The complete guide to golfing for left-handed players
It’s estimated that around 9.2% of the world’s population is left-handed, and if you belong to this group then you may be wondering if it’s possible to play golf left-handed. The simple answer is - yes! Golf is an inclusive game, and everybody is welcome - all it takes is a few minor adaptations. There’s even a left-handed golfing association that you can join that’s dedicated to left-handed players, so you’re definitely not alone and there’s plenty of support out there for you.
Needless to say, because the number of right-handed people far exceeds the number of left-handers, the world has been designed predominantly for right-handed people, and hence most golf blogs and resources will be written for right-handers. But at golfclubs4cash we’re an inclusive bunch and believe everybody should have the same opportunities when it comes to learning the beautiful game. With a few small alterations, you shouldn’t face anything that will hold you back.
If you’re a left-handed player you’ll be able to perform as well as any right-handed player - all you’ll need is a little tweak to your golfing technique and equipment here and there and you’ll be able to enjoy everything that the golfing green has to offer.
The great news is that at golfclubs4cash we have an ever-increasing range of second hand left-handed golfing equipment available to choose from, like this collection of used left-handed drivers, for example. Browse our range today, and let us know if there is anything in particular you’re looking for and we’ll do our best to get our hands on it for you.
Dive into our article and find out everything you need to know about playing golf left-handed.
Benefits and disadvantages of playing golf left-handed
There aren’t many benefits to playing golf left-handed over right-handed, but studies have shown that left-handed people tend to be more creative, with better intuition, so you may find that as a left-handed golfer you’re more likely to find creative ways out of a sticky situation on the golf course.
Another advantage of being a left-handed golfer is that because left-handed clubs are in less demand than right-handed golf clubs, you may well find that there’s a bargain or two to be had at your used golf club supplier!
There aren’t many downsides to playing golf left-handed either. Although it is widely thought that most golf courses were designed by right-handed people for right-handed people, the truth is that most courses have an equal number of pros and cons for righties and lefties alike.
Another disadvantage is that you won’t be able to borrow a friend’s club to try it out for size (unless they’re a left-hander too). On top of this, a common complaint from left-handed golfers is that it can be really difficult to find a coach who is able to teach them, and all the online how-to videos tend to be right-handed, too.
Most left-handed golfers will agree that by far the biggest disadvantage they come across is that it’s harder to find a good range of left-handed golf clubs to choose from. Some models aren't even available as a left-handed version, and that can really frustrate left-handed players who want to play with the latest gear.
At golfclubs4cash we’re doing our best to improve the choice of clubs available to you as a left-handed player, and we’re growing the number of used left-handed golf clubs we have on offer all the time. Each of our collections has the option to select ‘Left’ - such as this collection of used left-handed fairway woods.
Are there any professional golfers that are left-handed?
Yes - there are plenty! Check out this list of famous left-handed golfers. Perhaps one of the most famous left-handers is Phil Mickelson who has no shortage of golfing accolades under his belt. In fact, although he plays left-handed, he’s actually right-handed in all other aspects! Apparently, this is because he grew up watching and learning from his right-handed golfing father, mirroring his stance and hence practising left-handed.
Bubba Watson is another famous left-handed golfer, and in February 2015 he reached 2nd place in the Official World Golf Ranking so it definitely hasn’t held him back.
So, while it’s true that it’s rarer to come across left-handed golfing professionals, there’s no doubt that there are plenty of them representing left-handers everywhere.
Do I have to play golf left-handed if I’m left-handed?
No - you can play whichever way you find easiest and most comfortable, so it’s a good idea to experiment with both hands to see what feels most natural to you. Playing left-handed means your swing swaps around, so that your left hand and arm are at the back of your swing to give it the driving force.
While some left-handers are dominant on their left side, others are more ambidextrous - meaning they’re able to play with equal ability and coordination on both sides. Some left-handed golfers choose to play right-handed, and this is perfectly fine too. But it’s a good idea to always play on the same side - you’ll need to use the correct equipment, so chopping and changing from one hand to another will get confusing.
Perhaps you’re ambidextrous and you can’t decide which side to play from? Most players know instinctively which side they’re more comfortable playing from, but it’s a good idea to make this a conscious choice so that you experiment with both, decide on a side and commit to it. If you’re in any doubt at all, play a shot from both sides and see which side has the most power. Most people will find that their more dominant side will deliver a more powerful shot.
Once you’ve decided on the strongest side for you, make sure you always practise using that side, as this will help you build up muscle strength and fine motor skills where they are most needed. And if you choose to play left-handed, you’ll need to make sure all your golf clubs are left-handed too.
Should I let my child learn to play golf left-handed?
While it is possible to learn to play golf either left or right-handed, if your child is left-handed then the chances are that they will naturally opt to play left-handed too. Don’t force them into playing right-handed if this is the case - they should always be playing from their strongest side.
What makes a left-handed golf club different from a right-handed one?
