Trevor Ng
There is no definitive answer to whether you should play golf left- or right-handed. It is a decision that is usually made by accident, and only 5-7% of golfers in North America are left-handed. Some people believe that you should play on your dominant side, while others suggest that you should choose the side that feels more powerful or comfortable. Some golfers, like Jordan Spieth, even play on their non-dominant side. It is important to learn how to swing fast and build up your golf muscles, and you can always stick to the side that feels best for you.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of left-handed golfers in North America | 5-7% |
| Percentage of left-handed golfers in Canada | 30% |
| Percentage of left-handed people in the general population | 10-12% |
| Percentage of left-handed golfers worldwide | 1 out of every 30 players |
| Determining factors for choosing a golf hand | Power, comfort, physical limitations, dominant hand, dominant eye, dominant brain |
| Notable left-handed golfers | Mike Weir, Bob Charles, Phil Mickelson |
| Notable right-handed golfers who play golf left-handed | Jordan Spieth, Phil Mickelson |
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What You'll Learn
- Left-handed golfers make up 5-7% of the North American market
- Some golfers choose a side based on physical limitations
- Some courses are considered to be biased against left-handed golfers
- Some golfers choose to play on their non-dominant side
- Some golfers switch between left and right-handed clubs during play
Left-handed golfers make up 5-7% of the North American market
Left-handed golfers have historically struggled to find suitable equipment, with manufacturers only recently beginning to produce a wider variety of left-handed clubs. This scarcity of left-handed equipment has likely contributed to the lower number of left-handed golfers compared to the general population.
Additionally, there is a perception among some left-handed golfers that golf courses are designed to favour right-handed players. For example, since most golfers tend to slice their drives, or hit it left-to-right, many public courses put more out-of-bounds hazards on the left side, which can disadvantage left-handed players who slice their drives. However, some dispute this claim, arguing that the layout of the course does not significantly affect a golfer's performance and that it is up to the individual golfer to adapt and play the best game they can.
The influence of parents, coaches, and pros may also play a role in the lower percentage of left-handed golfers. There are accounts of parents encouraging their children to use right-handed clubs, and some coaches and pros have advised players to switch to their right hand.
Despite these challenges, some left-handed golfers have achieved notable success in the sport. For example, New Zealander Bob Charles was the first left-handed player to win on the PGA Tour, taking the Houston Open and the British Open in 1963. More recently, Phil Mickelson, who is right-handed but plays golf left-handed, has achieved success on the PGA Tour.
Ultimately, the decision to play golf left- or right-handed is a personal one, and there is no definitive right or wrong way. Some golfers feel more comfortable playing with their dominant hand, while others find it easier to use their non-dominant hand. It is recommended that golfers experiment with both sides and choose whichever feels most natural to them.
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Some golfers choose a side based on physical limitations
Some golfers choose a side based on their physical limitations. For instance, war amputees playing golf with one leg and one arm. Phil Mickelson, a right-handed golfer, chose to play left-handed to face his right-handed father during practice. Jordan Spieth is another example of a golfer who throws left-handed but swings a club right-handed.
Golfers should choose the side with which they feel they have more power. It is more important to learn how to swing fast and build up golf muscles than which side you swing from.
There are several factors that can influence a golfer's choice of side, such as physical limitations, comfort, and power. For example, some golfers choose their dominant side, while others choose the side that feels more comfortable or powerful. Additionally, the type of swing can depend on the individual's unique body characteristics.
Some golfers also consider the availability of clubs when choosing a side. Right-handed clubs are more readily available than left-handed clubs, which have been scarce until recent years. However, some golfers choose to play on the opposite side of their dominant hand to have more club options.
It is worth noting that there is no inherent advantage to being a right-handed or left-handed golfer. Golf course design and club selection do not provide an advantage to either type of golfer. The performance of a golfer depends on their individual skills and ability to play under pressure.
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Some courses are considered to be biased against left-handed golfers
While the general consensus is that there is no advantage to being a right-handed golfer over a left-handed golfer, some left-handed golfers feel that certain golf courses are biased against them. This perceived bias is influenced by a variety of factors, including the design of the course, the availability of left-handed equipment, and the dominance of right-handed players.
