There are so many golf clubs to choose from in the market, it is hard to pick the right one for your game. If you are a new golfer, finding a great golf driver can be even more difficult. While there are so many drivers out there with different features and specifications, following these few tips will help you choose one that suits you well.

Consider Your Skill Level

If you are a beginning golfer who is not yet comfortable with the swing, you will need to begin with clubs that have a lighter weight. When choosing a driver, it is wise to select one with a high moment of inertia (MOI) and low initial clubhead speeds. These are factors that are taken into consideration by many golfers when they shop for golf drivers.

Head Size

Head sizes (measured in volume) usually come in the following weight: 420cc, 440cc, and 460cc ( the highest approved size by the USGA). The larger the number, the more distance you will get off the tee.

There is no right or wrong answer here, as each individual has a unique swing. If a golf driver has a smaller head, it will mean that there is less space to hit through, making it harder for slicers to hit shots.

However, if this driver has a larger head, it is going to be easier for slicers to connect with the ball and keep it on the line. Beginner golfers and amateurs have been known to favor a driver with a big head, while the more skilled golfers prefer the driver with a smaller for its maneuvering capabilities.

Head Shape

Choosing a driver that you are comfortable swinging is essential to having your most effective golf swing. If the head of the driver does not feel comfortable for you, chances are you will not trust that club and will be hesitant to hit it.

Square club heads have been around for decades. They have a noticeable squared-off toe end to them. This design provides golfers with a larger sweet spot, which means you will get more distance from off-center hits than from a normal driver.

But the larger sweet spot also makes square-headed drivers more forgiving on off-center hits If you tend to slice or hook your shots, then this larger sweet spot may allow you to take full advantage of your skillset when hitting the ball.

The round club head has a higher center of gravity which causes the club to feel top-heavy. This can lead to mishits but can be beneficial for golfers who tend to slice their drives.

Head Color

The color of a golf driver does not necessarily impact your performance. It has more to do with beautification than effectiveness. Finding the right driver for fixing your slice has little to do with color and aesthetics. However, if a color makes you comfortable, go for it! Colored drivers also provide cosmetic customization to golfers (beginners to pros), who may prefer a standout look in the bag that will make the club easier to identify among other clubs (especially when those clubs are supported on an elevated shelf), and/or color-coordinate with other gear, such as a towel, shoes, etc.

Loft

The loft is the angle between vertical and horizontal when the clubface is perpendicular to the ground. In other words, it refers to the height of the ball at its apex during the swing. Except for putters, drivers have the lowest loft of any club. Driver lofts vary from 7 to 20 degrees, with most off-the-shelf men’s drivers falling between 8 and 11 degrees.

Shaft Flexibility

How much the shaft bends will determine how much curve you put on the ball, with more flexibility giving you more curve. The more flexible the shaft, the easier it will bend. That’s because flexibility is directly tied to the shaft stiffness.

The higher the stiffness of the shaft, the less it will bend upon impact. The most important one is according to your swing speed and weight. Golfers with a fast swing speed will find that a stiff golf driver shaft is best for them. Players with slower swing speeds benefit from a more flexible shaft.

If you’re passionate about the game—regardless of the ability level—a club fitting may be the easiest way to find the best driver for your swing. A professional golf coach or skilled golf shop attendant will assist you in analyzing the swing and determining which driver can remove irregularities and quirks.