Best Driver For Amateur Golfers

Today’s top drivers are chock full of innovative features and cutting edge technology. While many of these features give golfers the ability to adjust and tweak the driver to fit their individual game, some features may not be of great benefit to amateur golfers.

What amateur golfers really want are drivers that are super forgiving and cut down on excess sidespin. So that means the best driver for amateur golfers will be one that focuses on shot forgiveness rather than adjustment or customization.

Thankfully the search for great amateur drivers is pretty easy since many top club manufacturers have drivers that appeal to amateur and beginner golfers. In this review guide, driver manufacturers like TaylorMade, Callaway, and Cobra will be highlighted as well as many others.

So if you are just starting to get serious about golf or are an amateur looking for a new driver, read on to find out which are the best driver for amateur golfers!

Best Driver For Amateur Golfers

1. Callaway Golf 2018 Men’s Rogue Driver

Callaway’s new Rogue Driver is made to perform regardless of a golfer’s skill or swing style.

Key Features

• JailBreak Technology
• Triaxial Carbon Crown
• Premium Shaft Selection

The Rouge lineup of clubs has always been one of Callaway’s best sellers. And with all the new player-friendly features that have been added in recent years, it’s no wonder that the Rogue clubs continue their dominance. For amateurs, the Callaway Rogue Driver is by far one of the best.

It features Callway’s patented JailBreak Technology that increases ball speed through a trampoline effect on the face of the club. Most amateur golfers have a hard time getting optimal ball speed and JailBreak is the ticket to longer drives.

Forgiveness has been an area where Callaway has improved greatly thanks to its Triaxial Carbon Crown. The main goal of the Triaxial Crown is to reduce weight allowing for better overall MOI and forgiveness. Golfers will also be pleased that 5 different premium shafts are offered and include brands like EvenFlow and HZRDUS.

✅ Pros

• Super Long
• Very Forgiving
• Great Customization

🚫 Cons

• Expensive

Callaway’s newest technology is really game-changing and the perfect way for amateur golfers to take part is with the new Rogue Driver.

2. 2018 Cobra King F8 Driver Nardo

It might not be this year’s Cobra flagship driver, but the King F8 Driver is still a viable club that can be had at a slight discount.

Key Features

• E9 Face Technology
• CNC Milled Face
• Adjustable Weighting

Some golf drivers have really become too complicated. Thankfully Cobra designed their King F8 Driver to have a simplistic look that focuses on performance rather than style. One innovative feature of the King F8 is that the sweet spot has been changed to an elliptical shape to better match golfer’s mishit characteristics.

CNC milling seems to be pretty common on wedges, but Cobra decided to also bring CNC milling to the face of the King F8. The milling is done in a way to reduce face thickness for a hotter face that offers more forgiveness. Plus, it looks pretty cool.

Adjustable weighting has come to the King F8 and can be configured on the sole of the club. By changing weights, golfers can tune the launch angle and flight trajectory. This can be useful for amateurs since many amateurs don’t have a perfect trajectory off the tee.

✅ Pros

• Low Shot Dispersion
• Very Forgiving
• Great Distance
• Excellent Value

🚫 Cons

• None

Cobra has really stepped up their game with the King F8 Driver and at just over $200, it might be the best driver for the money

3. Mizuno Golf ST190 Driver

Mizuno clubs have always been made with care and the ST190 Driver is a great upgrade to any golf bag.

Key Features

• SP700 Titanium Face
• Carbon Composite Crown
• Quick Switch Adapter

First impressions of the ST190 are really good. The overall design of the driver is simple with a pleasing crown design and relatively basic sole. Where the ST190 shines is on distance and carry. Most of the success in these departments is due to a special SP700 Titanium Face that boosts ball speed.

Just like the Callaway Rogue, the ST190 has a Carbon Composite Crown in attempts to maximize MOI. Even the center of gravity has been moved slightly lower to promote launch angles that produce a higher ball flight. Perfect for amateur golfers who are looking for more distance off the tee.

Adjustability is another key feature with the ST190 coming equipped with a Quick Switch adapter that allows for small loft and lie changes. The ST190 comes in three different flexes as well as two different face loft angles.

✅ Pros

• Good Distance
• Easy To Swing
• Great Forgiveness

🚫 Cons

• Expensive

Pick up the Mizuno ST190 Driver and start consistently finding more fairways from the tee.

4. TaylorMade M4 Driver

Get unsurpassed forgiveness and distance with the TaylorMade M4 Driver!

Key Features

• Twist Face
• Hammerhead Slot
• Geocustic Technology

TaylorMade was onto something special when they released the first set of M series drivers over 2 years ago. The M4 was the follow up to the original M and M2 drivers and featured several different technologies. First and most importantly is TaylorMade’s new Twist Face.

Twist Face has a slight curvature to the outer extremities of the driver face to add forgiveness to mishit shots. Many golfers have said about just how forgiving the Twist Face is and how it helps them achieve more distance consistently. Another distance-enhancing feature is the Hammerhead Slot that can be found just behind the face on the sole of the club.

