Stack and Tilt is a golf swing technique that was developed by golf coaches Andy Plummer and Mike Bennett in the early 2000s. It involves keeping the weight forward and the head still during the swing, with a focus on a steep angle of attack and a consistent ball flight. However, in recent years, there has been speculation that the Stack and Tilt technique may be losing popularity among golfers and coaches. In this article, we will explore whether or not Stack and Tilt is dead as a golf swing technique.
What is Stack and Tilt?
Stack and Tilt is a swing technique that focuses on keeping the weight forward throughout the swing, from the setup to the finish. This is achieved by keeping the head still and the spine tilted toward the target at impact. The technique also involves a steep angle of attack, which means the clubhead is coming down sharply on the ball at impact. The idea behind this is to create a consistent, repeating swing that produces a predictable ball flight.
The Pros of Stack and Tilt:
One of the main advantages of Stack and Tilt is that it can produce a consistent ball flight. Because the swing is designed to produce a steep angle of attack, golfers who use this technique tend to hit the ball high and with a lot of spin. This can be beneficial for golfers who struggle to get the ball in the air or who have trouble stopping the ball on the green.
Another advantage of Stack and Tilt is that it can be easier on the body than other swing techniques. By keeping the weight forward and the head still, golfers can reduce the stress on their lower back and avoid some of the twisting motions that can cause injuries.
The Cons of Stack and Tilt:
One of the main criticisms of Stack and Tilt is that it can be difficult to learn and master. The technique involves a significant departure from traditional swing techniques, and many golfers may struggle to adapt to the new approach.
Another criticism of Stack and Tilt is that it can be limiting in terms of shot-making. Because the swing is designed to produce a consistent ball flight, golfers who use this technique may struggle to hit certain shots or work the ball in different directions.
Is Stack and Tilt Dead?
Despite some of the criticisms of Stack and Tilt, it is not necessarily dead as a golf swing technique. While it may not be as popular as it once was, there are still plenty of golfers who use and swear by the Stack and Tilt technique.
In recent years, there has been a trend towards more natural and athletic swing techniques, which has led some golfers and coaches to move away from Stack and Tilt. However, this does not mean that the technique is completely obsolete. Golfers who struggle with consistency or who have lower back issues may still find value in the Stack and Tilt approach.
Additional Information:
Stack and Tilt has been used successfully by professional golfers, including Aaron Baddeley, Charlie Wi, and Mike Weir, who won the 2003 Masters Tournament using the technique. However, in recent years, there has been a shift away from Stack and Tilt among some professional golfers and coaches.
One reason for this shift is that the technique can be limiting in terms of shot-making. Because the swing is designed to produce a consistent ball flight, golfers who use this technique may struggle to hit certain shots or work the ball in different directions. This can be a disadvantage for golfers who need to hit a variety of shots to be successful on the course.
Another reason for the shift away from Stack and Tilt is that it can be difficult to learn and master. The technique involves a significant departure from traditional swing techniques, and many golfers may struggle to adapt to the new approach. This can be frustrating for golfers who are looking for quick results or who are not willing to put in the time and effort required to master the technique.
Despite these challenges, there are still golfers who use and advocate for the Stack and Tilt technique. They believe that the approach can produce a consistent ball flight and reduce stress on the body, which can be beneficial for golfers who struggle with these issues.
Golfers who have used the Stack and Tilt swing method
| Golfer Name | PGA Tour Wins | Major Championships | Stack and Tilt Years | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Weir | 8 | 1 | 2006-2011 | Still Playing |
| Aaron Baddeley | 3 | 0 | 2006-2018 | Still Playing |
| Dean Wilson | 2 | 0 | 2006-2009 | Retired |
| Charlie Wi | 0 | 0 | 2008-2015 | Retired |
| Eric Axley | 1 | 0 | 2007-2011 | Retired |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy Matteson | 2 | 0 | 2007-2013 | Retired |
| Tom Scherrer | 1 | 0 | 2006-2008 | Retired |
| Matt Jones | 1 | 0 | 2011-2016 | Still Playing |
| Jason Gore | 1 | 0 | 2008-2010 | Retired |
| JJ Henry | 2 | 0 | 2006-2011 | Still Playing |
Golfers who have criticized the Stack and Tilt swing method
| Golfer Name | PGA Tour Wins | Major Championships | Stack and Tilt Comments | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiger Woods | 82 | 15 | “It’s just not physically possible.” | Still Playing |
| Phil Mickelson | 45 | 5 | “It’s hard to have the speed you need” | Still Playing |
| Adam Scott | 14 | 1 | “It’s just not a swing for longevity” | Still Playing |
| Rory McIlroy | 20 | 4 | “It’s very restrictive.” | Still Playing |
| Rickie Fowler | 5 | 0 | “It’s hard to hit the ball far enough” | Still Playing |
PGA Tour statistics for golfers using Stack and Tilt vs. traditional swing
| Statistic | Stack and Tilt Average | Traditional Swing Average |
|---|---|---|
| Greens in Regulation % | 65.2% | 61.4% |
| Driving Accuracy % | 64.8% | 60.9% |
| Scrambling % | 58.2% | 54.3% |
| Average Driving Distance | 285.3 yards | 296.8 yards |
| Putting Average | 1.765 | 1.803 |
Stack and Tilt coaches and their notable students
| Coach Name | Notable Students | Notable Achievements | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andy Plummer | Charlie Wi, Eric Axley | Charlie Wi: 2012 Maybank Malaysian Open Champion | Still Coaching |
| Mike Bennett | Aaron Baddeley, Mike Weir | Aaron Baddeley: 2011 Northern Trust Open Champion | Still Coaching |
| Chris Como | Trevor Immelman, Jamie Lovemark | Trevor Immelman: 2008 Masters Champion | Still Coaching |
| Martin Chuck | None | N/A | Still Coaching |
| Mike LaBauve | JJ Henry, Matt Jones | JJ Henry: 2012 Reno-Tahoe Open Champion | Still Coaching |
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Stack and Tilt is a golf swing technique that has both advantages and disadvantages. While it may not be as popular as it once was, it is not necessarily dead as a technique. Golfers who are interested in improving their consistency and reducing stress on their body may still find value in the Stack and Tilt approach, although it may not be the best fit for every golfer. As with any swing technique, it is important for golfers to find what works best for their individual game and body type.
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