A Simple Guide: The Best Driver Loft for Beginners | 2024

Let’s get straight to it. The best loft for your driver depends on your skill level, check out our table below. We’ll start by providing you with general recommendations that should serve 99% of golfers. From there, we can dive into other important factors and understand why swing speed and attack angle should factor a big part of your loft decision. For those that are really committed, I’ll talk about actually testing your swing.

Key Takeaways from this Article

• Driver recommendations should be tailored to skill level, with beginners needing higher lofts than intermediates or advanced golfers who require lower lofts. Check out what we think are the best drivers for beginners right now.

• Understanding the correlation between swing speed and driver loft will improve your driving.

• Check out our Rory McIlroy case study

• Attack angle has an effect on ideal driver loft, with upward attack angles requiring higher lofts and downward attack angles necessitating lower lofts.

Driver Loft Recommendations by Skill Level

My experience with these kinds of questions tends to lead me to a common starting point. A table. Below is chart breaking down the rough recommended driver lofts based on ability. Please note this should only be used as a guide.

Driver Loft by Ability

Driver Loft	Ability
8-10 degrees	PGA Professional
8-10.5 degrees	Low Handicapper
9.5-12 degrees	Mid Handicapper
10.5-13 degrees	High handicapper

Beginner and High-handicap Golfers: Higher Lofted Driver

For beginner golfers (anyone above an 18 handicap), a driver with a loft between 10.5 and 13 degrees is recommended for increased forgiveness and accuracy. This range provides a higher launch angle and more forgiveness, allowing you to hit the ball more consistently and accurately.

While this may not provide optimal distance compared to lower lofted drivers, beginners will benefit from the increased control and consistency that a higher lofted driver offers.

There is no sense in being able to get an extra 15 yards on perfect hits when you rarely hit the center of the face. If you are in the market for a new driver, we did extensive testing and arrived at the conclusion that the best driver for beginners is the Titleist TSR 2 Driver.

You might be thinking, ok, but do I pick a 10.5 or 13 degree loft for my driver?

As we will mention later, you really need to measure your swing speed and attack angle to scientifically pick a loft. As a starting point though, we put together the below table for beginners to select their driver loft.

Recommended Driver Lofts for Beginners

Recommended Driver Loft	Golfer Handicap
10.5-11.5 degrees	19-22
11-12 degrees	23-26
11.5-12.5 degrees	27-30
12-13 degrees	31+

Mid Handicap Golfers

Mid handicap golfers (10-18 handicap) can benefit from a driver loft between 9 and 12 degrees, striking a balance between distance and control. This loft range is suitable for average swing speeds and optimizes launch angle and spin for maximum distance off the tee.

Advanced Golfers: Lower Lofted Driver

Advanced golfers (9 handicap and below) with faster swing speeds should opt for lower lofted drivers (8.5-10 degrees) to maximize distance. Lower lofted drivers promote lower spin rates and a penetrating ball flight, resulting in maximum distance potential.

Taking it to the Next Level: Understanding Swing Speed and Driver Loft

Swing speed and driver loft go hand-in-hand.

In general, golfers with slower swing speeds benefit from higher lofted drivers, while those with faster swing speeds require less loft to achieve maximum distance and accuracy.

But why is this relationship so critical?

Understanding this correlation can greatly optimize distance and precision, considering that golfers with quicker swings may need less loft.

We’ll now explore the intricacies of various swing speeds and their associated driver loft suggestions. Here’s another chart.

Recommended Driver Lofts by Swing Speed

Recommended Driver Loft	Swing Speed (mph)
12-14 degrees	Under 90
10-12 degrees	90-104
8-10 degrees	105-115
Less than 8 degrees	Over 115

Slower Swing Speeds

Golfers with slower swing speeds, typically under 90 mph, can significantly benefit from using a high lofted driver with lofts ranging from 12-14 degrees. These drivers help launch the ball higher with less spin, optimizing launch conditions and maximizing carry distance. Higher lofted drivers offer the following advantages:

• They are more forgiving

• They are easier to get the ball off the ground

• They allow golfers with slower swing speeds to maintain better control over the ball

I would say that a 12 degree driver should suit most golfers with a slower swing. I think 14 degrees can be best suited to very senior golfers.

Reduced swing speeds tend to mean a lower launch angle and spin rate. It could be necessary for golfers with slower swing speeds to generate more spin to keep the ball in the air and maximize carry distance. The launch angle is typically lower for reduced swing speeds, which is another reason to consider higher lofted drivers. A steeper trajectory will get you up in the air!

Moderate Swing Speeds

For golfers with moderate swing speeds, approximately 90-100 mph, a driver loft between 10.5 and 12 degrees is advised. This loft range provides a balance between launch angle, spin rate, and control, ensuring efficient ball speed for moderate swing speeds. Regulating the launch angle is particularly significant for moderate swing speeds, given it directly affects the golf shot’s height and distance.

