Top 5 Tips To Help You Master The Stinger Drive
Every golf course is affected by the elements. There may be a prevailing wind most days but nature has a habit of being awkward at times. If suddenly the wind blows in completely the opposite direction then suddenly the gentle opening hole of three wood and eight iron downwind becomes a completely different proposition. If the wind is strong it may even be driver and six iron. The point is that golfers need to be able to adjust their game to the conditions and playing into the wind presents a real challenge.
Low in the Wind
In recent years the technical of hitting a drive intentionally keeping the ball low into the wind has become known as a stinger with the shot attributed to Tiger Woods. It is a shot that golfers over decades have had to play and few played it better than Ben Hogan.
It is important to remember that the challenge you are facing on the course on a windy day is no different to that everyone else is facing. If you are playing a medal round then certainly playing above your handicap may be a problem but remember that standard scratch may well rise at the end of the day. The secret is to be patient.
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You can get help for most things in golf and the stinger drive is no exception. There are some tips that may help you to keep the ball lower than you would normally do with your regular swing:
- If you widen your stance then you will have a lower centre of gravity. The result will be that your swing will automatically widen.
- If you are playing off the tee then your club with the least loft is your driver. As described above take driver even if you are usually inclined to hit 3 wood.
- Accept that you will not hit the ball as far and that your ultimate distance will depend on the run you can achieve.
- Choke down on the club gripping the club a little lower than usual.
- Don’t fight the wind; aim for a smooth swing because a good connection can compensate. The result may well be that you will be putting less spin on the ball
The lower your angle of attack the more likely you are to be able to hit the ball low into the wind, thereby minimising its impact. Even after you have succeeded in hitting the fairway by adapting your shot you will still have the challenge of continuing down the hole and that means selecting more club than normal and repeating the process.
There are many courses where there are holes is so many directions that if there is a wind there will always be some where you will have to play into the wind. It means you have to master the technique of the ‘’stinger’’ if you want to play well. As with every other shot in golf you will have to practise it if you expect to feel confident over the ball when presented with the challenge.
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