A lefty-friendly guide to learning golf — your way.

---

⛳ INTRO

Let’s be honest — golf can feel like its own language sometimes. Between “fade,” “pitching wedge,” and “par,” it’s easy to feel out of place before you even step on the green. I remember starting out as a left-handed golfer and thinking where do I even start?!

This post is your no-pressure, beginner-friendly guide to key golf terms and when (and how) to actually use your clubs. Chic vibes, helpful info — zero gatekeeping. Whether you are here to learn for you or be the best cart princess there is.

This post is your no-pressure, beginner-friendly guide to:

• Golf terms (that won’t make your head spin)

• Which club to use (and when)

• How to swing like you — not like everyone else

• And what nobody tells you: how to know if you’re actually left-handed in golf

---

🏌️‍♀️ COMMON GOLF TERMS (aka decoding the group chat)

• Par: The expected number of strokes it should take to complete a hole. If it’s a par 4, your goal is 4 strokes.

• Birdie: One stroke under par (ex: you get it in 3 on a par 4).

• Bogey: One stroke over par (you took 5 on a par 4).

• Fairway: The nice, trimmed grass path between the tee box and the green — where you want your ball to land.

• Rough: The thicker grass off to the sides — harder to hit from.

• Green: The smooth grass around the hole, where you putt.

• Tee Box: Where you take your first shot on each hole.

• Chip Shot: A short, low-lofted shot (think gentle lift onto the green).

• Putt: A short, rolling shot using your putter — ideally on the green.

---

🏌️ CLUB 101: WHAT TO USE & WHEN

Let’s make it make sense.

👟 Off the Tee (aka the first shot)

• Driver: Big club, big distance. Use it on longer holes to get the ball way down the fairway.
  Tip: It’s OK if this feels wild at first — practice your tempo, not just power.

🌱 On the Fairway

• Fairway Woods (3W, 5W): Good for long shots when you’re still far from the green.

• Hybrids: Great for beginners — easier to hit than long irons (and more forgiving).
  If you’re lefty, find one that feels natural in your hand — don’t force it.

⛳ Approaching the Green

• Irons (7–9): For more controlled shots as you get closer to the green.
  The higher the number, the shorter and higher the shot.

✨ Around the Green

• Wedges (Pitching, Sand, Lob):

  • Pitching Wedge = standard short approach

  • Sand Wedge = bunker shots or thick grass

  • Lob Wedge = super short, high-loft shots

🏁 On the Green

• Putter: The most-used club in your bag — and it’s all about finesse, not force.

---

📏 PROPER SWING & STANCE BASICS

Let’s keep it simple — you don’t need a perfect PGA Tour swing. You need a repeatable swing that works for your body.

🦶 1. Stance

• Feet about shoulder-width apart

• Knees slightly bent, posture athletic (not stiff)

• Weight balanced, leaning just a little forward onto the balls of your feet

🏌️ 2. Grip

• Hold the club with relaxed strength (death grip = disaster)

• Most beginners use the overlap or interlock grip : I interlock my pinky & pointer finger 

• Let your arms hang naturally — don’t force it

🌀 3. Swing

• Backswing = smooth and controlled

• Downswing = shift weight to your front foot and rotate your hips

• Follow-through = don’t stop at contact — extend and finish facing the target

✨ Pro tip: Film yourself occasionally — it’s the easiest way to notice what feels off (or actually looks amazing).

---

🫰 ARE YOU A LEFTY OR RIGHTY GOLFER?

This is huge — and not talked about enough.

Here’s how to figure it out:

• Which hand feels strongest or most in control?
  If your left hand guides the swing and feels dominant, you may be a lefty golfer.

• Which side feels natural when you swing a bat, throw a ball, or hit with a broom?
  Your swing direction often aligns with those instincts.

✋ I’m left-handed, and finding lefty clubs — especially cute, quality ones — was a struggle. So if you’re lefty too, you’re not alone. Even better? I’m a righty with almost everything else I do. So don’t force one side more than the other just because that’s your dominant side.

---

💬 FINAL THOUGHTS

Golf doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to know everything — just enough to show up, swing with purpose, and enjoy the game on your terms.

You’re allowed to take up space on the green — whether you’re a lefty, a beginner, or just learning what club to use without Googling mid-round.

You don’t have to play “their” game to play well. Play yours.

Make sure to download my GOLF CLUB CHEATSHEET BELOW.