Julia Roberts. Joan of Arc. Prince William. Paul McCartney. What’s common among all of them? They’re lefties. But actresses, saints, princes and rockers do not have to worry about having a disadvantage in becoming a leftie. In fact, they’re proof that using a less-than-normal hand when writing is not an obstacle to succeeding in your craft.

However, for golfers, it is different. Because 15% of the world’s population is lefties, left-handed golfers are really one in a million. Often times, the left-handed golfers take on the sport with their right hand. This is more natural because they lead from the left side and their left eye. All golfers, be they right-handed or left-handed turn anti-clockwise.

It was also hard for left-handed golfers to look for left-handed golf clubs. Only recently did some stores start selling them. This only comes to show that playing right-handed golf seems to be the normal way. That is why leftie golfers adjust.

Actually, just because you are a leftie, it does not mean that you have to play the sport with your left. How you play is really dependent on your eye and hand movement. Some famous lefties are born right-handed. An example is Mike Weir. He won the US Masters in 2003. Phil McKelson who won the following year was also left-handed.

It does not really matter which hand you are. The key is visualizing the ball leaving your stance. From there, you can tell which side of the ball you would position yourself.

The mentioned left-handed golfers are only two of the three golfers who have been successful in the game. The third one is Bob Charles who won the 1963 British Open.

Other famous left-handed golfers are Aussie Nick O’Hern. He started playing the sport when he was only nine. In 1997, he finished fifth in the Austrlian Open.

Then there’s Kevin Wentworth. The American golfer used to play basketball and football before focusing on the sport. Another is Russ Cochran. He may be a leftie but his driving power in golf is so excellent.

Now that we inspired you with success stories, as a left-handed golfer, here are some tips you can use to bring your game up a notch.

1. As mentioned before, some lefties play the sport right-handed. Normally, they start playing the sport borrowing a friend’s club and since a majority of golfers are right-handed, most of the time, a leftie golfer uses a right-handed set of club in his first attempt.

But because there are now stores which provide left-handed equipment, these golfers can now concentrate playing the game with his natural hand. Although, some will continue playing right-handed.

If you are a leftie, learn to play it in that way. By using your natural hand and your natural swing, the driving distance will be much further than you expect it to be.

2. If there are no stores providing left-handed equipment in your location, you can order your set by catalog. There are lots of reputable mail order companies you can consider. Do your research online for this information.

3. You can also ask the assistance of a professional. Inquire whether they teach left-handed golfers. If yes then you are receiving professional golf lessons and soon enough, you will be playing a successful game. Thanks to your trainer who taught you the proper swing for a leftie player.

Now that you are in your element when playing the game, you will be hitting balls farther than you ever imagined.

By Anthony Lee

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