Great Golf Drivers for Less Than $200

Let's face it. Golf is expensive. When you add up the course fees, the thousands of balls you've lost in the woods or lake, the $5 hot dog you always have on hole 13, and the adult beverages... it can be a costly day in the sun. And this doesn't even include the clubs you have in your bag and the ones you've broken over your knee in frustration. If one of those clubs you've snapped has been a driver, here is a list of excellent replacements that are all under $200. These are all clubs that I have either owned or borrowed from my friends.

Before we continue, I have to state that I'm an average golfer (I may be overstating this) and I'm in need of may sessions with a golf pro. However, even with my questionable swinging technique, all of these provided longer distance and a straighter drive.

1. Callaway - FT-5 Driver: When you think of Callaway and drivers, the first thing that comes to mind is Big Bertha, the company's signature club. However, in my experience, the lower end Big Bertha models are nothing but a brand name and do not perform at the level you would expect. The FT-5 retails for over $500 but can be found for right at the $200 mark at www.golfdiscount.com. Check out the specs at this link: www.golfdiscount.com/products/callaway-ft-5-driver

2. Ping - Rapture 460: Webster's dictionary defines the word rapture as a "state of being carried away by overwhelming emotion." This is exactly the feeling you will get after crushing the ball 250 yards right down the fairway. I love this club. It bought this beast for over $300 but it's on sale now at www.tgw.com for $199!

3. Taylor Made Burner 460: It's simply a great club. I had the Taylor Made R7 460 and upgraded at the end of the season and my drives and accuracy have improved. I've been pleased with Taylor Made overall but this is the best I've owned. For more detail, go to www.golfdiscount.com/products/taylormade-burner-460-drivers

4. Adams Insight XTD A3: Wow. I just found this club on www.golfsmith.com for $129.99! This is the club I steal out of my friend's bag every time we play. I have had some of the best rounds of my life swinging his prized possession and, as a result, he has banned me from using it. Perhaps it's because all the bets he's lost. I'm going to take my winnings and finally own this one.

5. Nickent 3DX Square: Listen, all "woods" used to be actually made of wood. So, the fact that they are now making square drivers is just another step towards the future. I've used this driver only a few times but had some great results and it's only $99! Since I can't explain it better I will quote the review at www.squareclubs.com. "The geometry of the 3DX allows more weight to be pushed to the extreme edges of the club, stabilizing the club at impact and reducing clubhead twisting significantly. This means more power is delivered to the golf ball at impact resulting in long drives that still find the fairway most of the time." C'mon. You know you want to be the dude with the freaky square driver in your group. Get it.

And there you have it. Five recommendations from an average player that have all improved my so-called game. If they can help me, they'll make you look like a pro and leave you with some money for the next time the beer cart comes by!