Equipment
Ping launches s159 wedges (and WebFit Wedge app)
We originally spotted Ping’s s159 wedges at last year’s RSM Classic. Today, Ping’s new wedges are heading to retail. The company’s latest tour-inspired wedges are available in 25 loft/grind combinations, which Ping calls its “most extensive and versatile wedge line to date.”
John K. Solheim, Ping CEO & President said s159 wedges, “are already winning on Tour and we’re seeing a lot of players converting to them around the world. They love the clean look, the soft feel and, most importantly, the ability to launch and spin their shots with precise control. With six grinds designed to perform in a variety of playing conditions and techniques, we have a wedge to fit every golfer.”
Ping s159 wedges: Key technology
Ping crafted s159 heads from 8620 carbon steel with a straighter leading edge and refined shape based on player feedback.
- Ping engineers positioned an elastomer insert behind the wedge face to enhance feel.
- Engineers also paid close attention to the hosel transition for better blending with Blueprint S and T irons.
- Ping offers the s159 wedges in two finishes: Hydropearl 2.0 and darker, anti-glare Midnight.
Precision-milled, wheel-cut grooves have been precisely crafted to reduce variations in spin owing to conditions. 54-to-62-degree wedges are configured with tightly spaced MicroMax grooves. Wedges south of 52 degrees have wider grooves with more milling.
“Our R&D team has gained a lot of notoriety for this [“wet and dry”] test, which has revealed remarkable performance results when applied to our last several wedge models,” Solheim said. “A lot of fitters refer to it as the ‘spray-bottle test.’ The s159 consistently leads in the wet testing, out-performing other wedges. Considering it’s rare when a shot doesn’t encounter some level of moisture or loss of friction, this type of control provides a clear and convincing short-game advantage.”
Ping s159 grind details (via Ping)
New “H” or Half-Moon Grind: A shot-saving option for players with steeper angles of attack who like to manipulate the handle and play with versatility. It performs best in softer conditions. Available in 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°
New “B” Grind: For a shallow angle of attack and neutral face delivery. Low-bounce design sits low on the turf on square-face shots, providing forgiveness via the sole width to deliver score-lowering performance in firmer conditions. Available in 58°, 60°
“T” Grind: The most versatile option allows players to manipulate the face for shot-making precision around the greens. Ideal for medium to firm turf conditions, includes a 62-degree option at the request of our tour pros for more versatility. Available in 58°, 60°, 62° (new)
“W” Grind: Maximum forgiveness through the turf. Best fits a steep angle of attack who might also have a lot of handle lean and a player who prefers the look of a specialty wedge but relies on a little more forgiveness in their scoring clubs. Available in 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°
“E” or Eye2 Grind: Continues to be the ultimate bunker club, carrying on a 40-year tradition of helping golfers get up and down from the sand. It plays with relatively low bounce on square or slightly open face shots. Available in 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°
“S” Grind: Fits a wide variety of conditions and techniques. Designed with ample bounce in the mid-section to play full shots and provides greenside versatility due to heel/trail edge relief. New 48-degree option helps in gapping. Available in 46°, 48° (new), 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°
Pricing, specs, availability
Stock shafts: Ping Z-Z115 wedge, Ping Alta CB Black (SR, R, S). *several optional stock shafts are available, including offerings from True Temper and KBS
Stock grip: Ping 360 Dyla-Wedge Lite grip
Price: $197 (steel); $212 (graphite)
At retail: Now
WebFit Wedge app
In conjunction with the s159 wedge launch, Ping also announced its new WebFit Wedge app that allows golfers to quickly and easily select a wedge grind via a series of questions about their short game tendencies and typical playing conditions.
“It’s no secret shopping for wedges can be confusing as golfers try to understand all the nuances of a wedge’s design and what’s best for them,” said Solheim. “With our new WebFit Wedge app, our goal is to simplify the process of finding a wedge that fits the golfer while also educating them why a particular grind is best for them. It was developed in-house by our data scientists and relies on our massive collection of wedge data, much of it mined from our relationship with Arccos, to make very precise recommendations.”
“The app doesn’t require downloading, logging in or signing up for anything. It’s a very simple experience but very rewarding for users. It will be accessible via a QR code in golf shops and on ping.com. We strongly encourage golfers to engage the app in their wedge-buying process.”
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Equipment
Ping adds 5 new models to its PLD Milled putter series for 2024
Five new models and the ability to personalize each design through an on-line customizer tool represent the newest additions to the Putting Lab Design (PLD) program, Ping CEO & President John K. Solheim announced today.
