As a golf student that has closely followed the many golf swings taught over the years, I have seen many changes in the golf industry. One of the biggest changes was the invention of the Stack and Tilt swing method (first published and brought to the masses via Golf Digest in 2006).
The swing approach was introduced to the PGA Tour in 2005 and created a lot of buzz among golf enthusiasts. In this post, I will take a look at the origins of the Stack and Tilt method, how it works, its benefits, problems, and whether it still works in 2023.
My own swing has elements of the Stack and Tilt Golf Swing. There was a stretch of time that I was a full out Stack and Tilt golfer. Years later, the number one thing I took away from the swing is understanding the ball flight laws and how weight in the golf swing impacts the low point. This basic understanding is a complete game changer!
Related: Ball Flight Laws (Complete Overview)
Understanding how the golf ball curves based on club face direction at impact as well as swing path helps a golfer make simple adjustments within a system to navigate their journey with the golf swing.
Introduction to Stack and Tilt in Golf
Golf is a game of precision and accuracy. It requires a lot of practice and technique to master. One of the most important factors in golf is the swing. The Stack and Tilt swing method is a technique that has been gaining popularity among golfers for many years. It is a swing method that was designed to help golfers hit the ball more consistently and accurately using weight location and three key movements.
Mike Bennet and Andy Plummer built a system that golfers could operate within and understand why certain outcomes occurred in the golf swing.
For example:
- Hit behind the ball: weight too far back
- Fade the ball golf: caught the ball on the front side of the circle with a club face open to the swing path.
- Struggling to draw the ball: put more weight forward, move the ball back, hit the golf ball on the backside of the circle.
My Story: I will never forget my first shot with the Stack and Tilt Method. It was a 3 wood off a tee shot on a par 4. The ball blasted off with a penetrating ball flight that had the slightest draw on it as it flew over 240 yards. I was hooked and spend the next 10 years using many elements of the Stack and Tilt Golf Swing!
Other Stack and Tilt Posts
- Is Stack and Tilt Any Good?
- Stack and Tilt vs Traditional Golf Swing
- Stack and Tilt Golf For Seniors
- Stack and Tilt Golf Swing – 10 Things To Consider
Who Invented Stack and Tilt?
The Stack and Tilt method was invented by two golf coaches, Andy Plummer and Mike Bennett. They introduced the method to the world in 2005. The method was designed to help golfers hit the ball more consistently and accurately by promoting a more “stacked” position at the top of the backswing and a more “tilted” position at impact.
Many golfers have battled the slice for many years. They pose the question, “what if golfers have been instructor to move their weight forward and to increase their weight further forward on the downswing?”
What is Stack and Tilt?
The Stack and Tilt method is a swing technique that promotes a system based swing that allows the golfer to understand cause and effect from different setup points or movements within the golf swing. It is designed to help the golfer hit a draw that never overdraws the target.
This technique is achieved by keeping the weight on the front foot throughout the swing. The goal is to create a more consistent and accurate swing by eliminating the need to move the weight from one foot to the other during the swing. It helps control the low point and the swing path.
The Stack and Tilt System was created with 3 goals in mind:
- Allow the golfer to control the low point (pure ball striking)
- Enable the golfer to control the start line and curve of the golf ball (club face and swing path relation)
- Create a swing that has enough speed to play the course (Stacking and Tilting helps generate power system to a field goal kicker in football)
How Does Stack and Tilt Work?
Several key things happen in the Stack and Tilt Golf Swing:
- The golfer setups with 60% of the weight on the front foot.
- This percentage increases through the downswing.
- The golfer tilts, bends and extends through the swing
- The hands trace a circle on the way back.
- The golfer is supposed to hit the ball on the backside of the circle to generate a push draw.
Benefits of Using Stack and Tilt
The benefits of using the Stack and Tilt method include a more consistent and accurate swing. By keeping the weight on the front foot throughout the swing, the golfer is able to eliminate the need to move the weight from one foot to the other, which can cause inconsistency and inaccuracy.
The number one benefit is that the golfer is operating within a system and can understand the “why” behind certain shots that result. The golfer is finally able to eliminate the “guessing” that often takes place and spending many hours trying to figure out what is going on. The system is always there for the golfer to return to. It provides a baseline and a quality understanding of what is taking place in the swing.
Now the golfer can read the ball flight and make adjustments as needed.
Problems with Stack and Tilt
One of the biggest problems with the Stack and Tilt method is that it can be difficult to master. It requires a lot of practice and technique to get it right (just like any golf swing, right?).
Some people also claim the driver is difficult to figure out, but I would disagree.
Does Stack and Tilt Really Work?
Yes, many professional golfers have used at least one element of the Stack and Tilt Golf swing over the past 18 years.
Many golfers swear by the Stack and Tilt method and claim that it has helped them to become more consistent and accurate golfers. Data can show that several professional golfers had their career saved by the the work or Mike and Andy.
However, there are also many golfers who have tried the method and have not had success with it.
Ultimately, whether or not the Stack and Tilt method works for a particular golfer depends on their swing style and individual needs. Many golfers enter with a negative mindset on it, but those that approach it with an open mindset can improve multiple areas within their golf swing.
Stack and Tilt: Test It Out!
Every golfer might experience different results depending on current skill level, amount of willingness to try something new and amount of time to take on a new system. Ultimately, use stats to make the decision and assess if Stack and Tilt is right for you. I recommend two key things: First the book and 2nd a system to track your data – Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors. See Below!
What Pro Golfers Use Stack and Tilt?
Over the years, many pro golfers have used the Stack and Tilt method, including Aaron Baddeley, Mike Weir, and Charlie Wi. While not all pro golfers use this method, it has been proven to be successful for some.
Stack and Tilt in 2023 – 18 Years Later
Now, in 2023, elements of the Stack and Tilt method is still being used by many golfers. You see less weight shift and more tilting than ever.
While it may not be as popular as it once was, it is still a viable option for golfers looking to improve their swing. The method has evolved over the years, with many coaches and golfers making their own modifications to the original method.
Who is Mike Bennet?
Mike Bennett is a golf instructor who, along with Andy Plummer, developed the “Stack and Tilt” swing model that challenges some aspects of mainstream golf instruction. He has coached several PGA Tour players, including Charlie Wi, Tom Scherrer, and Aaron Baddeley, and has played in mini tours and undergone training with various well-known instructors. Bennett, along with Plummer, authored “The Stack and Tilt Swing: The definitive Guide to the Swing that is remaking Golf.”
Who is Andy Plummer?
Andy Plummer is a golf instructor who, along with Mike Bennett, created the “Stack and Tilt” swing model in 2005. The Stack and Tilt system is a golf swing model that aims to provide consistency in information and results in golf. The system identifies the essential aspects of a golf swing, allowing coaches and players to measure various components systematically. The system is made up of three fundamentals and six swing positions. The three fundamentals are hitting the ground in the same place every time, having enough power to play the course, and matching the clubface to swing path to control shot direction and curvature.
Is Stack and Tilt Still Used?
Yes, the Stack and Tilt method is still being used by many golfers. While it may not be as popular as it once was, it is still a viable option for golfers looking to improve their swing.
Explaining Stack and Tilt in 10 Words
- Weight Foward
- Shoulder Down
- Hands in
- Shoulder Down
- Leg Straight
- Arms Straight
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Stack and Tilt method has been a game-changer for many golfers over the years. While it may not be the right method for everyone, it has proven to be successful for some. Whether or not it is the right method for you, it is always important to seek the advice of a professional golf coach before making any changes to your swing.
