There was a time when left-handed golfers were limited in their options with regard to choice of equipment. Often, the newest, most up-to-date equipment was available only for righties. But in this day of $400 golf shafts and $500 putters, the manufacturers are more than happy to accommodate golfers from both sides of the ball with an opportunity to blow big bucks on new equipment.

Begin your search for golf clubs as you would if you were right handed. If you are a beginner, buy a beginner's set. For example, hybrid, 5 through 9 irons, pitching wedge and sand wedge. There are just as many good left-handed starter sets for lefties as there are for righties.

Spend time finding a putter that looks good and feels good in your hands. Most sporting goods stores have practice putting greens. Use these to find "your putter." Most of the popular models are stocked in left-handed configurations.

To move a step up if you decide that you like the game, consult with your Professional Golfers of America (PGA) teaching pro to discuss the sorts of golf clubs you should look at.

Make use of "demo days" at wherever you play. This is an opportunity to hit various makes and models of clubs to see what feels good.

Make your final choice on clubs after a fitting session by a qualified member of the PGA. This procedure precisely matches your clubs to your swing.

Choose your drivers and wedges the same way you chose your irons. The only difference is that the technical characteristics of these clubs is constantly changing and should you decide on one of the newer clubs, you may have a few week wait for them to come out in left-handed models.