An estimated 10% of the worldwide population are left handed, although this figure can vary across different demographics and even industries. For example, artists and musicians often have a higher percentage of left handed people! However in golf its estimated around 5% of players are left handed.
Being the smaller % can make it harder for lefties to find suitable golf clubs in their local pro shops, especially second hand, and taking instruction from online videos.. Think Rick Shiels.. Takes twice the time to digest reversing all the instructions. As if golf isn’t hard enough! So, in preparation for international left handers day 2023, here are our top tips to help left handed golfers.
When Is International Left Handers Day 2023?
International Left Handers Day takes place this year on Sunday 13th August 2023. The purpose of the day is to celebrate those around the world with Left-hand dexterity, who are basically people who find the majority, if not all tasks, easier to execute with their left hand. According to the official website, The day is an opportunity to show pride in being left-handed, as well as raising awareness of the day-to-day challenges that lefties face as we live in a world largely developed for right-handers.
Think Ahead!
When practicing at the driving range, clubs/facilities often have limited spaces where the tee box is reversed. It’s a good idea to call ahead and ask the club to reserve a spot or see if they can easily flip one around when you get there. The last thing you want is your session to be cut short or not begin due to the only other left handed golfer from the club being there at the same time.
The same goes for golf equipment. If you need a new glove, not all pro shops may stock every size or options for left-handed players. Something to consider if you’re trying to pick one up quickly before a round on the course.
Think like a Mirror
Perhaps not so simple straight away, but golf works the same in theory for left and right handed players. If you hear good advice from a right handed player, thinking like a mirror is exactly as it sounds - just turn it the other way. This will be an important thing to practice and remember as you can learn a lot from your playing partners. But if you are struggling to start with, why not seek out your local pro who can help teach you the basics and swing in a way that you can understand?
Left-Handed Short Game & Golf Putting Practice
There's no secret that in golf, shots are saved around and on the green. Don’t forget then when you’re trying to hit driver as far as you can on the range (as all golfers do) that the hard work is done focusing on the short game. Putting in your living room, chipping in the garden, it’s this practice that makes a good golfer. Don’t get us wrong, hitting long irons straight is important, but if you can chip on and two put every time, you’ll soon see your scores drop!
But, it’s important to remember that at the end of the day, golf is golf, no matter which way you play. Just be sure to take care of your golf course and each other! A golf tee is the same for left and right handers, and you can find the best golf tees available here! 100% bamboo, fully biodegradable and strong. Whether you are left-handed or right-handed, there's no reason to use a plastic tee again!