
What is a stinger shot in golf?
A stinger in golf is a shot that flies very close to the ground and has a much lower arc than a traditional golf shot. The stinger keeps the ball cutting through the wind, and it won’t let that wind affect the ball’s flight as it is a very penetrating golf shot.
What is Tiger Woods' stinger shot?
A stinger in golf is a shot that is hit with a very low trajectory. Players typically hit a stinger with a fairway wood, hybrid, or low iron, and the design of the shot increases a golfer’s chance of keeping the ball in play when there are obstacles to play under or if there are strong winds.
Should you add a stinger to your golf toolbox?
Picking. Made famous by Tiger Woods, the “stinger” is an extremely low shot hit with a wood, hybrid or long iron. It takes enormous talent and skill to play the stinger like Woods does, but most amateurs can learn a modified version. The stinger is a great option when playing a short par 4 where accuracy is paramount.
How difficult is it to hit a stinger on the PGA Tour?
Stinger is a special type of shot in golf which can be used when the conditions are quite rough. Wind can cause a ball to derail from its track. If the ball travels at a low altitude, it will not get derailed by the wind and can still cover a lot of distance. This is the essence of the stinger shot.
Who Should Try The Stinger?
The Stinger is a full shot that is meant to keep the ball low and in the fairway. It’s not a recovery shot. What Clubs Can you Hit a Stinger With? The short answer is anything but your putter (though we’d be impressed if you tried).
Stinger Technique
Apr 06, 2022 · Off the tee, stingers are usually designed to try and get the ball into play – especially 3- and 2-irons, and even 3-woods can be used. Streaters can be hit with a driver, but they’re harder to hit in practice, and learning them takes more practice. Why Do Golfers Hit Stingers? There are four basic uses of the stinger shot.

How do you hit a stinger in golf?
2:258:25How To Hit A Stinger | The Shot Every Golfer Wants In The Bag - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBody while leading with your hands. If you don't rotate with your upper body and are leading hardMoreBody while leading with your hands. If you don't rotate with your upper body and are leading hard with the hands clubface is going to be open causing it to squirt out to the right.
How does a stinger shot work?
Why? The descending blow required for a stinger alters the angle of the clubface at impact. In effect, you're manually changing a 5-iron to a 4 or even a 3. Once you get comfortable hitting 5-iron stingers, you have permission to grab your 4 for even lower launch.Aug 15, 2020
Is it hard to hit a stinger?
If you don't have the proper setup, the stinger isn't going to work. Begin by teeing it up like a normal iron by putting the tee fully into the ground. If it's too high, it's almost impossible to pull this shot off. Next, keep your weight 50/50 which is key to success.
Why do people hit stingers?
A stinger in golf is a shot that is hit with a very low trajectory. Players typically hit a stinger with a fairway wood, hybrid, or low iron, and the design of the shot increases a golfer's chance of keeping the ball in play when there are obstacles to play under or if there are strong winds.
What's a knockdown golf shot?
A "knockdown shot" is a type of golf shot in which the golfer induces a lower trajectory for the flight of the golf ball. The ball, in other words, doesn't get as high in the air with a knockdown shot as it does with the golfer's typical swing.Sep 8, 2019
How far do Stingers go?
But because of the firmness of the ground, these shots (which Tiger dubbed his “Stinger”) would roll out to about 280 yards, and often even longer.Apr 1, 2020
Can you hit a stinger with a 6 iron?
A stinger is typically used off the tee to try and get the ball in play, so longer irons – such as a 3-iron, 2-iron or driving iron – or even a 3-wood are the ideal club to use. You can hit a stinger with driver, but it's more difficult to execute and takes more practice to master.Nov 19, 2021
Do Stingers go further?
Purpose of the Stinger Another benefit is that the ball will generally roll out farther than a higher trajectory golf shot. Tiger likes to hit this shot when he wants to control the direction as well.
Can you hit a stinger with a hybrid?
1:314:40How to Hit Your Hybrid Low (Stingers) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe nice thing with the hybrid is. If you make a slower swing. The ball is still going to launch. SoMoreThe nice thing with the hybrid is. If you make a slower swing. The ball is still going to launch. So when I'm playing a stinger with a hybrid.
How do you play wind golf?
2:123:30How to play GOLF in WINDY conditions? Think about the wind!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo next time when you play in windy conditions. Take some grass throw it in the air and you'll checkMoreSo next time when you play in windy conditions. Take some grass throw it in the air and you'll check the wind. Then you know where you have to aim and doesn't just trust the wind.
How do you hit a low stinger off the tee?
0:122:02Darren Clarke - How to Play 'The Stinger' off the Tee - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFrom a very young kid. And a couple of basics to number. One I'll always grip a little bit down theMoreFrom a very young kid. And a couple of basics to number. One I'll always grip a little bit down the shaft you've to have more control of the top.
