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Are golf courses designed for right handed golfers?

Author

Emily Ross

Published Jan 13, 2026

While equipment and gear is one setback for left handed golfers, let's not forget that most courses are designed for right-handed players as well. It's not uncommon for a lefty to have to navigate more trees on the tee box as most courses are set up opposite.

Are golf courses designed for right-handed?

Courses are designed for right-handed players: Let's face it. Most courses are designed for righties, and as a left-hander you may have to work harder to navigate obstacles closer to the tee box. In the short game, though, the playing field for right- and left-handers is usually pretty equal.

Why are there no lefty golf clubs?

But why are there so few left-handed golfers? There are several answers, from a lack of equipment to parents, coaches and pros encouraging young players to switch to the right side. Some lefties even feel the courses themselves are biased against them.

Can a right-handed person use left-handed golf clubs?

They must stand on either the right side or the left side of the ball relative to the target, which means the club head must be shaped for either a right-handed player or a left-handed player.

Should I play golf left or right-handed?

Determine, through trial and error, your dominant hand for swinging a golf club. Determining your dominant hand when first playing golf is important in helping to develop as a player. Neither hand has an advantage in the game--both lefties and righties are successful.

21 related questions found

Is golf harder for lefties?

Is golf harder than lefties? I would have to answer yes. While it's better than it was the past 15-20 years, the sport is still more challenging for lefties. In fact, a lot of players are lefty and choose to play right handed just to make the sport easier.

What is the dominant hand for a right-handed golfer?

Third, Hall said golfers must have their lead arm and hand in control of their swing. That's the left arm for right-handed golfers and the right arm for lefties. By leading, you avoid hitting at the ball.

What does dexterity mean in golf?

In golf, manual dexterity relates to the training or educating of our hands. If there is a secret in golf, this could well be it, as there's not enough tuition and coaching on this relatively untapped subject in the game. Our hands are what makes it possible to 'connect the dots' so to speak in the swing.

How many pro golfers are left-handed?

But within the world of golf, that number gets even smaller, as only about 5 percent of the PGA Tour is left-handed. Despite the small number of lefties that have played at golf's highest level, they have made a big impact on the sport, accounting for 82 PGA Tour victories and 9 major championships.

What percentage of people golf left?

The most recent estimates say lefties make up five-to-seven percent of the North American golf market, with a majority of those hailing from north of the border. For the few and proud still left (see what I did there?), here are 10 struggles with being one of THOSE golfers.

Why did Phil Mickelson learn to play golf left-handed?

He learned the basics of the sport by mirroring his father's swing, which led the naturally right-handed Phil to adopt the left-handed stroke that would later lead to his nickname, “Lefty.” He won dozens of San Diego-area tournaments as a junior golfer, and he captured an unprecedented three consecutive national Junior ...

Can you play golf left-handed?

Golf is a game many left-handers end up playing right-handed, often because they learned with the much more available right-handed clubs. But, if you enjoy the game, you may want to switch over, buy some lefty clubs and start playing golf the way you were meant to play.

Is Bubba Watson right-handed or left-handed?

Gerry Lester "Bubba" Watson Jr. (born November 5, 1978) is an American professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour. One of the few left-handed golfers on tour, he is a multiple major champion, with victories at the Masters Tournament in 2012 and 2014.

What country has the most left-handed golfers?

It's widely acknowledged that Canada has the highest proportion of left-handed golfers in the world, although the specific proportion is hard to pin down: the Professional Golfers' Association pegged it at seven per cent in 2010, and some anecdotal numbers run as high as 30 per cent.

Do lefties have an advantage in golf?

Sign up for our daily newsletter! Mickelson – star left-handed golfer. Many scientists believe that left-handers have a distinct sporting advantage and as a left-hander who plays golf right-handed, I'd have to agree. Apparently it's the perfect combination for hand eye co-ordination.

What hand controls the clubface?

The left hand (the right for southpaws), is responsible for the rotational movement of the golf club, which, in turn, controls the direction of the clubface.

Which hand leads the downswing in golf?

indeed, the world's longest hitters lead with the left. The best way to feel the proper start of the downswing is to imagine that your right arm is being pulled by the left for as long as possible.

Is the golf swing left arm dominant?

The left hand and arm must play the dominant role in the swing at all times. If it does not, you have no alternative but to over employ the right hand, The right hand can only dominate if the left hand and arm fails to play its controlling role.

What is a right-handed golf swing?

If you're a right-handed golfer playing a shot, your left side should point toward the target area while your right side should point away from the target. From the perspective of standing along your target line facing the tee, you should stand directly to the right of the ball if you're right-handed.

How does a left handed golfer hit a draw?

Left Foot Back

Just before starting the swing, players can draw back the left foot. This alteration in the stance will cause the body to aim well left of the target and force the swing path more in-to-out. To hit a draw shot, left handed golfers will be forced to release the club (cross the forearms) through impact.

Is Phil Mickelson actually right-handed?

14 The man known as 'Lefty' is actually right handed, and the only thing he does left-handed is play golf. 15 He attended Arizona State University and was a four-time All-American there. 16 Mickelson is an avid pilot following in the footsteps of his father who was a Navy pilot.

Is Brooks Koepka left-handed?

GOLFTV on Twitter: "Brooks Koepka's left handed swing is strong.

Was Arnold Palmer left-handed?

Arnold Palmer, a four-time Masters champion, was a natural left-hander who taught himself to play right-handed, while Weir, who writes with his right hand, actually considered switching sides when he was a teenager because he thought it would enhance his chances of making it as a professional.