| Down at the golf club there is a lot of talk about which | | | | for the shafts; either graphite or iron with the graphite |
| driver you have in your bag. It's the sexiest club and | | | | option costing somewhat more. Actually for most |
| creates a lot of driver envy. There are long | | | | golfers steel is fine but graphite shafts can help when |
| discussions about length and accuracy of the hit much | | | | you have a slow swing speed and may gain you a |
| more so than the type of irons you use or the bag | | | | few yards. |
| you carry. I think it's a macho thing as the driver is the | | | | Driver heads vary considerably but for higher handicap |
| longest hitting club. | | | | players it is probably best to look at golf clubs with a |
| It's akin to who has the nicest car or the most | | | | large sweet spot so you get benefit from off center |
| expensive house and is seen as a status symbol as it | | | | hits. Manufacturers can make the sweet spot bigger |
| is also, most probably, the most expensive club as well. | | | | by using very light materials such as titanium. The |
| Although it's only one club and isn't even used on | | | | down side is these newer materials cost more and |
| every hole it gets a lot of extra attention. However for | | | | drivers are therefore very expensive these days. |
| most club golfers the driver can be the most difficult | | | | Steel is still used for club heads and is available at a |
| clubs to master so choosing the right one for your | | | | much lower cost however they are harder to control |
| swing and skill is all important. So what should you look | | | | as their size has to be smaller. |
| for when you need to choose a golf driver? | | | | Once you have chosen your head shape you need to |
| Well most importantly the driver should fit with your | | | | consider the required loft. Generally higher |
| swing and your skill level as a driver that works well | | | | handicappers should go for a higher loft which imparts |
| for a talented low handicapper with a fast swing | | | | more back spin and therefore reduces side spin |
| speed is unlikely to work as well for a high handicapper | | | | leading to straighter shots. Those who are better able |
| with a slower swing. The main components that make | | | | to shape the ball can do so easier with a club with less |
| up the driver are shaft, head and loft so we will | | | | loft. I would recommend higher handicappers looking at |
| consider these individually. | | | | Golf drivers with 11or 12 degrees of loft with better |
| The driver shaft needs to be linked to your swing; if | | | | golfers looking at 10 degrees of left and less. |
| you are relatively new to golf or slightly older you may | | | | When you understand your own swing and which |
| not have a powerful swing and could benefit from a | | | | driver suits you it is then time to go and find a driver |
| more flexible shaft. On the other hand if you are a | | | | that suits. Have a look around and find a good deal for |
| good golfer with a faster swing speed you will need a | | | | your chosen driver and don't go crazy and spend |
| stiffer shaft providing better control over the golf ball. | | | | more than you can afford on a club that won't give |
| Generally there are two choices for the material used | | | | you much added benefit. |