The Stinger
Golf Shot
Tiger Woods used it on the 18th hole at the 2018 Masters — low, piercing, running. The stinger isn't about power. It's about control, trajectory, and using the ground when the wind won't let you fly.
The Stinger Is a Trajectory Choice, Not a Swing Change
Most golfers think the stinger is a special swing. It isn't — it's a trajectory choice made through setup and ball position. The swing stays the same. What changes is where the ball sits and how you release.
The stinger is essentially a punch shot with a driver — low spin, low launch, minimal air time, and maximum roll. It works when:
- Into a strong wind where a high drive balloons
- On firm fairways where run-out matters
- When you need to keep it under trees
- For position off the tee when accuracy matters more than distance
Most recreational golfers should add this to their arsenal — not for distance, but for the ability to play strategically when conditions demand it.
Book a Coaching Session →Ball Position — Back in Your Stance
Move the ball 2–3 inches back from your normal driver position. For most golfers, this means opposite your front heel or just inside it. The further back, the lower the launch.
Steeper, More Descending Attack
A shallower angle of attack produces higher launch. For the stinger, a slightly steeper angle — still shallow enough to catch the ball cleanly — keeps it down.
Less Wrist Release
Hold the release through impact. The club stays on plane longer and arrives at the ball with a slightly forward shaft lean — reducing spin and launch angle.
Swing Through the Middle
Don't aim to "keep it down." Aim to swing through the ball, not up into it. The ball position does the work. Your job is to swing through with intent.
Drills to Build a Stinger
Headcover Drill
Place a headcover 2 inches in front of the ball. Hit the stinger without touching the headcover. Forces a shallow, sweeping strike.
Half Swing Power
Make 75% swings. The stinger doesn't require a full power swing — it requires clean contact. 75% swings let you control the release better.
Low Point Control
Place a tee 2 inches behind the ball. Hit the stinger — the tee should stay in place. Any divot means your bottom is too far forward.
When to Hit a Stinger
The stinger has specific use cases. It shouldn't replace your normal driver — it should be a tactical option when the situation demands it.
"In 1997 I started hitting a stinger off the tee. It wasn't about distance — it was about control. On firm fairways, that thing runs 30 yards further than a high ball that stops."
— Ernie Els, on his driver strategyLearn to Hit the Stinger
Coaching at Swing Shack and Stick. TrackMan shows your launch angle and spin — you see exactly what the stinger is doing compared to your normal drive.
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