As you age, there’s an increased chance you’ll start to lose some length off the tee – that’s why choosing the right driver is so important for senior golfers.
While guys like Freddie Couples can still hit the ball 300 yards into their 60s, the reality is the majority of us aren’t former World No. 1 players and will need to find ways to retain our distance as we get older.
This is especially so once we hit true ‘senior’ age, which most people accept is when you enter your sixth decade of life.
While things like moving the ball forward in your stance, increasing your attack angle and swinging more from the inside are technical ways older players can maximise their distance, you want to make sure the driver you’re using it giving you the best bang for your buck.
So then, what drivers should senior players use for the best results? I’ve listed them quickly below:
Best drivers for seniors
- Callaway Big Bertha B21 (my top pick)
- TaylorMade Sim Max 2
- Titleist TSi1
Most forgiving drivers for seniors
- Cleveland Launcher XL Lite (my top pick)
- Callaway Epic Max
- Cobra Air X
Best value drivers for seniors
- Wilson Staff D9 (my top pick)
- Srixon ZX5
- Callaway Mavrik Max
I’ve compiled this list through extensive online research; reading reviews from other golfers; watching videos of these clubs being tested by others; and, where possible, testing these clubs myself at my local golf outlet.
Before we dive into my reviews of each club, I’ve provided some key information about what seniors should look for when buying a new driver.
Otherwise, keep scrolling down to get straight into the reviews.
Table of contents
What should senior golfers look for in a driver?
Seniors should use a driver that fits their budget; is forgiving; has a loft angle greater than 10.5 degrees; and has a shaft flex that suits their swing speed and maximises their clubhead speed. Finding a driver that blends all these characteristics will help seniors get optimal results off the tee.
This advice might seem pretty straight forward for seniors who have been playing golf for many years, but for those who are only new to the game, it’s important to know what to look for before making a purchase.
I’ve expanded on each of these points in greater detail below and explained why they are important for seniors who are keen to lash out on a new big stick.
Tip 1: Set a budget
Before you even begin the search for a new driver, it’s a no-brainer to set yourself a budget.
Doing so will eliminate any clubs that are outside your price range and help you research more in-depth on the options available to you (leading to a more informed final decision).
Tip 2: Focus on forgiveness
As you get older, it’s fair to assume your hand-eye may not be what it once was, and finding the centre of the clubface becomes a little more difficult.
It makes sense you want a driver that is forgiving – meaning it minimises the effect off-centre strikes will have on distance and accuracy.
Drivers like the TaylorMade Sim Max 2 use Twist Face technology that allows the clubface to bend on impact and retain high ball speeds, even if you haven’t struck it completely flush.
Tip 3: Use more loft
You hear of bombers like golf superstar Bryson DeChambeau using drivers with as little as 5 degrees of loft, but you have to remember these are elite players who know how to increase their attack angle on command.
For most of us mere mortals – the average weekend warrior – we’d have a difficult time keeping a 5-degree driver on the planet as it would be similar to trying to use a putter off the tee.
As is the case with all golf clubs, the more loft they have, the easier they are to hit and the less likely they will be impacted by sidespin (whether it be draw or fade spin).
Senior golfers shouldn’t be using a driver with less than 10.5 degrees of loft, and could easily benefit from a driver with up to 15 degrees of loft if they have a real tendency to hit low, running shots.
Finding the sweet spot that marries high launch with maximum distance is what you’re after.
Tip 4: Shaft flex is important
While there are exceptions to the rule, generally the faster your swing speed is, the stiffer your driver shaft needs to be.
For seniors who have lost some clubhead speed over the years, the majority will benefit from using senior flex or regular flex shafts.
Of course, there’s nothing stopping you buying stiff or extra stiff shafters as an older player if that is your preference – just remember it will require more torque to load these shafts correctly (much more so than a senior or regular flex) and could cost you distance if you swing the club with speeds below 105 mph.
What is the best golf driver for a senior player?
The best drivers for senior golfers are forgiving; have a large, deep clubface; and have an adjustable hosel. Not only will the larger clubhead give senior golfers more confidence when standing over the ball, the adjustable hosel allows them to tweak their driver to suit their natural swing.