An interesting feature of the M series of Drivers is the special Geocoustic Technology. This technology looks to improve sound signature to inspire confidence after each and every shot. Plus, it makes the sale of the club a little more lightweight.

✅ Pros

• Super Forgiveness
• Outstanding Distance
• Clean Looks

🚫 Cons

• Expensive

With Twist Face and the Hammerhead slot, golfers will be able to hit it farther than ever before with the TaylorMade M4 Driver.

5. Men’s RBZ Black Driver

By far the TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver is one of, if not the best, golf drivers for the money.

Key Features

• Ultralite Titanium Core
• Speed Pocket
• Loft Sleeve

Making a cost-effective yet high performing driver is a real challenge. TaylorMade took on this challenge and has created possibly the best solution. Named the RBZ Black, this driver comes with several important features. First is the core of the driver which is crafted of Ultralite Titanium.

Most of the mass with the Ultralite Titanium can be found deep in the clubhead to promote higher launch angles. A large speed pocket can be found on the underside of the RBZ Black Driver and helps increase ball speed and forgiveness.

At under $200, most drivers will not include loft adjustments, but TaylorMade was able to include this feature on the RBZ Black. A premium Matrix White Tie 55 shaft is also included standard on every RBZ Black Driver. Golfers are able to choose either a regular, stiff, or senior flex.

✅ Pros

• Excellent Distance
• Super Forgiving
• Clean Looks
• Great Value

🚫 Cons

• None

The RBZ Black can stand up against even some of the best new drivers on the market and at $200, you can’t go wrong.

6. Cobra King Ltd Driver Black

Despite being from 2016, the King LTD Driver can still perform well and is perfect for almost any amateur golfer.

Key Features

• Forged E9 Face
• Speed Channel
• Spaceport

Cobra really took the King LTD down an interesting road design-wise. The crown of the club has a checkerboard design and the bottom has a huge “Spaceport”. The Spaceport itself holds a 16-gram weight that places the center of gravity low in the clubhead. This gives the ultimate distance without sacrificing any forgiveness.

For the face of the King LTD, Cobra chooses to use a flat and polished design with several speed channels near the peripherals. These Speed Channels help maximize ball speeds across the entire clubface. Some other golf club manufacturers have also tried a similar tactic to Cobra’s Speed Channels.

Another feature that shouldn’t be overlooked is the actual clubface of the King LTD Driver. It is made of a special E9 Titanium that has been forged into shape. A couple different shaft flexes are still available for purchase leaving many options for golfers.

✅ Pros

• Very Straight
• Great Distance
• Premium Shaft
• Great Value

🚫 Cons

• None

Add the Cobra King LTD Driver to your bag and experience the power and forgiveness of its player-friendly design.

7. Cleveland Golf 2018 Men’s HB Driver

Take a simple approach to getting longer drivers with the Cleveland Launcher HB Driver.

Key Features

• Launcher Cup Face
• HiBore Crown
• Flex Fins

Many drivers promote a more piercing ball flight that gets distance through higher ball speeds. Cleveland took a new approach with its Launcher HB Driver. Their idea is to create a driver that consistently produces more carry through a higher ball flight.

The Launcher HB driver does, in fact, hit the ball higher and straighter thanks to a Launcher Cup Face. This Cup Face is similar to Callaway’s Face Cup design and helps increase ball speed across the entire face. A HiBore Crown also creates a Center of Gravity that is lower in the clubhead promoting the high flight that the Launcher HB is known for.

Flex Fins are a unique technology found on the bottom of the Launcher HB and help protect mishits from losing too much ball speed. Golfers that have lost distance as they have gotten older should definitely give the Launcher HB a try!

✅ Pros

• Lots of Carry
• Solid Distance
• Super Forgiving
• Great Value

🚫 Cons

• None

The Cleveland Launcher HB brings lots of carry distance to golfers who may be struggling off the tee.

8. Callaway Golf Men’s X Series Driver

Perfect for beginners and amateurs alike, the Callaway X-Series Driver is a versatile club.

Key Features

• VFT Face
• Chemical Milling
• Adjustable Loft

A good driver doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. A prime example of a cheap but well-performing driver is the Callaway X-Series Driver. The design is quite simple but still gets the job done. With a VFT Face the X-Series Driver archives very consistent ball speeds, even on mishits.

Chemical milling is a very unique process that gives clubs a smooth slightly textured surface. This special milling process is present on the X-Series Driver and is used to get the center of gravity in a very precise spot. It might be overlooked, but the chemical milling process is crucial for the performance of the X-Series Driver.

One final feature that is a huge plus is the Callaway included an adjustable lie and loft function for the X-Series Driver. This is not something you usually see for drivers that hover around the $100 mark.

✅ Pros

• Simple Design
• Good Distance
• Outstanding Value

🚫 Cons

• None

If you are in the market for a new driver on a budget, don’t hesitate on picking up the Callaway X-Series Driver.

9. MAZEL Titanium Golf Driver for Men

Mazel comes through again with an all Titanium driver that costs less than almost every other 460cc drivers on the market.

