Nina Caldwell
A stinger is a type of golf shot that is well-known for its low height and powerful, forward spin. It is commonly used in long-distance shots, as it results in a significant roll. The stinger is particularly useful in windy conditions and when there is a direct path down the centre of the fairway. While it is not a shot to get a golfer out of trouble, it is a valuable addition to any golfer's repertoire.
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What You'll Learn
Tiger Woods' stinger technique
A stinger in golf is a low-flying, powerful shot that is typically played with a long iron or fairway wood. It is characterized by a low trajectory, minimal spin, and a penetrating ball flight that can cut through the wind. The stinger is an invaluable weapon in a golfer's arsenal, especially in windy conditions or when facing a tight fairway. The legendary golfer Tiger Woods is renowned for his exceptional stinger technique, which has become a trademark of his game and has been admired and analyzed by golfers and fans worldwide.
The Tiger Woods stinger technique involves a unique combination of swing mechanics, precision, and power that results in a breathtaking ball flight. At the core of his technique is an exceptionally strong grip, where the left hand is turned more to the right, promoting a closed clubface at impact and helping to compress the ball. This strong grip also aids in reducing sidespin, ensuring a straight ball flight. Woods also employs a slight forward press with his hands, which helps to shallow the clubhead's angle of attack and encourages a sweeping motion rather than a steep, diving downswing.
The downswing in the Tiger Woods stinger is where the magic happens. He focuses on keeping his lower body stable and quiet, minimizing lateral movement, and instead, he uses his upper body's rotation to generate power. This upper body-dominated swing ensures precision and control, allowing him to "trap" the ball, compressing it against the turf and producing that distinctive low, penetrating flight. Woods' left arm remains straight through impact, with a slight bowing of the wrist, which adds to the compression and creates a "punching" effect on the ball.
The finish of the stinger sees Woods in a balanced, compact posture, with his body facing the target and the clubhead pointing straight down the line. This finish is a result of his controlled, rotational swing, emphasizing the precision and power he can generate. The stinger technique requires exceptional timing and body control, and Woods' fitness and athleticism have undoubtedly contributed to his mastery of this shot. It's a testament to his skill that he can generate such power while maintaining the precise mechanics required for this shot.
Practicing the stinger can also be beneficial for golfers looking to improve their overall ball-striking abilities. It promotes a shallow angle of attack, encourages a more efficient power source through body rotation, and provides valuable feedback on compressing the ball. While it may not be a shot used frequently on the course, the stinger remains an impressive and valuable technique, made famous by Tiger Woods, that can enhance a golfer's skills and strategic options.
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When to use the stinger shot
The stinger shot, also known as the Tiger Stinger, is a golf shot that was popularised by Tiger Woods. It is a low-flighted shot that can be used to keep the ball straight and rolling down the fairway. The stinger shot is not a replacement for all shots but is a great addition to a golfer's bag of skills.
The stinger shot is best used in windy conditions to prevent the wind from affecting the ball's trajectory. It is also useful when there is a need to keep the ball beneath the wind or guide it through a small space. When executed correctly, the stinger shot can be a powerful tool for golfers, providing control and precision in their game.
The stinger shot is particularly effective on links-style golf courses, where golfers can take advantage of the distance gained with this shot. In the summer months, when the grass is longer, the stinger shot may not be as advantageous due to the reduced roll. However, as the grass hardens and shortens during other seasons, the stinger shot becomes a great option to maximise distance.
When using the stinger shot, it is important to ensure that the ball is positioned in the middle of your stance or slightly forward to reduce spin and achieve a penetrating ball flight. Additionally, the stinger shot requires a descending blow, which can be achieved by keeping your hands slightly ahead of the ball at impact.
While the stinger shot is a valuable skill for experienced golfers, it is not recommended for beginners. Developing a consistent stinger shot requires practice and a solid understanding of the game. Lower handicap players tend to use the stinger shot more effectively, as they are more likely to make the necessary adjustments to their swing.
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How to hit a stinger
A stinger is a low golf shot with a lot of power and forward spin. It is a shot that is useful to have in your arsenal, especially in windy conditions. The stinger shot is characterised by a penetrating ball flight and a lot of roll. Here is how you can hit a stinger:
Setup
The setup includes your stance, posture, and ball position. Play the ball in the middle of your stance or even an inch or two forward of the centre. This will help minimise the ball's spin rate off the clubface and increase the rollout once it hits the turf.