The 2024 PLD Milled Anser, Anser 2D, Oslo 3, DS72 and Ally Blue 4 are available at Ping authorized retailers, with an on-line customizer tool available on ping.com.
The five new PLD Milled models (U.S. MSRP: $485) represent a combination of standard-setting favorites like the Anser and newer, tour-proven models like the DS72, the choice of 2023 FedExCup Champion Viktor Hovland.
The Anser 2D and Oslo 3 are tour-influenced, high-MOI designs and the Ally Blue 4 is a new, multi-material mallet that is designed to deliver exceptional forgiveness with alignment features.
Four of the new models (Anser, Anser 2D, DS72 and Oslo 3) are fully machined from forged, 303 stainless steel and each is distinguished by a gunmetal finish. Per Ping, more than four hours of milling time are required for every model, precisely shaping every surface and radius to achieve the high quality and premium look expected in a precision-milled putter.
The Ally Blue 4 is a fully machined, three-piece design differentiated by its square footprint and full-length top alignment aid. The strong-arc design consists of an aluminum body, stainless steel soleplate and aluminum hosel to create an extremely high-MOI, easy-to-align mallet. The gunmetal finish contrasts with a matte black body and hosel in a bid to offer a confidence-inspiring design.
2024 Model Descriptions & Specifications
Ally Blue 4
All-new fully machined, three-piece design. The aluminum body, aluminum hosel and stainless-steel soleplate create a high-MOI, easy-to-align mallet.
Specs:
- Weight: 370g
- Strong Arc
- Loft: 3° (+3°/-2°)
- Lie Angle: 20° (+-4°)
- Std. Grip: PP58 Tour L
- Std. Shaft: Matte-black Stepless Steel
- PLD Milled Plus options: Paint fill, custom graphics, paint-filled grip
Anser
The winningest putter in golf history gets a new white sight line in the cavity and the gunmetal finish. The new Ping Composite putter shaft is standard in this slight arc model.
Specs:
- Weight: 350g
- Slight Arc
- Loft: 3° (+3°/-2°)
- Lie Angle: 20° (+-4°)
- Std. Grip: PP58 Tour M
- Std. Shaft: PING Composite
- PLD Milled Plus options: Custom sightlines, paint fill, custom graphics, paint-filled grip
Anser 2D
The Anser 2D model gained notoriety with Tony Finau’s success. The slightly deeper, perimeter-weighted design features clean heel-toe ballasts to aid in alignment, and a sightline in the cavity.
Specs:
- Weight: 365g
- Slight Arc
- Loft: 3° (+3°/-2°)
- Lie Angle: 20° (+-4°)
- Std. Grip: PP58 Tour L
- Std. Shaft: PING Composite
- PLD Milled Plus options: Custom sightlines, paint fill, custom graphics, paint-filled grip
DS72
The DS72, preferred design of Viktor Hovland, fits into the mid-mallet category, a face-balanced model distinguished by a wide top rail and ball-width cavity created by its clean heel and toe ballasts.
Specs:
- Weight: 365g
- Straight stroke
- Loft: 3° (+3°/-2°)
- Lie Angle: 20° (+-2°)
- Std. Grip: PP58 Tour M
- Std. Shaft: Black Chrome Stepless Steel
- PLD Milled Plus options: Custom sightlines, paint fill, custom graphics, paint-filled grip
Oslo 3
Shares the attributes of the Tyrrell Hatton-influenced mallet but with an Anser 3-style hosel that makes it a slight arc putter. Its light aluminum hosel helps position weight low to optimize the center of gravity for improved consistency and accuracy.
Specs:
- Weight: 375g
- Slight Arc
- Loft: 3° (+3°/-2°)
- Lie Angle: 20° (+-4°)
- Std. Grip: PP58 Tour L
- Std. Shaft: PING Composite
- PLD Milled Plus options: Custom sightlines, paint fill, custom graphics, paint-filled grip
PLD Milled Plus: Make It Personal
In addition, the 2024 models can be further distinguished with preferred alignment aids, paint fill, custom graphics and paint-filled grips. Known as PLD Milled Plus (U.S. MSRP:$585), golfers utilize a customizer tool on ping.com to design their one-of-a-kind putter.
