How to hit the signature stinger shot of Tiger Woods
My stinger is the one shot I strike that electrifies spectators more than any other.
In the late 1990s, I created this low-flying tee shot to ensure that I could play in any kind of weather. On windy Open Championship days, when you really can’t control anything that flies too high, the stinger would give me an advantage.
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Images courtesy of J.D. Cuban 2020 and Steven Szurlej (2000).
Learning this shot was not a simple task. To hit this shot, I needed to strengthen my forearms in particular so I could stop the swing just after impact. I felt confident enough to use it in competition after doing a ton of range work. And despite all of my profession changes and swing shifts, it has remained a reliable constant with only minor deviations.
Something you may not be aware of is this: It was not me who thought of the moniker “stinger.” The credit goes to this magazine.
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I did this shot demonstration for Golf Digest back in 2000 so they could publish it in an article. Steven Szurlej, the photographer, asked me to strike the stinger above his head while he was crouching ten yards ahead of me. It seems unlikely that he was aware of how low this ball comes off the face. I nailed one that could not have missed his skull by more than a few inches, even though he was on the ground.
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He hurriedly took the remaining pictures using the remote to operate the shutter after hearing the zipping sound. The magazine included the first photo, which featured the ball still in the frame, with the caption “Tiger’s Super Stinger.” That was the first time I’ve heard the term “stinger,” but it stayed. This post has some of the shots from that shoot, so you can see how I played this shot two decades later.
It is hard to exaggerate how important it is to have a go-to ball off the tee, a shot you can rely on to locate the fairway when it matters most. I’ve always believed that when I’m hitting down on a shot, I have more control over it. That’s why I normally use a slappy cut when I need to get one in play with the driver. I can control it, even though it might not travel as far as a normal driver. It’s just easier to maintain something lower on line, so if it’s very firm and there’s nothing to carry, I’ll go to the stinger. Although you lose some range, the shot is very consistent. I won by two strokes at the 2006 Open Championship, where I hit one driver all week and utilized the stinger numerous times.
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I used to play this stroke nearly entirely with a 2-iron back in the late 1990s. Subsequently, the 3-woods’ design evolved, enabling me to use that club to shoot it down. I occasionally use a driver to hit the stinger to get extra yards because I don’t hit a 2-iron or 3-wood as far as I used to.
As you can see from the 2020 photo of me in the black shirt and the 2000 article photos, my method for this shot has altered slightly over time, but many of the fundamental ideas remain the same. It’s comforting to know that this dependable friend still exists after all these time.
—Alongside Daniel Rapport
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I take a somewhat tighter stance than usual to the ball. This enables me to cover it more effectively, resulting in a through-swing in which my chest remains higher above the ball. Recall that you should slightly strike this tee shot rather than sweeping it. Although I don’t play the ball as far back in my stance as I used to, I still do it sometimes. Just enough to deflect the trajectory a little bit.
Maintaining my weight in the middle is my main focus throughout the backswing. The stinger makes me feel as though I’m remaining more on my front side, in contrast to a typical drive where you feel weight growing in your rear foot. For the attack angle, that is crucial.
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Although it may seem contradictory: It’s necessary to provide pressure to the ball, but not excessively. In addition to giving the ball too much backspin if you’re really steep, a breeze in your face could cause the ball to bubble.
Another thing to keep in mind is that since you’re closer to the ball than usual at the top of the swing, you need to start moving your left side out of the way as soon as possible. You’ll notice that every time I go downhill, I always snap my left knee straight. That snap makes it easier for the club to get through the area.
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Approaching the ground with the club, everything seems stacked on the same vertical plane. My torso is still on top of the ball, but my lower body is moving out of it. That is the appearance of “covering it.” In this same photo, you’ll also observe that my hands are almost over the top of the ball, but the clubhead trails far behind. Up until the final instant, it remains in that state; after that, it catches up and compresses the ball from its delofted position.
In 2000, my clothes were a little too big, but rest assured, my left leg broke exactly as it looks in this picture.
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After impact, the club remains rather low to the ground. That proves I didn’t enter the impact zone too quickly.
Quickly stopping the follow-through is another essential component of the stinger. Although these pictures indicate that momentum has carried my arms and the club far beyond that point, I still feel like I’m stopping my hands as soon as I hit the ground. To control the club in this way, one must possess strong forearms, but it is necessary. I’ll halt the swing sooner the lower I want the ball to fly. In summary: Move in closer, enclose the ball, and snip the end. You sting it that way.
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**BREAKING: Tiger Woods Hits the Course with a 18-Hole Showdown Ahead of the Open!** ️♂️
Tiger Woods has begun his preparations for the forthcoming Open Championship with an intensive 18-hole practice round, a move that has been widely anticipated. This is a key milestone in his path as he strives to compete in one of golf’s most famous tournaments.
A focused approach.
Woods, who has overcome significant obstacles in recent years, including injuries and strong competition, appears focused and determined as he prepares for the Open. The practice round was held on a tough course known for its demanding conditions and strategic layout, ideal for sharpening the abilities required to excel in a major tournament.
Perspectives from the Round
Throughout the round, Woods demonstrated his signature precision and smart mindset. Observers observed his painstaking attention to course management, which included taking extra time to examine various holes and potential problems. His famed short game talents were on display, demonstrating his determination to remain competitive despite recent defeats.
Building Momentum
The practice round is viewed as critical for Woods to gain momentum and confidence ahead of the competition. As he navigates the course, he is not only honing his talents but also reacquainting himself with the particular obstacles of links golf, which frequently involves adaptability and imagination.
The Road Ahead
With the Open Championship just around the corner, Woods’ dedication to preparation demonstrates his unshakeable determination to create an impression on the competition. Fans and pundits are both keen to see how he does, especially given his long history with the event, which includes many championships.
Community & Support
Woods’ quest is more than simply personal; he has received overwhelming support from the golf community. Fellow players and spectators have voiced their enthusiasm for his comeback, frequently highlighting his influence on the sport and the encouragement he provides to young golfers throughout the world.
Conclusion
Tiger Woods’ dedication and enthusiasm for the game continue to shine through as he prepares for the Open Championship. The forthcoming event promises to be an exciting chapter in his ongoing legacy, with all eyes on him as he attempts to fight against the world’s best once more. With his most recent practice round behind him, Woods is ready to make a statement and remind everyone why he is one of the best golfers of all time.
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