Bombing a drive off the tee in golf has become one of the most compelling feats in the sports world. And the rise of equipment technology has allowed amateurs to pull of the long-ball launching—in theory—just like the professionals, which leaves everyone from 20-plus to single-digit handicappers constantly searching for the star of the show: the driver.
Golfweek’s golf gear expert, David Dusek, broke it down perfectly in his 2023 driver review:
Everyone wants to hit the ball farther and straighter, and with exotic materials like titanium, carbon fiber and tungsten used to make today’s drivers, the dream of more distance can be a reality for many players.
The best way to discover the driver that is best suited to your swing and game is to work with a good custom fitter who has a launch monitor, try several models (along with different shafts) and see which performs best.
Of course, the latter part of that is often given a head-nod, and then ignored, which is usually the same case when discussing the different models available from the top brands in the game.
As it goes, we all want to hit it longer, straighter, and less spinny, and according to the blurbs accompanying the newest releases, the formula has always been cracked and rests within THIS year’s model.
But in reality, the drivers available from prior years pack just as much technology that can help a wide demo of golfers—including those in high school, and, as we’ll note below, even Collin Morikawa.
With in mind, here our are top picks from the sale rack at PGA TOUR Superstore.
Ping G425 Max
In the world of club manufacturers looking to increase forgiveness across the entire face without sacrificing distance, Ping arguably stands above the rest. The G425 Max, though not possessing the most appealing sound off the face—since remedied in the newer G430—has the tech to give amateur golfers a ton of pop off the tee while keeping the dispersion as tight as possible. CG-shifting weight can be set to neutral, draw or fade as well, making this option a solid fit for all swing types.
Buy Ping G425 Mx DriverTaylorMade SIM2 Max
While TaylorMade has gone full steam ahead into the “Carbonwood Age” with the Stealth and Stealth 2 drivers, what’s in the rearview is hard to ignore—especially when it’s a driver that also progressed the cutting-edge tech that improves ball speed while providing forgiveness. (And let’s not overlook the fact that Collin Morikawa has replaced his Stealth 2 this year, including at the 2023 PGA Championship, in favor of his trusty SIM.)
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Buy TaylorMade SIM2 Max DriverCallaway Rogue ST MAX
Callaway’s prowess in the driver game is nothing new, with the latest Paradym models creating a ton of buzz in the professional world as well as the amateur ranks. But don’t sleep on the Rogue models like the ST Max. It checks all the boxes now expected of a Callaway driver—Tungsten Speed Cartridge, Jailbreak Speed Frame, and an A.I. designed Flash Face—which ultimately produces bombs off the tee.
Buy Callaway Rogue ST MAX DriverCobra LTDx
This might be the best deal of them all. If you’ve followed the equipment boom on social media lately, you’ve certainly heard more than a few fitters praising the Cobra LTDx—while possibly debating if the newer Aerojet models can top the output. It’s fast. It’s low-spin. It’s forgiving. Overall, it’s the type of driver that works for the professionals—at one point, even Bryson DeChambeau—all the way to high-handicappers.
Buy Cobra LTDx DriverSrixon ZX5
Srixon has skyrocketed into the upper echelon of golf manufacturers in the past few years, with a solid lineup of clubs and balls that got a boost when Brooks Koepka became the brand’s most prominent endorser. And in the world of All-Things Carbon, Srixon’s drivers have been part of the game in some respects, with the ZX7 and ZX5 featuring carbon crowns that help push MOI up and increase forgiveness.
Though many are now focusing on the second iteration of the Srixon ZX drivers—the MK II—the original ZX5 is a solid option for golfers looking to hit high-launching drives off the tee.
Buy Srixon ZX5 DriverBonus pick: TaylorMade Stealth Plus+
Sometimes, you just want to play what Tiger’s playing.
Buy TaylorMade Stealth Plus+ DriverMore great deals at PGA Tour Superstore
We occasionally recommend interesting products, services, and gaming opportunities. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY HSS operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