The Club
Most players who try to hit a stinger immediately grab the longest iron in their bag. This is a mistake. Instead, hit most of your stingers with a 5-iron. The descending blow required for a stinger alters the angle of the clubface at impact, effectively turning a 5-iron into a 4 or even a 3-iron. Once you get comfortable hitting 5-iron stingers, you can move down to a 4-iron for an even lower launch.
The Swing
Mid-downswing, pull your hands slightly to the left so they exit in that direction after impact. This produces two critical stinger keys: creating a descending blow and keeping the clubhead as straight as possible through impact. If your backswing is up and to the right, it’s perfect for the stinger.
When to Use the Stinger
Use the stinger when you have a direct look down the centre of the fairway. It is not a good shot for a dog leg where you may have to cut or draw the ball. It is also not a good shot when you have water hazards or bunkers in front of you. The stinger is ideal for links-style golf courses and when playing in windy conditions.
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Stinger vs. punch shot
A stinger and a punch shot are both types of golf shots that travel much lower than a 'normal' ball flight. They are useful when you need the ball to travel underneath a tree and its branches, or when there is a strong headwind or crosswind.
Stinger
To hit a stinger, you should aim to hit the ball from the tee so you are not in the trees. You will lose some distance but will be in the fairway. You can use a 7i or 3h club, put the ball back in your stance, and perform a half swing back and forth with straight arms. It is a difficult shot and requires a lot of practice.
Punch Shot
A punch shot is a simpler shot that can be used to get out of trouble. You do not need to hit the ball hard to advance it 30-60 yards. The key is to make clean contact with the ball, with a 20-40% swing. You should keep your weight forward, hands ahead of the ball, and position the ball further back in your stance. You should also keep your hands pressed forward during the follow-through, and finish with the club face lower to the ground.
Differences
While both shots are types of low shots, the stinger is famous for its low, rising effect, while the punch shot does not have this effect. The punch shot is generally used to get out of trouble, while the stinger is a riskier shot that can be used off the tee. The stinger also requires more practice and is considered a more difficult shot to master.
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Links-style golf courses and the stinger
Links-style golf courses are the oldest type of golf course, first developed in Scotland. They are typically built on sandy coastlands, featuring undulating surfaces, dunes, and sandy soil that is unsuitable for arable farming. The word "links" comes from the Old English word "hlinc", meaning "rising ground" or "ridge". Links courses are characterised by firm turf, which allows the ball to run further after landing on the fairway.
The links-style golf course is a perfect place to hit a stinger shot. A stinger is a low golf shot with a lot of power and forward spin, resulting in a penetrating ball flight and a significant roll. It is particularly useful on links courses as it allows golfers to play the shape of the land and work the ball through the course. The stinger is an excellent shot to have in one's arsenal, especially in windy conditions, as it can provide distance and increased roll.
However, it is important to note that the stinger is not a shot that should be used all the time. It is best suited for situations where there is a direct look down the centre of the fairway. The stinger is not ideal for dog legs or when there are water hazards or bunkers in front of the golfer.
When playing on a links-style golf course, it is crucial to adapt one's strategy to the unique characteristics of the course. The firm and fast surface of links courses, especially during the summer months, makes it challenging to fly the ball to the green. Therefore, golfers often aim to land the ball short of the green and let it roll onto the putting surface. This strategic approach highlights the importance of course management and a controlled style of golf when playing on links-style courses.
In summary, links-style golf courses and the stinger shot are intertwined due to the nature of the course terrain and playing conditions. The stinger can be a valuable tool for golfers navigating the challenges presented by links courses, allowing them to take advantage of the firm surfaces and windy conditions while strategically planning their approach to each hole.
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Frequently asked questions
A stinger is a low golf shot with a lot of power and forward spin. It is used to keep the ball straight and rolling down the fairway.
The stinger shot is best used when you have a direct look down the centre of the fairway. It is also useful in windy conditions and on links-style golf courses.
The stinger shot can give you a lot of distance and roll. It is also simple to learn and easy to repeat once you understand how to use it.
Hitting a stinger shot is all about mastering your wrist mechanics and getting into the right position. This includes your stance, posture, and ball position.
