Conundrum

[keithf]

I just started playing golf last August ('06) and have now played about 120 rounds to date. I usually play from the white tees and am scoring on average between 85 to 93; my scores are fairly similar if I play from the blue tees. I started off slicing but now always hit the ball straight or with a slight draw with my irons and with a fade or draw with my woods.

My problem is this: I play golf left-handed but am right handed naturally. I suspect that I could generate much more power and distance if I played right-handed and I am thinking of switching this winter during my practice sessions at the range. Currently my distances are average but I know that I produce more power on the right hand as I am also a tennis player.

Has anyone here had the same issue and made a similar change? Serious input would be appreciated.

Cheers

[dekker]

Frankly there isn't a definitive answer to such a question. It appears you are set to attempt it anyway,likely to erase any doubt in your mind.
There are many right handed players,myself included, who play other sports from the left side. I like to think that whatever side you instinctively choose for a particular sport is most likely the proper one.

[xander.uk]

why not purchase an ex demo or used iron from your local retailer or e-bay in right hand?

they are easy to get hold of and relatively cheap.

you could then go the range and try it out.

there was a similar question not long ago where i commented about a pro golfer i saw talking about this subject.
(sorry cant remember who he was but it was a instructional dvd )

He said that many right handers are comfortable hitting left handed as it is essentially like hitting back hand in tennis.

The most famous exponent of this being Phil Mickelson i guess........Phil is right handed in everything he does except golf.

If you are right handed i wonder why you started playing golf left hand in the first place?

[Leftygolfer30]

I am right-handed and I golf left-handed, play baseball left-handed and shoot left-handed in hockey. I've tried swinging a club right-handed, just for fun, and trust me, it wasn't a pretty sight!

Personally, I'll stick to what is natural. Good luck with your experiment.

[JEBS]

Golf right, baseball right, Hockey left.. I guess it is what you grow up with. My left arm is stronger than my right.. my right just has more dexterity.

All in all I would not think you would get the power advantage that you are looking for. But you will have a greator selection in golf equipment since lefties are the red headed step children of the golf world.

[Petedv]

Golf right, baseball right, Hockey left.. I guess it is what you grow up with. My left arm is stronger than my right.. my right just has more dexterity.

All in all I would not think you would get the power advantage that you are looking for. But you will have a greator selection in golf equipment since lefties are the red headed step children of the golf world.



Daddy? :rofl:

[torontodude]

I'm a righty and I golf left.

Personally as a righty, I think it makes more sense to golf left especially for power. My right arm is definitely stronger and more coordinated then my left and I think that most right handed people would feel the same. In golf, as a lefty, all my power is generated with my right arm and my left arm is helping me swing but is more or less along for the ride.

Personally, if you are shooting 85-93 after 1 year and 120 rounds, I would stick with what you are doing.

How far are you hitting it?

[pir2]

My problem is this: I play golf left-handed but am right handed naturally. I suspect that I could generate much more power and distance if I played right-handed and I am thinking of switching this winter during my practice sessions at the range. Currently my distances are average but I know that I produce more power on the right hand as I am also a tennis player.


From my limited reading of TGM, they cover this under Hitters vs Swingers.

Your tennis playing days would probably be a good analagy.

Did you hit your forehand or backhand with more power and accuracy?

If you hit your backhand with more accuracy and power, left hand would be a good choice.

If you hit your forehand better then i would say right hand could POTENTIALLY be a better choice.

A good beginner discussion regarding TGM Hitters and Swingers on another forum: http://forums.prospero.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=golfequip&msg=228645.1&maxT=6

[houdini]

I think your ability to golf right handed will not improve over your current potential from "the right side of the ball". I would recommend to any good tennis player wishing to start golf to choose to play the opposite hand. The tennis montions and tension at impact don't reflect the rotation required of the golf swing.

I would warn you that it is my experience that the better of tennis player you are, the harder golf will be for many cases. I have taught lessons to a few quality tennis players who remain my tuffest students of all time.

CGTF Master Teaching Professional