The driver often sets the tone for the round and, whilst the 'big stick' can be your greatest asset, it can also cause your scoring the most damage - that is why we have also created guides on both best golf drivers and most forgiving drivers too.
In this piece though we are focusing on the higher handicappers. What makes a good driver for high handicappers you may ask?
Well firstly, forgiveness. Even the best golfers in the world struggle to hit the middle of the face often and forgiveness in a driver will mean off-centre hits don't go catastrophically wrong and leave you out of bounds. Manufacturers will achieve this forgiveness by using larger driver heads, strategically placed weights around the head and giving the driver a high Moment Of Inertia (MOI, a fancy term for forgiveness).
WATCH: Joe Ferguson tests and compares the leading drivers on the market in 2025
If you're a high handicapper who tends to slice the ball, then you can check out our guide on the best drivers for slicers, which features a selection of drivers that are both forgiving and help reduce the amount of slice you get on the ball. Our expert club testers have personally tested every model we list below, so be sure to read the full reviews if you want to take a deeper dive into any of the models we've chosen. As well as this guide, we also recommend checking out our posts on the best golf drivers for beginners, best golf drivers for mid handicappers, or the best golf drivers for seniors.
The Quick List
A new model to add to the Cobra driver family, the MAX-K delivers maximum levels of forgiveness by using more than 10k MOI - one of the most forgiving drivers of 2025.
A beautiful looking golf club that provides plenty of forgiveness and stability more players with a range of handicaps - an upgrade on the already impressive Qi10.
Ping make some of the most forgiving golf clubs money can buy and the G440 SFT is packed full of tech to ensure just that. An improved visual package also adds to the appeal.
The compact but confidence-inspiring look of the Titleist GT2 will be appreciated by higher handicappers, as will the wonderful feel through impact as well as the powerful sensation on well-hit drives.
The 'X' is the most forgiving driver in the new Callaway Elyte family and could prove particularly beneficial for those who tend to hit a slice off the tee - the in-built draw bias should ensure more fairways being hit.
If you have a low ball flight with the driver and lose distance as a result, we'd recommend equipping yourself with a driver that promotes high launch - the ST-Max 230 from Mizuno, for example.
Load the next 4 models
A seriously underrated driver from a seriously underrated brand, the ZXi performs as well as it looks by ensuring plenty of playability and forgiveness.
Many players won't be familiar with Tour Edge as a brand but given how good a value option the E725 driver is, we think they'll be a rather familiar brand in the coming years.
The shape of the head might be strange at first, but after a dozen swings you won't even think about it - the Hi Bore offers a shedload of forgiveness at a very reasonable price.
An excellent option for those who don't hit enough fairways, the Dynapwr Max is very forgiving, is packed full of tech to ensure high launch and an anti-slice ball flight as well as delivering a pleasing visual package.
Best High Handicap Drivers
Top pick
The MAX-K suits a wide range of golfers but specifically those higher handicap players thanks to the high levels of MOI on offer here.
During testing we loved both the forgiveness and stability levels which compliment the high shelf appeal of this aesthetically pleasing driver.The MAX-K boasts a 10K MOI, aiming to deliver extreme forgiveness and consistency. The MAX-K features a slightly oversized profile (460cc), and the highest MOI of the DS-ADAPT family models.
The star of the show here tough could well be the wonderful FutureFit33 adjustable hosel, allowing players 33 separate lie and loft configurations by decoupling the two. This is a unique, high tech piece of kit that might be the most impressive addition to any driver we've tested in 2025. Expect to see a few copycat cases of this hosel in the coming years from competing manufacturers....
- Read our full Cobra DS-ADAPT MAX-K Driver Review
Best shelf appeal
The most stable and forgiving driver in the TaylorMade Qi35 family, the 'Max' driver boasts stunning looks and a spin profile that will players of all abilities.
The faults of the Qi10, most notably the sky-high spin levels, have been fixed thanks to the lower CG. whilst a massive 34g weight at the rear of the club head helps stabilize the club through contact. I was blown away with how tight our dispersion was with it during testing as well.
This driver suits really well to slower swing speed players because what you lose in spin rate, you'll gain in launch. I tested this out during our review process and launch never proved an issue for me despite a slower club head speed. Overall, this is a fantastic option for anyone looking an upgrade for 2025, sporting improved feel, looks, acoustic and upgrading on the already fantastic performance of the Qi10 from 2024.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi35 Max Driver Review
Best tech
The SFT is the most user-friendly driver in the G440 family, promoting a strong draw bias for those who struggle with the right miss and plenty of technology catered to easy high launch. Like the other models in the family, playing position looks are much improved despite a lackluster sole - but we don't see that bit anyway, do we?
As you can see from the length of this buying guide, the market for high handicapper drivers is a competitive one. We were blown away by the performance of the G430 SFT last year and were excited to see if the G440 could match and surpass it. Ping have begun by massively upgrading the looks - the carbonfly crown on the head looks premium and although the sole design may divide opinion, I wouldn't lose sleep about it considering we don't look at the sole of the club during the shot.
