What is the correct way to hold a golf club left handed? The proper way to hold a golf club left handed means placing your right hand lower on the grip, closer to the clubhead, and your left hand higher up on the grip, nearer to the butt end. This setup is the mirror image of a right-handed golfer’s grip and is foundational for generating power and accuracy when you swing left-handed.
This guide will help you master the left handed golf grip. We will look closely at how to grip a golf club as a lefty. A good grip is the first step to a great left handed golf swing technique. We cover everything from golf club holding for left-handed players to advanced tips.
The Core Elements of Grip Instruction for Left-Handed Golfers
Your grip connects you to the club. It is your only physical link. For a left handed golf swing technique, your grip must feel natural and strong. We focus on the hands working together. The left hand sets the top position. The right hand supports and guides the swing.
Setting Up for Success: How to Set Up for Left Handed Golf
Before you even touch the club, stance matters. When setting up for left handed golf, stand so the ball is positioned correctly relative to your body. Then, you can focus on the hands. A good setup makes the grip feel right instantly.
Deciphering the Proper Left Hand Golf Grip
The left hand goes on top. This hand controls the clubface through impact. It is crucial for direction.
Hand Placement: Where Should the Left Hand Sit?
For golf grip fundamentals for lefties, the left hand should cover a good portion of the right thumb.
- Place the club into the fingers of your left hand first.
- Close your fingers around the grip firmly but not too tightly. Think “firm handshake,” not “crushing a soda can.”
- When you look down at your left hand at address, you should see two to three knuckles. This is often called the “knuckle count.”
If you see too many knuckles, your grip might be too weak. This can cause the clubface to open in the swing. If you see zero or one knuckle, the grip might be too strong. This can cause the clubface to turn over too quickly.
The V-Shape Check for Lefties
Every hand forms a “V” shape between the thumb and the index finger.
- On the left hand, this “V” should point toward your left shoulder or slightly inside your left shoulder.
- This check ensures your left hand places the club correctly on the path to consistent shots.
The Right Hand: Guiding the Left Arm Golf Swing Grip
The right hand sits below the left hand on the grip. Its job is to provide power and control through the hitting area. For the left arm golf swing grip, the right hand acts as the primary power source, but only when guided by the left.
Placement of the Right Hand
- The right hand wraps around the grip beneath the left hand.
- The heel pad of the right hand should rest over the top of the left thumb.
- The life line (the crease in your palm) of the right hand should cover the left thumb.
If you struggle with the beginner left handed golf grip, often the right hand tries to take over too early. Keep the right hand more relaxed initially. It will engage fully during the downswing.
Grip Style Options for Left Handed Golfers
There are three main ways left-handed golfers connect their hands. Choose the one that feels most natural for you.
| Grip Style | Connection Method | Feel/Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Interlock | Pinky finger of the right hand locks with the index finger of the left hand. | Creates a very connected feel. Good for smaller hands. |
| Overlap (Vardon) | Pinky finger of the right hand rests in the groove between the index and middle fingers of the left hand. | Most popular method. Promotes fluidity and good pressure. |
| Ten-Finger (Baseball) | All ten fingers touch the club grip, like holding a baseball bat. | Easiest for absolute beginners. Offers a strong connection. |
If you are learning how to grip a golf club as a lefty, the Overlap or Ten-Finger style is often recommended first. The Interlock can feel awkward initially.
Pressure Points: How Tight to Hold the Club
Grip pressure is vital. Too tight kills wrist action. Too loose leads to fat or thin shots, or even losing the club!
For golf club holding for left-handed players, focus on pressure being evenly distributed. Use a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is feather-light and 10 is a death grip.
- Aim for a pressure of 4 or 5.
- Focus the pressure on the base fingers (the lower three fingers on each hand). These fingers hold the club securely.
- Keep the thumbs and index fingers relatively lighter. They are for feel and guidance, not squeezing power.
A light grip lets your wrists hinge freely. This “hinge” is essential for clubhead speed. A tense grip stops this movement cold.
Visualizing the Grip: The Mirror Image Principle
When learning how to set up for left handed golf, it helps to know you are simply mirroring a right-handed setup.
A right-handed golfer has:
1. Right hand low.
2. Left hand high.
3. Left hand controls the face.
A left-handed golfer must reverse this:
1. Left hand low (relative to the right hand placement on the club shaft, meaning the left hand is higher on the grip).
2. Right hand high (meaning the right hand is lower on the grip).
3. Right hand controls the face through impact (though both work together, the right hand applies more force in the downswing for a lefty).
Wait, let’s clarify the “high/low” for lefties based on common teaching:
- Higher on the shaft (closer to the butt end): Left Hand (Controls the overall placement).
- Lower on the shaft (closer to the clubhead): Right Hand (Adds power and directs the impact).
This arrangement allows the longer left arm to dictate the swing arc while the right hand delivers the final blow. This is key to the left arm golf swing grip.
Common Left-Handed Grip Faults and Fixes
Many new left-handed golfers struggle with the same few issues. Correcting these early prevents bad habits from setting in.
Fault 1: Weak Left Hand Grip
This happens when the left hand is turned too far to the right (clockwise when looking down).
- Result: The clubface is open at impact. Shots go right (slices).
- Fix: Ensure you see 2-3 knuckles. Rotate your left hand slightly counter-clockwise around the grip until you see the correct number of knuckles.
