What degree driver should a beginner use?
David Mccullough
Published Jan 09, 2026
Most golf drivers for beginners come in 9.5º, 10.5º and 12º options. The ideal loft is dependent on your swing speed and shot shape. 10.5º and 12º golf drivers are usually best for beginner golfers as the added backspin only loses a small amount of distance, but keeps your drives much straighter.
Is a 12 degree driver good for beginners?
A 12 ° driver is a better choice for a beginner golfer as the higher degree of loft will help them hit the ball at a higher angle. 9.5° drivers are better suited for golfers with more experience and a faster swing speed.What is the easiest driver to hit for beginners?
Best Drivers for Beginners and High Handicappers 2022
- Ping G425 SFT driver.
- TaylorMade SIM2 MAX-D driver.
- Callaway Epic Max driver.
- PXG 0211 driver.
- Cobra F-Max Airspeed driver.
- Wilson Launch Pad driver.
- Callaway Big Bertha B21.
- Cobra Radspeed XD driver.
What degree should I set my driver at?
The ideal driver loft depends on your swing speed and the attack angle. Average players that swing the club less than 95 MPH will likely find that a 10.5-degree driver performs the best. Better players who can control their drives and want the most distance will lean more towards a 9-degree driver.Which is better 9.5 or 10.5 degree driver?
In theory, a 9.5 degree driver shot will travel lower at a greater speed with less backspin than a 10.5 degree driver when struck square. You must be sure that you have enough club head speed -- how fast the golf club is moving toward impact with the golf ball -- to warrant a lower lofted driver.Are you using the CORRECT driver loft?
Should I use a 13.5 degree driver?
Anywhere between 8.5-10° will usually suffice. If you have a mid swing speed of 95-104 mph, a driver loft of between 10-11.5° will normally be a good starting point.What is the most forgiving driver for a beginner?
The most forgiving option is the Cobra LTDx Max and geared toward higher to mid high-handicap golfers. The Air X is probably a better driver for pure beginners. But here's why this club should be an option for the beginning everyday golfer: Engineered for total distance above all else.What is the best driver for a beginning golfer?
Most Forgiving Drivers In Golf for Beginners/High Handicappers
- Callaway Epic.
- Cleveland.
- TaylorMade SIM 2.
- Callaway Big Bertha.
- Callaway Mavrik.
- Cobra.
- Wilson Staff.
- Mizuno.