Buying a driver

A driver is more than just a golf club, it's the standard by which your whole golfing existence is judged. Hit knee-capping grass cutters that go fractionally further than your best under arm throw and you risk attracting the brunt of the four-ball banter but strike 300 yard beauties and you'll have the others bowing at your feet, making sure not to make eye contact. Here is your Total Golf guide to picking the right stick to get you off the tee and on the fairway with a little bit of class.

Titanium or Graphite/Titanium composites

Titanium remains the governor of driver materials as it combines lightness and strength. Titanium clubheads tend to be bigger, with huge sweetspots to provide greater levels of forgiveness.

Graphite/Titanium composites are the new kid on the block. Graphite is less than a third of the weight of titanium, and by bonding the two together in strategic positions, more weight can be positioned lower and deeper in the head to serve up a better recipe of higher launch angles and reduced backspin.

Lofts

Lofts range between 7° and 12° but most golfers need something between 9° and 11°. When big headed drivers first came to town, many golfers switched to lower lofts as they found they were hitting the ball higher. But a higher ball flight won't loose you any distance. In fact high lofts impart less sidespin on the ball, so you might find yourself in play more often, with slices becoming fades and hooks just draws.

Shafts

You'll find driver shafts in a range of flexes from extra stiff down to light or senior. But remember that one company's regular flex will not necessarily be the same as another's. You'll need to hit a few balls to find the right one for you. If you're a firm believer in extra control from steel shafts, your choice where the biggest drivers are concerned will be very limited.

Price

If you want to get your yardage off the tee up to around 300 you'll need to dig deep. The top name Titanium and Graphite/Titanium composite drivers will cost somewhere in the region of £300 plus but there are an increasing number of Titanium drivers emerging that cost between £100-£200. If you're in the market for a new driver you might want to take out a range of different priced models. You never know - you might find something that performs well for a little less.