Approximately 10% of the world’s population are left-handed, and yet they seem to be left-out or forgotten about in multiple industries and sports. Luckily for you lefties, golf is not one of them and you will be able to play this inclusive game just as well as the right-handed members of society.
At Cash Fore Clubs, we are passionate about ensuring that golf is an inclusive sport that can be played by everyone, regardless of their age, gender, ability, or dominant hand! In this article, we are going to discuss everything you need to know about left-handed golf clubs, and give you our recommendations on the best left-handed golf clubs on the market.
Do I have to play left-handed golf if I am left-handed?
If you’re a left-handed golf enthusiast, you might be wondering whether it is compulsory to play with left-handed clubs or not. The answer is no – you should play whichever way you find most comfortable, so it is important (for right-handed players as well) to experiment with both hands to discover which way feels most natural and easy for you.
However, it is a good idea to choose which way you prefer, and stick to it. The correct equipment changes between left-handed and right-handed swings, so it will get confusing if you chop and change from one hand to another throughout a round of golf.
As well as this, making sure to only ever practise on your chosen side will mean that your muscle strength and fine motor skills will be built up more on the side that they are required!
What are the benefits of playing golf left-handed?
While there aren’t necessarily any golf-related benefits to playing left-handed rather than right-handed, brain scans indicate that left-handed people think differently from right-handed people, tending to activate the right half of the brain more. Experts have suggested that this difference could make creativity come more easily. In the context of golf, you might be able to more easily find creative ways out of difficult situations on the course.
As well as this, due to the fact that there are nine times the number of right-handed people in the world than left-handed, left-handed golf clubs are much less in demand. This could mean that you could get cheaper deals or better discounts on purchasing left-handed clubs.
What are the downsides to playing golf-left handed?
Probably the biggest disadvantage of being a left-handed golfer is the lack of good-quality left-handed clubs. Some manufacturers and models don’t have left-handed versions, which can be incredibly frustrating when searching for the perfect clubs!
This also means that, unless your golfing-buddy is another leftie, you won’t be able to borrow their clubs and test out what works for you. As a beginner, this can be really annoying – especially as a lot of the resources on the internet tend to be targeted at right-handed golfers as well.
What’s the difference between left-handed and right-handed golf clubs?
There aren’t many differences between left-handed and right-handed golf clubs. The shafts and grips are both universal, meaning that it doesn’t matter which way round you’re playing (apart from left-handed putter shafts, because they can be bent).
That being said, the main difference between right-handed and left-handed golf clubs is the way the club faces. A right-handed club faces the left, whereas a left-handed club faces the right. This is because left-handed golfers stand to the right hand side of the ball, and swing towards the hole on their right, whereas for right-handed golfers, this is the other way round!
How to find the best left-handed golf clubs for you
Make sure you research all of your options when trying to find left-handed golf clubs that meet your unique needs. Start with top golfing brands such as Callaway, PXG and Ping. Just like with any player choosing golf clubs, make sure you consider the flex, weight and loft angle, and try out a number of different options in store to learn which you find the most comfortable.
The shaft flex is probably the biggest and most important consideration when purchasing clubs, because it can directly affect the performance of the player’s swing. If the shaft is too stiff it can cause a less accurate or shorter swing. On the other hand (pardon the pun), if the shaft is too flexible, it can cause a loss of control!
Like any other golfer, left-handed players need to take their swing speed, ball flight and personal preferences into account when determining the best shaft flex for their clubs. Getting fitted by a professional can help with this a lot!
Other frequently asked questions about left-handed golf clubs
Are left-handed golf clubs cheaper or more expensive than right-handed clubs?
Left-handed golf clubs aren’t necessarily more or less expensive than right-handed clubs. Just like with right-handed clubs, prices can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Brand
- Quality
- Specific features
- Age
- Condition
- Demand
Why do left-handed golfers need particular clubs?
Left-handed golfers require clubs specifically designed for their dominant hand to ensure optimal performance and comfort during play. Using right-handed clubs can lead to difficulty when controlling the swing.
Can left-handed golfers customise their clubs?
Yes, left-handed golfers can customise their clubs, in the same way as right-handed players, to better suit their playing style. This customisation could include adjusting shaft length, lie angle, grip size, and clubhead design to improve performance.
Are there any specific brands that specialise in left-handed golf clubs?
While there aren’t any manufacturers that specifically specialise in left-handed clubs only, several brands offer various different ranges of left-handed golf clubs and understand the specific needs of left-handed golfers.
How Cash Fore Clubs can help
At Cash Fore Clubs, we offer a range of different new and second-hand clubs, all checked by a qualified PGA professional, that come with a 30-day money back guarantee. This means you can create a bespoke set of clubs that meet your needs, whether you’re right or left-handed!
Visit our Chippenham store to get fitted for left-handed golf clubs that meet your requirements as suit your style, or contact us to discover how we can help you!
