Trevor Ng
The age-old question of whether being a right-handed golfer is better than being a left-handed golfer has been a topic of discussion for many years. While some may argue that right-handed golfers have more club options and that golf courses are designed to favour them, others claim that there is no advantage to being a righty or a lefty golfer. So, which hand should you use when playing golf, and does it even matter? Let's explore the pros and cons of being a right-handed golfer and examine if it truly gives you an edge over left-handed players.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of left-handed golfers in North America | 5-7% |
| Percentage of left-handed golfers in Canada | 30% |
| Percentage of left-handed golfers in the population | 10-12% |
| Percentage of left-handed golfers among professionals on the PGA Tour | 6/72 (approx. 8%) |
| Factors influencing the decision to golf lefty or righty | Proportion of left-handed golfers in the population, external influences on player preferences, impact of being left-handed, availability of left-handed equipment |
| Perceived bias against left-handed golfers | Yes |
| Course layout favoring right-handed golfers | Yes |
| Jordan Spieth's advice to junior golfers | Try both and adopt whatever feels the most powerful |
| GOLF Top 100 Teacher Terry Rowles' opinion | No right or wrong way of doing it |
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What You'll Learn
Golf course design often favours right-handed players
Golf is an individual sport, and a player's skill depends on their ability to perform under pressure. While some sources claim that golf course designs often favour right-handed players, others argue that it does not matter whether one is a left-handed or right-handed golfer.
Historically, golf courses were designed for right-handed play, and left-handed golfers were considered "wrong-handed". It was believed that left-handed golfers had a statistical advantage on certain holes, so many public courses placed more out-of-bounds hazards on the left side to compensate. Additionally, the availability of left-handed golf equipment was limited until recent years, which may have influenced the dominance of right-handed golfers and course designs.
However, the consensus among golfers and course managers is that the layout of a golf course does not significantly affect a player's performance or their opportunity to excel at the game. TJ Balhon, Assistant General Manager of the Diamond Bar Golf Course in LA, California, stated, "I don't think there's much difference between playing right-handed or left." Similarly, Eric Westerman, head professional at The Homage in Texas, noted that he plays right-handed but can make a left-handed shot without using a left-handed golf club.
Furthermore, the percentage of left-handed golfers is increasing, with about 12% of golfers being left-handed and six professionals on the PGA Tour. Canada has a notably higher percentage of left-handed golfers, with about 30% of players, including Mike Weir.
While golf course designs may have traditionally favoured right-handed players due to the higher prevalence of right-handed golfers, modern courses seem to be moving towards accommodating both left- and right-handed players equally.
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There is a wider selection of right-handed clubs
There is a wider selection of right-handed golf clubs available for purchase. This is due to the fact that the majority of golfers are right-handed, and so the market has historically catered to them.
The percentage of left-handed golfers is estimated to be between 5 and 12 percent, with the majority of these left-handed golfers being right-hand dominant. This means that there is a smaller market for left-handed clubs, and so there is less incentive for manufacturers to produce a wide variety of these clubs.
In recent years, the availability of left-handed golf equipment has improved, with more options becoming available. However, left-handed golfers still face challenges due to the historical scarcity of left-handed equipment and biases in the industry. For example, some golf courses may not cater to the needs of left-handed golfers, with the majority of hazards being placed on the left side of the course, which is where left-handed golfers tend to slice their drives.
As a result of the wider selection of right-handed clubs, right-handed golfers may have more options when it comes to choosing clubs that suit their unique playing style and needs. They may also have better access to specialized clubs that can provide an advantage on certain holes or in certain situations.
Overall, while the availability of left-handed golf equipment is improving, there is still a wider selection of right-handed clubs available on the market. This may provide right-handed golfers with a greater opportunity to find clubs that enhance their performance and improve their game.
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Left-handed golfers are more common in Canada
There is a higher prevalence of left-handed golfers in Canada compared to other countries. While only about 10% of the general population is left-handed, estimates of left-handed golfers in Canada range from 20% to 30%, with some anecdotal reports of this figure rising to 40% in recreational golf. This is in contrast to the rest of North America, where only 5-7% of golfers are left-handed. So, what is the reason for this discrepancy?
One theory attributes the higher number of left-handed golfers in Canada to the influence of hockey. Hockey is a popular sport in Canada, with more participants than golf. When playing hockey, individuals often use their dominant hand at the top of the stick, which results in a left-handed grip for right-hand-dominant players. This left-handed grip in hockey may then translate to a left-handed golf swing, as the basics of the swing are already ingrained. This theory is supported by the observation that sales of hockey sticks in Canada show a preference for "left-handed" sticks, indicating that many right-handed individuals are playing hockey left-handed.
