{"id":16109,"date":"2022-11-15T08:42:14","date_gmt":"2022-11-15T08:42:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/golfcheapskate.com\/?p=16109"},"modified":"2022-11-15T08:42:14","modified_gmt":"2022-11-15T08:42:14","slug":"what-is-a-stinger-in-golf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/golfcheapskate.com\/what-is-a-stinger-in-golf\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is A \u2018Stinger\u2019 In Golf?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Golf is a historic and widely popular sport, possessing many rules and terms that might seem alien to those who aren\u2019t followers. One such term is a \u2018stinger\u2019, which has a specific meaning within the world of golf. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"What<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But what exactly is a \u2018stinger\u2019, and when is it used? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is A \u2018Stinger\u2019? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Within golf, the term \u2018stinger\u2019 refers to a control shot that causes the ball to travel at a lower trajectory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This causes the ball to spin less, and causes it to roll out farther than a typical golf drive<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This shot is generally designed to control the direction of play, placing accuracy and control above power and speed, which is why it is such a good shot for any player to have in their arsenal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Is This Considered A \u2018Control\u2019 Shot?  <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This stinger (see also: How to Hit a Stinger?<\/a>)is considered a control shot, as it requires (and provides) much more dexterity and precision for the shot to work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It not only requires a lot of concentration, but also a specific movement set to work, which it then returns on the follow through of the swing – ensuring the ball goes where the player wants it to go, and at a speed that doesn\u2019t bring any unwanted deviations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should A \u2018Stinger\u2019 Be Used? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Experts recommend only attempting this kind of shot once you have a proficiency in similar (albeit less complicated) shots, like the big fade and a slice – at least in any professional, competitive capacity where the final result counts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The stinger\u2019s main benefit is that you can control the direction of the shot – something that comes in handy when your intention is to roll it onto the green, instead of hitting it far and high. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are The Benefits Of A \u2018Stinger\u2019? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As well as improved control, there are other benefits to the \u2018stinger\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoiding Trees<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are in a particularly woody part of the course, then a \u2018stinger\u2019 can be good for avoiding trees and branches that could otherwise hinder your progress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Higher shots would risk causing obstructions to your shot, whereas the low trajectory associated with the stinger would mean you can navigate the treeline with accuracy and grace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Energy Displacement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The best thing about the stinger is that you are transferring the energy into the right direction, and one that is beneficial to advancing your position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Higher shots lose a lot of power during their trajectory – due to wind and other factors –  whereas the low resistance of a stinger means that you have more chance of rolling farther on the green. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Counteracting Wind<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the main benefits of a stinger is that, in most cases, you can properly counteract the force of strong winds, ensuring there is minimal disturbance to your desired trajectory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is especially useful when playing in Scotland, where the winds can be strong, disastrous, and unpredictable – at least as far as a golf swing is concerned. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By keeping the ball lower, you are minimizing the power that the wind has over you, maintaining the desired speed of the shot, and keeping a degree of accuracy at the same time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, this type of shot is not made for long distances, but can be equally as effective across moderate distances, as well as short ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Perform A Stinger?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"How<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A stinger is definitely a more advanced shot, but if you want to stand a chance of performing one successfully, there are some steps you can take. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step One<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Begin with a 5 or 4 iron, as these will give you the most dexterity and control. You can always progress to longer irons as you improve, but until you learn the ropes, play it safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep your stance narrow, much more so than a traditional stance, and then drop the ball in the middle of your stance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will feel unnatural at first, but it is paramount if you are to achieve the right trajectory for the stinger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step Two<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Keep the ball one ball length back in your stance, but not so much that it hinders your swing, or gets in the way of your feet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, grip the handle about 1 inch lower than you usually would to create more punch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step Three<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You need to create a full backswing for this shot, with a full shoulder turn and bringing your back hand up level with your ears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When easing into the downswing, lead it with your lower body, twisting but remaining balanced as you follow through with the swing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step Four<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ensure your wrists remain strong and firm throughout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This has a couple of benefits, including a shorter follow through – something that is perfect for this kind of shot – as well as a reduced loft that ensures the ball remains close to the ground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things To Remember<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Of course, when it comes to engaging with this type of shot, there are some things that are worth bearing in mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of stance, maintain balance and keep your arms loose and relaxed for the cleanest stroke. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When choosing a club, try to avoid hybrid clubs<\/a>, as these tend to produce high trajectory shots instead of the low shots we are aiming for with the stinger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, always create a divot before the swing. This will help steady the ball, and will ensure a cleaner, more controlled execution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

And there we have it, everything you need to know about the \u2018stinger\u2019 shot, and its effectiveness within a game of golf. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many different instances when the \u2018stinger\u2019 can come in handy – namely when control and precision are the names of the game, and speed and height are less important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this shot is considered a more advanced move, so it is best to make sure you are fully practiced and proficient before unleashing the \u2018stinger\u2019 during a pivotal game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=djv3-ghVT7A<\/a>