Best Golf Drivers For Seniors 2024

We take a look at the best drivers for seniors that are currently available on the market

A number of the best drivers for seniors in a grid system
(Image credit: Future)

Once you hit 50, you're technically a senior - in the golfing world at least, that age when you're eligible to play on most senior Tours. A look at the driving stats on the Champions Tour, where the top ten in driving distance all average over 290 yards, provides proof that power doesn't just vanish as soon as you wave goodbye to your forties.

That said, if you're becoming a little too used to seeing your younger playing partners smash the ball past yours, it might be time for a change. The good news is that manufacturers have senior golfers well covered - don't think you've been forgotten.

But what makes a good drive for a senior golfer? The best drivers for seniors will normally have a combination of lightweight heads and lightweight shafts. That means, even as your swing speed may start to decrease, the lightweight driver can still generate solid clubhead speed and, in turn, distance. Getting the right shaft is also vitally important for senior golfers. Finding that perfect combination of flex and weight in the best golf shafts could add a decent amount of yardage to your game without you having to swing any faster. Pair that with one of the driver heads in this list and you'll be on to a winner. 

So, we've taken a closer look at the best golf drivers for seniors, clubs designed to help you keep that speed up. It's not all about speed, of course; there are other areas of performance senior golfers may need a little help with, such as a lighter feel, higher launch and extra forgiveness. Speaking of which, we also recommend checking out our other driver guides - such as the most forgiving drivers, the best golf drivers for distance, or even the best golf drivers for women.

WATCH: We run through the performance of the best drivers in 2024

The Quick List

Best Golf Drivers For Seniors

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Top pick

Photo of the Cobra Darkspeed Max Driver

(Image credit: Future)
One of the best draw-bias drivers we have ever tested

Specifications

Lofts: 9.0°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustable Hosel : Yes
Stock Shaft: 2 Options (Project X HZRDUS Red CB & UST LIN-Q M40X Red 5)
Left Handed Option: Yes, in 10.5° and 12°(Custom Only)

Reasons to buy

+
Seriously difficult to slice
+
Exceptional looks
+
Strong ball speed

Reasons to avoid

-
Head shape not as refined as the other two models in the range

We begin with the Darkspeed Max, which offers strong ball speed and exceptional looks. In testing, we found that the launch and spin were a little higher than the X and LS versions, this is something that will help senior golfers get the ball airborne, with the Darkspeed striking a great balance of adding spin and launch without sacrificing distance.

It does feature a draw bias, which will divide opinion depending on what your ball flight is but, we must add that the draw bias nature of this driver is a real standout. It is one of the best drivers for slicers on the market, with our tester actually unable to slice the ball, such is the amazing work of the technology.

Aesthetically, the carbon effect crown and minimalist Cobra logo provide a very sophisticated look which we loved. What we also loved is the way the Darkspeed sits at address. Sometimes, with draw bias drivers, the toe sits in but, in the case of the Max, we see a very square set up that will appeal to many.

Best for launch

Photo of the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D Driver

(Image credit: Future)
One of the best looking drivers on this list

Specifications

Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: 2 options (MCA Tensei Blue & Project X Cypher)
Left Handed Option: Yes, available in all lofts

Reasons to buy

+
New color looks great
+
Incredibly easy to launch
+
Sound and feel is superb

Reasons to avoid

-
Mainly only aesthetic improvements from predecessor

The Max D in the latest Ai Smoke range from Callaway is most comparable with the Paradym X from last year with its high MOI and slight draw bias, but there are some clear alterations the brand has made to improve the head. 

Starting with the looks, the grey finish and cool pattern design on the sole aids shelf appeal a lot in our opinion. The head is also extremely confidence-inspiring with a very large overall footprint achieved by stretching it outwards in all the right places. 

Moving away from the looks, Callaway have increased the MOI in the quest for stability, with Ai technology creating, arguably, the most forgiving driver anywhere on the market. In our opinion, this is one of the easiest drivers to get off the ground and an absolute game-changer when it comes to user-friendliness. 

Most accurate

Photo of the Mizuno ST-Max 230 driver

(Image credit: Future)
A visually superb club with a higher spin rate

Specifications

Lofts: 9.5°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Aldila Ascent Red 50
Left Handed Option: Yes, only available in 9.5°

Reasons to buy

+
Classy looking clubhead
+
Nicely subdued feel at impact
+
Very easy to launch

Reasons to avoid

-
Higher spin profile may limit appeal

The Mizuno ST-Max 230 driver promises to be Mizuno’s most stable driver ever, with the company doing this by lowering the profile of the ST-Max head to accommodate spreading and increasing the overall footprint of the driver head whilst staying within the maximum permitted 460cc head size. This has allowed Mizuno to add weight in more extreme locations to increase that all important MOI number.

