Every golfer’s been there—you’re out on the course, the wind’s howling, and you need a shot that stays low and cuts through the air. That’s where the stinger comes in. If you’ve ever watched Tiger Woods on a windy day, you’ve probably seen him pull off this shot like it’s nothing. So, how do you hit a stinger in golf? Let’s break it down in simple steps.
What is a Stinger?
A stinger is a low, piercing golf shot that doesn’t balloon into the wind. It stays close to the ground, cuts through the air, and keeps rolling when it lands. Pros use it when they need control, like when the wind’s strong or when they’re playing on hard, fast fairways. Think about those links courses at The Open Championship—stingers are perfect for keeping the ball under the wind.
Why Should You Learn the Stinger?
Learning to hit a stinger is all about control. When you need to keep the ball low, or you want extra roll on the fairway, this shot is your friend. It’s not just for the pros like Adam Scott or Ben Hogan—you can learn it too. And once you have it in your game, you’ll have an edge when conditions get tough.
What Clubs Do You Need for a Stinger?
The key to hitting a stinger is using the right club. A long iron—like a 2-iron or 3-iron—is your best bet. You can also use a driving iron or a low-spin hybrid. Here’s why:
- Long irons help keep the ball low because they have less loft.
- Driving irons are designed for shots like the stinger. They give you a low, penetrating flight.
- Low-spin balls also help. These balls don’t climb as much, so they stay on a low path.
Next time you’re out on a windy course, try using one of these clubs to hit a stinger. You’ll see how much easier it is to keep the ball down.
How To Hit a Stinger: Step-by-Step
Let’s get into the technique. Here’s how to hit a stinger in golf.
1. Stance and Grip
- Narrow your stance a bit. A wide stance gives too much room for error.
- Neutral grip works best. Don’t try to grip too strong or weak—just keep it natural.
- Your hands should be ahead of the ball at address. This keeps the club de-lofted, which is exactly what you want.
2. Ball Position
Move the ball back in your stance—closer to your back foot than usual. This helps you hit the ball earlier in your swing, keeping it low.
3. Swing Easy, Don’t Rush It
- Don’t try to crush the ball. Instead, swing smoothly and focus on compressing the ball at impact.
- Shorten your follow-through. The goal is to keep your finish low, which keeps the ball low too.
Think of it like this: the stinger is about control, not power. You’re not going for a long bomb—you’re going for a straight, low shot that rolls out when it lands.
Common Stinger Mistakes and Fixes
Hitting a stinger isn’t complicated, but it’s easy to mess up if you’re not paying attention to the details. Here are some common mistakes:
- Ball too far forward: If the ball is too far forward in your stance, it’ll pop up and defeat the whole purpose. Move it back.
- Swinging too hard: A stinger isn’t about power. If you try to smash it, the ball will likely balloon.
- High finish: If you finish your swing high, the ball is going to follow. Keep it low and controlled.
Practice Drills for Hitting a Stinger
You can’t just read about a stinger—you’ve got to practice. Here are a couple of simple drills to help:
- Hit without a tee: Teeing the ball up can add height you don’t want. Practice hitting the ball directly off the ground to keep it low.
- Track your launch angle: If you have access to a TrackMan or other launch monitor, use it to measure your ball flight. Look for low launch angles and tight spin.
Tips to Perfect the Stinger
Once you’ve got the basics down, you can fine-tune your stinger:
- Control the spin: If your ball is still flying too high, check your spin rate. Using a lower-spin ball can help.
- Play with different clubs: Try hitting a stinger with a few different irons. A 4-iron might give you the distance you need while keeping the ball low.
Learning how to hit a stinger in golf takes some practice, but once you’ve got it, it’ll become your go-to shot when the wind picks up or when you need a low, controlled ball flight.