When you have to find the fairway, this shot is particularly useful.
One valuable tee shot for players who can generate decent swing speed is the ‘stinger’. The intent of it is to fly the ball lower with less spin, so it’s great on windy days or in nail-biting situations when getting the ball in the fairway is crucial. That said, it’s not the easiest shot to execute unless you make certain adjustments to your stance and swing. Here’s what you need to know.
STEP ONE: Change your setup
- Tee it lower than normal
- Play the ball slightly further back than your normal driver position
- Set your spine angle more veritical
- Your weight should still slightly favour your trail foot
STEP TWO: Shorten your backswing
- Take the club back until your lead arm is parallel with the ground
- Don’t load up and turn way off the ball
- Feel like your chest is still hovering over the tee
STEP THREE: Drag the club through
- Don’t lash at the ball
- Swing into it with 80-percent effort
- Feel like you’re dragging the club through behind your body
- Focus on body rotation, not a whippy arm swing
STEP FOUR: Deloft the face
- Swing through on a level or downward path
- Try to reduce dynamic loft on the driver
- Start the ball low (it should stay low with less spin)
- Feel lower and longer after impact
- Restrict your finish (like a knockdown shot)
Chris Spalla, one of Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers in America, is director of instruction at Shingle Creek Golf Club in Orlando, Florida.
Photography by J.D. Cuban