Who invented the Stinger golf?
legend Ben HoganThe stinger shot was first invented by golf legend Ben Hogan, who showed it to his friend, Claude Harmon, who passed it along to his son, Butch, who served as Woods's coach from 1993 until the early aughts.Apr 4, 2018
What Exactly is a Stinger Shot?
A stinger in golf is a shot that is hit with a very low trajectory. Players typically hit a stinger with a fairway wood, hybrid, or low iron, and the design of the shot increases a golfer’s chance of keeping the ball in play when there are obstacles to play under or if there are strong winds.
How Do You Hit a Stinger Shot in Golf? (5 Step Success Guide)
Hitting the perfect stinger is all about consistency, and you need to ensure your setup is on point. While we’d all love to hit a stinger like Tiger Woods, it’s not the most straightforward shot in the world to perfect.
What Club Do You Hit a Stinger With?
You will find stingers easier to execute with low irons, fairway woods, and hybrids. Some players even use a driver to hit a stinger off the tee if they’re looking for more control. It’s best to avoid mid to high irons when hitting a stinger.
Do Stinger Golf Shots Go Farther?
A stinger shot in certain conditions will go farther than a high trajectory shot. If you’re positioned behind a tree or have your line blocked by overhanging branches, executing a stinger and going under will likely give you more distance than trying to go through or over.
Is a Stinger a Punch Shot?
There are similarities between a stinger and a punch shot, they’re not the same. A stinger is a full shot with a low trajectory, reserved for use when you’re a considerable distance from the green. A stinger is hit them off the tee, from the fairway, or out of the rough with a full backswing.
When Should You Hit a Stinger?
You should hit a stinger shot when you need the ball to travel at a low trajectory. Situations out on the course that necessitates a shot with a low arch, and a stinger is the ideal solution.
Can You Hit a Stinger with a Hybrid?
While most people hit stingers with low irons or fairway woods, it’s possible to hit a stinger with a hybrid. The most important thing to remember when hitting a stinger with a hybrid is that they tend to be slightly loftier than irons, somewhere in the region of four degrees.
What is a stinger in golf?
The stinger is a great option when playing a short par 4 where accuracy is paramount. The shot's low trajectory makes it useful in the wind as well. Woods typically pulls a 2-iron or fairway wood when the stinger is called for.
How to play a stinger shot?
For mere mortals, the stinger is best played similar to a standard knock-down or punch shot: Tee the ball very low, no more than a quarter-inch off the ground. Play the ball two-thirds of the way between your lead foot and the middle of your stance.
How to avoid sidepin in golf?
Keeping the ball low to the ground will minimize the time it has in the air to turn off line, and the technique you use to hit a stinger will help you avoid sidespin. This certainly isn't going to be the right kind of tee shot for every hole that you play, but it can be perfect in the right situation.
How to shorten the length of a golf club?
Instead, choke down on the grip of your iron by around an inch or two to shorten the overall length of the club.
Where should a stinger be placed in a stance?
That is the right idea, but it is taking it too far. The ideal ball position for a stinger is right in the middle of your stance.
Does wind affect stinger shots?
Since it should fly close to the ground (when struck properly), the wind will have a minimal effect on the flight of your stinger shot. This method of keeping the ball out of the wind is not only effective on shots played into the breeze, but also for holes where the wind is blowing from side to side.
Can you use a stinger shot on a soft course?
Take advantage of conditions. When you play golf on a soft course, the stinger shot isn't going to provide you with much value. On the other hand, when you play a dry and firm golf course that is offering plenty of roll in the fairways, the stinger can be your best friend.
When to use stingers in golf?
Stingers are best used when there are obstructions in your path, or when the weather is on the windy side. Woods is known to use this shot even in the place of normal standard drives.
What is a good example of a golfer who pulls out his own variation of the Stinger shot in
Tiger Woods is a good example of a golfer who pulls out his own variation of the Stinger shot in a do-or-die situation. A Stinger is the perfect go-to shot if you have a lot of trees or low hanging bushes blocking your path, but still need to make the distance.
How to hit a stinger shot?
Hitting a stinger shot takes many hours of practice. It does become an easier shot once you have good control over the ball. To hit the perfect stinger shot, follow these tips: 1 Stinger shots require an on-plane swing during the impact. 2 It’s necessary to have optimum control of your club. Don’t try to be too aggressive and be sure to keep a relaxed posture while hitting the ball. 3 Using a divot in front of the ball can help you get the perfect control over the ball. This can help control the spin, as well as the elevation of the ball. 4 Try controlling the clubface so that your wrist doesn’t turn quickly on impact. Doing so can cause the ball to spin too much. 5 While hitting the ball, focus on keeping the shaft parallel to the ground. This will help the ball travel a longer distance while at the same time maintaining a low altitude. 6 Maintain a balanced posture. You can even lean slightly forward so as to obtain the perfect downswing.