How did this translate to performance? Well, the impact feel is more subtle than other drivers on the market and the audio follows suit. Once again, it's a similar story when it comes to spin rates, with the St-Max spinning a little higher than other ST models available.

In terms of the looks, much like other drivers in the Mizuno range, we think it is a really premium looking head. Over the past few years, the company have a knack of creating great looking driver heads and, in the St-Max 230, it's no different.

Best lightweight

Titleist TSR1 Driver held aloft on the golf course

(Image credit: Future)
An impressive driver with confidence inspiring aesthetics

Specifications

Lofts: 9º, 10.5º, 12º
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: MCA MMT SpeedMesh
Left Handed Option: Yes, available in all lofts

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive carry and distance
+
Effortless to launch
+
Confidence-inspiring aesthetics

Reasons to avoid

-
Best suited to a moderate swing speed
-
Fitting is key to maximize performance

The TSR1 will suit those will a slower swing speed as it has an ultra-lightweight design and is roughly 40 grams lighter than the TSR2. In our testing, there was a significant increase in spin and, because of the deep center of gravity it produced a high flight and more carry. Because of its latest face technology, it also maintained consistency in speed and an impressive level of forgiveness on off-center strikes. We also like the unfussy alignment aid on the top of the crown, which simply says 'TSR'.

Aesthetically, you still see the premium, traditional looks in Titleist metal woods and, although you may not notice, the TSR1 is quarter of an inch longer than the standard 2, 3 and 4 models. This is another design characteristic to help moderate swing speed players deliver greater distance. For more excellent drivers from the American golf brand, check out our guide to the best Titleist golf drivers.

Most forgiving

PING G430 SFT driver resting on the green

(Image credit: Kevin Murray)
Ping's 2021 offering is still one of the best drivers in the game

Specifications

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

Reasons to buy

+
Very broad appeal
+
Head sits fairly square at address
+
Surprisingly long

Reasons to avoid

-
Some fighting a slice may prefer more of a closed look at address

The best Ping drivers have always been some of the most playable clubs on the market and, with their new G430 range, we find that this is still the case, with the G430 SFT the best driver for those with slower swing speeds and, we think, senior golfers! 

The brand's engineers have promised extra distance and, in our testing, that appeared to be the case with it carrying further than its predecessor, the G425. How have they achieved this, you may ask? Well, Ping's engineers have created a shallower face which is 6% thinner, whilst the Variable Face Thickness delivers more face flexing, which should give golfers more ball speed on shots struck across the entire face. 

Aesthetically, the looks haven't changed drastically but, what will appeal to golfers is that it sits square at address despite being a draw-biased model. Because of this, we had the confidence to swing with just as much commitment as the other two models, with the result being a consistent right-to-left ball flight.

Best looking

Photo of Taylormade Qi10 Max Driver

(Image credit: Future)
A forgiving, yet powerful driver that boasts a stunning aesthetic

Specifications

Lofts : 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: 2 options (Fujikura Speeder NX TCS 50 & Mitsubishi Diamana T+ 60)
Left Handed Option: Yes, available in all lofts

Reasons to buy

+
Massively stable at impact
+
Very easy to launch
+
New head shape is excellent

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as draw biased as some in this category

In the new Qi10 driver range, TaylorMade has got rid of the red colorway of the Stealth and Stealth 2 and replaced it with a clean, dark navy face which will sit better with a larger majority in our opinion. Along with the face, there are subtle white lines that run along the top edge of the face, giving an excellent reference for alignment.

In terms of performance, the Qi10 Max is astonishingly forgiving. For example, any bad strikes out the heel or toe only saw a drop off of a few miles per hour in ball speed. What's more, the dispersion was tight, which is something that will help lower scores out on the golf course. If you can keep it in play, you are more likely to score better.

Personally, we felt that the real stand out was the stability. The resistance to the face twisting, even when struck at the very extremities of the face, was genuinely impressive. Again spin levels were on the high side, but that will only help the senior golfer who is looking to get the ball airborne with ease.

Best for feel

Srixon ZX5 Driver MK II showing off its chrome clubhead design

(Image credit: Future)
A powerful club that delivers plenty of forgiveness

Specifications

Lofts: 9° & 10.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX 50 (Multiple options available)
Left Handed Option: Yes, available in all lofts

Reasons to buy

+
Simple design belies tech in head
+
Sounds better than pervious model

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited weight adjustability

Srixon are perhaps known for producing some of the best golf irons on the market, but the brand know a thing or two making premium performing drivers, with the ZX5 MkII a prime example of this.

In our testing, we felt it was one of the easiest drivers on the market to launch in the air. This is thanks, in part, to the weight that is saved by the crown being repositioned to improve the launch. This driver also has a variable face thickness behind the face, which has been improved with Srixon claiming the ZX5 Mk II provides an extra 2mph ball speed at impact. 

