LEFTHANDERS IN SPORTS

The bias that has always existed against lefthanded golfers is not as strong as it used to be, but it definitely still exists. Lefthanded children and lefthanded adults who want to learn to play golf are often still encouraged to try to play righthanded. They are told that it will be easier for them…easier to find clubs, easier to find instruction, and easier to swing because their stronger left shoulder will be in front. If the theory of the stronger shoulder in front were really true, there would be a lot more righthanded people playing golf lefthanded, but that doesn't happen very often.

Many people who learn to play golf start with borrowed clubs or rental clubs, or used clubs handed down through family and friends. Lefthanders often don’t have these options, and are less likely to find lefthanded clubs they can use to learn the game before having to invest money in golf clubs.

Once a lefthander or their parents makes that commitment to lefthanded golf glubs, they might still have a hard time finding them. In most big cities today a lefthanded adult male can go into a sporting goods store or golf specialty shop and find a decent selection of lefthanded clubs. But a lefthanded female golfer or a lefthanded junior golfer (male or female) might still have a hard time finding an inexpensive set to start with. And outside of our bigger cities, it is even more difficult to find lefthanded golf clubs.

Lefthanded golf clubs are available from many different internet sources, including Lefties Only Golf who has been specializing in lefthanded golf clubs for nearly 30 years. There are also more lefthanded golf instructors than ever before, and righthanded instructors are giving more thought and consideration toward teaching lefthanders. Things are much better now for lefthanded golfers than they were 50 years ago, and even 20 years ago, but there is still room for much more improvement.

There is one organization that has done a very good job of promoting the game of golf for lefthanders. The National Left-Handed Golfers Association runs amateur tournaments for left-handers for over 30 years, and has over 1,250 members nationwide. They hold many local, state, and regional events, as well as an annual national tournament that attracts golfers from across the country. Their motto is…:”It’s better to stand on the wrong side of the ball and hit it right, than to stand on the right side of the ball and hit it wrong.” The NLHGA has given a lot of left-handed golfers a chance to play, compete, and become friends with others left-handed golfers…from their own states, across the United States, and around the world.

Why Not More Lefthanded Golfers?

LEFTHANDERS IN SPORTS​

LEFTHANDERS IN SPORTS