Faster Swing Speeds

Golfers with faster swing speeds, typically over 100 mph, perform best with lower lofted drivers (8.5-10.5 degrees). These drivers promote lower spin rates and a penetrating ball flight, resulting in maximum distance potential. In comparison, those with an average swing speed or slower swing speed may require different loft and spin rate settings. The optimal spin rate for golfers with faster swing speeds is generally around 2,500-2,700 revolutions per minute (rpm) with a driver. Understanding your driver swing speed can help you make the right adjustments to optimize your performance on the course.

A lower lofted driver for golfers with faster swing speeds can result in a lower ball flight trajectory. This is because a lower lofted driver will produce less backspin on the ball, allowing it to travel on a flatter trajectory with more roll. While this can lead to increased distance off the tee, it may also result in less carry and control.

Understanding Attack Angle: Upward vs Downward

Attack angle is the angle at which the clubhead is moving when it makes contact with the ball.

• An upward attack angle is also known as a positive attack angle. You hit up on the ball.

• A downward attack angle is also known as a negative attack angle. You hit down on the ball.

Let’s dive into each one.

Upward Attack Angle

For golfers with an upward attack angle, slightly higher lofted drivers can maximize distance and reduce spin. An upward attack angle increases the launch angle, potentially resulting in more carry distance. Additionally, it can reduce spin and produce a more penetrating ball flight.

Utilizing a driver of higher loft with an upward attack angle has multiple advantages, including:

• Allowing for a high launch and less spin, which are essential elements for longer drives

• Enhancing forgiveness, as obtaining an upward attack angle is more straightforward with a driver of higher loft.

Downward Attack Angle

Golfers with a downward attack angle should opt for lower lofted drivers to counteract the excessive spin they are likely to generate.

It’s important for golfers with a downward attack angle to select the appropriate driver loft to maximize their potential for peak performance.

So, What Attack Angle and Swing Speed Should I aim for? Rory has the Answer.

The best place to start is Rory McIlroy, the best driver of a golf ball on planet earth. Obviously, you and I are lightyears from Rory in every single element of driving, but it serves as a great benchmark so we know we are aspiring for the correct things.

Let’s look at Rory’s driver numbers as per TrackMan.

• His Swing Speed is 117mph (that is super fast)

• His angle of attack is 1.9 degrees (upward attack angle)

• His launch angle is 10.4 degrees

Total distance: 320 yards.

I know.

Anyway, let’s use this example so it relates to you and I.

Firstly, swing speed needs to be as high as it can be where you are controlled. This comes with repetitions on the driving range.

Getting the ball off at the right angle is an equation that has two parts.

First, the angle of your club on impact (angle of attack) and the angle of your driver (the loft) of the club have to ‘sync’ up so the ball launches on a good trajectory.

If you want to change your swing so that you alter your angle of attack, then that is something that will definitely need the supervision of a coach. Assuming your angle of attack remains consistent, you can easily adjust your driver loft to suit your swing.

To do this, you’ll need to use a launch monitor.

Launch Monitor Testing: Finding Your Ideal Driver Loft

Launch monitor testing is the most effective way to determine the ideal driver loft for an individual golfer. By taking into account launch angle, spin rate, and other factors, a launch monitor can provide valuable data that will help golfers find the perfect driver loft for their swing.

Testing Process

The testing process for finding the ideal driver loft involves hitting multiple shots with various driver lofts and analyzing the data to identify the best loft for maximizing distance and accuracy. Distance is typically gauged by tracking the carry distance of the ball, while accuracy is assessed by analyzing the dispersion pattern of the shots (how close your balls land to each other).

Bottom line: If you try the driver lofts that roughly match your swing speed and handicap on the charts above you will find which loft gives you the best blend of distance and forgiveness. Hit 20 balls with each loft, and you’ll have you answer.

If you want to get a launch monitor for home, we think that the SkyTrak + currently offers the best value for money when it comes to home use.

Alternatively, look up golf simulators near you and book out a session on a simulator.

Best Loft for Driver: FAQs

What is Loft in Golf?

Loft in golf refers to the angle between the clubface and the ground. Higher loft angles generate a higher launch trajectory and are useful for getting the ball into the air. Loft can also be used to adjust the distance traveled when hitting a golf ball.

How Does Swing Speed Affect the Choice of Driver Loft?

Slow swing speed players should opt for higher lofted drivers, while those with faster swing speeds should choose a driver with lower loft for optimal distance and accuracy.

What is the Recommended Driver Loft for Beginner Golfers?

Beginner golfers should use a driver with more loft, ranging between 10.5 and 12 degrees.

How can Adjustable Drivers Help Golfers Find the Ideal Driver Loft?

Adjustable drivers enable golfers to personalize their loft settings to match their swing and the conditions of the course, allowing them to find the ideal driver loft for optimal performance.

Summary

In conclusion, finding the best driver loft is crucial for optimizing distance, accuracy, and overall golf performance. By understanding the relationship between swing speed, attack angle, and driver loft, golfers can make an informed decision and select a driver that best suits their needs. Launch monitor testing is the most effective way to determine your ideal driver loft.