The draw bias is also elite. No matter how much I tried during testing I simply could not miss to the right. I'd estimate the draw bias has increased by around 15-20% from the G430 here, a significant and impressive achievement. This is without doubt one of the best drivers from slicers in 2025. When you factor in this alongside the improved feel, feedback and looks, it means this should be a standout option for mid-to-high handicappers in 2025.
- Read our full Ping G440 SFT Driver Review
Best at address
To begin with and, importantly, the traditional looks that we are used to seeing in Titleist woods have remained, with the GT2 looking perfect when down at address. Put simply, there are no joins or banner strips down in the playing position, with Titleist filling and polishing the sections where polymer meets titanium which, consequently, retains that familiar, clean Titleist aesthetic.
In the GT range, the GT2 is the most user-friendly as, not only does it offer the highest MOI, but the speed has not been sacrificed to achieve this. Certainly, picking up the clubhead, you will realise how lightweight it really is and how much technology is in the club.
How have they done this, you may ask? Well, Titleist's engineers have created something called Proprietary Matrix Polymer in the crown section and, in testing, we found that the sound and feel were exquisite! What's more, there was an increased level of forgiveness, especially on shots that came out the bottom and the heel of the driver.
- Read our full Titleist GT2 Driver Review
Best draw bias
The most user-friendly of the Elyte family, the 'X' should be a serious consideration for higher-handicap players looking a fresh driver option in the bag for 2025. Arguably the best driver for easy, high launch of the 2025 range we've tested so far, players will also love the predominant draw bias too.
Although the style of the sole will divide opinion, this driver still looks fantastic both in the bag and at address thanks to the new ‘Thermoforged’ carbon crown designed to enable fast club head speeds and facilitate optimal launch and spin outputs. The head features a 13-gram weight than can be adjusted to help players manipulate and customize the ball flight to suit what they want from their driver.
Feel remains pleasant but suitably solid and robust. This is another solid driver from Callaway that will be a popular sight in golf bags throughout 2025.
- Read our full Callaway Elyte X Driver Review
Best For high launch
The ST-Max 230 is an underrated model that more should test
Mizuno are better known for making some of the best golf irons and lesser known for their fairway woods and drivers, but the Japanese brand have worked hard to improve the quality of their longer clubs and have succeeded in doing so.
Mizuno claim that their ST-Max 230 driver is the most stable driver they've ever made and after our testing with it, it's hard to argue against that statement. Changes to the head profile has allowed the Japanese brand to relocate weight to more extreme locations, increasing the MOI and boosting performance and forgiveness as a result.
Not only has performance improved, but like most Mizuno golf clubs, this one is pretty on the eye. It offers a premium aesthetic which compliments the blue and black color scheme. The large head size will also inspire confidence amongst higher handicapper before they pull the trigger at address. Sound and feel are also terrific, with the feel more subtle than some of the other most forgiving drivers on the market and the acoustics follow the same pattern.
- Read our full Mizuno ST-Max 230 Driver Review
Best looking
We think Srixon clubs are pretty underrated and the ZXi Max proves this theory correct. Delivering outstanding levels of playability and forgiveness, the Max harnesses the same technology as the ZXi or ZXi LS drivers but caters towards the more inexperienced or higher handicap golfer. This club looks fantastic at address and whilst the design of the sole may divide opinion, we're more interested in the part of the club we can see during address!
This club head doesn't look as big as some of the other drivers on this list and doesn't inspire confidence to the same level which shopper in this category of driver may prefer, boasting more of a 'players' look given the size and shape of the head. It's worth seeing what this looks like in person before deciding it's the driver to add to your arsenal.
As for performance, this club laughed at mishits, gobbling them up and reproducing them as decent drives. This is the tightest dispersion I've had with a driver this year bar the impressive TaylorMade Qi35 Max mentioned above in this guide. Ball flight is neutral and consistent, but a bit more draw bias could have suited those who tend to miss to the right off the tee.
- Read our full Srixon ZXi Max Driver Review
Best value
Tour Edge won't be the first name that comes to mind when you think of golf brands, but the performance of their E725 driver surprised us pleasantly during testing - so much so, we think this is a damn good driver.
It ticks the boxes needed for a high handicap driver, most notably feel and forgiveness. Couple this with a pretty but premium aesthetic and good ball speed numbers on our launch monitor and we think this is a really good piece of kit.
The biggest selling point is the price, hence the 'best value' tag in this guide. The E725 is priced at $200 less than most other options on this list. With that money you could upgrade other parts of bag whilst also getting your hands on a really underrated driver. It's well worth a test run at least.
