How to choose the right golf driver

When it comes to golf clubs, few inspire more excitement – and sometimes frustration – than the driver. As the club you typically use to tee off, your driver can set the tone for the entire hole. A great drive means you're starting strong; a poor one can leave you scrambling to catch up. That’s why choosing the right golf driver is crucial, whether you’re a weekend warrior or a serious player.

At ARC Golf, we understand how overwhelming it can be to select the perfect driver with so many models, specs, and technologies available. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide – using only the products we currently carry to help you choose a driver that matches your game, your goals, and your budget.

There’s no one-size-fits-all driver, but understanding the following elements will guide your selection process and help you find a club that performs for you.

1. Loft

The loft of a driver – measured in degrees – determines how high the ball launches into the air. Common lofts range between 8.5° and 12°, and your swing speed is the main factor in choosing the right one:

• Slower swing speeds (below 90 mph): Opt for a higher loft (10.5°–12°) to help get the ball airborne and increase carry distance.
• Faster swing speeds (above 100 mph): Lower lofts (8.5°–10.5°) can help keep spin down and promote a more penetrating trajectory.
  

2. Shaft Flex and Material

Shaft flex influences the feel and performance of the driver. Common flex options include:

• Ladies: (L): Designed for women or players with high handicaps with slow swing speeds.
• Senior (A): Designed typically senior golfers or those with slow-moderate swing speeds.
• Regular (R): Ideal for players with moderate swing speeds.
• Stiff/Strong Regular (SR): Designed for those that have average swing speeds between regular and stiff flexes.
• Stiff (S): Suitable for players with faster swing speeds seeking more control.
• Extra Stiff (X): Designed for players with very high swing speeds.

Graphite shafts are commonly used in drivers due to their lightweight nature, which can help increase swing speed and reduce overall fatigue on the body.

3. Clubhead Size and Shape

The size and shape of the clubhead can impact forgiveness and aerodynamics. Larger clubheads (up to 460cc) offer a bigger sweet spot, providing more forgiveness on off-center hits. The shape can also influence the club's moment of inertia (MOI), affecting stability during the swing.

4. Adjustability

Many modern drivers feature adjustable hosels and movable weights on the drivers themselves, allowing golfers to fine-tune loft, lie angle, and center of gravity. This customisation helps optimise ball flight and correct common issues like slices or hooks.

5. Forgiveness

Forgiving drivers help minimise the impact of mishits, maintaining distance and accuracy even on off-center strikes. Features contributing to forgiveness include a larger sweet spot, higher MOI, and perimeter weighting.

6. Budget

Not everyone needs the newest $800+ driver. You can often find top-performing models from recent years for under $500 – many with cutting-edge tech.

Top Driver Recommendations

Based on the criteria above, we've put together some driver recommendations for those looking to maximise their performance with the driver.