Fault 2: Strong Right Hand Grip
This means the right hand is wrapped too far around the club, covering most of the left thumb.
- Result: The clubface shuts too early. Shots hook left.
- Fix: Make sure the “V” formed by the right hand points more toward your chin or neck, not way off your right shoulder. Ease up on the pressure in the lower fingers of the right hand initially.
Fault 3: “Palming” the Club
This is when the club rests mainly in the palms of both hands, rather than the fingers. This is common when trying to achieve a proper left hand golf grip.
- Result: Lack of wrist action and distance loss.
- Fix: Focus on gripping the club primarily with the fingers of both hands. The butt end of the club should sit somewhat against the pads just below your fingers, not deep in your palms.
Refining Your Grip for Different Clubs
The grip itself stays the same, but the pressure and placement relative to your body changes slightly based on the club you use. This is part of golf grip fundamentals for lefties.
Irons (Short to Mid)
For pitching wedges, 9-irons, and 7-irons, you need precision.
- Maintain your standard 4-5 pressure level.
- Ensure the left hand has good control over the face angle.
Woods and Driver
The driver requires maximum speed.
- You might slightly decrease grip pressure to 3 or 4. This promotes faster swing speed.
- Your stance will be wider, but the grip remains the same fundamental connection. The goal is to let the left arm golf swing grip move freely without tension.
Putters
Putting requires the least amount of hand involvement.
- Many left-handed golfers adopt reverse overlap or cross-handed grips when putting (where the right hand is placed above the left hand).
- This is acceptable if it stabilizes the shoulders and prevents the wrists from moving too much during the stroke.
Drills for Solidifying Your Left Hand Golf Grip
Practice makes permanent. Use these simple drills to make your grip feel natural.
Drill 1: The Glove Check
- Hold the club only with your left hand.
- Place the club deep into the fingers.
- Close the hand, checking your knuckle alignment (2-3 knuckles visible).
- Now, add the right hand using your chosen connection style (Overlap/Interlock).
- Check the alignment of the right hand’s “V.”
- Hold this position for 15 seconds. Feel the connection. This reinforces the proper left hand golf grip.
Drill 2: The Wrist Hinge Drill
This drill checks for tension, which ruins the grip’s effectiveness.
- Take your full grip.
- Without swinging, gently hinge your wrists up and down (like opening and closing a door with your hands).
- If your grip is too tight, your wrists will lock up or feel painful.
- If you can hinge smoothly, your pressure is likely correct for solid golf club holding for left-handed players.
Drill 3: The Feet Together Drill
This drill forces you to rely on balance and grip control, as you cannot use excessive body movement.
- Place your feet right next to each other.
- Take half swings with a mid-iron, focusing only on the grip pressure and smooth release.
- This reinforces the feel of how to grip a golf club as a lefty without overcompensating with the body.
Fathoming Grip Strength and Wrist Action
The grip dictates wrist action, which generates speed.
When learning how to set up for left handed golf, beginners often squeeze the grip tightest right before impact. This kills speed. The energy should be loaded in the backswing and released smoothly forward.
Think of your hands as holding a wet bar of soap. You need enough pressure not to drop it, but too much squeezing will cause it to shoot out. This “just enough” pressure is the goal for a great left handed golf swing technique.
Why Grip Matters More Than You Think
Many golfers spend hours practicing long swings or perfecting their posture. However, if the grip is flawed, all that practice can lead to inconsistent results. The grip dictates:
- Clubface Angle: Directly controls start direction (left, right, or straight).
- Swing Path: Influences whether the club moves outside-in or inside-out.
- Release of Lag: Determines how much speed transfers to the ball.
Mastering the left handed golf grip is the single most important technical element for any left-handed golfer. It impacts every single shot you hit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Left Handed Golf Grip
Q: Should a left-handed golfer use a crossover grip?
A: Some left-handed golfers use a crossover grip, often called “cross-handed.” This means placing the right hand above the left hand on the grip. It’s very common for putting, as it restricts wrist movement. For full swings, it’s less common but can work if it feels consistent and strong for your specific swing.
Q: How often should I check my left handed golf grip?
A: Check it every time you pick up the club, especially when starting your session. If you hit a bad shot, the very first thing you should check is your grip pressure and hand placement. Consistency in golf grip fundamentals for lefties starts with frequent checks.
Q: Is it harder to learn how to grip a golf club as a lefty?
A: Physically, no. The mechanics are the same, just mirrored. However, because most golf equipment and instruction materials are geared toward right-handed players, left-handed golfers sometimes have fewer visual aids or local instructors experienced in grip instruction for left-handed golfers. You must rely more on mirror checks and feel.
Q: Does grip size affect the left handed golf grip?
A: Absolutely. If the grip is too small, it encourages gripping too tightly, leading to tension. If it’s too large, it can make closing the clubface hard. For golf club holding for left-handed players, ensure your grip size allows you to feel the pads of your fingers engaging the club properly.
Q: What is the best way to confirm my left hand position?
A: The best confirmation is visual. Stand over the ball (or just hold the club up) and look down at your left hand. You should see two or three knuckles showing. If you see zero or four, adjust your rotation until the count is right. This confirms a neutral to slightly strong proper left hand golf grip position.