- Read our full Tour Edge Exotics E725 Driver review
Most forgiving
Another value option for those who don't want to break the bank on a new big stick is the HiBore XL driver from Cleveland. Although the brand are more so known for making some of the best golf wedges money can buy, this driver has been specifically designed to accommodate the higher handicappers out there and does a fabulous job in doing so.
Upon first impression, this is a... strangely shaped driver - but hear me out, it definitely grows on you. I found the triangular shape actually very easy to line up in truth, with the contrasting angles making the top edge stand out maybe more than usual.
In terms of performance it was a strong performer, especially in the one area we value most for higher handicappers - forgiveness. Not only did the mishits seem to retain an awful lot of ball speed and a tight dispersion, but the retention of feel was outstanding making this one of the most forgiving drivers I have tested.
To conclude by circling back to the value on offer here, the HiBore XL comes in just short of $400, a sizable discount compared to the big name premium drivers on the market. Higher handicappers likely don't have to splash top dollar on a driver the pros use, so why not opt for this uber user-friendly option and invest that saved cash elsewhere in your bag?
- Read our full Cleveland HiBore XL Driver Review
Best for slow swing speeds
We were impressed by the 2025 Dynapwr family of drivers from Wilson, with the 'Max' designed to be the most user-friendly. It's a club packed full of MOI and proved impressively stable during testing, rewarding me with a nicely tight dispersion during both inside and outdoor testing.
I think their 2025 lineup of drivers are a real step forward in the looks department for Wilson. I think the glossy finish has just the right amount of sheen, and the predominantly black coloring offers a very sophisticated feel that I don’t know if I’ve seen before from Wilson drivers.
These good looks continue in the playing position, with the design minimal and classy whilst also framing the ball nicely before you swing.
This is a driver that will suit those with slower swing speeds that require a bit of assistance with launch off the tee box. A built-in draw bias also means it's a great option for those who are plagued with a slice and can help you take the right side of the course out of play from the tee. Good looking, forgiving and user friendly, all of this for less than $500 strikes me as a very good deal for the higher handicapper.
- Read our full Wilson 2025 Dynapwr Max Driver Driver
How we test
In terms of how we test products, each of our reviews and buying guides incorporate a strict testing procedure combined with the knowledge and experience honed over years of putting products to the test by our team.
Everyone that tests has a variety of different levels in the golf game from higher handicaps to ex-pros we have them all. With this level of spread through our team, we are able to get more information whether that be understanding data to have hands-on testing and getting a real feel for how the products perform.
When it comes to testing out drivers specifically, our usual testing process incorporates attending product launches and speaking with manufacturers to ensure we understand the technology of each driver in detail. Our next step is to use the driver indoors, testing each golf club with premium golf balls on a launch monitor, allowing us to gain an initial insight into performance and pick up a lot of data.
We then move on to test the club outdoors. We select a top-notch course and take the driver we are testing out for a spin, putting it to the test on a range of different holes to gauge its true level of performance.
In each review, we always aim to be as honest as possible, ensuring that manufacturers are unable to ‘buy’ a good review. At Golf Monthly, when it comes to product testing, we always like to tell it how it is, offering a true insight into each product we put to the test.
How to choose a golf driver
Added Launch
The chances are, you'll need help keeping the ball in the air for longer, so opt for a model that produces high launch - this could be through higher loft or lighter, more flexible shaft options.
Value
If you're new to the game or simply have a lot to improve on, it might be best to choose a less expensive driver as you learn the game and then upgrade to something more expensive once your swing is more technically sound and your scores lower.
Forgiveness
Focus on a driver that feels easy to swing and offers lots of assistance on off-centre strikes, which should improve the consistency of your shots both in terms of distance and direction.
Get a custom fitting
This is one thing we'd always recommend, whether you're a male or female, an avid or casual player, a 40 handicapper or a +4 - you won't get the optimal performance from any club unless it's catered to how you swing it.
If you swing out of your shoes, you'll need a stiff or extra stiff shaft as well as a lower lofted driver. Given you're reading a guide specifically catered to drivers for higher handicappers, we imagine you don't fall into this category. Instead, you need to determine what type of shaft you need, be that regular, a more flexible stiff shaft or even a senior shaft. The best way to find out what suits your swing the best is to leave it in the hands of the experts and book yourself in for a fitting session with your local professional or certified fitter.
For more on custom fittings, check out our article on the benefits of custom fitted golf clubs.
FAQs
What is the most forgiving driver for high handicappers?
In this guide, we'd pick out the Ping G430 SFT, Honma, Cleveland Launcher XL and TaylorMade Stealth HD as some of the most forgiving for high handicappers - but all of them will suit high handicap golfers. Check out our full guide on the most forgiving drivers for even more options.
Should high handicappers use a driver?
While the driver is arguably the hardest club in the bag high handicappers should endeavour to use one. It's the club that provides the most distance off the tee and, when used effectively, can help you achieve lower scoring. An option to use off tee if you are really struggling with driver would be one of the best fairway woods, which are easier to hit and are only marginally shorter off the tee.
