I don't own a driver currently. For the past two years I have limited myself to using a 3W at the tee based on advice from better golfers, but I am ready to start practicing with a driver to see how much additional distance I might get.

However, I don't have any sense for what drivers are well suited for high handicap golfers vs what drivers are aimed at highly skilled golfers and would actually be a detriment to a bad golfer like myself.

Any suggestions?

i wouldn't keep a driver out of your bag based solely on what another golfer thinks. If you get a driver and then decide you are not scoring any better with it, then maybe you should leave it out. I carry a driver, but there are some rounds or days that I'm just not hitting it well, and will hit a hybrid or 3w off the tee.

That being said for a beginner, I would look at some of the drivers from a couple of years ago. They are generally way cheaper than the cutting edge stuff. Some good examples are the taylormade 07 burner, the nike SQ drivers, the cleveland hi-bore xls, etc. These can all be bought for less than $200 and perform just as well as their $400 younger siblings.

Almost every manufacturer makes a driver (or more) that will fit your profile as a 'high handicap' golfer. The most important thing will be to find one that truly fits your swing (both in terms of swing speed and ball flight. Just avoid those drivers that say anything along the lines of 'tour' or 'TP' (that's TaylorMade's Tour Preferred line).

The only way you're really going to be able to determine the model that best fits you is to see a professional fitter, or at the very least go somewhere that has a launch monitor so that you can see what best fits you and your swing. When you are trying these drivers try choking up at least 1-2 inches as this will help you with control a lot (A LOT - most drivers now have shafts at least 45-46 inches in length, which is too long for a high handicap golfer and most other golfers as well). Once you find one that really seems to fit you well get the shaft cut down to 44 inches (or as short as 43). You could just choke up, but if you are like most golfers you'll forget or decide you don't need to do this. Cutting the shaft will force the issue. What most golfers who have done this find is that they lose very little distance (if any since they tend to hit 'sweet spot' a lot more) and gain lots of control. A lighter shaft might also help with control, but this depends on your swing speed and tempo so let a professional fitter help with this.

Good luck. I wish I could help you find the right model, but no one really can except you with some help from a person who can assess your swing and knows what equipment is best designed for that swing. Never forget used clubs or those that are a year or two old as, in reality, there have been very few (if any) technological improvements in drivers in the last few years (no matter what every company wants you to believe).

If you have one nearby, check out a 2nd hand store. I picked up a TM R5 Dual for about $60, and I've greatly improved my distance and accuracy with it. Check out some reviews for "Game Improvement" drivers. Mostly, you should go somewhere that you can demo a few different models/styles to see what you like and what works for you.

I used to go to the 2nd hand store and pick up a driver for $50+/-. If I didn't like it after a couple rounds, I would take it back and get a different one. After a few different clubs, I settled on a Cleveland Hi-Bore. Been great for me for a year. Total pice including the exchange fees was around $125. BTW, I got it when I was an 18 HCP. Right now I'm around 14.

I am in the middle of reading Tom Wishon's book, "the Search for the Perfect Driver" so I agree with another reply on this thread that getting fit is the best route. Swing Speed and Launch angle seem to be the biggest factors in maximum distance. A club fitter will find the driver with the correct loft to produce YOUR ideal launch angle. The second benefit, is that he will match the shaft (length and flex) to help you hit the ball on the sweetspot more consistently. TIP: Longer is not Better!! everyone but the big club sellers will tell you that.