How far can Tiger Woods hit a stinger shot?
He is known to use this shot to cover a distance of about 260 yards using a 2-iron.
How far can you hit a stinger with a 2 iron?
The stinger is the most difficult shot I have ever attempted, and it does require many hours of practice. Hitting 280 yards with a 2-iron is next to impossible for a beginner. Don’t have any unrealistic expectations when you start out. Start slow and small and build up distance as you progress.
How to control the spin of a golf ball?
Don’t try to be too aggressive and be sure to keep a relaxed posture while hitting the ball. Using a divot in front of the ball can help you get the perfect control over the ball. This can help control the spin, as well as the elevation of the ball.
What causes a ball to derail from its track?
Wind can cause a ball to derail from its track. If the ball travels at a low altitude, it will not get derailed by the wind and can still cover a lot of distance. This is the essence of the stinger shot. The ball is hit in an aggressive manner, but the end result is simply magical to watch!
Why is my stinger so far forward?
First off, it means your hands will have more time to release before you make contact with the ball. When your hands have more time to release, the clubhead turns over and you risk hooking the ball.
What iron do you use to hit a stinger?
When hitting a stinger, you generally want to use a low-lofted iron. It usually works best with a 2,3 or 4-iron. As you start to get up into the mid-short irons, it becomes more difficult and less productive to hit a stinger.
What is the most fun shot to hit in golf?
The stinger is one of the most fun (and impressive) shots you can hit on the golf course. However, it also has a high degree of difficulty. When trying to hit a stinger, remember to keep these points in mind:
What is lag in golf?
If you don’t know what lag is, it’s simply the angle made between your lead arm and the club shaft:
How to do a stinger on a golf swing?
The first key for a stinger, Lee says, is to put the ball in the back of your stance. This will help you bottom out on your swing sooner and punch the ball beneath the wind. The next step is to focus on hitting down on the ball. Apparel.
What is a stinger shot?
The stinger is a shot that many can admire, but there are few who can hit it effectively. With a low, penetrating ball flight, there are few shots that inspire awe like the stinger. Tiger Woods made the shot popular in the 2000s, and Gary Woodland has since taken the torch, putting on a show with his low trajectory.
Where is Lee from playing stingers?
As a kid from Perth, Australia , Lee knows a thing or two about playing in the wind. Growing up and battling those conditions forced him to learn the low-trajectory shot, and he has since become quite proficient at keeping the ball out of the wind. The first key for a stinger, Lee says, is to put the ball in the back of your stance.
Should you tee the ball higher or lower?
And while it might seem intuitive to tee the ball as low as possible to hit the ball low, Lee recommends doing the opposite. Tee the ball up a touch higher than normal and you’ll have an easier time making a descending blow and hitting down on it. “It sounds weird, but I tee it up higher than usual,” he says.
5. Hands Ahead of the Club
Coming into impact, you should make sure that your hands have stayed ahead of the club, so that there will be some forward shaft lean.
6. Cover the Ball
To “cover the ball,” your chest and body moves down toward the ball in your downswing, and your sternum stays over the ball through impact.
8. Firm Wrists on Follow Through
The Stinger calls for an abbreviated follow through, with your wrists staying firm to the finish of the swing.

Purpose of The Stinger
- The stinger shot is a control shot that flights the ball at a lower than normal trajectory. In windy conditions, the stinger is very effective in reducing the spin of the golf ball, allowing it to penetrate through the wind. Another benefit is that the ball will generally roll out farther than a higher trajectory golf shot. Tiger likes to hit this ...
Why Is The Stinger Considered A Control Golf Shot?
- The impact conditions created by the stinger give a player more control of the golf ball. This occurs because the stinger requires the handle of the club to be leaning towards the target more than a normal golf shot. In addition, the handle of the club must keep moving after impact to ensure a low trajectory shot, increasing the players’ control of the club face. The negative of the …
Who Should Try The Stinger?
- Everyone can try to develop a stinger, but it is best reserved for experienced players who can hit a draw or hook. If a player is hindered by a big fade or slice, then there are a few important changes that must be made before the Tiger Stinger can be learned. For those players that can draw a golf ball, this shot can take the iron play to a new level. Tiger says he first started hitting this shot wit…
Stinger Technique
- The main objective of the shot is to lean the shaft and keep the butt end of the club moving past impact. For this to happen properly, it is very important for the golfer to rotate the hips and torso as quickly as possible. One key to accomplishing this rotation is to keep the trail shoulder moving through the forward swing. Additionally, the player should sense that the chest is facing the targ…