Key Features

• Cup Face Design
• Speed Channel
• Lightweight Clubhead

Many off-brand drivers may seem a little cheap, but the Mazel is all about quality and value. The shape of the club itself isn’t exactly the prettiest as it is a little blocky, but gets the job done without any issues. As for the clubhead itself, it is super light thanks to a variable thickness titanium skeleton.

A pretty cool feature of the Mazel Titanium Driver is that it has a Cup Face design similar to other big brand drivers. The design allows for better ball speed and allows mishit shots to have a large amount of speed and forgiveness.

Even a speed channel is included on the Mazel driver and instead of being on the sole of the club, it is found surrounding the entire face. This is another feature aimed at generating more clubhead and ball speed.

✅ Pros

• Super Lightweight
• Good Distance
• Great Value

🚫 Cons

• A Little Blocky
• Slightly Shorter Than Regular Drivers

While it might not be the most forgiving driver on the entire list, the Mazel Titanium Driver is still a perfect option for amateur golfers looking for a deal.

10. Cobra Men’s Baffler XL Golf Driver

Do you want a brand name driver at a hair under $100? Then look no further than the Cobra Baffler Driver.

Key Features

• Offset Design
• Cobra’s Largest Driver Face
• Low CG & High MOI

Cobra has always been a club manufacturer that makes quality clubs for all spectrums of the golf market. While Cobra’s Baller Driver is much cheaper, it doesn’t mean that they have lowered the quality. Instead, they created the Baffler to work better with golfers who have higher handicaps.

Each Baffler Driver comes with an offset design that promotes a draw bias. This is perfect for golfers who have problems with slicing the golf ball off the tee. The offset should allow for a clubface that is more square at impact. Combine this offset with Cobra’s largest driver face and you have a recipe for long and straight drives.

Distance is also relatively good thanks to a low CG and high MOI. One downside to the Baffler is that it is slightly blocky since that face is so large. But if this shape doesn’t bother you, the Baffler is an excellent choice for amateur golfers.

✅ Pros

• Easy To Swing
• Straight Shots
• Great Value

🚫 Cons

• A Little Blocky

Experience the forgiveness and distance that the Cobra Baffler has to offer, and at a low price too!

11. Tommy Armour TA1 Driver

Grip it and rip it with Tommy Armour’s all-new TA1 Driver!

Key Features

• DAT 55g Titanium Face
• Carbon Fiber Crown
• Surface Disruptors

Golfer driver review articles tend to leave out somewhat obscure brand names. Not this guide! Because while a brand name might not be as known, they still could have a great product. The Tommy Armour is just that unknown brand name that has an outstanding driver called the TA1.

The driver itself has a 55g Titanium face that has a Cup Face design. This means that most shots will fly far and straight thanks to an increase in ball speed. Mishits also gain some forgiveness depending just how far away from the sweet spot they are.

Even a carbon fiber crown is included on this club. Clearly, the TA1 Driver isn’t just some cheap knock off, but rather a competitive golf driver. So don’t be afraid to give the Tommy Armour brand a try, it may just surprise you.

✅ Pros

• Fast Swing Speed
• Decent Forgiveness
• Good Distance

🚫 Cons

• None

Bomb your drives and amaze your foursome with the Tommy Armour TA1 Driver.

12. Pinemeadow PGX Offset Driver

For amateur golfers on a tight budget, be sure to take a look at the PGX Offset Driver.

Key Features

• Offset Design
• Massive Sweet Spot
• Matte Black Paint

PGX is a maker of cheap golf clubs that are perfect for beginner and amateur golfers. PGX’s Offset Driver is made specifically with amateur players in mind. The entire design is slightly offset at the hosel to help fix problematic slices and increase amateur golf club distances.

This style of offset is also prevalent on many other amateur and beginner-friendly clubs. Add in a huge sweet spot right in the center of the clubface and any golfer will be able to blast drives a long way down the fairway.

A full matte black paint job wraps the entire clubhead with green and white accents on the sole of the club. One bad part about the paint is that it tends to chip and wear easily so it is important to not drop the club onto hard surfaces.

✅ Pros

• Straight As An Arrow
• Perfect Way To Fix A Slice
• Cheap

🚫 Cons

• Finish Wears Easily

At just $50, you can’t go wrong with giving the PGX Offset Driver a try.

Bottom Line

Now that you have made it to the end of our review guide, it should be easy to see that there are many great drivers that are perfect for amateur golfers. While many of the clubs listed are from brand names, the couple that are more obscure are still outstanding drivers that can compete with the brand names.

Each driver hits long shots with some of the best forgiveness of any driver on the market. It should be noted that certain drivers can help golfers fix a certain issue like a slice more than others. If you do struggle with a slice, an offset driver will help you more than a non-offset.

No matter what, any driver from this list is guaranteed to help you hit more fairways and start you on the path to a lower handicap. And since most of the drivers can be had for around $200 or less, you won’t need to break the bank!

So go ahead and grab one of the best drivers for amateur golfers and start improving your game today!