Written by John VanDerLaan
*We may earn revenue from the products available on this site and participate in affiliate programs.
Different golfers have different equipment needs. From the conversation of men’s vs women’s golf clubs, to juniors vs adults, there are lots of subcategories of golfers. Seniors are one of those. In this article, I discuss a number of possible candidates as the best driver for seniors.
Over the last 5 years or so I have noticed that my club head speed and my ability to rotate have both lost a step. In trying to keep up with my sons on the golf course, I have been looking for all the best equipment to close the gap. At first, I wasn’t sure that a piece of equipment could make that much of a difference. I am here to tell you that choosing the right driver will change your entire experience.
Best Callaway
Callaway paradym x Driver
Best Taylormade
taylormade stealth 2 hd
best titleist
titleist tsr1
Driver
Best Drivers For Seniors At A Glance
How I Tested The Best Drivers For Seniors
RELATED: Performance Golf SF1 Driver Testing And Review
This was actually quite easy for me, at 58 years old and with a driver swing speed between 88 and 92 miles per hour, I am a senior and as member of our target audience.
The first order of business was to gather all of these golf drivers from manufacturers and friends and family in the business.
Once I had all of the drivers, I put each of them to the test on a Trackman simulator. I measured ball speed, carry distance and dispersion, and then compared the data on the drivers to determine the best for distance and forgiveness.
I then took each driver to my home course and played 18 holes with it. I play my home course over 100 times per year, so I am very familiar with how far I usually hit my driver.
I compared each driver's performance with my usual driver.
Below you will find the best golf drivers for seniors according to my testing.
Reviews Of The Best Drivers For Seniors
When I set out to review the best golf drivers for seniors, I wanted to really narrow in on what characteristics are more important for us golfers with slower swing speeds than for the general population.
I decided that available loft, adjustability, and a senior flex shaft as a stock option are the big 3. Beyond that, I'll talk about feel, forgiveness, and all the other universally important aspects of a driver in the review of each driver.
RELATED: Straight Stick Training Aid Review
Best Callaway: Callaway Paradym X Driver
Callaway drivers have had a sterling reputation for decade. The Paradym X only builds on that reputation! With phenomenal feel on both center strikes and mishits that provides an enjoyable experience and high level forgiveness, the Paradym X produces more consistent, longer drives than most competitors.
Loft - 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustability - Yes, adjustable hosel gives you the ability to change loft and lie angle
Shaft Flex Options:
- Stock - Stiff, Regular, Light
- Upgraded - Senior, Autoflex Light
RELATED: Callaway Paradym Driver Review
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The main reason that Callaway drivers are more popular among amateurs than professionals is forgiveness. The Callaway Paradym X offers maximum forgiveness and all of the options to match your specs to your golf swing.
That crazy amount of forgiveness makes the Paradym X a great option for senior golfers everywhere. I don't know about you, but I don't hit the center of the face every time. I'll take all the help I can get!
Best For High Handicap: Cleveland Launcher XL Lite Driver
I had the original Cleveland Launcher back when Vijay Singh was using it to rise to world number one. That thing was good, and this one is the newer technology version of it.
Loft - 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustability - Yes, adjustable hosel gives you the ability to change loft and lie angle
Shaft Flex Options - Regular (R), Senior (A)
What We Like
What We Don't Like
All in all, I call the Cleveland Launcher a hidden gem of a driver. With 12 adjustability settings that allow you to change up both loft and lie angle, you will be able to fine tune your Launcher to your swing.
The price point makes this driver even better. Paying $400 to walk away with a top tier driver that will help you hit more fairways and longer drives is incredible. Given that the two stock options for shafts are regular and senior, the Launcher offers the perfect niche for golfers like me who just don't quite have the swing speed for a stiff shaft any more.
The Launcher may not have the reputation of Callaway or Taylormade, but don't knock it till you try it. This may be the one for you.
Best For Distance: Callaway Rogue ST Max Driver
This one is a couple years old, but that doesn't mean you should discount it right away. Oftentimes I find that the top golf brands take a step backwards when trying to push the newest frontiers of club technology, and their best clubs are a couple of models older. That was the case with Callaway up until they produced the Paradym X.
The Rogue family of drivers are fast, provide great feel, and are extremely forgiving. The ST Max in particular is one of the most stable feeling club heads I have ever hit.
