12 Degree Driver: What Are The Benefits?

A 12-degree driver is a golf club designed with a higher loft, ideal for golfers seeking more control and distance off the tee.

Drivers typically range in loft from about 7 to 12 degrees, with lower lofts suited to more experienced players who can generate higher clubhead speeds.

However, a 12-degree driver offers several advantages for a variety of golfers, particularly those looking for more height and carry on their shots.

The Benefits of A 12 Degree Driver

Increased Launch Angle:

A key advantage of a 12-degree driver is its ability to provide a higher launch angle. The additional loft helps golfers get the ball airborne more easily, which is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with lower trajectories. This increased height can lead to more carry distance, especially on slower swings.

All golf clubs have a perfect launch angle. When you can get the ball started at the proper launch angle, expect a better overall shot.

The proper launch angle leads to a straighter ball flight, more distance, and the right amount of roll when the shot lands. Many golfers who use a 12 degree driver will benefit from a higher launch angle. It takes quite a bit of swing speed to be able to launch a 9 degree driver high up in the air. With the 12 degree driver, even slower swing speeds will find the proper launch angle.

The more we have learned about golf, the more we have realized that when a golf ball can stay in the air longer, it flies further.  We think the best way to understand this is to think of the golfer who says they can’t get rid of their 4 iron because they hit it so well.

These golfers, when put on a launch monitor, realize that their dispersion rates with their 4 iron are terrible, and the launch angle likely only results in distances just a few yards further than the 5 iron.

Many players mistake a low-flying golf shot for one that is hit properly and accurately. Trust us on this one, a driver that is hit up in the air down the center of the fairway with low spin is a much more beneficial shot than a line drive. 
When comparing shot after shot and round after round, the properly launched golf driver with plenty of height will be the better shot. 

Improved Carry Distance:

While some players associate lower-lofted drivers with more distance, many find that a higher loft like 12 degrees can actually improve carry distance, particularly for golfers with slower swing speeds. The higher ball flight can produce better overall distance, especially when the ball is launched at an optimal angle.

Forgiveness and Control:

A 12-degree driver tends to offer greater forgiveness on mishits. The extra loft helps reduce sidespin, which can minimize slicing or hooking, providing straighter, more accurate drives. This makes it an excellent choice for players seeking more consistency and control off the tee.  A 12 degree driver has more loft than a standard 9.5 or 10.5 degree driver, making it easier to control. Many offset drivers, drivers for women, and senior golf drivers are sold with 12 degrees of loft to help establish control. 

Reduced Spin:

Higher-lofted drivers, like a 12-degree, typically produce less backspin compared to lower-lofted options. This can help keep the ball from ballooning or stalling in the air, leading to a more stable flight and better roll-out upon landing.

Who Should Consider Using a 12-Degree Driver?

There are several types of golfers that will benefit from a 12 degree driver. If you watch professionals on the PGA Tour, they typically use a golf driver with about 9 and sometimes even 8 degrees of loft. If you have club head speeds as high as theirs, then the 12 degrees is not for you. 

Players with Slower Swing Speeds

The driver is a long club, the longest in your bag. When your swing speed is slower, it takes quite a bit of effort to get the club through the ball and square up the clubface.

For golfers with slower swing speeds, the 12 degree driver is a great option to consider. 

Golfers who struggle to generate high clubhead speed (typically under 90 mph) may find that a 12-degree driver helps optimize their distance. The higher launch angle and reduced spin can help these players maximize their carry distance, compensating for the lack of power in their swing. It also offers more forgiveness, helping to compensate for any swing inconsistencies.

Most slower swing speed players will immediately notice a difference in the launch of the shots they hit and the total carry distance they get. If you pair the club with the proper driver shaft for your swing, the distance gains can be rather impressive. 

Women Golfers

Women golfers are sometimes sold golf drivers with lofts as high as 15 degrees. This is done to help women players with slower swing speeds and lacks some distance. However, there could be issues with 15 degree drivers having too much loft. 

The perfect loft for a golf driver for women will be in the 11.5 to 13.5 range.

This range tends to provide the best mix of performance, distance, and forgiveness. For women golfers worried that 12 degrees is not enough loft, purchase an adjustable golf driver. 

Some women golfers with high swing speeds could need to choose a driver with less than 12 degrees of loft. 

Older & Seniors Golfers

Senior golfers start to lose some club head speed. This is just a natural process that occurs over time and something that we can’t do much about.

Of course, it’s good to try and maintain your swing speed as long as you can, but when it starts to slow down, investing in the right equipment is a smart choice. 

The best thing for a senior golfer to do is to add a bit of loft and a senior golf shaft to their bag. This will make it considerably easier to get the same clubhead speed you had in the past and some impressive results. 

Seniors don’t need to rush out and purchase all new equipment. Update the bag as you go along, and the game will become considerably easierand more enjoyable.

New Golfers 

Beginner golfers can struggle with a driver. It’s sort of a right of passage that to become a great golfer, you must at some point get through the issue of slicing the ball. Some golfers never make it through, but you can certainly see the way beginners struggle with the slice. 

One of the best ways to help a slice is to use a more forgiving golf club. At this point, you should have learned that loft in a driver is directly related to forgiveness.

Many beginner golfers will purchase a complete club set, and the driver typically comes with at least 11 degrees of loft. 

New golfers can learn to gain distance in the future. In the beginning, the goal should be to have more consistency and control over the shots. 

Upward Hitters 

Hitting the drivers as part of the upswing is a good thing; however, for some players, this can become a bit exaggerated.

When this happens, the ball flight is a bit off because the driver makes contact with the lower portion of the face. 

Goflers that swing like this should consider a higher lofted driver, as well as make a few stance and setup adjustments in their swing. The same can be said for downward hitters that tend to pop the ball straight up in the air. 

When to Use a Different Loft

While a 12-degree driver is ideal for many golfers, some players may benefit from a driver with lower loft (9 to 10.5 degrees). Lower-lofted drivers are typically better suited to players with faster swing speeds, who can generate the necessary speed and power to achieve a higher launch with less loft. Players with naturally high ball flights or those looking to control their trajectory in windy conditions might prefer a lower loft.

Are Drivers Adjustable to 12 Degrees?

Many modern golf drivers are adjustable to 12 degrees. These drivers often feature adjustable hosels or loft sleeves that allow golfers to fine-tune the loft, usually ranging from as low as 8 or 9 degrees up to 12 or 13 degrees or more. Adjustability helps golfers optimize their launch angle, spin rate, and overall ball flight to suit their swing or course conditions.

Adjustable drivers from major brands like Callaway, TaylorMade, Wilson and Cleveland frequently include the option to set the loft at 12 degrees, making it easier for golfers to find the ideal setup for distance and control.

For those struggling to get the ball flight, distance, and control, they ended with the 10 or 11 degree loft; try bumping it up to 12 degrees. 

If you know you struggle with loft and launch angle, make sure to purchase the 10.5 or 11 degree driver, as opposed to the 9 or 9.5. It will be a better loft adjustability range for your game.