Left Handed Vs Right Handed Golf Clubs

Most people may not think about the fact that golf clubs can be different depending on whether you are a left or a right-handed golfer. It may seem a minor detail, but it’s an important factor for any left or right-handed golfer. Here we will look at the difference between left handed vs right handed golf clubs and what you need to look out for.

Left-handed golf clubs differ from right-handed ones in how they’re shaped. Examples would include such things as slightly bent putters in the shaft or the way the clubhead itself is attached to the shaft. Left-handed golf clubs are identifiable by these features, making it easier for left-handed golfers to buy the right ones. Right-handed golf clubs aren’t effectively used by left-handers because of the way a golfer’s position needs to be for a successful swing.

Unfortunately, while right-handed golf clubs are easy to find and out there aplenty, left-handed ones are better bought online from most manufacturers. Seventy percent of all manufacturers make left-handed clubs, they just aren’t as popular on the shelves and can be a little harder to find, whether they’re lefty clubs for women, for beginners, left-handed putters, wedges, or irons.

How to Tell if you Are Right or Left Handed in Golf?

There are several types of golf clubs out there for everyone. In every golfing lineup, you have clubs, wedges, putters, hybrids, as well as others. Being able to tell if you’re better off playing right or left-handed will come easily once you have practice on how to hold the clubs. Some right-handers golf with left-handed clubs, and vice versa.

You will find your grip and how you like to hold the clubs with a little practice and time. There are left-handed golfers out there, such as Phil Mickelson, who is right-handed when doing everything else. He grew up playing golf left-handed because he mirrored his father’s shots, which ensured that when he swings, his left arm, being the most powerful, comes down on the swing with more force.

With left-handed golf clubs, you’re going to find the position of your grip differs from those that are right-handed. Your right hand is towards the edge of the handle while your left hand will rest just a little above the club head itself. Finding ones that fit your grip and style should be something you know within a few practices.

Are There Right and Left Handed Golf Clubs?

Yes! There are both. As mentioned, 70% of manufacturers now make left-handed clubs along with their right-handed clubs. You may have to go online to find them, but they are out there. Right-handed clubs can be found in stores and online. Ensure you check to see if they’re specifically for left-handers when you go shopping and you’re not accidentally picking up right-handed clubs.

Can a Left Handed Person Use Right Handed Golf Clubs?

Yes! And right-handers can use left-handed clubs. There are golfers out there who use both, having their preferred clubs and then having a right or left-handed ‘switch club’.

This also affects how you’ll stand when you’re using left or right-handed clubs. If you’re facing the ball the wrong way, you won’t have the face of the club hitting the ball. This will also switch up your grip to something you’re not used to. 

Occasionally, if you have either set, you may want to swing upside down. This involves turning the club around with the club’s toe touching the ground before you swing. Be careful with this technique though, as in most games, it is illegal to hit the ball with the wrong side of the club.

What is the Difference Between Right and Left Handed Golf Clubs?

Looking at golf clubs and what their differences are, there aren’t many. Both clubs have the same handle and grip, but the head of the club itself is turned to accommodate whatever side you’re swinging from.

What Does a Left Handed Golf Club Look Like?

The hosel, part of the clubhead connected to the shaft, will be angled to the left for left-handed golfers and you would have to stand to the left of the ball to hit it and keep the dominant eye looking forward. With putters, rules are a bit more liberal, but mostly they are bent one to two times to make sure the handgrip is held correctly.

For left-handed clubs, you’ll note that when you go to use them with a left-handed grip, the grooves of the club will be facing forward. The grip and club heads are all the same, save for the direction they are facing.

Are Left Handed Golf Clubs More Expensive?

Unless you’re getting a custom-made club, most left-handed golf clubs aren’t more expensive than their right-handed counterparts. Most manufacturers that make left-handed clubs don’t charge for them, but the clubs are harder to find. If you’re getting custom clubs made, then this will absolutely be more expensive than just buying a standard set of equipment.

A lot of golfers who are serious or play professionally tend to get custom-made sets, though a retail set isn’t a terrible thing. It’s great to start out with, or if you’re satisfied with it, great to keep!

Should I Switch to Left Handed Golf?

If you’re a natural lefty that started out with right-handed clubs but feeling frustrated at not being able to advance in the game, perhaps it’s time to try playing left-handed. Once you’re ready to start practicing, these golf tips for playing left-handed should help.

There are a few things you should keep in mind if you’re not a natural lefty. When deciding to switch to the left-handed grip and clubs, your priority will be your comfort level. If you try left-handed clubs and they aren’t comfortable for you, then you’ll want to keep playing the way you have been. 

It can be stressful when your muscle memory wants to do one thing and you’re trying to learn, but don’t be discouraged. There are certain shot advantages that lefties have too. Trying to get the ball out of a bunker or from behind a tree can actually be much easier when swinging left-handed.

The journey for left-handers has a few disadvantages as well, say finding clubs for one. Not every manufacturer will make all the irons in the left-handed sets they have. This is a disadvantage as there may be a bit of research and buying from different manufacturers to make the perfect set of clubs.