Golf Tips For Left Handers - The Ginger Guru

Playing golf from the opposite side of the ball than the majority can have its challenges. But don’t worry, with a few adjustments and techniques, we southpaws can make the most of our game! While it may take us a bit more practice to mirror what righties do naturally, we can absolutely hit it just as straight and compete at the same level. Often our fade and draw shapes are more dramatic than a righty’s – and we can use that to our advantage- so lets get started!

Advantages of Being Left Handed in Golf

Stand out on the course – only around 10% of golfers are lefties
Forces adaptability and creativity – have to learn to play right-handed biased game
Natural slice shape bends dramatically left to right – great for dogleg right holes
Draw shot shape bends nicely right to left – perfect for dogleg lefts
Can work shot curves more precisely than righties
Underdogs with fewer expectations – can play more freely and with less pressure
Provides a unique perspective – see the game differently than the majority
Develop unconventional strategies righties may not consider
Pride and uniqueness in being a lefty – embrace the challenge it presents
Overall need for creativity and shot shaping skills

Some Drawbacks

Less equipment options – Most golf clubs, balls, bags are designed for righties. Fewer choices.
Equipment costs more – Specialty left-handed gear comes at a premium price.
Testing clubs is harder – Not as many demo club options at stores/demo days.
Tee time availability – Often limited to only a few left-handed friendly tee times.
Course layouts favor righties – Some holes align better for right-handed shots.

Left Handed Golf Tips from Tee to Hole

Left Hand Golf Stance

Firstly we need to discuss the best stance for left handers. Make sure your feet, hips and shoulders are aligned parallel left of the target line. Feels weird at first but this opens up your swing path perfectly. Flare that front foot out at a 30-45 degree angle and align your toes just left of the ball. This helps your weight shift and body rotation. Ball position is key – play it off your front heel for driver, middle for irons, front heel for wedges. Grip pressure should be light, swing tempo smooth. No need to muscle it!

Setting up open like this was a game changer for my comfort and ball-striking. Made my left-to-right shot shape way more consistent. Give it a try and tweak based on what delivers results for this left handed golf stance.

Left Hand Golf Grip

First, make sure your hands are working together, not fighting each other. I like to position my right hand lower down the club, then support it with my left hand on top. Be sure both V’s formed between your thumbs and index fingers point toward your right shoulder. This neutralizes the grip so neither hand dominates. I try to have my pads of both my fingers and palm touching the club. Don’t just hold it in your fingers and go for a light, relaxed grip. No need to strangle the club! I focus on my grip pressure in my last three fingers and thumb.

Experiment between an overlapping, interlocking or ten-finger baseball style grip to find what locks your hands together best.

Lastly, make sure your clubface is square before you grip it. You want it aimed at your target, not closed or open. It may take some trial and error, but dialing in the optimal left-handed grip will work wonders for your ball striking. Our swing path can be inside-to-out naturally, so grip helps close the clubface. Find what works for you!

Left Hand Club Selection

Driver is essential – find one that helps straighten out our big banana ball slice. Go for more loft like 10.5 or adjustable hosel to close the face.
Fairway woods should be versatile for low punch shots and high bombs. I like deeper faces for playing off tight lies.
Hybrids are ideal for us lefties to replace hard to hit long irons. Get ones with offset for straight shots and to avoid hooks.
Look for game improvement irons with more weight low and on the heel side to compensate for our inside-out swing path. Added forgiveness!
Wedges need plenty of bounce and sole grind options to match our steeper, more aggressive angle of attack. Go with trusted brands.
Putter is mostly personal preference, but mallet styles tend to suit lefties for better alignment. Get fit for length and lie angle.

Golf Swing for Lefties

First, takeaway is everything! Be sure to start the club back low and wide along the target line – avoids getting too steep. On the downswing, really feel that left side press forward with the hips to shallow out the shaft. Spark that inside-to-out move through impact.

Put a strong grip and open stance to work by letting those elements square up the clubface for you. Don’t manipulate or flip hands!

Lag that club as long as you can on the downswing. Maintains power and minimizes our slice spin by delaying release. If you struggle with hooks, feel like you’re swinging more to right field. Visualizing that left to right ball flight helps! Solid ball contact starts with balanced footwork. Maintain even pressure so you can unleash on the ball.

Lastly, swing easy! Smooth tempo and letting the club do the work optimizes our lefty shot shape.