Historically, the scarcity of left-handed golf equipment has impacted the preferences of left-handed golfers, but this has improved in recent years. The success of PGA star Phil Mickelson in the 1990s played a significant role in increasing the availability of left-handed clubs. Despite this improvement, left-handed golfers may still encounter challenges due to a lack of options and biases within the industry.
The layout of a golf course can also contribute to the perception of bias against left-handed golfers. Many public courses place more out-of-bounds hazards on the left side to accommodate the tendency of right-handed golfers to slice their drives, or hit left-to-right. This course design can pose additional challenges for left-handed golfers, who may feel that the layout favors their right-handed counterparts.
Furthermore, the dominance of right-handed golfers and the traditional design of golf courses for right-handed play can reinforce the perception of bias. As most golfers tend to be right-handed, the majority of courses are designed and set up with right-handed players in mind. This can include the positioning of tees, the direction of play, and the placement of hazards, all of which can inadvertently create a more challenging experience for left-handed golfers.
To address these challenges, some left-handed golfers have developed strategies to adapt to right-handed courses, and there has been a steady growth in the number of left-handed golfers, particularly in Canada compared to the United States. While course layout and equipment availability may influence player preferences, determining one's dominant hand and practicing swings from both sides can help golfers decide which approach works best for them.
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Some golfers choose to play on their non-dominant side
Golfers may choose to play on their non-dominant side due to various reasons, including comfort, power, and equipment availability. Some individuals may feel more comfortable swinging from a particular side, regardless of their dominant hand. For example, a right-handed person might find it more comfortable to swing a golf club left-handed, as evident in the case of Jordan Spieth, who throws left-handed but swings a golf club right-handed.
The choice of the non-dominant side can also be influenced by the perception of power and force. Some golfers believe that using their dominant hand as the trail hand in the swing provides more power and control. This is because the dominant hand is responsible for releasing the club head, and having it as the trail hand allows for a more natural and powerful motion, similar to throwing a ball.
Additionally, equipment availability can be a factor. For example, a golfer who is left-handed but learns to play right-handed due to limited access to left-handed clubs may continue playing on their non-dominant side even if left-handed equipment becomes available later. This was the case for Phil Mickelson, who is right-handed but plays golf left-handed because he wanted to emulate his father when he was young.
The decision to play on the non-dominant side is often made early in a golfer's career and can be influenced by various factors, including comfort, power, and equipment availability. Once a golfer has established their playing style, it can be challenging to switch between dominant and non-dominant sides.
It's worth noting that there is no right or wrong way to play golf regarding handedness. Golfers should choose whichever style feels most comfortable and allows them to generate the most power and consistency in their swings.
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Some golfers switch between left and right-handed clubs during play
Golfers usually decide whether to play left- or right-handed by accident, and it can be challenging to switch once a decision has been made. Some golfers, however, do switch between left and right-handed clubs during play. This is perfectly acceptable according to the official rules of golf.
Some golfers find that swinging with their non-dominant hand is more comfortable and better for their back. For instance, a golfer might write and throw a ball with their right hand but find that they feel more powerful swinging a golf club left-handed.
Jordan Spieth is an example of a golfer who throws left-handed but swings a club right-handed. He advises junior golfers to try both and adopt whatever feels the most powerful. He also notes that it is more important to focus on learning how to swing fast and building up golf muscles when you are young, and you can learn to control it as you get older.
Some golfers switch between left and right-handed clubs during the same round of golf. For example, a golfer might use a right-handed club from the tee blocks and then switch to a left-handed club when they are within 10-20 yards of the green.
Golfers who switch between left and right-handed clubs during play may do so because they feel more comfortable or powerful with a particular club or because they want to try out different styles and see what kind of reaction they get from other golfers.
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Frequently asked questions
It's generally recommended to play with your dominant side, but some people find it more comfortable to swing with their non-dominant side. If you're not sure which side is your dominant side, try the "drive leg" test: stand up straight and ask someone to push you gently from behind. If your left leg moves forward first, you're probably right-handed, and vice versa.
There is no inherent advantage to playing golf with either hand. Some people believe that golf courses are designed to be easier for right-handed golfers, but this is disputed by others. In any case, it's up to the individual golfer to perform well and navigate the course.
Yes, several high-profile golfers have played with their non-dominant hand, including Jordan Spieth, who throws left-handed but swings a golf club right-handed, and Phil Mickelson, who is right-handed but swings left-handed.
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