Are you a left-handed golfer? If so, you know that there are some unique challenges that come with playing the game as a lefty. This guide will help you to overcome those challenges and play your best golf game yet. We’ll cover everything from the best clubs and gear to use, to a couple of great left handed golf swing tips. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, read on for helpful advice for maximizing your left-handed golf game.
Key Takeaways
- Lefties face many challenges when playing golf that right-handed golfers don’t.
- With time, practice, and a few well-said tips, left-handed golfers can play just as well as righties, if not better.
- As a left-handed golfer, you need to adjust your stances and swings accordingly to achieve consistent results.
The Struggles of Being a Left-Handed Golfer
As a left-handed golfer, you know that there are some unique struggles that come with the game. From clubs to course design, everything is built for right-handed players, which can make the game either a bit more challenging. Thus, the following might be something you’re all too familiar with:
It’s Hard to Find the Right Clubs
Lefties usually have a harder time finding golf clubs because most of them are designed for right handed players. Moreover, since lefties make up only about 10 percent of the golfing population, there is less demand for left-handed golf clubs. This means left handed golfers often have to pay more for their clubs, or they may have to settle for lower quality clubs than their right handed counterparts.
It’s Even Harder to Find Second Hand Clubs and Gears
As if that’s not enough, left-handed golfers often have a hard time finding second hand golf clubs and gear. This is because left-handed golf clubs are much less common than right-handed ones. As most people are right-handed, the demand for left-handed clubs is much lower. As a result, lefties often have to pay more for pre-loved clubs and gear, or otherwise settle for lower quality secondhand items.
However, some left-handed golfers have found ways to get around these challenges. For example, some lefties will buy right-handed clubs and then have them customized to fit their needs. Others will simply learn to play with right-handed clubs. While this may not be ideal, it can still be a viable option for lefties who want to get into the game of golf.
It’s Harder to Follow Golf Instructions
Despite the availability of online left handed golf swing tips, left handed golf instruction is still often lagging behind that of right handed golfers. This can be frustrating for many lefties, especially those who are just starting out with the sport. Furthermore, golf instruction often relies on visual aids that are mostly designed for righties, making it difficult for lefties to follow along.
In addition, many lefties find that they are constantly having to adjust their grip and stance in order to achieve the same results as their right handed counterparts. As a result, lefties often have a harder time learning the game of golf. However, with a little patience and perseverance, lefties can ultimately succeed in becoming skilled golfers.
It’s Easier to Whiff at the Range
Lefties also have one significant downside: they are much more likely to miss the ball entirely when they swing. This is because lefties tend to stand closer to the ball than righties, which gives them less time to react when the ball is coming at them. Moreover, lefties typically have a shorter backswing, which makes it difficult to generate enough power to make solid contact. As a result, lefties often find themselves whiffing on their shots or putts, especially at the driving range designed for righties.
It’s Harder to Check Your Periphery
Lefties may have a natural advantage when it comes to most sports, but checking their periphery is not one of them. The reason for this is that the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body, and vice versa. This means that left handed golfers have to use the left side of their brain to control their left hand, making it more difficult to keep track of what’s going on around them.
Additionally, a left handed golfer’s left eye tends to be more dominant, which means that they have to turn their head more in order to see what’s going on behind them. As a result, left handed golfers often have a hard time checking their environment, making them more likely to miss hazards or potential danger.
Tips for Playing Golf as a Lefty
As you can see above, you’ll face many unique challenges when playing golf left-handed. But with a little practice and some left handed golf swing tips from the pros, you can become a skilled golfer – maybe even as good as Phil Mickelson (a lefty himself). Check out some of these tricks below.
Use Your Right Hand More
There are a few reasons why left-handed golfers need to use their right hand more often. For one thing, lefties tend to slice the ball more than righties. By using their right hand, lefties can help avoid this tendency.
Most lefties also have more power in their right arm than their left arm. As a result, using the right hand can help lefties generate more clubhead speed and distance. Thirdly, using the right hand can help lefties keep the ball in play more often. And lefties who use their right hand are less likely to hit the ball into the rough or out-of-bounds.
Despite these advantages, there are still some drawbacks to playing right-handed if you’re a lefty. For example, it can be difficult to make the switch from left-handed to right-handed golf. It takes time and practice to get used to using your non-dominant hand.
Playing right-handed can also be tough on your body. Many lefties feel uncomfortable twisting their body to the right when they swing. As a result, lefties who play right-handed often experience pain in their lower back and shoulders.
If you’re a lefty who wants to try playing right-handed golf, it’s important to take things slow at first. Start by practicing with just a few clubs before you head out on the course. And be sure to listen to your body; if you start experiencing pain, take a break or switch back to left-handed golf. With time and practice, you’ll be able to figure out what works best for you.
