Left Handed Golf Tips

1. Make sure you have the right equipment - I'll give you an example. I am 6'3 and for years I played with a standard set of clubs. My clubs were about an inch to short and it made it difficult for me to hit consistent shots. So for me to start hitting better shots, I needed a set of clubs that were a little longer than a standard club. This is just my example but there are many other things you should consider. Do you need a club with more forgiveness? Do you need steel or graphite shafts? What type of flex should you use? I recommend getting fitted and getting your swing analyzed. You can typically have this done for little or no cost.

2. Check the basics - The easiest mistake to fix in golf is checking the basics meaning make sure you are actually lined up with your target. A simple tip is to pick a spot a few inches in front of your ball that is lined up with your target. Address the ball with your club face square to the spot you picked then worry about getting into position. Also, make sure you club face is indeed square with the target. It is very difficult to get the club face square at impact if it doesn't start out that way.

3. Take an inside out approach - If you are a beginner chances are you are hitting what is referred to as a slice. When you make solid contact the ball starts out at your target but takes a sharp turn to the left. Think of golf as a game of oppossites. If you are hitting the ball left, then more than likely you are coming from the outside swinging towards the right at impact. The spin generated causes the ball to travel to the left. You want to concentrate on staying inside and swinging out. This will cause the ball to start left of your target but you will be able to draw it back to the right resulting in more accurate shots. A draw will also increase your distance. A simple exercise to try is going out and hitting balls of a hill where the ball is sitting above your feet. This will encourage you to swing inside out just to make solid contact with the golf ball.

4. Weaken your grip - Below is a picture of the different grips. Pick a grip that you are comfortable with but make sure you do not get to strong with your grip. Concentrate on your right hand. That should be your strong hand. You should use your left hand just to keep the club under control. When my grip gets to strong I tend to close the club face to quickly and hit a lot of bad shots to my right.

5. Hit down on the ball - A mistake that I made and that most beginners make is we think we have to scoop the golf ball to get it up in the air. The causes you to top shots or hit many shots really fat. Remember I said that golf is a game of oppossites. If you want to elevate the golf ball, you want to make a descending blow at impact. Take a look at your club. Depending on what club you are using, you will have a certain degree of loft on the club. This loft is what is going to cause you to hit the ball in the air. So stop trying to scoop the ball. I have posted a video clip below that gives you a great drill to practice to make sure you are hitting down into the ball.

6. Have fun - Golf is probably the most frustrating game that you will ever play. Enjoy your time on the course. It beats any day in the office. If you are frustrated the entire time you are playing, chances are it is going to affect your shots. So start enjoying yourself more and have a great time!

Here is a few resources that I highly recommend if you would like to hit better shots. These are great tools that will improve your game for a fraction of the money you would spend getting lessons.

1. The Simple Golf Swing

2. How to Break 80

3. Instant Slice Cure

These are great resources to use if you are looking for an inexpensive way to get some instruction on your left handed golf game. I would recommend you try at least one of them.

I hope this has helped and you will take advantage of the resources above. Enjoy yourself on the course and I hope that you are on your way to hitting better golf shots. Good luck!!