Overcoming the Challenges of Left-Handed Golf: Tips and Strategies

Is left-handed golf really that different from right-handed golf? Some would argue the differences are significant, while others believe that once you’re off the tee, it’s not all that different. There are pros and cons to being a left-handed golfer and a few strategies to help you play your best. While less than 10% of golfers are left-handed, you’re part of a unique group—one that everyone remembers, so you’ve got that going for you!

Equipment Availability: The Good and Bad

The bad news for lefty golfers is that left-handed golf equipment can be more difficult to find than right-handed equipment. Depending on the club’s model, some companies won’t even make clubheads for lefties.

Mizuno had a reputation for not having players irons for left-handed golfers. In their new releases, like the Mizuno Pro 245, left-handed irons are available in 4-GW. Right-handed golfers have the option for 2-GW. It’s progress.

It’s harder for a left-handed golfer to walk into a shop expecting they have what you need. However, custom fitters should carry a wide range of left-handed equipment.

Here’s the good news.

The deals on left-handed golf equipment are almost always better than what you’ll find for right-handed players. My husband is a lefty, and I’ve found some great discounts on golf clubs for him over the years.

You’ll see these deals, especially on golf clubs that are a year or two old. Manufacturers want to eliminate all their older left-handed models.

Course Layouts Are Generally Right-Handed

Golf course layouts are often designed with right-handed golfers in mind. Alignment lines can get a little tricky for left-handed players. It just takes a little awareness to overcome this issue.

I can tell you that most of the time, the person setting up the golf course for the day is a righty. The tee box alignment may be better suited for right-handed players.

Keep your ball between the tee markers, but don’t let their alignment guide your shot.

Flipping Advice for a Slice or Hook

One of the most confusing things about being a left-handed golfer is reading instructional posts. Something like “how to fix a slice” or “how to hit a draw” has to be flipped around.

As I write golf content, I’ve tried to become more mindful of this in the last few years. You’ll find some content that uses “lead side” and “trailside” to try and help the left-handed player. Look for instructional advice dedicated specifically to lefties. Golf is confusing, and when you have to flip all of the information, it only increases the difficulty.

Practice on the Far Left Side of the Range

When practicing on the driving range, head to the far left side.

From this position, you won’t feel like you are practicing with the right-handed golfer in front of you.

Also, let’s face it: unless the golfer in front of you is a good player, the last thing you want to do is pick up on some of their habits. Unless you see a right-handed professional on the range, leave and head to the far left side.

Growing up, my Dad was a left-handed golfer. As I started getting into the game and becoming a better player, I would send him to the left side of the range while I went to the far right side of the range. In this case, he had some habits and swing flaws that I did not want to pick up on!

Inconsistent Swing Feedback from Coaches

Left-handed golfers can run into trouble finding golf coaches who are comfortable teaching lefties. Ask the professional you are working with if they have taught lefty golfers in the past.

In addition, there are a number of great videos on YouTube where you can see instructors who deal specifically with lefty golfers. From a visual learning perspective, it’s good for you to see these instead of only consuming right-handed golf instructional content.

Remember How Tee Boxes Work

One last tip for left-handed golfers. You might be tempted to tee off from the tee box’s left side, giving you plenty of room to set up and swing. However, try to avoid this. This area often gets trampled since right-handed golfers tend to stand there all day.

While keeping your golf ball within the teeing area is a requirement, your feet don’t have to be inside the tee markers. Feel free to use the right side of the tee box, even if it means your feet are slightly outside the markers. It might help you find better grass, especially when teeing off on a par three. You may also like the look of the hole from that side of the box. Give it a try.

The post Overcoming the Challenges of Left-Handed Golf: Tips and Strategies appeared first on MyGolfSpy.