At the end of the day, senior golfers should look for a driver that has all the latest technology that can help them maximise distance and accuracy.
I believe the following three drivers meet these criteria better than all others.
Callaway Big Bertha B21
If you want distance and forgiveness, you can’t go past the Callaway Big Bertha B21 driver.
Marketed as having “a new formula for distance” and being “built to take the big miss out of your game”, this will be music to the ears of many senior golfers.
The Big Bertha B21 is Callaway’s first high launch driver created with an “ultra-low forward centre of gravity for low spin” – which, in simple terms, means more length off the tee and more consistent, straighter ball flights.
Flash Face and Jailbreak technology also helps maintain high ball speeds, while the large clubhead favours an internal draw bias weighting that will add even more distance.
TaylorMade Sim Max 2
The TaylorMade Sim Max 2 driver is probably my favourite on this list (I own the 3-wood version and absolutely love it), yet falls slightly behind the Callaway Big Bertha B21 only because the clubhead looks slightly smaller when addressing the ball.
Some seniors will prefer the bigger, bulkier look of the Big Bertha – but if you want something a little sleeker, then the Sim Max 2 could be right up your alley.
First of all, the sound and feel of this driver is incredible: it gives really solid, deep feedback when you strike it well and is audibly duller than some other clubs on this list (particularly the Callaways).
There are a few design features that gives the Sim Max 2 its generous distance and forgiveness, namely its forged ring construction and the 24g tungsten weight attached to the back of the club.
This interesting piece of technology not only gives the driver a unique look, it helps generate a higher launch and optimal spin properties to maximise carry.
And, of course, there is the Twist Face technology, which minimises the effect of off-centre strikes and has been a trademark of TaylorMade drivers for many years now.
Titleist TSi1
Interestingly, the Titleist brand isn’t often associated with the ‘Average Joe’ player, but more-so the game’s elite such as PGA stars Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth or Adam Scott.
But the Titleist TSi1 driver smashes that misconception and is well within reach of the average golfer – including seniors – seeking more forgiveness and distance.
One thing that is immediately noticeable with the TSi1 is how lightweight it feels, which is important for seniors who are trying to maximise swing speeds (this driver is engineered to “deliver maximum launch and distance at moderate swing speeds”).
The clubface is designed with multi-dimensional stability – increasing heel-to-toe forgiveness – while the hosel is adjustable and can be tweaked to suit players with a natural fade/draw bias, helping you hit more fairways.
What is the most forgiving driver for a senior player?
The most forgiving drivers for senior golfers are designed with a large clubface and clubhead; have loft greater than 10.5 degrees; have a lower-weighted centre of gravity to maximise launch; and also incorporate lightweight materials to maximise performance at lower swing speeds.
Each of these characteristics, when working together in unison, will create a driver that is extra forgiving – which is ideal for senior players.
Here are my top three picks when it comes to the most forgiving drivers for seniors.
Cleveland Launcher XL Lite
I’m a big fan of the Cleveland Launcher XL Lite driver, for many reasons.
While Cleveland isn’t one of the ‘big boys’ when it comes to driver manufacturers, what they’ve been able to create with this club is very impressive.
The Launcher XL Lite is geared towards players with moderate swing speeds, like seniors, who are looking to gain a few extra miles per hour out of their driver – and Cleveland have achieved this by making the club 12g lighter and a quarter-inch longer than the standard Launcher XL.
Both of these subtle changes make a huge difference when it comes to generating extra clubhead speed, without expending any extra physical energy to do so.
Furthermore, the Launcher XL Lite has a massive clubhead for added forgiveness and confidence, with the Rebound Frame providing alternating zones of clubface flexibility and rigidity to maximise ball speed.
It also has an 8g weight placed inside the grip for better balance and control, helping you split more fairways.
Callaway Epic Max
Arguably the most forgiving model from this manufacturer, the Callaway Epic Max driver is marketed towards golfers who “want to hit the ball longer and straighter than they ever have before”.
