Are you a beginner golfer wondering whether you should play left or right-handed? Or are you a seasoned golfer who wants to switch from one hand to the other?
Either way, choosing the right hand to play with can be a daunting task. While some golfers believe that playing with your dominant hand is the best approach, others swear by playing with the non-dominant hand. So, what’s the right way to go?
To answer this question, you need to understand the basics of golf swing and the differences between right-handed and left-handed play. You also need to consider influential left and right-handed golfers, common myths and misconceptions, and how to choose the right equipment.
By weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision that suits your playing style and preferences.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the basics of golf swing is crucial in choosing the right hand to play with.
- There is no one-size-fits-all approach to playing golf left or right-handed, and you need to weigh the pros and cons of each option.
- Choosing the right equipment and debunking common myths and misconceptions can help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Basics of Golf Swing
1. Role of Dominant Hand
When it comes to golf swing, the role of your dominant hand is crucial. If you are right-handed, you might assume that playing golf right-handed is the way to go.
However, some golfers find that playing left-handed can be more comfortable and natural. Jordan Spieth, for example, is a right-handed person but plays golf left-handed.
The reason behind this is that your dominant hand becomes your lead hand in golf, which means it controls the clubface’s position at impact. If your dominant hand is not as coordinated as your non-dominant hand, you might struggle to get the clubface square at impact.
2. Grip
Another essential aspect of golf swing is grip. Your grip affects your swing’s path, face angle, and clubhead speed. The grip’s position and pressure can also influence how you release the club through impact.
Most golfers use the overlapping or interlocking grip, where your hands are connected in some way. However, some golfers use the ten-finger or baseball grip, where both hands grip the club independently.
The grip’s pressure should be firm but not too tight, as it can restrict the club’s movement and cause tension in your arms and hands. Additionally, you should position your hands on the club correctly, with your left thumb pointing down the shaft and your right thumb pointing slightly to the right of the center.
3. Stand
Your stance is the foundation of your swing, and it affects your balance, weight distribution, and body rotation. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with your toes pointing slightly outward. Your weight should be evenly distributed between your feet, with a slight tilt towards your toes.
The ball position also affects your stance, with different clubs requiring different ball positions. For example, with a driver, you should position the ball off your left heel, while with a wedge, you should position the ball off your right toe.
Right-Handed Vs Left-Handed Play
When it comes to playing golf, one of the first decisions you need to make is whether to play right-handed or left-handed. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. In this section, we will explore the advantages of right-handed play and left-handed play.
Advantages of Right-Handed Play
If you are right-handed, playing golf right-handed may feel more natural and comfortable to you.
This is because your dominant hand is your right hand, and using it to swing the club may feel more intuitive. Additionally, most golf courses are designed for right-handed play, with the majority of hazards and obstacles placed to the left of the fairway.
This means that right-handed players have an easier time avoiding these hazards and keeping their shots on track.
Advantages of Left-Handed Play
If you are left-handed, playing golf left-handed may feel more comfortable and natural to you.
This is because your dominant hand is your left hand, and using it to swing the club may feel more intuitive. Additionally, left-handed golfers have a slight advantage when it comes to putting.
This is because most greens slope from right to left, and left-handed golfers have a better view of the line of the putt.
However, left-handed golfers may face some challenges on the course. Most golf courses are designed for right-handed play, which means that left-handed golfers may have a harder time avoiding hazards and obstacles placed to the right of the fairway. Additionally, left-handed golfers may have a harder time finding left-handed clubs and equipment, which can make it more difficult to find the right gear for their game.
| Right-Handed Play | Left-Handed Play |
|---|---|
| Dominant hand is right hand | Dominant hand is left hand |
| Most golf courses are designed for right-handed play | Most golf courses are designed for right-handed play |
| Easier time avoiding hazards and obstacles placed to the left of the fairway | Better view of the line of the putt |
| More equipment and club options available | Harder time finding left-handed clubs and equipment |
Ultimately, the decision to play right-handed or left-handed comes down to personal preference. If you are comfortable playing with your dominant hand, stick with it.
If you feel more comfortable playing with your non-dominant hand, give it a try. Either way, with practice and dedication, you can become a skilled golfer regardless of which hand you use to swing the club.
