Left-handedness is a unique trait that affects about 10 percent of the U.S. population but only a select few have found success on the PGA Tour. The struggle of being left-handed in a right-handed world is highlighted on the official website of being left-handed, lefthandersday.com, which celebrates International Lefthanders Day on August 13th each year. The website offers products tailored for lefties, such as left-handed scissors, but left-handed golf clubs may be harder to come by.
Phil Mickelson, known as “Lefty,” is arguably the most famous left-handed golfer, with six majors, 45 PGA Tour wins, and over $92 million in earnings. Despite throwing right-handed, Mickelson has dominated the left-handed competition on Tour, with his 45 victories accounting for more than half of the total left-handed wins on the PGA Tour. His success is unmatched in the left-handed golfing community.
Following in Mickelson’s footsteps is Bubba Watson, a two-time Masters champion with 12 PGA Tour wins and over $47 million in earnings. Another notable left-handed golfer is Mike Weir, who won the Masters in 2003 and has a total of eight PGA Tour wins. Weir received his green jacket from none other than Tiger Woods, solidifying his place in left-handed golf history.
Bob Charles was the first left-hander to win a major championship, taking home the 1963 Open Championship and the Houston Open in the same year. His unique feat as a left-handed golfer paved the way for others like Steve Flesch, Brian Harman, and Ted Potter Jr., who have each found success on the PGA Tour with multiple wins under their belt.
The most recent addition to the left-handed winners club is South African Garrick Higgo, who clinched his first PGA Tour victory at the Palmetto Championship at Congaree. Higgo, a three-time winner on the European Tour, quickly made a name for himself on the PGA Tour with his impressive performances. Other left-handed golfers like Cody Gribble, Greg Chalmers, and Eric Axley have also made their mark with notable wins on Tour.
The left-handed golfing community continues to grow and thrive, with each new winner adding to the legacy of left-handed success on the PGA Tour. Whether it’s legendary players like Phil Mickelson or up-and-coming stars like Matt McCarty, left-handed golfers are making their presence known and showcasing their unique talents on the biggest stage in the game of golf.
