Tiger Tips: My new stinger
It's my knockout punch for pressure situations
MIRROR IMAGE: My follow-through is the mirror image of my backswing -- proof that I've stayed on plane throughout the swing.
By Tiger Woods
with Pete McDaniel and Mark Soltau
Photos By Charles LaBerge June 2008
Every successful player has a go-to shot that holds up under the most intense pressure. Mine is a stinger or knockdown shot off the tee with a fairway wood. I've used it many times and in all kinds of conditions. It's my ultimate control shot. Although it's conservative in nature, it's also a scoring shot because it helps me avoid trouble while putting me in position to play aggressively into the green when necessary.
My stinger has evolved over the years as my knowledge of the golf swing has developed. The No. 1 key to hitting this shot is making an on-plane swing. I also focus on turning the back of my left hand down so it faces the ground more at impact. I start my release when the shaft is parallel to the ground, turning my left hand downward, which delofts the club. I knock the ball down not by leaning on it or moving forward but with the release.
I also want to keep my arms relaxed through impact. Trying to muscle the ball results in a poor release and a higher shot with more backspin -- the opposite of what I want.
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