Most amateur golfers would feel a ‘stinger’ shot is purely reserved for players in the lower handicap bracket. Typically using a longer iron, the shot is used to find fairways and get the ball running along the ground to its intended target.
Scottie Scheffler is the master when it comes to managing his ball flight. Few golfers on the planet can control trajectory better than the world number one, and in windy conditions, keeping it low is of paramount importance.
So, is a ‘stinger’ something that is simple to learn or should those in the higher handicap bracket leave it to the professionals? According to Scheffler, the technical adjustments are straightforward.
Scottie Scheffler’s stinger advice
Speaking during a Taylormade coaching clip, Scheffler detailed the three main adjustments required when looking to hit a low-flighted shot.
“I would say the most important thing when trying to hit the low shot. Kind of the same principle where if I move the ball back in my stance, I am hitting it earlier on the arc which is going to cause the ball to hook,” Scheffler said.
“If I move it way up, I am going to hit it later, which is going to cause me to fade the ball. So, ball back in the stance, I then open up, so I am hitting down the path now. I am not trying to put any curve on it. I am just trying to hit a straight ball that goes down the fairway.
“So good solid base, I choke up on it a tiny little bit, I get closer to the ball, which actually helps me hit the ball even straighter. It’s pretty simple. Just basically those three things: ball back, open stance and a little closer to it.”
Last year, Rory McIlroy also detailed the art of hitting a stinger and highlighted the importance of shifting weight onto his left side. During the 2024 US Open, McIlroy dazzled with the driver in hand. On multiple occasions, the Northern Irishman hit tee shots which would barely reach head height.
Tiger Woods mastered the art of the stinger
Tiger Woods was known for hitting stingers in his heyday. During Woods’ 2006 Open Championship win at Hoylake, the American refused to use his driver. Instead, Woods utilised his two-iron religiously, hitting low stingers onto the baked fairways. Tiger didn’t find a fairway bunker all week.
In fact, as Woods’ career progressed, he somewhat became synonymous with the shot. With Woods now well past his best, there’s a strong argument to suggest The Open would be his best chance of success moving forward. If firm and fast conditions are present at Royal Portrush, Woods could utilise his low-flighted two-iron once more.
One of Woods’ best-looking stinger shots came at the 2018 Players Championship. Using an iron off the 18th tee, Tiger played a piercing draw, which was captured perfectly by the TV broadcast.
If Woods does return to the course in 2025, a good measure of his confidence level will be whether he uses his trademark stinger. When at his best, it’s a remarkably effective shot.
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