Drivers are an important part of any club collection from beginners to pros. Their wooden heads and long shafts are designed to drive the ball from the tee down the fairway. Fairway woods are becoming more and more the choice for players over drivers and irons. The long, low profile wood makes it easier for many golfers to get the ball out of the fairway. The large club head has an advantage that can provide more distance in the shot.
What to Look for
Experts suggest the type of driver you need depends on your ability, which they normally fit into three groups: low-handicap golfers, mid-handicappers and high-handicappers. Low-handicap golfers, those who score less than 10 strokes over par, should have a driver and a fairway wood. The mid-handicap golfer, who is about one over par on each hole, should carry a driver and two to four woods for better control and consistency on the fairway. High-handicap golfers, who are often beginners, may not even need a driver but go with the three-wood or easier to hit seven- and nine-wood. At any rate, golfers should be carrying a driver or two fairway woods along with irons, wedges and putters. Choosing the right driver can depend on the size of the club head. Standard sizes offer better control but not so effective in hitting the ball. Midsize heads offer a lighter weight and are more effective in a place to hit the ball or sweet spot. The oversized club head has the best sweet spot of any of the club heads. The shaft is also important for the right driver. Steel shafts are stronger and offer great control. They are less expensive than flex shafts but are usually for golfers with a fast swing speed. Flex shafts match the speed of the player's swing. Beginners and players without powerful swings generally prefer a shaft that is more flexible. Advanced players choose a firm shaft for more control.
Common Pitfalls
Be sure to choose the right weight and length. The right weight can make a difference to a golfer. Lighter weight clubs would benefit mid- and high-handicap players who do not have strong swings. Low-handicap players chose a heavier club to provide better control. Choosing the right length is important as well. Long club lengths, more than 46 inches, have long shot potential, but have less control. Medium-length clubs, about 45 inches, are lighter with long-distance potential. The traditional lengths of 43 or 44 inches have less distance potential.
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