucial element in this category is the size of the golf club head that can reach a maximum of 460cc according to the golf rules.
As a beginner, you need to opt for the maximum or sizes similar to this one, including 450cc and 440cc. The larger the head is, the larger the sweet spot it offers.
Loft
If you want to avoid side spins as a beginner, you need to shop for a driver with a high loft, which means between 10 and 12.
Drivers with a high loft will make it easier for novice golfers to get the ball high.
The loft is essential for golfers because it determines the angle and direction the ball will fly.
Price
The cost of your driver is also an essential factor, but you shouldn’t get obsessed with it. Being a beginner means making a lot of mistakes and even more practice.
For this reason, you might want to choose an affordable driver until you form your swing and learn how to handle the club.
Whatever equipment make you feel comfortable, light, and easy to manipulate will be good for the start.
However, there is no doubt that the expensive and professional golf drivers are what you should aim for, but only after you become skillful.
Adjustable Drivers
Having an adjustable driver can initially help you adjust the loft, but you should first find the right golf club that suits your swing manner.
Some novices think that the best golf clubs for beginners are the high-end ones, which can be a trap.
The high-tech drivers usually design for professionals who have impeccable performance in speed and ball trajectory. However, precision is another issue that beginner golfers can have if using regular drivers instead of particular ones.
Other Drivers and Clubs Review:
- Callaway Epic Flash Driver Review: Longest Shot Ever
- Callaway Rogue Iron Set Review
- Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo Driver Review
- Cleveland Launcher HB Iron Set Review
- TaylorMade M2 Driver review
- TaylorMade M4 Iron Set Review
- TaylorMade M3 Iron Set Review
- Cobra King F8 One Length Iron Set Review
- 7 Best Golf Drivers for Seniors: Which Club Do You Have?