Alright, let’s talk about finding the best driver for a high handicap. I’m no pro, far from it, but I’ve been on this journey myself, so I figured I’d share my experience.

When I started, my handicap was, well, let’s just say it was up there. Hitting the ball straight was a dream, and distance? Forget about it. I tried a bunch of different drivers, some fancy, some not so much. It was a mess, honestly.
Then I started doing some digging. I read that higher handicappers often struggle with getting the ball in the air consistently. Apparently, a driver with a loft of around 10.5 degrees is a good starting point. The idea is that the angle of the clubface helps lift the ball, which is something we, as less skilled golfers, need.
My Experiment
- Tried different lofts: I experimented with a few drivers, playing around with different lofts. I started with a standard driver, then a 12 degrees one.
- Hit the range: I spent hours at the driving range, just hitting balls, trying to find a comfort zone. I was focusing on hitting the ball into the air.
- Focused on consistency: I wasn’t aiming for crazy distance, just trying to hit the ball cleanly and consistently. At the beginning, distance was not my primary goal.
- Noticed a difference: After a while, I started noticing that the 10.5-degree driver was giving me a bit more height and a more consistent flight. It wasn’t a miracle cure, but it was definitely an improvement.
Now, I’m not saying a 10.5-degree driver is the magic bullet for everyone, but it’s a good place to start. From my experience, it does help with getting the ball airborne. And the Callaway Epic Max LS was recommended for people under 15 handicap. But, I found it too hard to hit straight. I mean, even as a high handicapper, I saw some good things, but it wasn’t for me.
The main thing is to experiment and find what works for you. It’s a process, and it takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and eventually, you’ll find the right driver for your game.
So, that’s my two cents on finding the best driver for a high handicap. It’s not about the most expensive or the fanciest driver. It’s about finding one that helps you hit the ball more consistently and get it in the air. And remember, it’s a journey, not a sprint. Good luck!