Golf is one of the few sports where discrimination is still a common occurrence. No, I’m not referring to discrimination based on a person’s race or sex, but on their handedness. In other words, it’s still very much a game dominated by right-handed players, and that means finding the best clubs as a left-handed golfer can be difficult. It’s not all bad news, though; with a little effort, you can still find great clubs. Of course, there are a few tips you might want to keep in mind as you begin your search.
While searching through magazines, catalogs and websites for that new set of clubs, prepare to be disappointed. Most manufacturers introduce their newest clubs as right-hand models with left-handed versions following several months later, if at all. Certain manufacturers like Nike and Mizuno are notorious for dragging their feet when it comes to producing left-handed clubs. Get in the habit of scanning for technical details first rather than reading full reviews or advertisements of clubs. If they’re only listed as being available in right-hand, you can save a significant amount of time and angst by skipping to the next club.
Avoid the "buzzword" trap. Manufacturers like showing off their new technologies and cram their advertisements with plenty of impressive copy about graphite composite shafts and beta titanium club faces. It might sound great in the ad, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the newest and hottest development is right for your swing and style of play -- or that it’s legal.
The legality of clubs can be a critical issue when making an investment in new clubs. If you intend to take the game seriously, always check to ensure that any club you plan on purchasing conforms to the USGA’s Rules of Golf. The USGA also maintains a list of non-conforming equipment on their website. Having a printed copy of the USGA’s list to check clubs against can make selecting the right club that much easier.
Why buy "off the rack"? While mass-produced clubs can work very well, a club customized to your height, hand size and swing style will always outperform stock clubs. What’s even better for left-handed golfers is that custom-fitted clubs from companies like Ping or Pinemeadow are often easier to obtain than stock clubs. The flexibility in being able to choose the best shaft material and flex, as well as grip, for your style of play is often worth the few extra dollars it might cost.
Finally, the one tip that’s likely to save you both time and money; consider buying your clubs online. As long as you purchase your clubs from a reputable company (with realistic prices) with a return policy, buying online is as safe as buying from your local pro shop. While you can certainly save a significant amount by purchasing your clubs online, the biggest advantage is the wide selection of club models. Unlike traditional retailers who might carry one or two left-handed models, most online retailers don’t have to deal with limited display space and limited demand. Buying online could be the difference between settling for the only left-handed set of Wilson clubs your sporting goods store has, and that set of Callaway X-18s that you really wanted.