Another factor contributing to the prevalence of left-handed golfers in Canada could be the success of Canadian left-handed golfers, such as Mike Weir, who won the Masters in 2003. This victory may have inspired more Canadians to take up left-handed golf, as it became cool to play left-handed in the country.
It is worth noting that the concept of "handedness" in golf and other stick sports, such as hockey and baseball, is complex. The way a player addresses the ball may not always correspond to their dominant hand but can be influenced by cultural factors, instruction, and initial instincts related to the specific sport. For example, Jordan Spieth, a professional golfer, throws left-handed but swings a golf club right-handed.
In conclusion, while there is a higher prevalence of left-handed golfers in Canada, it is challenging to definitively attribute this solely to the influence of hockey or the success of left-handed golfers like Mike Weir. The decision to play golf left- or right-handed is likely a combination of cultural, instructional, and individual factors that vary across golfers.
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Right-handed golfers may experience less back pain
Golfers usually decide whether to play right- or left-handed by accident, and it can be challenging to switch between the two once a decision has been made. While there is no inherent advantage to playing golf with either hand, there are some factors that may influence right-handed golfers to experience less back pain.
Firstly, the availability of right-handed golf clubs is generally higher than that of left-handed clubs. This greater availability means that right-handed golfers may have a wider range of club options to choose from, potentially enabling them to find clubs that better suit their individual needs and preferences. Having access to a broader selection of clubs can enhance a golfer's comfort and performance, reducing the risk of back strain or injury.
Secondly, historical biases in golf course design have favoured right-handed players. Many golf courses are designed with more hazards, such as bunkers and out-of-bounds areas, on the left side of the course. This layout poses more challenges for left-handed golfers, who tend to slice their drives to the left. By contrast, right-handed golfers may find that their natural slice keeps their ball in play and away from these hazards, potentially reducing the strain on their backs.
Additionally, societal and cultural influences have also played a role in shaping the prevalence of right-handed golfers. In the past, there was a stigma associated with left-handedness in golf, and left-handed golfers often faced discrimination and a lack of specialised equipment. As a result, parents, coaches, and professionals often encouraged young players, including those who might be left-hand dominant, to adopt a right-handed golf swing. This encouragement contributed to a higher proportion of right-handed golfers and influenced the development of golf courses and equipment to cater to the needs of right-handed players.
While these factors may suggest potential advantages for right-handed golfers in terms of equipment availability, course design, and cultural influences, it is important to note that individual factors, such as dominant hand and personal comfort, are crucial in determining a golfer's success and their risk of experiencing back pain.
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Determining your dominant hand is crucial for developing as a golfer
There are a variety of factors that influence whether a golfer chooses to play left- or right-handed, including the proportion of left-handed golfers in the population, external influences on player preferences, the impact of being a left-handed golfer, and the availability of left-handed equipment. Historically, the number of left-handed golfers was affected by course bias and the scarcity of left-handed equipment, but this has improved in recent years.
Practicing swings from both sides can help determine your dominant hand. It is also useful to evaluate other aspects of your life, such as which hand you write with or hold a fork with. Oftentimes, this dominant hand will be the same hand used for playing golf. However, this is not always the case, as some people may feel more comfortable swinging a golf club from the opposite side.
For example, Jordan Spieth, who is ambidextrous, throws and shoots left-handed but swings a golf club right-handed. When asked for advice for junior golfers wondering which side to swing from, Spieth suggested trying both and adopting whatever feels the most powerful. He emphasized that whichever side feels more powerful is likely the better choice.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to play golf left- or right-handed is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong way. It is important to determine your dominant hand and practice from both sides to find what feels most comfortable and powerful for you.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no definitive answer to this question as success in golf depends on a variety of factors, including practice, comfort, and dominance of the hand. Both right-handed and left-handed golfers can be successful, and it is essential to determine your dominant hand to develop as a golfer.
Industry experts estimate that around 90% of golfers are right-handed, while left-handed golfers make up about 5 to 7% of the North American market.
There is no inherent advantage to being a right-handed golfer over a left-handed golfer or vice versa. However, some left-handed golfers feel that golf courses are biased against them, with more hazards on the left side catering to the majority right-handed golfers.
Historically, there has been a scarcity of left-handed golf equipment, and right-handed golfers have had more club options. However, in recent years, the availability of left-handed equipment has improved, providing more options for left-handed golfers.
To determine which hand to use for golfing, you can evaluate your dominant hand in other activities, such as writing or throwing a ball. You can also practice swinging a golf club from both sides and choose the one that feels more comfortable and powerful.