Loft - 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustability - Yes, adjustable hosel gives you the ability to change loft and lie angle
Shaft Flex Options:
- Stock - Stiff
- Custom - Light, Senior, Regular, Autoflex Light
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Rogue ST Max may not be the newest and most lauded design from Callaway, but it is a reliable and effective option. Fast and forgiving, you will love the way the ball comes off the face. What's more, when you mishit the Rogue ST Max, it will still go long and straight.
All of that in a $400 package, what's not to like?
Best PXG: PXG 0211 Driver
PXG and their founder Bob Parsons have made a reputation on high quality, American made products that disrupt the market and perform on the top tier. The 0211 fits perfectly into that mold.
I really enjoyed hitting the PXG 0211 driver. It sounds great and has the appearance of a modern, forward thinking driver. I noticed that my spin rates were just a little lower than my averages with this driver, which produced flatter ball flights and more roll. When I consider the performance of the driver at a price of $300, it's hard not to love it.
Loft - 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustability - Yes, adjustable hosel gives you the ability to change loft and lie angle
Shaft Flex Options - Light (L), Senior (A), Regular (R), Stiff (S), XStiff (X)
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The PXG 0211 is made from two different titanium alloys that allow for a lightweight body and variable thickness face. This creates a high MOI rating with the ability to generate high club head speeds for more drives that go long and straight.
Combine this with the effort PXG put into designing the club head to produce a satisfying sound, and the 0211 is an all around great driver that will continue to perform shot after shot.
Best Taylormade: Taylormade Stealth 2 HD Driver
Taylormade has held the throne as the most trusted driver in golf for a number of years, and that is because of the way they continue to push the envelope and deliver newer, better products to the market. They continued this trend with the Stealth 2 family.
The Stealth 2 HD is a great option as a driver for golfers of all kinds, and it can be especially useful for seniors. What I love most about the Stealth 2 HD is the way it takes all of the technology of the Stealth 2 family and puts it into an even more forgiving package. Check out Golf Gear Advisor's full Taylormade Stealth Driver Review for a more in depth look at this impressive driver.
Loft - 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustability - 4 degree adjustable hosel gives this driver an effective loft range from 7 to 14 degrees
Shaft Flex Options - Senior (A), Regular (R), Stiff (S)
What We Like
What We Don't Like
This driver offers Taylormade's highest level of forgiveness. It is a high launching, mid spin driver with the ability to adjust both up and down as much as two degrees from neutral. This means you can customize your experience to maximize both distance and accuracy.
The cherry on top is a draw bias built into the club head that will provide an assist for the dreaded slice.
My chief - and only - real complaint is one that many people have with Taylormade clubs. It's expensive. $600 is enough to make me skeptical, but after testing the Stealth 2 HD, it just might be worth it.
Best Cobra: Cobra Aerojet Max Driver
The Cobra Aerojet is a new chapter in the story of a manufacturer that has spent a lot of years trying to catch our eyes with design rather than performance. While their drivers have never been bad, they've never been great.
That has all changed with the release of the Aerojet Max. This driver is lightweight, designed with a minimalist club head that increases aerodynamics, and is super forgiving. Cobra seems to have stopped putting so much energy towards unique features that look cool but have no positive impact on the way the ball comes off the face. Instead, they have refocused on what really matters - speed and forgiveness.
Loft - 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustability - Yes, adjustable hosel gives you the ability to change loft and lie angle
Shaft Flex Options - Light (L), Regular (R), Stiff (S)
RELATED: Cobra Aerojet Driver Review
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Aerojet Max puts a focus on aerodynamics and MOI for increased speed and forgiveness, which is exactly what I look for in a driver. The have added some weight to the heel of the golf club to create a draw bias that will aid in straightening out a slice.
A forward positioned piece of technology called a PWR-BRIDGE allows for increased transfer of energy from the club to the ball, helping you to launch the ball faster and higher for more carry distance.
In my mind, this is one of the most underrated drivers on the market right now. It might even be the best golf driver for slower swing speeds, it simply hasn't been recognized yet.
Best Ping: Ping G430 Max
Ping drivers are so overlooked, and I'm not really sure why. The G430 Max looks great, sounds amazing, and launches the ball with speed and consistency that rivals the giants in the driver space.
I have hit a number of Ping's driver models over the years, and I have always been impressed. It seems to me that Ping doesn't waste time or resources on flashy ad campaigns, aesthetics that catch the eye, or experimental technology. They just produce drivers that work.