The looks are also inviting, with the graphics on the face updated to frame the ball better than the fairly one-sided design on the previous ZX5, although how much you can see of it at address is debatable, but it is an improvement. It's also worth noting that it's the higher spinning version of the range, which will help keep the ball in the air for longer.

How we test

When it comes to product testing, our reviews and buyers' guides are built upon a rigorous testing procedure as well as the knowledge and experience of the test team. Headed up by technical editor Joel Tadman, and assisted by Neil Tappin, both have been testing golf clubs for years and both play to a handicap of 5. Both are also able to efficiently test the vast majority of the biggest product releases and convey the pros and cons eloquently.

Getting into specifics for drivers, we first attend product launches and speak to manufacturers to understand the technology. We then hit the golf clubs indoors, usually at Foresight Sports and test the products with premium golf balls on a launch monitor.

Outdoor testing is the next port of call and this usually takes place at West Hill Golf Club, a course in Surrey with top-notch practice facilities. Ultimately, we aim to be as insightful and honest as possible in our reviews so it is important to acknowledge that no manufacturer can buy a good review. This is because our team tells it how it is.

How to choose a new driver

You've probably already asked yourself whether you need to buy a new driver, but there's a few key things to consider when investing in a new driver, especially as a slower swinging player. 

1. Distance and power

Senior golfers may not possess the same power that they once did as a younger player, so for that reason you're going to need a little bit of assistance from your clubs. And a little extra power is something that pretty much everyone is looking for from their big stick, am I right! For senior players, though, this is perhaps a little more crucial than normal and you're going to want to look to get a club that offers up plenty of power off the tee. Check out our guide to the best drivers for slower swing speeds for more options. 

2. Forgiveness

We mention this word a lot at Golf Monthly, but in reality it is vital for any less experienced player to get themselves a club that offers plenty of assistance off the tee. Particularly if you're a senior golfer, who may find it a little harder to perform your usual swing and get the ball up into the air, being comfortably able to strike through the golf ball consistently with your club is a very important factor to consider. Look our for drivers that have a lower centre of gravity, a big face and a high MOI.

3. Style

In my opinion, style is perhaps one of the most important things to look out for when buying any piece of golf gear. That's because if you look good, you feel good and having the right mind set on the golf course is very important to helping you perform better. 

4. Adjustability 

Being able to tinker with the weight and performance of your golf clubs is something every player should think about. Having adjustable settings can help you also combat any inconsistencies in your swing. For example. if you have a bad slice, you can add more weight into the heel or toe of the club to adjust the draw bias on your driver. 

5. The Feel

The impact sensation on your club can be a real game changer when it comes to how you play each shot. The noise, the feeling and the responsiveness of the golf club can all affect how you follow through the golf ball. So for that reason, we always recommend attending a club fitting session to establish which club most suits your preferences. 

For more advice on some of the best golf drivers in the game, check out our guides to the best drivers for beginners, best drivers for slow swing speeds and most forgiving drivers

FAQs

What is the best driver for distance for seniors?

From our list, we'd recommend the Cobra Aerojet Max, Callaway Paradym X and the TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD for senior golfers. 

What is the best driver for forgiveness for seniors?

From our list, we'd recommend the Ping G430 SFT, Cleveland Launcher XL or Srixon ZX5 MkII for the most forgiveness. Our guide on the most forgiving golf drivers takes a more in-depth look at what makes a forgiving driver as well as listing the most forgiving drivers across the handicap spectrum. 

How far should a 70 year old man hit a golf ball?

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Joe Ferguson
Staff Writer

 

Joe has worked in the golf industry for nearly 20 years in a variety of roles. After a successful amateur career being involved in England squads at every age group, Joe completed his PGA degree qualification in 2014 as one of the top ten graduates in his training year and subsequently went on to become Head PGA Professional at Ryder Cup venue The Celtic Manor Resort. Equipment has always been a huge passion of Joe’s, and during his time at Celtic Manor, he headed up the National Fitting Centres for both Titleist and Taylormade.  He’s excited to bring his knowledge of hardware to Golf Monthly in the form of equipment reviews and buying advice. 

Joe lives in North Devon and still plays sporadically on the PGA West region circuit. His best round in recent years came earlier in 2023 where he managed a 9 under par 63 at Trevose GC in a Devon & Cornwall PGA Tournament.

Joe's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Ping G430 Max 10K 9 degree - Fujikura Ventus Red 6X 45.75"

Fairway wood: TaylorMade M2 Tour 2017, 13.5° - Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro White shaft 70TX

Irons: Callaway Apex CB 24'  3-11 - Project X LS 6.5 shafts

Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 54 and 60 degree - Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts

Putter: Odyssey Toe Up #9

Ball: TaylorMade 2024 TP5x 

With contributions from