Technically, they’re one of the least-used golf clubs in a player's bag. But the golf driver is arguably the club that takes the most punishment, with high swing speeds and solid impact being the name of the game.
Like all golf clubs, they have a shelf life. But your driver is arguably more likely to “go dead” on you simply due to the excessive force at work, among other factors (more on these in a moment).
If you’re concerned your current weapon at the tee has outlasted its usefulness and has become a detriment to your strikes, it could be time to invest in a new model.
At Clarkes Golf, we’re home to a huge range of golf drivers that’ll get your game back on track, from some of the biggest brands in the sport - including TaylorMade, Callaway, Mizuno, Wilson Staff and many more.
Take a look to find the perfect driver to suit your game today, or keep reading to self-diagnose your current driver!
Warning signs your golf driver may have “died” on you
Shorter distances
If you’re an experienced player, you’re likely used to enjoying drives in the 250-yard range or above.
This is why it may have come as a shock when your yardages suddenly drop, and your drives simply aren’t as impressive as they used to be.
The good news is, if your driver has been put through its paces over the years, it may not be down to anything you’re doing wrong or a slump in your strength.
It could be the case that your driver has died on you, with internal technical issues causing the power transfer between the clubhead and the ball to dissipate on impact.
So if you keep hitting short drive after short drive, and you’re used to absolutely crushing it off the tee, it’s worth consulting a professional or opting for an immediate upgrade.
An unusual or unpleasant feel
All golfers know that silky knife-through-butter feel we experience when we catch the ball perfectly off the tee with our driver. It’s one of the most satisfying moments in the sport, and a clear indicator we’ve hit a great shot before the ball has even landed.
But if your driver has begun to die on you, this feeling may have slowly vanished, to be replaced by an unusual or unpleasant feeling.
The smoothness of the strike may have been swapped by a jarring, knocking sensation that vibrates throughout the club. In these instances, the ball doesn’t usually fly very far or in the direction we want either.
This is likely due to an issue “under the hood” of the driver. After all, driver heads are hollow, with only thin layers of titanium, steel or similar to absorb the constant impact.
True, they’re built to last. But nothing lasts forever, and the structure of your driver head will begin to falter if you subject it to consistent strikes for years on end.
If your driver has started to feel funny, take it to a professional and see what they think. But it’s probably time to replace it.
Visual damage
This is the unmistakable symptom of a dead driver.
To deliver exceptional results, your driver's face needs to be as unaffected by strike impact as possible and present a clean, streamlined appearance.
Dirt, grass and other temporary imperfections can simply be wiped away. But when these imperfections are more permanent - possibly caused by excessive striking or the club catching grit or stone - there’s little that can be done.
Deep scratches, chips and indentations on your driver’s face will undoubtedly affect your performance at the teel.
You may be able to repair minor issues if you’re desperate not to replace the club. But once a club head has been damaged, the likelihood of this causing other issues down the line is increased.
So you may want to play it safe and grab a new driver sooner rather than later.
Pick up a brand new golf driver at Clarkes Golf
Looking for the best golf drivers for sale? You’ll find everything you need and more at Clarkes Golf.
We have an incredible selection of new golf drivers for you to choose from, from brands you know and love, including Cobra, Ping, and Titleist among others in stock. As an approved stockist, you can always rely on Clarkes to deliver top-quality golf clubs, accessories and more, for a complete golfing experience.
Whether you're looking for a driver with a lower loft or a higher loft than you're used to, something extra stiff or with a little flex, or an adjustable driver for a totally new experience, we're here for you.
Take a look at our range of golf drivers here. Or reach out to the Clarkes Golf team for more product-specific information. And be sure to keep an eye out for any special offers on our 'Sale' page!