For me, knowing that I can trust a driver swing after swing is a huge factor into my decision about which one to use. Even if I have to sacrifice a few yards - which is not the case with the G430 Max - I want to be in the fairway. I feel about as confident in this driver to produce that result for me as any on the market.
Loft - 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustability - Yes, adjustable hosel gives you the ability to change loft and lie angle. Additional sliding back weight allow you to customize the driver head to your ideal ball flight
Shaft Flex Options - Light (L), Senior (A), Regular (R), Stiff (S)
RELATED: Ping G425 Driver Review
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Ping hasn't been recognized in a long time for the quality of their drivers. I'm here to tell you that the G430 Max is one of my favorites currently on the market. It has lots of adjustability for golfers with all different kinds of swings. An adjustable 25 gram back weight not only brings the center of gravity back for higher launches and more forgiveness, it also allows you to fine tune your ball flight.
The big thing I don't like about Ping clubs in general is that they seem to be very average across the board. This driver is well balanced and checks the boxes in every category from look to feel to performance, but nothing wows me about it. Overall, a very safe option.
RELATED: Best Ping Driver Of All Time
Best Titleist: Titleist TSR1 Driver
My sons both play Titleist drivers, and I have to say I understand why.
In years past, Titleist drivers were spinny and couldn't keep up with their competitors. That gap has been closed with the TSR models.
The TSR1 specifically is a highly forgiving driver with an incredibly lightweight construction for more club head speed. It has a variable thickness face to assist with MOI rating, making the mishits fly straighter.
My favorite part of Titleist drivers is the SureFit Hosel that offers 16 different settings. Each setting is described in the adjustment chart that will be packed into the shipment box with your TSR1, making it incredibly easy to adjust the driver and know exactly what will change with the performance.
Loft - 9°, 10°, 12°
Adjustability - SureFit Hosel technology makes this one of the most comprehensive adjustability systems in golf
Shaft Flex Options:
- Stock - Light (L), Regular (R), Stiff (S)
- Custom - Autoflex, In Between Flexes (R/S), XStiff (X)
RELATED: Titleist TSR Driver Review
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Titleist has all the resources and plenty of experience in the golf equipment market to take advantage of any opportunity. They have done an excellent job with the TSR1 driver.
I was able to feel the difference in weight that helped me swing faster without losing control over the club. Regardless of your swing tendencies, the SureFit Hosel ensures that there is an adjustment setting for you, and the face centered center of gravity maximizes forgiveness.
There is really nothing not to like about this driver. One of the best all around options for senior golfers everywhere!
Best Offset: PGX Offset Golf Driver
First of all, what is offset on a driver? That is when a driver has a slight bend in the hosel, similar to an iron. It is designed to help with a slice by providing the eyes with a contrast to the lines of the club face.
There are not a lot of great options for offset drivers on the market, despite most manufacturers attempts to produce one. My favorite option comes from a lesser know brand called PGX.
I know, I know, that's crazy talk. Let me explain why I say this. When it comes to offset drivers, the vast majority of people are relative beginners who are simply looking for an affordable option to help them have more fun playing golf. That's what this offering from PGX provides. And when you're ready to graduate away from an offset driver, you don't have to feel bad about putting an expensive golf club in the garage or under the stairs to gather dust!
Loft - 10.5°
Adjustability - No
Shaft Flex Options - One shaft fits most
What We Like
What We Don't Like
For a price of under $60, the PGX offset driver is an incredibly affordable option. I won't try to fool you into thinking that this is a high quality, durable, or outstanding option, but if you are looking for something affordable that is going to help with your slice then this is a good one to consider.
Just make sure you're not standing too close to the golf ball with an offset driver. That brings into play the dreaded shank!
Best BudgetOption: Pinemeadow PGX 500cc Illegal/Non-Conforming Driver
Here is another great driver option for seniors on a budget. PGX is known for their ability to cut their own cost, and pass the savings down to the customer.
While the Pinemeadow 500cc driver is not legal for competitive use (the maximum volume allowed is 460cc), it is a highly forgiving and fast option for the recreational senior golfer.
The head of the club has a very basic appearance and there are no outstanding features, but extra size means extra mass for better energy transfer into the golf ball. This is the ultimate driver for anyone looking to stick to a tight budget.
Loft - 10.5°
Adjustability - No
Shaft Flex Options - Regular (R)
What We Like
What We Don't Like
With the Pinemeadow PGX 500cc driver, you are not getting a top of the line driver. There are no fancy features, high level adjustability, or big time brand name. What you do get is a well built, solid feeling driver for $60. That's about a 90% discount from the best drivers on the market.
