When you need to hit the golf ball lower than usual, the stinger shot is going to be your best option.
This shot is known for its low flight and high accuracy, and it’s commonly used when the winds are high on the course!
In order to execute it properly, you need to understand how it works and use the right technique.
Stick around and we’ll teach you how to hit a stinger shot like the pros in no time!
Here's What We'll Cover
What is the stinger shot in golf?
The stinger is a type of golf shot that is used to hit the ball lower than usual. It’s a popular shot among golf professionals, but it can also be used by amateurs!
It’s a low-flying, high-accuracy shot that is commonly used when the winds are high on the course.
Because it’s so accurate and controllable, it’s a great option for risky shots.
The stinger wasn’t too popular until Tiger Woods came onto the tour and started hitting it, but he wasn’t the one to invent it.
Here’s a compilation of his best stinger shots:
When should you hit a stinger?
There are a few different times when you might want to hit a stinger shot.
One scenario is when there’s a lot of wind on the course and you need to bring the ball down quickly.
Another time is when you need to make a precise shot and don’t want the ball to fly too high.
And lastly, if you need to go under a tree or through an obstacle, the stinger is an option worth considering!
Now that you know when and why to hit a stinger, let’s teach you how to do it!
How to hit a stinger like the professionals
Step 1: Choose the right club
The first step to hitting a stinger is choosing the right club.
You can use any club you want, but I recommend using something with a low loft because they’re easier for beginners!
Primarily, golfers will use a 2-iron, 3-iron, 4-iron, or 5-iron to hit a stinger, but you can opt for a fairway wood if it’s more comfortable.
Step 2: Adjust your setup
The next step is to adjust your setup.
For starters, you’ll want to tee the ball as low as possible by putting the tee completely into the ground.
Now you want to set up with the ball in the middle of your stance, and your weight evenly distributed between both feet; this will allow you to swing through the ball, not down on it!
If you wanted to hit a punch shot, you’d put the ball back in your stance but not for a stinger shot.
Every other part of your setup should be about the same as if you were hitting a regular iron shot off a tee!
Step 3: Grip the club and move your hands forward
Now that you’re set up correctly, it’s time to grip the club!
You’ll want to hold the club with your regular club grip, but you’ll want to move your hands slightly forward and toward the target line.
This will help you get that low launch angle that allows the stinger shot to happen!
Step 4: Take a relaxed back swing
Now we’re ready for the back swing!
You’ll want to take a relaxed back swing because it’s important that you don’t tense up.
This will allow us to get some control and feel how the club moves through impact with little effort from our muscles!
Step 5: Swing low and hard through the ball
It’s time to swing through the ball!
You’ll want to swing low and hard so you can get that low launch angle we talked about earlier, but also make sure your wrists don’t break down too much because if they do then it will be difficult for us to hit our target.
You need quite a bit of swing speed to pull this off, so it’s recommended you go to the practice range and try it out before taking it on the course.
Final thoughts
Although Tiger Woods popularized the stinger shot, it’s not necessary for most amateur golfers.
Most golfers can get away with hitting a fade or a draw in these rare scenarios where there’s an obstacle in your way.
However, if you’re playing in windy conditions or want to hit a low shot under an obstacle, it’s something that can be useful!
It’s a very accurate shot that can be used from many different scenarios, but it takes some practice to master.
So grab your clubs and try it out on the range to see if you can pull it off!
