[Pulpmeister]

I've recently re-read two detective short stories from the thirties that coincidentally make use of "the clue of the left handed golf clubs". One is by Agatha Christie, the other by "Sapper" in his 'Ask for Ronald Standish" collection.

The vital clue that both Standish and Poirot seize on is that someone who purports to be right handed owns left-handed golf-clubs, and therefore something is wrong. Now, while I doubt that Poirot could tell a left-handed golf club on sight, not being a man ever likely to play golf, there is no doubt that gentleman and sportsman Standish could.

There is only one catch.

A surprisingly large number of people are not completely right-handed or left handed.

I know because I am one of them. I am right-handed exclusively in everything except aforesaid golf, (and other two-handed stick-and-ball games such as cricket, baseball and also probably hockey, which I've never played.). Even in tennis, a certain ambiguity creeps in. I can't backhand with my right hand alone, I have to use both hands, and when I do its the same basic grip as a bat, or golf club.

I don't know what proportion of the populace shares this curious division of handedness, but I know I'm no orphan.

So if you are writing a whodunit, don't use the clue of the left-handed golf club.