The number one wood, or the driver, is one of the most difficult clubs in the golf bag for beginners to learn how to hit well because it is the longest club in the bag and
has the flattest face (least loft) of any club short of the putter.
As a beginning golfer, you should be looking for a "game improvement" or "super game improvement" club that maximizes the forgiveness of the club. Consider a club with more loft (10.5 to 12 degrees), as more loft equals more forgiveness. Also, a larger clubhead (USGA maximum is 460cc) usually means a larger sweet spot. Low-spin characteristics allow the ball to fly higher and straighter. Three clubs to consider in this category for enthusiastic, committed beginners are the Ping Rapture, the Callaway FT-iQ and the Cleveland Hi-Bore.
Ping Rapture
The Ping Rapture driver is a 460cc driver with a slightly elongated head designed to offer more balance throughout the swing. This club is perimeter-weighted and has a thin face, promoting long distance off the tee. The titanium clubhead offers a deep face, maximum forgiveness, a low spin rate and medium-to-low trajectory at launch. Originally priced over $400, it is possible to find it at less than $200 (as of 2009).
Callaway FT-iQ
The Callaway FT-iQ driver promotes the idea of "straight distance," which is perfect for the average beginner who needs to work on getting the ball into the air. According to Callaway, the company has adapted technology used in stealth aircraft and Formula 1 race cars into this driver, which partially explains the unusual shape. The club features external weighting at the back of the club to promote stability and a hyperbolic face technology that Callaway says maximizes the moment of inertia as the golf ball leaves the club face. The technology is perfect for beginners, but the price tag might be a bit beyond all but the most committed beginners. The Callaway FT-iQ resides firmly in the high-rent district, price-wise costing about $500 full retail (as of 2009).
Cleveland Hi-Bore Monster XL
The Hi-Bore Monster driver from Cleveland is well-named, considering its size as the largest Cleveland driver ever. This club maxes out at the USGA limit for clubhead size at 460cc, but designers have increased the size of the club face by 16 percent, giving it an enormous sweet spot. Cleveland has fitted this model with a lightweight Fujikura shaft. The club has 24 grams of weight placed around the outside of the club for stability and added moment of inertia, giving the club a higher launch angle and lower spin rate off the tee. The Hi-Bore Monster XL goes for about $300 (as of 2009).
About The Author
Lyle Smith is an award-winning copywriter with a widely varied background. He has completed work for individuals, small businesses and fortune 1000 corporate clients all over the country. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Villanova University.
