Looking for a Ping Putter?
Although others may have overtaken the Ping golf putter as the finest manufactured putters, few if any golf companies have been able to rival Ping's game changing putter designs.
In fact a huge number of the putters you see being used today on the professional tours are direct copies of Ping designs. For example - Tiger Woods' favored putters during his pro career have been a Scotty Cameron and a Nike Method, right?
Well, only on one level. Both of those putter is a direct copy of the Ping Anser style that is by far the most widely used design in the world, especially if you counted all the designs based on it.
 |
on a Ping putter... |
Odyssey Putters, Taylor Made Putters, Yes Putters, Cleveland Putters, Never Compromise Putters and many others all manufacture putters based on Ping's designs from the 1960s.
Why?
Because they're so darned good!
Karsten Solheim, the founder of Ping was an engineering genius who put all his knowledge and expertise into designing the most effective putters available. He wanted to make putters more forgiving, so everyone could get the chance to play well.
His early models were revolutionary because they used heel and toe weighting, which reduce the twisting of the putter face on off-centre strikes.
The old Pings (the Ping
Anser,
Zing and Pal) designed between the 1960s and 1990s were the company's absolute classics, used by just about all the legends of that era (Tom Watson,
Seve Ballesteros,
Nick Faldo etc etc.) and if you find one of these in good condition (especially if it has Scottsdale serial number stamped on the back) it will probably be highly
collectible.
Ping putters went a bit off course in the 1990s (in my humble opinion) when they abandoned their winning formula of classic materials and shapes to experiment with soft face-inserts and way-out designs, which quite frankly Odyssey did (and still do) far better.
However, the Ping Redwood putters which were launched in 2006 have taken the company back to what it does best - making seriously good putters with traditional materials which combine great feel with technology that really does increase your consistency.
We were also extremely impressed with the Ping Karsten Anser - a great roll for the money.
Used Ping Golf Putters
Pings make ideal used purchases - there are plenty of them about and you'll be able to find almost any model you're looking for.
Best-putter.com's recommendations are either via Ebay (see the latest live listings above), or the Ping putters page of GlobalGolf.com and Golf Bidder (for UK & European buyers). These established retailers of used equipment charge higher prices, but also offer satisfaction guarantees and establish returns policies.
If you're interested in collectible Ping putters, I would recommend www.pongman.com
Players who use / have used Ping putters
Lee Westwood (below), Martin Kaymer, Louis Oosthuizen (below right), Bubba Watson, Lorena Ochoa, Angel Cabrera, Jeff Maggert, Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros
Best-Putter.com's reviews of Ping Putters:
Ping Anser
The Anser is the putter that has been copied a thousand times - now available from Ping at a variety of prices.Ping B60
The lesser known Ping classic. Favored by putting great Nick Faldo in his later career. Slightly firmer feel, but excellent touch on fast greens and available in numerous styles over the years Ping Zing
Curvy and pretty putter shape popularized in the 1980s and 1990s, used by Curtis Strange for two US Open wins and Jose Maria Olazabal for two Masters titlesPing 1A
The first putter Ping ever made. A collectors' piece now. Not great to use, and very loud!Ping Redwood Anser
The design which has won more pro events than any other, made with top quality materials. This Ping is a winner!
Ping Zing 2 More up-to-date and better version of the legendary Ping Zing. Great roll and feel
Ping Anser G5i
A hideous beast to look at, but beautiful to use.Ping Crazy E
One of the easiest putters to line up we've ever tested, but feel is hollowPing Karsten Anser
Unbeatable on price and right up there for feel and design.Ping Scottsdale Pickemup
This cross between the Batman sign & a Star Wars fighter has surprisingly good feelPing iN Wack-E
A radical spin off from the successful (but hollow-sounding) G5i Craz-EPing IN
Technology has led the Ping designers to create a holy mess of a putter. If you love the weird and the whacky, you might (just) like thisStill unsure which Ping Golf putter is right for you? Click here for our guide to choosing the right putter for your stroke.
by
William JohnSite Owner
Return to the Best-Putter.com homepage