Left Handed Putting Techniques

Firstly, alignment is key. Focus on lining your eyes, shoulders and feet a few inches left of the target line. This will offset your natural path coming across the ball from the left. Look for a mallet-style putter that you can aim easily by positioning the center line left as well. This really helps my direction. As far as stroke, make sure you swing the putter straight back and through along your intended starting line. We tend to come across the ball, so train that straight path.

Lastly, pay attention to speed. Lag putting uphill and play break downhill. We want to take aggression out of the stroke.

Left Handed Golf Instructions

Set up to the ball with your feet, hips, and shoulders aligned parallel left of the target line. This allows your swing to travel inside-out naturally.
Use a strong grip and open stance to help square the clubface at impact.
Focus on a wide, looping takeaway to start the backswing. Avoid getting too steep.
Feel like you are initiating the downswing with your left hip and side to shallow out the shaft.
Swing slightly out-to-in and aim at “right field” to promote a draw over a big slice.
Grip down on the club an inch or two for better control, especially with the driver.
Consider more loft on woods and hybrids to help straighten ball flight.
Put more weight in your irons on the heel and low on the clubhead to offset an inside swing path.
Use a mallet-style putter for better alignment. Aim left of target.
Focus on balance and tempo over power. Let the club do the work.
Get custom fit for clubs tailored to left-handed swing mechanics.

Key Takeaways for Left Handed Golfing Success

Well, we’ve covered a lot of ground on how to optimize our left-handed golf games! From proper stance and equipment to swing techniques- hopefully you’ve picked up some useful tips. Here are a few key takeaways in summary:

Alignment is everything – take the time to get lined up parallel left of your target.
Strong grip and open stance helps immensely to square the clubface.
Work on widening the backswing and clearing the hips to shallow the downswing.
Visualize ‘right field’ on the through swing to promote that nice draw shape.
Get custom fit for left-handed club specifications – don’t just use standard righty gear.
Adapt course strategy on dogleg holes to favor your shot shape.
Above all, have fun with it! Being a lefty in this game keeps things fresh.

FAQs

How can I improve my left-handed golf swing?

As a left-handed golfer, it takes focus and specific adjustments to groove an effective, consistent swing. Setting up to the ball with a strong grip, open stance, and alignment parallel left of your target line are critical foundations. You must also be mindful of taking the club back wide and low to start your backswing, avoiding getting too steep right away. On the downswing, clearing your hips and feeling like you are shallowing out the shaft is key for solid compression. Swing a bit out-to-in and aim for “right field” through impact to promote your natural draw shape. Lagging the club and releasing in a smooth motion will add power and control.

How do you hit left-handed golf irons?

First, make sure you have the correct equipment, including left-handed golf clubs that suit your skill level. Begin by addressing the ball with your feet shoulder-width apart and the ball positioned in the center of your stance. Your weight should be evenly distributed between both feet. As you take your backswing, ensure your left arm (for left-handed players) stays straight and your wrists remain firm. Rotate your upper body to coil your torso and generate power. On the downswing, shift your weight to your front foot and make contact with the ball, focusing on a smooth and controlled motion.

Do lefty golfers wear glove on right hand?

Yes, left-handed golfers typically wear a glove on their right hand. In golf, the glove is worn on the non-dominant hand, which for left-handed players would be the right hand. The purpose of the glove is to provide a better grip on the club and to prevent blisters or discomfort caused by repeated swinging.

Are lefties more competitive?

Whether left-handed individuals are more competitive than right-handed individuals is not determined by their handedness. Competitiveness is a personality trait that can vary greatly from person to person and is influenced by a complex combination of factors such as upbringing, personal experiences, and innate disposition. It’s important to remember that both left-handed and right-handed individuals can be equally competitive or non-competitive, and there is no inherent connection between handedness and competitiveness.

Who are the most talented left-handed people in golf?

n the world of golf, there have been several highly talented left-handed players who have made significant contributions to the sport. While it’s subjective to determine the “most talented” as golfers’ success can vary depending on eras and personal preferences, here are a few of the most accomplished left-handed golfers:

Phil Mickelson: Phil Mickelson is arguably the most famous left-handed golfer in history. He has won five major championships, including three Masters titles (2004, 2006, 2010), and has numerous other PGA Tour victories to his name. His combination of skill, creativity, and charisma has made him a beloved figure in the golfing world.
Bubba Watson: Bubba Watson is known for his incredible shot-making abilities, especially his ability to shape the ball. He has won two Masters titles (2012, 2014) and has consistently been one of the longest hitters on the PGA Tour.