Being a left-handed golfer is a rare event. While about 10-12% of the general population is left-handed, studies suggest that only about 5-7% of golfers are lefties. This disparity is often attributed to the limited availability of left-handed equipment, particularly for junior golfers, and the historical tendency to encourage children to play with their dominant hand, which for most is the right hand. However, the 2025 Masters has brought a surge of excitement to the left-handed golfing community, with a record eight lefties teeing off in the prestigious tournament.

Golf reporter Shane Bacon was quick to highlight this achievement, tweeting, “Shoutout to all those lefties out there… 2025 is the most left-handers ever in a Masters field with 8!” This impressive showing includes some big names, like Bubba Watson, who’s currently leading the lefty pack at one-under through seven holes. Phil Mickelson, another legendary lefty, has also had success at Augusta, taking home three Masters titles in 2004, 2006, and 2010, and is in the top 5 LIV contenders at the 2025 edition. And how can we forget Mike Weir? The golfer was the first left-handed golfer to win the Masters, claiming the title in 2003.

The other five lefties in the field may not have major titles to their names, but they’re still formidable players on the PGA Tour. Brian Harman, for example, just won last weekend’s tournament, while Ashkay Bhatia, Matt McCarty, Joe Highsmith, and Robert MacIntyre are all looking to make their mark.

Well, while it would be an easy bet to put your money on Mickelson and Bhatia when it comes to top lefties, you wouldn’t want to count Highsmith out. The youngster has been on fire in his rookie season, turning things around after a slow start with four top-22 finishes in five tournaments, with a remarkable win at the Cognizant Classic. This victory not only marked his first PGA Tour win, but also secured his spot at Augusta. Currently ranked 22nd in the Ryder Cup standings, Highsmith’s impressive form has made him a player to watch.

With three of the eight lefties having won the Masters in the past, this could be an exciting week for southpaws everywhere. And well, one of the lefties to win the Masters three times has shared some tricks for his fellow lefties to win that green jacket.

Phil Mickelson’s amazing observations of how Augusta National course treats lefties

Phil Mickelson is always a treat to listen to, especially when he’s talking about Augusta National, a course where he’s dominated thrice. During his pre-tournament press conference for the LIV Golf Miami event in 2024, Mickelson shared some fascinating insights on how the course plays differently for left-handers like himself. He explained that there are subtle nuances that allow the course to play differently for lefties like Bubba Watson and himself compared to right-handed players. As Mickelson noted, “There’s little subtleties, nuances that allow that course to play different for Bubba and myself than John.”

One example Mickelson highlighted was the greenside bunker shot on the 10th hole, which he believes is more penalizing for lefties than righties. He explained that when the pin is on the right side of the green, right-handed players can easily hit a high, soft shot with cut spin that stops quickly, whereas lefties struggle to stop the ball due to the right-to-left green slope. As he put it, “When the pin is on the right… If you go in that bunker and a right-handed player comes in there and opens the face on his sand wedge and hits a nice high soft shot with little cut spin, it cuts back into the slope, checks up quick, pretty easy up and down. I’ve been in practice rounds where I’ve seen the guys throw it up there two feet, no problem.”

“But for a left-handed player… the best I can do is maybe eight feet and 10 feet is a pretty good shot.” On the other hand, Mickelson noted that lefties have a big advantage on the 12th hole, aka the Golden Bell, where the course aligns with their natural shot dispersion, allowing them to be more aggressive and take on tougher pin positions. So, do you think Mickelson can win his fourth green jacket with these observations? Let us know in the comment section below!