Around one in ten people is left-handed, but far fewer golfers play left-handed. For a long time the reason was simple: left-handed clubs were hard to find, expensive and limited in choice, and many lefties were simply handed right-handed clubs and told to get on with it. Today things are much better. Most club makers offer left-handed versions of their popular models, and plenty of excellent golfers play from the "other" side. If you are left-handed and new to golf, or wondering whether you chose the right side years ago, this guide is for you.
What "left-handed golf" means
A left-handed golfer stands on the other side of the ball from a right-handed golfer. The right side of the body faces the target, the right hand sits at the top of the grip and the left hand below it. The club face and sole are shaped the opposite way, so left-handed clubs are a mirror image of right-handed ones.
Whichever side you play, the terms in instruction refer to your lead side (the side nearest the target) and your trail side. For a left-handed golfer, the lead side is the right side.
Should a left-handed person play left- or right-handed?
This is the most common question, and opinions vary. Here are the main points to consider.
Reasons to play left-handed
- It usually feels more natural. Your dominant hand and side are on the trail side, providing power and control in the same way as for a right-handed golfer playing right-handed.
- You can copy instruction in a mirror. Watching a right-handed coach is like looking in a mirror, which some left-handers find easy to follow.
- Equipment is no longer a barrier. Most mainstream clubs are available left-handed.
Reasons some left-handers play right-handed
- Your dominant hand leads. In a right-handed swing, the left hand is at the top of the grip and the left arm leads the swing. Some coaches argue a strong lead side helps control the club face, and many left-handed people who play right-handed say it feels natural.
- Historic availability. Many golfers learned right-handed because that was what was available, and never switched.
- Borrowing and hiring clubs is easier right-handed, especially at driving ranges and on holiday, although this is changing.
Mixed-handedness
Many people are not strictly left- or right-handed. You may write left-handed but throw, kick or swing a bat right-handed. For golf, the side you swing a bat or an axe, or throw a ball, is usually a better guide than the hand you write with.
How to decide which side to play
Try these simple tests:
- The throw test. Throw a ball underarm, then sidearm, as far as you can. Which side feels natural and powerful?
- The swing test. Swing a club, a broom or a bat both ways, as if hitting a ball. Which way feels coordinated and free?
- The sport test. Which side do you use for cricket, baseball, hockey or other stick sports?
- The range test. If you can, borrow or hire one left-handed and one right-handed club and hit some balls both ways with a coach watching.
If the results point clearly one way, play that way. If they are mixed, choose the side that felt most comfortable and athletic, and stick with it. A good teacher will help you decide; read golf lessons: choosing an instructor.
Finding left-handed clubs
What is available
- Mainstream models. Most major club makers produce left-handed versions of their drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges and putters.
- Choice can be narrower. Some specialised models, unusual lofts, shaft options or limited editions may not be made left-handed, or only to order.
- Shop stock is limited. Many shops keep only a few left-handed clubs on display. You may need to order, or buy online.
Tips for buying left-handed clubs
- Get fitted. Many fitters have left-handed heads and shafts available for testing, even if the shop floor does not. See custom golf club fitting.
- Consider ordering. Most makers will build left-handed clubs to order, often in the same time as right-handed custom orders.
- Buy online carefully. The selection is usually wider online. Check returns policies and specifications. Read our guide to buying golf equipment online.
- Used clubs. Left-handed used clubs are less common, but they are out there. See the used clubs section in buying golf clubs on a budget.
- Check "LH" or "left-handed" in every listing, and double-check the photos. Buying the wrong hand is an easy mistake.
Other equipment
- Gloves. A left-handed golfer usually wears a glove on the right hand, the lead hand. Gloves are often labelled by the hand they fit, so check carefully; see our golf gloves guide.
- Putters are left- or right-handed too, though some centre-shafted and symmetrical designs can be used either way.
- Training aids. Many work for both, but some swing trainers and grips are handed.
- Junior clubs. Left-handed junior sets are widely available. See our junior golf equipment guide.
Learning as a left-handed golfer
Using right-handed instruction
Almost all golf instruction is written and filmed for right-handed golfers. It works perfectly for left-handers if you remember to reverse it:
| Right-handed instruction says | Left-handed golfer reads |
|---|---|
| Left hand at the top of the grip | Right hand at the top of the grip |
| Weight onto the left side at impact | Weight onto the right side at impact |
| A slice curves to the right | A slice curves to the left |
| Aim your feet left of the target | Aim your feet right of the target |
| Ball position inside the left heel | Ball position inside the right heel |
Instructions written using "lead" and "trail" avoid the confusion entirely, and many coaches now teach that way.
Watching videos
Some left-handed golfers mirror instruction videos with their phone or video player, so that the right-handed golfer on screen appears left-handed. You can also watch yourself in a mirror while copying a right-handed coach facing you.
Lessons
Most coaches teach left-handers regularly and are happy to demonstrate from your side. If a coach seems uncomfortable, find another. Our golf swing fundamentals and how to grip a golf club guides apply equally to left-handers.
On the course
- Driving range bays. Some ranges have bays designed for right-handed golfers. A left-hander may face the dividing wall or find the mat in the wrong place. Ask for an end bay or one suitable for left-handers.
- Course design. Many holes are said to favour a particular shot shape. A left-hander's natural fade curves the other way from a right-hander's, so some holes may suit you better and some worse than they do your right-handed friends.
- Playing with right-handers. Be aware of where you stand: a left-hander's swing path and the line of a mishit are mirrored, so take care with your position on the tee.
- Hiring clubs. Many courses and resorts have left-handed hire sets, but book ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Is it harder to learn golf left-handed?
No. The swing is exactly the same, just mirrored. The only extra challenges are finding equipment and translating instruction, and both are much easier than they used to be.
Do left-handed golfers have an advantage?
Not really. Some holes may suit a left-hander's ball flight better, and others worse. Skill, practice and good coaching matter far more than which side you swing from.
Can I switch from right-handed to left-handed?
Yes, but it takes time and patience, especially if you have played for years. Start with lessons, practise short-game shots first, and expect your scores to rise for a while before they fall.
Which hand does a left-handed golfer wear a glove on?
Usually the right hand, which is the lead hand at the top of the grip.
Are left-handed clubs more expensive?
They are normally the same price as right-handed versions. You may have less choice, especially in shops and on the used market.
The bottom line
Left-handed golfers no longer need to compromise. Decide which side feels most natural, get fitted for equipment that suits you, reverse right-handed instruction (or use lead and trail), and enjoy the game. Many fine golfers play left-handed, and many lefties play right-handed. What matters is choosing the side that lets you swing freely and confidently. New to the game? Start with our complete beginner's guide.