During the process, golfers can choose multiple, single or no alignment feature on four of the models (except Ally Blue 4). The top rail can be customized with either a dot or line while the cavity floor offers full-length alignment line assistance. They can be painted the same color,
different colors or left unpainted. Same goes for the Ping and PLD logos on all the models.
Multiple laser-etched graphics on all five models let golfers show their allegiance to Ping (dancing or single Mr. Ping logos) or the United States (Stars and Stripes). For those who have supreme confidence in their putting, the money sign is an option.
A painted-filled Pinf logo on the grip further differentiates the putter from the others. Blue, gold, green, orange, red, pink, yellow, purple, white and blackout are available to complete the design.
At the end of the process, golfers take their unique design specifications to an authorized Ping PLD Milled Plus retailer who places the order with Ping’s customization specialists at company headquarters in Phoenix, where the design is brought to life.
“The launch of PLD Milled Plus is an exciting program that allows golfers to further personalize their putters in fun and statement-making ways. It’s a great conversation starter and brings them one step closer to that tour-player experience so many golfers desire.” – Ping CEO & President John K. Solheim
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (2/13/24): TP Mills HandMade 36 Inch Classic Right Hand putter
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a TP Mills HandMade 36 Inch Classic Right Hand putter.
From the seller: (@CoolHandLoop): “I have done my very best to have the photos reflect the way the club will appear in hand. I ship to the lower 48 in the USA only. Feel free to ask questions. Brand New Grip. Extended to 36inches. Would be a great one to add to the collection. Only rolled it on the putting mat. Scalloped flange. Asking $650 (includes Shipping). Open to offers. (Will come with a generic Headcover for transport).”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: TP Mills HandMade 36 Inch Classic Right Hand Putter
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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Accessory Reviews
Insider photos from Tiger Woods’ launch event for his new “Sun Day Red” apparel line
On Monday evening, inside the swanky, second-story “Coach House” event center in the Palisades Village, just minutes down the road from the 2024 Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, Tiger Woods and TaylorMade officially announced their new apparel/footwear/accessory line, called “Sun Day Red.”
The Sun Day Red website officially launched on Monday night during the event, and the products are set to go on sale starting May 1.
The “Sun Day Red,” or “SDR” name will be self-explanatory for most golf fans, since he’s been wearing a victory-red shirt on Sunday’s for his entire professional career, but Woods explained the meaning of Sun Day Red at the launch event:
“It started with mom. Mom thought – being a Capricorn – that my power color was red, so I wore red as a junior golfer and I won some tournaments. Lo and behold, I go to a university that is red; Stanford is red. We wore red on the final day of every single tournament, and then every single tournament I’ve played as a professional I’ve worn red. It’s just become synonymous with me.”
The Sunday Red outfit has worked to perfection for his 82 PGA Tour victories, including 15 majors, so why not make an entire apparel line based on the career-long superstition?
As I learned at Monday’s launch event, the new Sun Day Red line includes much more than just clothing. To go along with a slew of different golf shirt designs and colorways, there were also windbreakers, hoodies, shoes, hats, headcovers, ball markers and gloves on display.
The upscale event was hosted by sports media personality Erin Andrews, with special guests David Abeles (CEO of TaylorMade) and Tiger Woods himself.
As explained by Abeles, the Sun Day Red brand is an independently-run business under the TaylorMade umbrella, and is based in San Clemente, California (rather than Carlsbad, where TaylorMade headquarters is located), and it’s run by a newly-formed, independent group. Brad Blackinship, formerly of Quiksilver and RVCA, is the appointed president of the new brand.
As for the logo itself, obviously, it’s made to look like a Tiger (the animal), and is comprised of 15 tiger stripes, which correspond with Woods’ 15 major championships. While the logo may need a 16th stripe if Woods adds a major trophy to his collection, it makes perfect sense for the time being.
The golf/lifestyle line is meant to combine premium precision and athletic comfort, while still having plenty of wearability and style off the course. Like Woods said on stage at the event, he wants to be able to go right from the course to dinner wearing Sun Day Red, and that was exactly the aesthetic on display at the event on Monday.
Following the official announcement from Woods and Abeles, they revealed multiple pieces of clothing, accessories and footwear for the event-goers to ogle (and photograph). Check out a selection of product/event photos below, or head over to our @GolfWRX Instagram page for video coverage…OR, head into our GolfWRX Forums for even more photos and member discussion.
Enjoy this exclusive look at Tiger Woods’ new Sun Day Red apparel lineup below.
See more photos from the Sun Day Red launch event here
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