If you are looking for the best driver, you need to know that there are some important factors to bear in mind when it comes to choosing.
This means that, even if the driver is from the best brand or is the latest model on the market, the essential requirement is that it suits your personals characteristics and your performance.
Among these matters that we mentioned, when it comes to choosing a driver, you need to study the physical and technical characteristics of the club, such as the centre of gravity, material of the club head and the length of the shaft, among other aspects.
It seems like a difficult mission, but in this article we will provide you with information to ensure you know how to choose a golf driver.
What is a golf driver?
Let´s begin with the most important thing: What is a golf driver? f you are getting started in this magnificent sport, you will have noticed that there are different types of golf clubs.
The driver, also known as the 1-wood, is the club that we will use when it comes to hitting the first shot. It is characterised by being the longest club and the one with the least angle in its head.
The most important thing about a driver is that it enables you to hit the ball further, so it is used for long distances from the tee.
The most renowned golf club manufacturers invest in efforts and innovation to offer the best models. Among so many options, what you must not forget is that it is the club that needs to suit your play. Among so many options, what you must not forget is that it is the club that needs to suit your play.
Using the driver correctly requires practice as it is a club that may not be easy to use at the beginning.
In turn, choosing it will also depend on your handicap and specific aspects of the driver such as its centre of gravity, the volume, shaft and loft, which are the aspects that we will explain below.
Everything you need to know to choose a golf driver
As we mentioned, there are some factors that impact the choice of your golf driver. Continue reading and take note of the following important points in order to take the best buying decision.
The centre of gravity or CG
The centre of gravity (CG) is the point at which all the possible points of balance on the club intersect. This centre makes it possible to control the spin that is put on the ball in the shot.
With regard to the centre of gravity in the driver, you need to take the following points into consideration:
- If the CG is close to the face, it means less spin and greater ball speed.
- If the centre of gravity is further from the face, it makes it possible to maximise spin and it is ideal for slow swings or to gain control over the ball. It is only recommended to have it on the face for fast swings.
- There is the option to choose a driver where we can regulate the CG, which makes it possible to personalise it much more.
Head material
The golf club industry harnesses technological advances to constantly improve them. Accordingly, manufacturers began to make the club head by incorporating materials such as titanium, carbon and tungsten.
Thanks to these materials, it is possible to improve the performance of drivers and change the CG, and also increase the MOI. n turn, titanium stands out for being a strong and durable material, which makes it possible to increase the volume of the head without increasing its weight.
The maximum permitted volume of the club head is 460cc, although there may be smaller heads for players seeking to maximise distance and work the ball from side to side.
Choose the right shaft
Another of the important factors to evaluate when it comes to choosing a driver is the shaft, which is the most important part of the driver. The type of shaft always depends on the golfer, their dynamic and style of swing.
- According to regulations, the maximum length of the shaft is 48 inches.
- The heavier it is, the better the control. Generally, the shafts used by professionals are around 70 to 80 grams.
- Longer shafts result in greater head speed but there will be less control at the point of impact.
- It is recommended to sacrifice a little shaft length in order to balance distance and control.
- As for the rigidity of the shaft, there are different types and they depend on each player, therefore it is recommended to test the clubs. These types are lightweight, senior, regular, stiff and x-stiff.
- The bend point, also known as the kick point, is where there is most bending at the point of impacting. The closer this point is to the head, the higher the trajectory will be and, if on the contrary, it is closer to the grip, the trajectory will fall.
Driver distances
As we stated at the beginning of this article, in order to choose a driver, the player must do so by correctly evaluating their level of play and thus make the right purchase.
In the case of mid or high handicap players who are seeking control rather than distance, it is recommended to choose a loft of between 10.5° and 12°. For example, a mid-handicap player can achieve an average distance of 210 metres using a driver with a loft angle of 11º.
Fortunately, manufactures have incorporated artificial intelligence technologies to provide the greatest distance, as well as greater stability control and a more consistent and repeatable golf swing.
How to swing with a golf driver
As you must already know, the swing is a very complex movement, that involves the entire body and learning to do it correctly is essential for all players.
Due to its complexity, we have listed some tips below on how to swing with a golf driver.
- The faster the swing, the more power we can put into the ball, obtaining more time at low-level flight and reaching a greater distance.
- If the swing is slow, the ball will quickly fall to the ground and will go a very short distance.
- Professionals in this sport attack the ball at a slightly downward angle, that is to say, the ball is not hit upwards with the driver.
- In order to do so correctly, you need to align the ball with your left armpit, which will help to you arrive at a non-ascending angle of attack.
- It is essential for each player to bring a driver with them that perfectly suits their physical and hitting characteristics. As we already mentioned, it doesn´t matter if it is the most expensive and best quality club on the market, rather it must suit you to help you to reach your maximum distance, with control and consistency.
Hitting further with the driver
If you want to increase the distance of your shots, you need to take note of the following tips:
1. Place the ball close to your left foot
The first tip is to place the ball close to your left foot and the two sticks crosswise, so that one of them is pointing towards the target and the other can be used as a reference for aligning the ball with the desired point.
You also need to ensure that your shoulders are aligned with your feet. In order to visualize it, you need to note that with this position the ball remains forward on the left in relation to your view.
2. Do a good rotation on the backswing
The second recommendation is to do a good rotation in the backswing and as you do it, with the driver, you need to turn your shoulders a minimum of ninety degrees.
3. Moving your weight to your left foot
It is important that when you begin the downswing, you transfer the weight towards your left leg and if the player has lifted their left foot, that is the point where they put down their heel again.
4. Hit upward
Lastly, it is important for the shot with the driver to be upward. In order to make this possible, you need to use the putter cover and be approximately one grip in front of the ball, in order for your position to encourage you to hit upward.
Another aspect that you need to keep in mind, is that the lowest point of your swing should be a few centimetres before the ball, thus the club head will have time to ascend.
Now it is time to continue practicing
Congratulations! Now you know everything about how to choose a driver. As with all disciplines, practice makes perfect. In this article we have provided the information and tools needed for you to be able to incorporate it into your play and improve your performance.
Now, not only do you know what to consider when choosing a driver, you also know how to improve your swing.
We hope that you have found it useful and that your next shot with a driver will be exceptional.