If you don't intend to compete and you don't want to pay top dollar, this might be the driver for you.
What To Look For In The Best Drivers For Seniors
It’s common knowledge that senior golfers have lost a little club head speed on their younger playing partners. This creates different needs in everything from the weight of the golf club to shaft flex and forgiveness. The best drivers for slower swing speed seniors are going to combine all of the characteristics that we look for to level the playing field, so to speak.
RELATED: Golf Driver Buying Guide
Lightweight
Drivers, and all golf clubs, are available in lighter weights that are meant to help golfers with less speed to hit it further. If you are looking for a driver for a senior golfer, try to find a shaft that is 60 grams or less. I recommend staying in the 45-60 gram range, as anything lighter has a negative impact on the feel of the golf club.
RELATED: Best Small Head Drivers
Adjustability
Driver adjustability has become a huge factor over the last few years in choosing the best driver for your individual game. The beauty of adjustability is that it puts the custom experience in your hands without the need for a club expert.
The best drivers for seniors almost all have some form of adjustability to help each golfer refine their club to match their needs.
RELATED: Narrow Stance vs Wide Stance In Golf
Forgiveness
It doesn't matter if you are trying to break 90 or 70, you still want as much forgiveness as you can get in your driver.
A part of not having as much speed is also having a little less stability through the impact zone. This increases the need for forgiveness across the face, so that the mishits react more similarly to the solid strikes.
RELATED: How To Stop Topping The Ball
Shaft Flex
Shaft flex is almost entirely dependent upon swing speed. The best shafts for the majority of senior golfers are Senior (A) Flex, and Light (L) Flex. We have included the chart below so that you can get a good idea of what flex would be best for you based on swing speed and carry distance.
RELATED: Lag Shot Swing Trainer Review
Shaft Flex Chart
Shaft Flex | Swing Speed (MPH) | Carry Distance (Yards/Meters) |
X-Stiff (X) | >105 | >250/228 |
Stiff (S) | 97-104 | 216-250/197-228 |
Regular (R) | 84-96 | 191-215/174-196 |
Senior (A) | 72-83 | 170-190/155-173 |
Light (L) | <72 | <170/155 |
RELATED: What Shaft Should I Use In My Golf Clubs
Best Driver Loft For Seniors
One of the more underrated aspects of finding the best drivers for seniors is the loft. At slower swing speeds, it is possible to hit the driver too low, and give up distance if the ball doesn’t stay in the air long enough.
I recommend that seniors use drivers with lofts between 10 and 13 degrees. Those who have a little bit of speed (reference regular and senior flex shafts in the chart above) can get away with a 10 or 11 degree driver. If your swing speed calls for more of a light flex shaft, try a 12 or 13 degree driver to increase your carry distance and overall performance.
RELATED: Are Golf Lessons Worth It
Grip
Grip is more subject to personal preference than some of the other aspects of the best drivers for seniors.
Generally speaking, your grip should accomplish 2 things:
- It should match the size of your hands to aid with the proper release of the club,
- And it should keep your hands comfortable and pain free throughout a round of golf.
Given that everyone has different needs, I highly encourage you to check out our reviews of the best golf grips to find one that fits what you're looking for. In that article, we go into a lot more depth about a number of grips that provide different levels of tack, softness, size, and durability.
RELATED: Golf Grip Pressure - The Secret Key To Better Golf
Budget
I know that budget is a concern for most golfers, especially in the era where the newest models cost upwards of $600. Having considered this, I chose some drivers that are more affordable options to review, as well as the newest and best models.
Keep in mind as you consider your options that the majority of “affordable” brands are also of noticeably lower quality. I have done my best to express which of these drivers performed notably worse than their more expensive counterparts in order to save you the time and effort of finding out for yourself.
RELATED: Ways To Spot Counterfeit Golf Clubs
Final Thoughts
As a 58 year old guy who still loves to win my matches against my boys, I’m always looking for every advantage I can get.
RELATED: Correct Tee Height For Driver
For all you golfers out there who may have lost a couple yards over the years, the drivers I have reviewed might be a key to unlocking better golf. Remember to choose the right loft and shaft for you, and don’t be afraid to play around with adjustability or a more lightweight shaft.
There is nothing better than the sideways look you get from your playing partners when you outdrive them. Let’s take a step towards getting more of those looks today!
