If you are a golf fan, you may have noticed that some right-hand golf pros putt left-handed. Why do they do that? Is there any advantage to switching your dominant hand when putting? This blog post will explore the reasons behind this unusual technique and whether it can help you improve your game.
Is Phil Mickelson Right Handed?
The most famous example of a right-hand golfer who putts left-handed is Phil Mickelson, a professional golfer from the United States.
Nicknamed “Lefty”, he has won six major championships and is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time. He is also known for his adventurous and creative style of play, which often involves taking risky shots and escaping from difficult situations.
Mickelson started playing golf as a toddler, and he learned by mirroring his father, a right-handed golfer.
As a result, he developed a natural swing with his left hand, but he kept his right hand as his dominant hand for everything else. He never switched to playing right-handed because he felt comfortable and confident with his left-handed swing.
Switching to Putting Left-Handed
Not all right-hand golfers who putt left-handed have the same story as Mickelson. Some switched to putting left-handed later in their careers after struggling with their putting performance or developing a case of the yips.
The yips are a psychological phenomenon that causes involuntary jerks or tremors in the hands or arms during a golf stroke, especially when putting. The yips can ruin a golfer’s confidence and accuracy, and they are very hard to overcome.
One theory is that switching to putting left-handed can help a golfer overcome the yips by creating a new neural pathway in the brain and breaking the association with previous bad experiences.
Another theory is that putting the left hand can help a golfer improve their alignment and distance control because they can see the ball better with their dominant eye and use their dominant hand for feel and touch.
Of course, putting left-handed is not a magic solution for every golfer. It requires a lot of practice and adjustment and may not suit everyone’s style or preference. Some golfers may find it more natural and effective to putt right-handed, even if they are right-hand dominant.
If you are curious about trying to putt left-handed, here are some tips on how to switch:
- Get a left-handed putter that fits your height and stance.
- Practice your grip and posture with the left-handed putter. You can use the same grip as you do with your right-handed putter, or you can try a different one that feels more comfortable. Ensure your shoulders are square to the target line and your eyes are over the ball.
- Start with short putts and gradually increase the distance. Focus on your tempo and rhythm, and make a smooth stroke without tension or hesitation.
- Compare your results with your right-handed putter and see if there is any improvement or difference. You may find that you have more control or confidence with your left-handed putter, or you may prefer your right-handed putter. Either way, you will learn something new about your putting skills.
Putting left-handed may seem like a strange or unconventional choice for some right-hand golfers, but it can also be a smart and strategic one. By switching their dominant hand when putting, some golfers can gain an edge over their competitors and improve their performance on the greens. Whether you are a right-hand golfer who putts left-handed or not, you can always learn from the pros and try new things to enhance your game.