Best Golf Drivers For Mid Handicappers 2023

We take a closer look at those drivers which are designed specifically for mid-handicap golfers

An array of drivers designed for mid handicappers
(Image credit: Future)
Best Golf Drivers For Mid Handicappers: Quick Menu

Golf is a game played by millions and millions of people worldwide, with players of all abilities walking the fairways every single day. It's no secret that it's a tough sport to master, with only a small percentage of individuals holding a single-figure handicap. In fact, according to a number of statistics, the average golfer holds a handicap of between 15-18, putting them into the mid handicapper category.

Currently, companies are releasing multiple models of drivers to help those on the golf course and, in this piece, we have taken a look at the best ones for an array of different mid handicappers. Whether you are a fast swinger of the golf club and after one of the most forgiving drivers, or perhaps a slow swinger of the club and looking for the best drivers for distance, this handy guide will help point you in the right direction to pick your next big stick.

In the video below, we run through our favorite drivers of 2023. Whilst this might not feature all the models in this article, it provides a good overview of what to expect from the market this year.

The Quick List

Best Golf Drivers for Mid Handicappers

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Fast Swing Speeds

TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus Driver Review

(Image credit: Kevin Murray)

Specifications

Lofts: 8°, 9°, 10.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: 2 options (Mitsubishi Kai'li Red & Project X Hzrdus Black)
Left Handed Option: Yes, only in 9° and 10.5°

Reasons to buy

+
Premium aesthetics and powerful feel
+
Impressive forgiveness
+
Consistently good distance

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as exciting as the previous generation

We begin with the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus which, for 2023, has seen a slight makeover in that the technology has been refined from the groundbreaking Stealth. How you may ask? Well, to help aid forgiveness, it has been given a carbon composite ring at the back of the head which has allowed weight to be saved and used to aid performance. 

It is worth noting that, of the three new models, the Stealth 2 Plus driver has the most compact footprint at address (the Stealth 2 and Stealth 2 HD are slightly bigger to look down on), although the Plus does offer a 460cc head and a 15g sliding weight to help golfers dial in their ball flights, as well as their spin numbers.

Compared to the original Stealth Plus, the Stealth 2 Plus is slightly longer than its predecessor, but the main takeaway is that TaylorMade have focused on forgiveness with this new model, something which will benefit the mid handicapper who is unlikely to find the centre of the face every time.

Titleist TSR3 Driver

Titleist TSR3 Driver Review

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 8°, 9°, 10° & 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft : HZRDUS RED CB (6 other options available)
Left Handed Options: Yes, available in 8°, 9°, 10°

Reasons to buy

+
Premium look and feel
+
Consistently fast and forgiving
+
A tighter dispersion can be created

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited gains over prior model
-
A fitting is crucial to maximise performance

Like all models in the TSR range, the TSR3 features the classic-shaped head at address, with the main aim of the driver being to make it faster through the air. Titleist have done this by installing a smoother sole, smaller hosel opening and a taller back section. 

However, looks wise, it is certainly slick and almost Tesla-inspired with how the weight track and silver strip form a T-shape on the sole. What's more, the five-position SureFit CG track has been neatened up so the weight sits more flush in the extreme positions and a new Variable Thickness Face (VFT) pattern, which Titleist is calling Speed Ring, is tailored towards mid handicap players that strike the ball within a more centred area on the face. 

In testing, the numbers were extremely consistent, with the TSR3 minimising drop offs in speed even from off-centre strikes. However, it's the playability that is the most impressive aspect, as it is the easiest driver to manipulate the flight of. Arguably, it's also one of the best drivers for slicers.

Ping G430 LST Driver

PING G430 LST driver review

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 9° & 10.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Ping Alta CB Black 55 (5 other options available at no upcharge)
Left Handed Option: Yes, available in all lofts

Reasons to buy

+
Inviting, high tech look at address
+
Improved sound and feel
+
Impressive consistency

Reasons to avoid

-
Some may feel there is too much going on at address

Ping returns in 2023 with its brand new range, the G430. Available in three models (G430 Max, G430 SFT & G430 LST), it's the latter we are focusing on here, as we believe it will suit the fast-swinging mid handicapper.

Firstly, there are significant differences between the LST and the other two models, with the low spin version of the new driver the o