Influential Left-Handed and Right-Handed Golfers
If you’re wondering whether to play golf left or right-handed, it can be helpful to look at some of the most influential golfers of all time and see which hand they played with. Here are some famous right-handed and left-handed golfers to consider:
Famous Right-Handed Golfers
Some of the most successful golfers in history have played right-handed, including Ben Hogan, who won nine major championships, and Phil Mickelson, who has won five majors.
Mickelson is an interesting case, as he is actually left-handed but learned to play right-handed as a child because he didn’t have access to left-handed clubs. Despite this, he has had a highly successful career and is considered one of the best golfers of his generation.
Famous Left-Handed Golfers
Left-handed golfers are much rarer than right-handed golfers, but there have still been some highly successful lefties over the years.
“Perhaps the most famous left-handed golfer of all time is Bob Charles, who won the 1963 Open Championship and was the first left-hander to win a major championship. Another successful left-handed golfer is Mike Weir, who won the 2003 Masters Tournament.”.
One of the most successful current left-handed golfers is Jordan Spieth. While he is naturally right-handed, he learned to play golf left-handed as a child because he was inspired by Charles’ success.
Spieth has since become one of the best golfers in the world, winning three major championships and reaching the top of the world rankings.
Overall, whether you choose to play golf left or right-handed is a personal decision that depends on a variety of factors, including your dominant hand and eye. However, looking at some of the most successful golfers of all time can be a helpful starting point in making your decision.
Choosing the Right Equipment
When it comes to playing golf, choosing the right equipment is essential to your success on the course.
This includes selecting the right golf clubs, balls, and accessories. If you’re left-handed, you’ll need to consider left-handed equipment, while right-handed golfers will need to choose right-handed equipment.
1. Right-Handed Golf Equipment
If you’re right-handed, you’ll need to choose right-handed golf equipment. This includes golf clubs, balls, and accessories that are designed for right-handed golfers.
Most golf clubs are designed for right-handed players, and you’ll have a wide variety of options to choose from.
When selecting right-handed golf clubs, you’ll need to consider the following:
- Clubhead design
- Shaft flex
- Club length
- Grip size
You’ll also need to choose the right golf balls for your game. Golf balls come in a variety of styles and designs, and you’ll need to choose the right ball for your swing speed and playing style.
2. Left-Handed Golf Equipment
If you’re left-handed, you’ll need to select left-handed golf equipment. Left-handed golf clubs are designed to be used by left-handed players, and you’ll need to choose clubs that are suitable for your swing style and skill level.
When selecting left-handed golf clubs, you’ll need to consider the same factors as right-handed players, including clubhead design, shaft flex, club length, and grip size.
In addition to left-handed clubs, you’ll also need to choose left-handed golf balls and accessories. Golf balls designed for left-handed players are designed to perform well with left-handed swings, and you’ll need to choose the right ball for your game.
Overall, choosing the right golf equipment is essential to your success on the course. Whether you’re left-handed or right-handed, you’ll need to select clubs, balls, and accessories that are suitable for your swing style and skill level.
Left vs Right-Handed Golfing Common Myths and Misconceptions
When it comes to playing golf left or right-handed, there are many myths and misconceptions that can be confusing. Here are a few common ones to be aware of:
Myth: Left-handed Golfers Can Only Play With Left-handed Clubs
This is not true. While left-handed golfers may feel more comfortable with left-handed clubs, they can still play with right-handed clubs.
In fact, many left-handed golfers play with right-handed clubs and vice versa. It all depends on what feels most comfortable to you.
Myth: Right-handed Golfers Are Always Better Than Left-handed Golfers
This is also not true. There is no correlation between being right-handed and being a better golfer.
In fact, some of the best golfers in the world are left-handed, such as Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson.
Misconception: Left-handed Golfers Have an Advantage On The Course
While it may seem like left-handed golfers have an advantage since most courses are designed for right-handed players, this is not necessarily true. In fact, left-handed golfers may face some challenges, such as fewer options for left-handed clubs and having to adjust their swings to fit the course.
Misconception: It’s Easier To Switch From Left To Right-handed Golfing Than Vice Versa
This is not necessarily true either. While it may seem easier for a left-handed person to learn to golf right-handed since most clubs are designed for right-handed players, it all comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to you. Switching from left to right-handed golfing may require a significant adjustment period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to playing golf left or right-handed. It all comes down to personal preference and physical abilities. Whether you choose to play left or right-handed, the key to becoming a great golfer is to practice, stay focused, and enjoy the game.