Ava Romero
There is no definitive answer to whether you should golf left- or right-handed. Some sources suggest that golf courses are designed to favour right-handed players, while others argue that the only opponent in golf is the course itself, so it doesn't matter. It is estimated that 5-7% of golfers are left-handed, and some notable golfers have achieved success playing left-handed. Ultimately, it is a personal preference, and some golfers may even switch between left- and right-handed swings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of left-handed golfers in North America | 5-7% |
| Average number of left-handed golfers out of every 30 players | 1 |
| Percentage of left-handed female golfers | 3% |
| Percentage of left-handed people in the general population | 10-12% |
| Percentage of golfers who are left-handed | 12% |
| Number of left-handed professionals on the PGA Tour | 6 |
| First left-handed player to win on the PGA Tour | Bob Charles |
| Year of Bob Charles' PGA Tour win | 1963 |
| First left-handed player to win a major | Bob Charles |
| Year of Bob Charles' major win | 1963 |
| Notable right-handed golfer who plays golf left-handed | Phil Mickelson |
| Notable left-handed golfer who plays golf right-handed | Jordan Spieth |
| Advice for left-handed beginners | Try both sides and adopt the most powerful |
| Suggestion for choosing which side to play from | Choose your dominant side |
| Suggestion for choosing which side to play from | Choose the side that feels most comfortable |
| Suggestion for choosing which side to play from | Choose based on physical limitations |
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What You'll Learn
Handedness in other sports
Handedness, or an individual's preference for using one hand over the other, is a highly heritable trait that is influenced by genetics, biology, and the environment. While the majority of people are right-handed, left-handedness is not uncommon, with left-handers making up around 7 to 12% of the world's population.
Left-handed individuals have been found to have an advantage in certain sports, particularly interactive and competitive sports, which may have contributed to their reproductive success in ancestral populations. This advantage is especially notable in one-on-one sports such as tennis, boxing, fencing, and baseball, where left-handed athletes make up a larger proportion of competitors than their representation in the general population. For example, about 40% of seeded players in tennis are left-handed, and left-handedness is also common in baseball, with the term “southpaw” often used to refer to left-handed pitchers or boxers.
In sports that require aiming skills, such as those involving a ball, eye-hand dominance plays a crucial role. Eye dominance refers to the preference for visual input from one eye over the other, and it does not always match the dominant hand. This can impact performance in sports such as tennis, where the coordination between eye and hand dominance is essential for serving and returning serves.
The overrepresentation of left-handed athletes in certain sports may be due to a combination of genetic advantages, strategic benefits, and the element of surprise against right-handed opponents, who are more accustomed to competing against other right-handers. In sports with a smaller physical distance between participants, such as table tennis, badminton, and cricket, left-handed athletes are more prevalent, further highlighting their advantage in close-quarters interactions.
While left-handedness may provide an edge in specific sports, it is important to note that athletic proficiency also depends on various other factors, including practice, strategy, and individual skills.
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Left-handed golfers: statistics
While left-handed people make up 10 to 12 percent of the population, only 5 to 7 percent of golfers are left-handed. This disparity is often attributed to the historical lack of equipment for left-handed golfers, with left-handed clubs being particularly difficult to find in the past. Even today, left-handed golfers may face challenges in finding suitable equipment, with limited options available in stores and online.
There are several other factors that may contribute to the lower number of left-handed golfers. Many instructional resources for golf, such as literature and videos, are geared towards right-handed players, making it more difficult for left-handed individuals to learn the game. Additionally, golf courses are predominantly designed for right-handed play, and left-handed golfers may feel that the courses are biased against them.
The scarcity of left-handed golfers has led to some unique challenges for lefties on the course. For example, golf etiquette typically dictates that players position themselves away from the periphery of the player who is swinging. However, this can be challenging for left-handed golfers playing alongside right-handed golfers who are accustomed to maneuvering around other right-handed players.
Despite these challenges, there have been several notable left-handed golfers who have achieved success in the sport. Bob Charles, a New Zealander, was the first left-handed player to win on the PGA Tour, claiming victory at the Houston Open and the British Open in 1963. Other left-handed golfers on the PGA Tour include Mike Weir, Bubba Watson, and Brian Harman.
While left-handed golfers may be less common, it is important to note that modern consensus suggests that it may not make a significant difference in terms of performance. TJ Balhon, Assistant General Manager of the Diamond Bar Golf Course in LA, California, has stated that he does not believe there is "much difference between playing right-handed or left".
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Golf course design
Firstly, let's acknowledge the challenges faced by left-handed golfers. They often feel outnumbered on golf courses and it can be a struggle to find suitable equipment, with many retailers offering limited options for lefties. This equipment disparity also extends to golf courses, which often cater primarily to right-handed players.
