Introduction
Left handed pro golfers are a rare and fascinating group in the world of professional golf. While roughly 10% of the U.S. population is left-handed, only a small fraction have made it to the top of the PGA Tour. These golfers stand out not only for their talent but also for adapting to a sport largely designed for right-handed players. From historic firsts to modern champions, left-handed golfers continue to leave a lasting mark on the game.
How Many Pro Golfers Are Left Handed?
Only 18 left-handed golfers have won on the PGA Tour. Despite their small numbers, they have collectively secured 88 victories. Phil Mickelson leads this elite group with 45 wins, more than half of all PGA Tour victories by left-handed players. This shows that while left-handed pro golfers are rare, their impact on the game is enormous.
Famous Left Handed Pro Golfers
Several left-handed golfers have made history through exceptional skill and determination:
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Phil Mickelson – Known as “Lefty,” Mickelson has six major championships and 45 PGA Tour wins, earning over $92 million.
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Bubba Watson – Two-time Masters champion with 12 PGA Tour victories and $47 million in earnings.
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Mike Weir – First lefty in 40 years to win a major at the 2003 Masters, with eight PGA Tour wins.
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Bob Charles – First left-handed major winner at the 1963 Open Championship; naturally right-handed.
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Steve Flesch – Four PGA Tour wins after switching from a right-handed swing to left-handed.
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Brian Harman – Two PGA Tour wins and one of five lefties to win a major championship.
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Ted Potter Jr. – Two PGA Tour victories and a natural right-hander who adopted a left-handed swing.
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Akshay Bhatia – 2023 Barracuda Championship winner and rising star among left-handed pro golfers.
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Robert MacIntyre – Scottish golfer with multiple PGA Tour wins, representing the new generation of left-handed golfers.
Other notable left-handed players include Russell Earl Cochran, Ernie Gonzalez, and Sam Adams, each with unique achievements on tour.
Left Handed Pro Golfers Playing Right Handed
Interestingly, several left-handed pro golfers are naturally right-handed but play left-handed. Phil Mickelson, Bob Charles, and Ted Potter Jr. are examples of players who adapted their swings to left-handed golf. This shows that in professional golf, determination and technique often outweigh natural handedness.
What Percentage of Pro Golfers Are Left Handed?
Left-handed pro golfers make up less than 5% of all PGA Tour winners. Despite their small percentage, their accomplishments are significant. Many have won major championships, earned millions in prize money, and become fan favorites, proving that being left-handed is no barrier to professional success.
Challenges for Left Handed Pro Golfers
Left-handed golfers face unique challenges in a sport designed for right-handed players. Equipment such as clubs, training aids, and even course layouts often favor right-handed swings. Overcoming these obstacles requires creativity, adaptability, and perseverance, qualities that define successful left-handed pro golfers.
Left Handed Pro Golfers List
Here is a summary of the top left-handed pro golfers:
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Phil Mickelson
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Bubba Watson
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Mike Weir
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Bob Charles
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Steve Flesch
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Brian Harman
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Ted Potter Jr.
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Akshay Bhatia
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Robert MacIntyre
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Russell Earl Cochran
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Ernie Gonzalez
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Sam Adams
Each of these players represents the dedication, skill, and adaptability that define left-handed golfing excellence.
Conclusion
Left-handed pro golfers may be few, but they have left a significant mark on professional golf. From Phil Mickelson’s record-breaking career to rising stars like Akshay Bhatia, these athletes prove that handedness does not limit success. Overcoming challenges, adapting swings, and mastering courses designed for right-handers, left-handed pro golfers continue to inspire and redefine what is possible on the PGA Tour, much like Emoticoness, which uses creativity and expression to break barriers and inspire new ways of thinking in the digital age.
FAQs About Left Handed Pro Golfers
Q1: How many pro golfers are left handed?
Currently, only 18 left handed pro golfers have won on the PGA Tour. This makes them a rare and elite group in professional golf.
Q2: Who is the most successful left handed pro golfer?
Phil Mickelson is the most accomplished left-handed golfer, with six major championships and 45 PGA Tour victories.
Q3: Are all left handed pro golfers naturally left-handed?
No. Some left handed pro golfers, like Phil Mickelson and Bob Charles, are naturally right-handed but adapted their swings to play left-handed.
