Ping’s Putting Lab Design programme (PLD) was first launched in 2016 and was set up at Ping’s Arizona headquarters, where tour pros such as Viktor Hovland, Tony Finau, Louis Oosthuizen, Bubba Watson and Brooke Henderson all came to have their putting stroke analysed and their putters customised to their precise specifications.
From the outset, the goal of the PLD programme was for Ping’s staff players to be kitted out with the best putters available to help them win championships. A year later, Ping brought the first commercially available PLD putter to market in the shape of a PLD Anser.
Fast forward to 2022 and Ping is now making four PLD putters available. Milled from soft 303 stainless steel blocks, there are two PLD heel-toe-weighted blades (Anser, Anser 2) and two compact mallets (DS 72, Prime Tyne 4).
Each model requires more than four hours of milling time, precisely shaping every surface and radius to achieve the high quality and premium look expected in a precision-milled putter.
While some recent Ping putters have featured variable-depth milling patterns designed to normalise ball speed over the hitting area, the PLD Milled putters have a consistent-depth milling pattern that is intended to soften the sound and feel at impact. The PLD Milled feature a slightly deeper milling pattern that produces a deeper tone.
“The PLD Milled is an exciting addition to our putter line,” said Ping president John K Solheim. “We’ve identified a couple of our most popular models from the past and some newer designs that have attracted a lot of attention in the last couple of years. We’ve given the new putters a very clean, premium look to emphasise the precision process they undergo before they are ready for play. As we collaborate on new designs with our engineers and tour staff through the PLD programme, we’ll add new models to bring golfers the latest in tour-proven performance on the putting green.”
PLD Anser
Anser
As with previous Anser putters, the PLD Milled version has rounded bumpers in the heel and toe, creating perimeter weighting for extra stability. It comes standard with a plumber’s neck hosel, making it ideally suited for a golfer with a slight arc to their stroke. There are no alignment lines or aids. Weighing 350g, it has a matt black finish and a black graphite shaft.
Anser 2
The PLD Anser 2 is also aimed at players with a slight arc to their putting stroke. It has a similar shape to the standard Anser, but the blade length is longer, the topline is thinner and the bumpers on the back are squared and angular instead of rounded. It also has a single white alignment line on the back flange. Weighing 350g, it has a satin finish and comes with a chrome stepless steel shaft.
DS72
The DS72 is a semi-circular, compact mallet designed for players with a straight, back-and-through stroke. The extra weight in the perimeter and deeper shape make it more stable on off-centre hits. Weighing 386g, it has a satin finish and is fitted with a chrome stepless steel shaft.
Prime Tyne 4
Aimed at players with a strong arc to their putting stroke, the Prime Tyne 4 has a rectangular hitting area and a pair of wing-like extensions in the heel and toe to boost the moment of inertia, along with a short slant neck hosel that gives it some toe hang. There is a short, white alignment line in the back flange, and the space between the wings is identical to the width of a golf ball, which should help players aim the putter more easily. It weighs 360g and features a matt black head and matching black stemless steel shaft.
RRPs: £399
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