However, effective golf course design can benefit left-handed golfers. Course strategy can be tailored to lefties by placing hazards and obstacles in areas that are more challenging for right-handed golfers to navigate. Shot selection and shaping can also be optimized for left-handed golfers' natural swing tendencies.
Additionally, greens can be designed with left-handed players in mind, allowing for the optimal angle and direction of putts. This design consideration can enhance the performance and experience of left-handed golfers, as they no longer feel like an afterthought on the course.
When it comes to putting, chipping, and bunker play, left-handed golfers should adjust their techniques to suit their dominant hand. For instance, adopting a left-handed grip and stance for putting, and modifying their chipping technique for accuracy and precision.
While it's challenging to create a golf course that is completely fair to all golfers, course designers can implement strategies to make the game more inclusive for left-handed players. This can involve considering the unique advantages of left-handed golfers and incorporating design elements that complement their natural swing and playing style.
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Choosing a side
Choosing which side to play golf from is a highly personal decision. While some people might be naturally inclined to choose their dominant hand, others might feel more comfortable with their non-dominant hand. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what feels most powerful and comfortable for the individual.
Some golfers might opt to play on their dominant side, as this can provide an advantage in terms of power and consistency. The dominant hand is responsible for releasing the club head in a golf swing, so choosing this side can make the swing feel more natural and intuitive. This is particularly important for beginners, who may find it easier to develop proper technique when playing from their dominant side.
However, it's worth noting that not everyone chooses to play on their dominant side. Some golfers might feel more comfortable playing on their non-dominant side, as it can feel more powerful or natural for them. Additionally, factors such as equipment availability, the desire to share club sets with family members, or the influence of parents, coaches, or peers may encourage golfers to choose one side over the other.
While the majority of golfers tend to be right-handed, with estimates ranging from 90% to 95% of the golfing population, there are still a significant number of left-handed golfers. Left-handed golfers make up about 5% to 12% of the golfing population, and several notable professionals, such as Phil Mickelson and Bob Charles, have achieved success playing from the left side.
Ultimately, the decision of which side to choose comes down to personal preference and comfort. Golfers should experiment with both sides and choose the one that feels most powerful and natural for them. While it can be challenging to switch sides once a decision is made, it is not impossible, and some golfers may even find success playing as a switch-hitter, adopting different sides for different shots or situations.
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Equipment availability
If you're a left-handed golfer, you may have noticed that finding the right equipment can be challenging. Left-handed golfers make up only about 5 to 7% of the North American market, and historically, the scarcity of left-handed equipment has affected player preferences. However, this trend has been changing in recent years, with more manufacturers offering left-handed options.
While it may still be difficult to find left-handed equipment at local stores, there are now online retailers dedicated specifically to left-handed golfers, offering the newest models of clubs and accessories from leading manufacturers. These websites cater to the unique needs of left-handed golfers, ensuring they have access to the same quality, innovation, and performance as their right-handed counterparts.
Despite these improvements, it's important to note that not all manufacturers produce every model in their lineup in a left-handed version, particularly when it comes to blade-style irons for lower handicap players. This is due to the difficulty in manufacturing these clubs and the lower demand from left-handed golfers. As a result, left-handed golfers may have limited options when it comes to selecting their clubs.
To navigate these challenges, left-handed golfers have developed strategies such as adapting their swing technique and leveraging their natural advantages on certain holes. It's also crucial for left-handed golfers to carefully choose a location for their club fitting that offers a wide enough selection of left-handed clubs to find the best fit for their game.
In conclusion, while equipment availability for left-handed golfers has improved, there is still room for growth. Left-handed golfers may need to be more selective and resourceful when it comes to finding the right equipment, but with dedicated online retailers and an increasing number of manufacturers offering left-handed options, the options are expanding.
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Frequently asked questions
Left-handed golfers make up about 5 to 7 percent of the North American market. Golf pros estimate that on average, 1 out of every 30 players is left-handed.
Yes, most golf courses are designed for right-handed play. However, some people argue that golf architects like to place hazards in the busiest places, which evens things out for left-handed players.
Some people believe that playing left-handed gives you a powerful backhand and a precise forehand, giving you an advantage over right-handed opponents.
If you find holding the club easier with your right hand on top and left hand below, you are likely a right-handed golfer. If the opposite is true, you are likely a left-handed golfer.
Modern consensus appears to lean towards the fact that it doesn't matter much if you are left-handed or right-handed. Jordan Spieth, for example, throws left-handed but swings right-handed. He suggests that junior golfers try both and adopt whatever feels the most powerful.