Be More Creative
Left-handed golfers have always had to be more creative and use their imagination when it comes to the game of golf. One reason for this is because left handed golf clubs are very hard to find. Lefties have always had to make do with right handed clubs, which can be a big disadvantage. To make up for this, left handed golfers have to be very creative when it comes to their swing and their shot selection.
Lefties also have to use their imagination a lot when it comes to putting. This can mean that left-handed golfers have to putt with their left hand under their right arm, or across their body. They often have to use a different grip as well, since the traditional grip for a right-handed golfer is awkward for a left-handed golfer.
While these things can make putting more difficult for left-handed golfers, it also gives them room to be more creative. This is because they’ll have to experiment with different techniques and find what works best for them. As a result, left-handed golfers can develop a unique style that sets them apart from their right-handed counterparts.
Observe Other Left-Handed Golfers
Another great way for lefties to improve their game is to watch other left-handed golfers. By observing how the pros swing, lefties can learn how to better control their shots and make the most of their natural advantages. And that’s not even mentioning the left handed golf swing tips you could learn!
In addition, watching other left-handed golfers can also help you better understand the game from a different perspective. As a result, lefties who take the time to watch other left-handed golfers can greatly improve their game.
Aside from watching the other left-handed golfers who haunt your favorite course, you could try watching the games of previous professional players. Some of the best left-handed pros out there include:
- Phil Mickelson
- Bubba Watson
- Mike Weir
- Bob Charles
- Steve Flesch
- Russ Cochran
- Eric Axley
- Ted Potter Jr.
- Sam Adams
- Nick O’Hern
Play Left-Handed Golf Instead of Right
Left handed golfers need to be aware of the different techniques that other lefties use. As you know, left handed golf is a very different game from right handed golf, and you need to be able to adapt your own game to the different techniques used by other left handed golfers.
For starters, you need to be able to use both hands and feet equally. As a left handed golfer, you also need to be able to keep your left hand low and your right hand high. This will help you keep your clubface square at impact.
Left handed golfers need to be able to swing their club in a straight line, too, as well as be able to control their shots. You also need to be aware of the wind, and adjust your shots accordingly.
Finally, you need to be aware of the different types of left handed clubs available, as well as the different types of left handed grips that can come with them. This will help you choose the right club for the shots you are trying to make.
How to Adjust Your Stances and Swings As a Left-Handed Player
As a left-handed golfer, you may have also noticed that your stances and swings are just a little different than those of right-handed golfers. This can make it a little harder to play well, much less achieve consistent results. To help you out, below are tips on how to adjust your stances and swings to compensate for the fact that you are left-handed.
Maintain the Proper Width Between Your Legs
Because most golf clubs are designed for right-handed golfers, lefties often have to grip the club in their left hand and swing from the right side of their body. This can cause problems with left-handed golfers’ balance, as their left leg is often not in the proper position to provide support. By maintaining the right width in their stance, lefties will be able to retain their balance, allowing them to swing their clubs properly. For best results, your legs should be shoulder width apart. As an added bonus, doing this can also help you if the club is too tall.
Take Good Care of Your Toes and Feet
Lefties are more prone to developing toe and foot problems, such as blisters, calluses, and corns. If you’re one, you should therefore make sure to wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes that provide good support. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight, as this can increase the risk of blisters and other foot disorders. For good measure, you should also take care to keep their feet dry and clean, as fungal infections are more common in lefties. By taking these simple precautions, left-handed golfers like yourself can help prevent toe and foot problems, thus allowing you to gradually improve as you try those left handed golf swing tips.
Improve your Body Posture
One of the main problems is that lefties tend to have poor body posture. This can be a big handicap when trying to improve your golf game. Left handed golfers often have their left shoulder higher than their right, which throws off their balance. Lefties often tend to hunch their shoulders as well, making it difficult to turn their hips and transfer weight correctly during the swing. By improving your body posture, you’ll be able to gradually improve your left handed golf swings.
Check Your Balance
Believe it or not, a left-handed golf swing can be improved by checking your balance. You can do this by using a mirror or having someone video you while you try those left handed golf swing tips. Checking your balance will ensure that your weight is evenly distributed and that you are not shifting it too much during the swing. It will also help you to identify any areas where you may be swinging out of balance. By improving your balance, you will be able to generate more power and accuracy in your left-handed golf swing.
Improve Your Game Through the Guide Above
If you’re a left-handed golfer, don’t despair! You can play just as well (or better) than right-handed golfers by following the left handed golf swing tips and techniques in the guide above. We hope you have found it helpful, and we look forward to seeing your game improve.