The only difference between left-handed and right-handed golf clubs is in the clubhead, which faces in the opposite direction for left-handed players. The shafts and grips are both universal, meaning there’s no difference despite which way around you’re playing. The only exception to this rule is with left-handed putter shafts, because they can be bent.
When it comes to golf accessories such as golf cart bags, stand bags, clothing and golf bags, therefore absolutely no difference at all.
What about a left-handed golf glove?
Because most right-handed players wear their golf glove on their left hand, you’ll need to find a left-handed golf glove that can be worn on your right hand. You’d think that there’d be an over-supply of them, but right-handed golf gloves tend to be supplied individually, rather than as a pair. Left-handed gloves can be much harder to track down than a right-handed one, and it might be worth buying your left-handed golf gloves in bulk once you’ve found one that suits your needs so that you always have a steady supply of them.
What are the main differences when playing left-handed golf?
There are three things that will be different when you play golf left-handed as opposed to right-handed. Firstly, where you stand will be different. Whereas right-handed players will stand on the left of the ball with the hole to their left, left-handed golfers stand to the right of the ball and swing towards a hole on their right.
Secondly, the way your club faces will be different. A right-handed golf club faces to the left (the direction you’re swinging towards), whereas a left-handed golf club will face to the right.
The last difference is the way you grip your golf club. If you’re left-handed, you’ll wear your golf glove on your right hand, with your left hand below your right on the golf club - which is the opposite way around to how a right-handed golfer would hold their club.
Top tips for left-handed golfers
Whether left or right-handed, the most important thing if you want to improve your game is to practise as much as possible, taking every opportunity to get out onto the golf course or driving range to build and refine your skills.
If you want to perfect your game as a left-handed golfer, check out our top tips below - and get in touch if there are any others you’d add to the list!
Perfect your grip
It may be useful to work with a professional golf coach to work on your grip as a left-handed player. A good grip is particularly important for slices and hook shots, so if you feel that this is holding your game back then chat with an expert to see how you could adapt and improve your grip. The fundamentals of a good golf grip are the same no matter which hand you’re playing with - it just needs swapping over.
Work on your stance
There isn’t a golfer in the world who doesn’t spend time perfecting their golf stance, and as a left-hander, you should pay particular attention to this to help you improve your swing. A golfing pro will be able to appraise your stance and show you a few minor adjustments that could be made to take your game to the next level.
Work on your golf swing
Whether left or right-handed, time spent on improving your golf swing will be time well spent. The more time and effort you put into refining your swing, the more you’ll see the benefits pay off. Some golf training academies will have the equipment to be able to film your swing, slow it down and analyse its strengths and weaknesses so that you can work on certain improvements.
Watch other left-handers play
You can learn a lot from watching other left-handed players and seeing which techniques they use to their advantage on the course. And if you can find a left-handed golf coach you’ll be able to benefit from their knowledge and experience, too. You may be able to find fellow left-handed golfers to go out on a round with - this is a great way of swapping tips and learning from others.
Search for the perfect equipment
It’s harder to come across left-handed golf equipment, but you’ll get more choice at more competitive prices when you buy your left-handed golf clubs second hand. Be prepared to put in plenty of time and effort when searching for your left-handed golf equipment, and download our golfclubscash app to be the first to see new items added to our used left-handed club collection.
If you’ve got a healthy budget, you could even look into having your left-handed golf clubs custom-made to suit your needs, but be prepared for this choice to come with a hefty price tag!
In summary
You shouldn’t experience any disadvantages when playing left-handed golf, so don’t let it put you off developing your game and working to lower your golf handicap. With a few adjustments and the right equipment, you’ll be able to compete with right-handed golfers on a level playing field. It’s simply a case of understanding which is your dominant side and making a few minor adjustments to your golf swing and golf equipment to take that into account.
There may be fewer of you in the world than right-handers, but that doesn’t mean it should hold you back in any way. In fact, there is even an international left-handers day in August every year which celebrates left-handed golfers everywhere!
If you’d like to try out some great used left-handed golf clubs, pop into one of our golf stores in Warrington or Edinburgh, or give us a call today. And while you’re visiting, why not treat yourself to a used left-handed pitching wedge or perhaps a second hand left-handed putter to add an extra element of precision to your game?
If you’re further afield, you can take advantage of our comprehensive returns policy and buy your second hand golf clubs online with full confidence, knowing they’re always 100% genuine. Whether buying left-handed or right-handed golf clubs, you can do so safely in the knowledge that it’s the sustainable choice, too.
At golfclubs4cash we pride ourselves on being the biggest second hand golf equipment retailer in Europe, and our unrivalled range of left and right-handed golf clubs must be seen to be believed! If there’s something in particular you’re looking for, be sure to get in touch and we will see what we can do to help. You can also sell your used left-handed golf clubs to us, too - check out our page on how to sell your used golf clubs.