Seniors, pay attention – this club is for you (although, to be honest, what golfer doesn’t want to hit it longer and straighter?!).
The Epic Max, according to Callaway, is the most forgiving of the ‘Epic’ range and is built from a lighter, stronger Triaxial Carbon material that shaves 19g of weight off the club compared to standard titanium.
Naturally, this means you’re going to generate more clubhead speed without actually swinging the club harder (perfect for seniors who aren’t as flexible as they once were).
The other standard features that make this club perfect for older players are the deeper centre of gravity (producing higher launch) and natural draw bias, which will encourage more distance.
What I also like about the Epic Max driver is, unlike the Cleveland Launcher XL Lite, Callaway have retained a sliding rear weight and adjustable hosel – despite making the club lighter – which affords you up to 20 yards of shot shape correction.
Cobra Air X
The Cobra Air X is the lightest driver on the market from this manufacturer, meaning you’ll generate more swing speed – translating to more distance – without swinging any harder.
This makes it perfectly targeted towards senior players who may not have that extra gear, like Bryson DeChambeau, to call upon if needing extra length.
One of the unique features of the Cobra Air X is the offset hosel, which is designed to help you hit straighter drives (however, you still have the option of purchasing the straight-neck version if you wish).
Be mindful, however: the hosel is not adjustable.
Everything about this driver is designed to keep it as light as possible, which is definitely beneficial for older players.
What is the best value driver for a senior player?
The best value drivers for senior golfers combine all the sought-after characteristics – forgiveness; a loft angle greater than 10.5 degrees; a large clubface; and high launch – seen in high-end models, except at a lower price.
Everyone loves saving money when they make a purchase and this is particularly important for some seniors who may be on a pension, or not flush with cash in retirement.
Here’s three great drivers suited for seniors that won’t break the bank.
Wilson Staff D9
The Wilson Staff D9 driver is a proven, reliable option for golfers seeking extra forgiveness and distance at a lower cost.
This driver is so good that even well-known YouTube golfer Rick Shiels says it rivals some of the bigger brands – including TaylorMade, Callaway, Ping and Titleist – due to its exceptional performance without the hefty price tag.
Wilson has divided the clubface of the D9 into a series of “fractal zones”, each tuned for “explosive distance”, in what it has labelled its Peak Kinetic Response Face.
This engineering helps optimise both forgiveness and ball speed, contributing to greater distance off the tee.
Visually, the Wilson Staff D9 looks sleek, with its three-layer composite Kevlar crown helping contribute to the extremely solid feel and sound off the clubface.
The only negative is this club does not have an adjustable hosel or rear weights, meaning what you buy – in terms of loft angle and draw/fade bias – is what you get.
Srixon ZX5
With a 15 percent larger carbon crown on the clubhead, the Srixon ZX5 driver is built for two things: forgiveness and distance.
The bonus is that it will cost you less than some of the other more ‘renowned’ drivers on the market.
As someone who uses as Srixon driver (I game the Z585 model – the same one Shane Lowry used to win the 2019 Open Championship), I can vouch for how good they are.
The ZX5 design is no different and looks, sounds and feels great thanks to its Rebound Frame technology which increases ball speed and distance off the clubface, especially when you strike it dead centre.
Another worthwhile feature is the adjustable weight and hosel, which allows you to vary loft, lie and face angle.
It certainly ticks a lot of boxes.
Callaway Mavrik Max
The Callaway Mavrik Max was released in 2020 meaning it’s the oldest driver on this list, hence why it’s so affordable – however, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking modern technology.
The Mavrik Max boasts all of Callaway’s trademark features – including the Jailbreak bars, Flash Face and Triaxial Carbon Crown for better ball speeds and balance – at a discounted price than the manufacturer’s newer models.
It also has interchangeable weights (14g and 2g) in the sole near the heel and rear – with the heavier weight able to be placed in the rear location for maximum forgiveness, or in the heel for maximum draw.
With so much customisation available with this club, the Mavrik Max is a great driver for seniors who are on a tight budget and cannot afford the latest Callaway models.
Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between a regular driver and senior driver?
