Golf may be a sport steeped in tradition, but it’s the players who break the mold that often capture our imaginations. Among them, famous left handed golfers have carved out a unique place in golf history. Their presence on the PGA Tour has not only challenged the status quo but also brought a fresh perspective to the fairways.
The Uncommon Path: How Left Handed Golfers Have Made Their Mark
From the lush greens of the PGA Championship to the high stakes of the Masters Tournament, left handed golfers have swung their way into the annals of golf lore. With each PGA tour win, they have shown that playing golf left handed is more than a quirk—it’s a path to victory.
Phil Mickelson
Birthplace: San Diego, California, USA
Age: 52 (as of 2023)
Titles Won: 5 Major Championships (3 Masters, 1 PGA Championship, 1 Open Championship)
Turned Pro: 1992
Phil Mickelson, affectionately known as “Lefty,” is one of the most celebrated left-handed golfers in the history of the sport. Hailing from San Diego, he burst onto the professional scene in 1992 after a stellar amateur career. With his charismatic personality and bold play style, Mickelson has accumulated a notable number of PGA Tour wins, including five major titles. Off the course, he is known for his business ventures and engaging social media presence. An interesting fact about Mickelson is his love for flying; he is a licensed pilot and often flies to tournaments himself.
Bubba Watson
Birthplace: Bagdad, Florida, USA
Age: 44 (as of 2023)
Titles Won: 2 Major Championships (2012 & 2014 Masters Tournament)
Turned Pro: 2003
Gerry “Bubba” Watson is a fan-favorite, known for his prodigious drives and creative shot-making. Born in the small town of Bagdad, Florida, Watson turned professional in 2003 and has since been a mainstay on the PGA Tour. His emotional victory at the 2012 Masters, where he won in a sudden-death playoff, is a highlight of his career. Watson’s off-course interests include owning a candy shop and being part of a music group. He’s also deeply involved in charitable work, particularly focused on children’s hospitals.
Mike Weir
Birthplace: Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
Age: 53 (as of 2023)
Titles Won: 1 Major Championship (2003 Masters Tournament)
Turned Pro: 1992
Mike Weir, Canada’s most accomplished golfer, is known for his precision and mental toughness. Born in Sarnia, Ontario, he joined the professional ranks in 1992 and has since secured a place among golf’s elite. His 2003 Masters win made him the first Canadian man to win a major, and he remains a national hero. Beyond golf, Weir is involved in wine production with his own label and dedicates time to his charitable foundation, which focuses on children’s wellness.
Bob Charles
Birthplace: Carterton, New Zealand
Age: 86 (as of 2023)
Titles Won: 1 Major Championship (1963 Open Championship)
Turned Pro: 1960
Sir Bob Charles made history as the first left-handed golfer to win a major championship. Originating from Carterton, New Zealand, Charles turned professional in 1960 and etched his name in the record books with his 1963 Open Championship win. Known for his smooth swing and stoic demeanor, Charles has also won numerous events on the Senior Tour. After retiring from competitive golf, he has been active in promoting the sport in New Zealand and has been honored with a knighthood for his contributions.
Russ Cochran
Birthplace: Paducah, Kentucky, USA
Age: 64 (as of 2023)
Titles Won: 1 Senior Major Championship (2011 Senior Open Championship)
Turned Pro: 1979
Russ Cochran is recognized for his consistent play and longevity in the sport. Born in Paducah, Kentucky, he turned professional in 1979 and has been a solid performer on both the PGA Tour and the PGA Tour Champions. His most notable victory came at the 2011 Senior Open Championship. Cochran is also known for his family’s involvement in golf, with his son following in his footsteps. Off the course, he enjoys fishing and spending time with his family in his home state of Kentucky.
Left Handed Golfers on the PGA Tour: A Legacy of Success
The PGA tour wins amassed by left handers are not mere footnotes. They are testaments to the skill and perseverance of players who defy the dominance of the right-handed swing. These victories have elevated left handed golfers from mere participants to central figures in the narrative of professional golf.
The Icons: Left Handed Golfers Who Defined an Era
Names like Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson are not just synonymous with left handedness on the course; they are woven into the very fabric of the PGA tour’s storied history. Their contributions have not only included PGA tour wins but also major championships, forever etching their names among the best golfers of all time.
Tackling the Fairways: The Journey to Play Golf Left Handed
For those who choose to play golf left handed, the journey is different. The search for left handed golf clubs and the adjustments to a golf course designed for right handers add layers of challenge. Yet, these handed golfers have turned these challenges into opportunities, showcasing tremendous success with a left handed grip.
From Bob Charles to Mike Weir: Left Handed Golfers’ Road to PGA Tour Victory
The legacy of left handed golfers is rich with variety, from Bob Charles’ historic 1963 Open Championship win to Mike Weir’s Masters triumph. Each PGA tour victory by a left hander has contributed to a broader acceptance and celebration of left handedness in the sport.
The Future Swings Left: The Rise of Left Handed Golfers
The rise of left handed golfers in official world golf rankings and their increasing PGA tour wins signal a shift. With every rookie season that heralds a new left handed golfer, the sport evolves, promising a future where playing left handed is as common as a sunny day on the links.
Left Handed Golfers – An Integral Part of Golf’s Tapestry
Left handed golfers are not just a curiosity; they are an integral part of golf’s diverse tapestry. Their influence extends beyond PGA tour titles to shaping the culture and future of the sport. As they continue to win and inspire, the left handed swing will remain a celebrated stroke in the game of golf.
FAQs
Who is the most famous left-handed golfer?
Phil Mickelson is widely regarded as the most famous left-handed golfer. Nicknamed “Lefty,” Mickelson has enjoyed a storied career on the PGA Tour, which includes multiple major championships.
His creative playing style, aggressive approach to the game, and numerous victories in high-pressure situations have made him a fan favorite. His success has not only inspired many to take up golf but also challenged the perception that left-handed golfers are at a disadvantage.
How many PGA golfers are left-handed?
The number of left-handed PGA golfers has historically been low compared to their right-handed counterparts, but their presence is growing. As of the last few years, there have been around 25-30 left-handed golfers with PGA Tour cards.
This represents a small fraction of the total number of professional golfers but signifies a growing trend as more left-handers take up the sport and rise through the ranks.
Who are the top current left-handed golfers?
Among the top current left-handed golfers, Bubba Watson stands out. With multiple Masters Tournament victories, Watson has established himself as a leading figure in the game.
Other prominent left-handers include Mike Weir, who has a Masters win to his name, and Brian Harman, who is known for his consistency and competitive performances in major tournaments.
How many left-handed golfers have won majors?
A select group of left-handed golfers have won major championships, with Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, and Mike Weir being the most notable.
Together, they have secured multiple major titles, with Mickelson alone accounting for several. These triumphs are not just personal achievements but milestones that have helped to increase the visibility and viability of left-handed players in professional golf.
Has a left-handed golfer ever won the Masters?
Yes, left-handed golfers have won the Masters Tournament. The most notable left-handed winner is Phil Mickelson, who has donned the coveted green jacket three times.
Bubba Watson is another left-hander who has mastered the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club, securing two Masters victories. These wins were not just personal triumphs but also pivotal moments for left-handed golfers in the sport.