A senior driver will usually have increased loft on the clubface (upwards of 10.5 degrees) and a slightly more flexible shaft (either senior or regular flex). A regular driver could have loft from as little as 5 degrees and a shaft flex ranging from senior right through to extra stiff.
When it comes to comparing senior drivers with regular drivers, the main difference are the variables in terms of loft and shaft flex as demonstrated above.
Senior drivers will tend to meet a narrower set of criteria (high loft, more flexible shaft, more forgiving clubface characteristics), while regular drivers will encompass all extremes to suit players of all abilities – hence why loft can be as low as 5 degrees or as high as 15 degrees, and shaft flex anywhere from senior to extra stiff.
We’ve explained what beginner players should look for in a driver here, with the article also giving our top picks.
What shaft should a senior driver have?
Senior drivers are typically fitted with a shaft that is either ‘senior’ or ‘regular’ flex. These shafts and more pliable and require less torque to load them correctly at the beginning of the downswing, making them suited to older players, such as seniors, who may have slower clubhead speeds.
Essentially, giving seniors a driver with a flexible shaft allows them to still generate adequate lag to create good distance and power without them needing to generate excessive swing speeds.
They can swing the club comfortably below 105 mph and let their bendy shaft do the rest and snap through impact with plenty of speed.
Of course, this is only a guide – some players may feel it is harder to control their driver with a senior or regular flex shaft, due to poorer clubface awareness, and would rather sacrifice a little distance by using a stiffer shaft that gives them better feedback on where their clubhead is positioned during their swing.
Senior golfers who place a higher premium on knowing exactly where their clubface is pointed at all times may benefit from a regular, stiff or – in rare instances – even an extra stiff shaft.
What is the best driver loft for a senior golfer?
A senior’s driver should have between 10.5 to 15 degrees of loft as this will help produce an optimal launch trajectory and maximise distance. Any less, and the ball won’t stay in the air long enough; any more, and the ball will balloon too high into the air and drop out of the sky.
You want to find the sweet spot where the ball is launching at an angle that produces the best-possible carry distance, yet not high enough that it will be easily affected by wind.
The reason why it’s recommended senior golfers use at least 10.5 degrees of loft is most of them will lack the high-level swing speeds required to propel lower-loft drivers (between 5 and 9.5 degrees) into the air.
If the average senior player attempted to use these butter knife-like drivers, they’d likely find their carry distance – and hence overall distance – drop dramatically.
How far does the average 60-year-old hit a driver?
According to Shot Scope, the average driver distance for golfers aged 60-69 is 212 yards (194 metres). This is 31 yards less than the 20-29 year-old age bracket, which, on average, hits their driver 243 yards (222 metres). By comparison, the PGA Tour driving average was 296 yards (270 metres) in 2021.
Shot Scope is a golf app that has tracked over 100 million strokes from golfers right around the world, and while not all of these would have been made with driver, it still draws from a significant pool of data.
And what these statistics tell us is as you age, the shorter you become off the tee.
Below is a breakdown of each age bracket based on Shot Scope data:
Average driver distance by age
| Age | Distance |
| 20-29 | 243 yards (222m) |
| 30-39 | 241 yards (220m) |
| 40-49 | 232 yards (212m) |
| 50-59 | 224 yards (204m) |
| 60-69 | 212 yards (194m) |
| 70+ | 196 yards (179m) |
It then makes sense that as you approach your senior years, you want to get everything you possible can out off your driver to maximise distance off the tee – which is why using the right technology, such as some of the latest models mentioned above, is important for older golfers and shouldn’t be discounted.
Final message
Senior golfers need a driver that is forgiving, high launching and is fitted with a shaft flex that suits their swing speed in order to get every inch of distance out of their ageing bodies.
While there are no doubt plenty of 60-plus year old players who are fitter and stronger than some younger golfers, the data from across the world shows that, on average, you become gradually shorter off the tee with driver the older you get.
If you’re in the hunt for a new driver, grabbing one off our list will ensure you keep hitting bombs as you enter your twilight years.
Lewis lives in the UK, with his partner and four kids. He helped rejuvenate ProjectGolfAU with one of his mates, Drew.
