What’s Going Down In O-Town?

ORLANDO — Heading into the PGA Merchandise Show, which begins Thursday at the Orange Country Convention Center, companies are looking to ride already-established momentum in, make a splash in Orlando, then carry that momentum throughout the year.

Great Timing For PING

PING couldn’t have asked for better timing than Mark Wilson’s win last weekend at the Humana Challenge, using the new i20 driver and irons just before the show began.

“What a great start in just his second week out with them on the PGA Tour. That was quite an accomplishment,” said PING director of engineering Brad Schweigert.

“A lot of it is brand building than actually stimulating individual club sales, but when you have a new product launch like this and you have early success with it, I think it can only help,” he added.

“We don’t put a load of pressure on our tour players to get into the new products. We obviously make it available and work with them, so when they do choose and they have success, it’s a great feeling for us,” said Schweigert.

“When he first hit them, he just thought they went through the ground really nice. They really suit his eye. They had some forgiveness where he wanted it in the long irons. The trajectories were really good. It was a good fit right from the beginning.”

Nike Dares You

Nike Golf president Cindy Davis joined LPGA Tour star Suzann Pettersen and some big bruisers in the form of Ken Griffey Jr. and Sterling Sharpe at a company event Tuesday evening at the Peabody Hotel.

Griffey and Sharpe took part in a Speed Trial, something that will become a part of demo days and at retail outlets in the months to come as part of the launch of Nike’s VR_S woods, hybrids and drivers.

Golfers will get the chance to compare their own clubs against the VR_S products.

“Getting people to change is not always easy,” said Davis.

“Change isn’t easy in anything and golfers who have been playing this sport for a long time often default to whatever brand they’ve been playing and don’t do due diligence to really understand what’s available in the marketplace,” she added.

Nike, a relative newcomer in the club business compared to other major manufacturers, is providing the incentive to do that through Speed Trials, according to Davis.

“Is it too difficult to go hit a few drives, a few fairway woods, a few hybrids to really see the technology? We don’t think it is,” she said.

“If we didn’t find a way to have trial with a purpose, we’re not sure we’d get the engagement level we think we’re going to get with this program,” said Davis.

“If someone says, `I dare you,’ a lot of people say, `Okay, I’ll take you up on that.’ This program, in many ways, the Speed Trials, says `I dare you.’”

Callaway Has Lots To Show At The Show

Callaway is not only introducing its fully-adjustable RAZR Fit driver, but also its RAZR X Black family of woods, hybrids and irons, but it won’t end there.

The new HEX Black Tour and HEX Chrome golf balls will be introduced, as will the new Metal-X line of putters from Odyssey. In irons, the RAZR X Black, the RAZR XF and the RAZR X HL iron will complement the company’s 2011 offerings—the RAZR X, RAZR X Forged and RAZR X Tour.

Watch GNN for more on the technology of these products.

What Happened In Vegas Won’t Stay In Vegas

Expect to see Callaway’s new “Epic Demo” advertising campaign, shot on location at and above the Las Vegas Strip in December, on network television in the next few weeks.

At the helm of the shoot was music video and commercial director, Joseph Kahn. The television and online executions will put the spotlight on the company’s 2012 products and staff professionals, reportedly in a way most golfers aren’t used to seeing.

PING nFlight Going Mobile

You won’t actually see it in Canada until later this year, but PING is giving accounts a peek at its new, mobile nFlight fitting system, which works with several launch monitors off an iPad-type device, which delivers a wealth of swing information.

You heard it here first, but don’t tell anybody that.

Fourteen Goes Forged

Fourteen Golf, distributed in Canada by Jancor Agencies, is introducing its TC-530FG forged irons at the show. Watch GNN soon for the complete tech story.

Nike Deja Vu

You likely heard a lot about Nike’s 20XI ball in 2011 through stories such as this and this, but there’s more to come because the company is looking at this year as the launch.

Last year’s launch of the 20XI only took place in North America and this year it goes global. Advertising campaigns and player seeding will be among the means used to promote the ball in North America and around the world.

“We not only created a new core technology. We created a whole new manufacturing process. It was a start-up,” said Nike Golf president Cindy Davis.

“Making a urethane ball, a premier ball, is not an easy thing. Creating a whole new way from an injection molding standpoint was a whole new thing,” she added.

“We wanted to bring it to (the North American) market because it was out in the marketplace from a knowledge standpoint, so we made a strategic decision to begin the process in North America,” said Davis.

“We actually look at this year as the real launch of the 20XI golf ball because it goes global next month. Now the trial begins. If you look at our portfolio from an advertising standpoint, it will get the largest amount of advertising dollars percentage-wise of our media spend,” she said.

“I think we learned something,” said Davis. “Because of the energy that we created in North America launching this, all the launch quantities in other parts of the world have nearly doubled than what was originally planned.

“The other parts of the world have said, `I’ve heard about this, when is it coming?’ so we created some real anticipation and pent-up demand for this product,” she said.

Off To Orlando

Depending on when you read this, I could be 30,000 feet over North Carolina or Georgia on my way to the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

It’s been a tradition for years and while the show has changed dramatically since I first started going, one thing that doesn’t change is a crazy schedule. Read more

New PING i20 Hybrids Employ Compact Head, Low-Deep CG

For launching the ball high and landing it softly on the green, the i20s hybrids from PING employ a compact head and low-deep centre of gravity.

Forgiveness across the clubface allows golfers to swing confidently from heavy rough or tight lies as more surface area low on the clubface ensures forgiveness to optimize launch conditions.

The straight leading edge and slim, contoured head are in place to make aiming easier, while a non-glare, matte-black finish eliminates distractions to help with aim and focus.

Players can choose from two stock shafts, the PING TFC (Tip, Flex, Control) 707H for a low-spin, boring trajectory, or the lighter Project X Black by True Temper, offering mid-spin and a higher trajectory.

Stock graphite shafts include the TFC 707H and Project X Black, both in three flexes.
Hybrids available include 17, 20 and 23 degrees.

PING i20 Driver Designed To Reduce Drag

The crown in the new i20 driver from PING is designed to be highly aerodynamic to reduce drag for maximum clubhead speed and ball velocity, resulting in greater distance.

The 460cc head features dense tungsten sole weights that increase the moment of inertia and position the centre of gravity for low-spin, penetrating trajectories.

The head is made from Ti 8-1-1, a lighter, lower-density titanium alloy that allows for a weight allocation for more forgiveness.

A distinctive matte-black finish is used to eliminate glare and distractions. Golfers can choose from two stock shafts – the PING TFC (Tip, Flex, Control) 707D for a low-spin, boring trajectory, or the lighter Project X Black by True Temper, offering mid-spin and a higher trajectory.

The i20 driver is available in 8.5, 9.5 & 10.5-degree lofts Stock graphite shafts include the TFC 707D and Project X Black, both in three flexes.

PING i20 Irons Are Multi-Metal

The new i20 irons from PING feature multi-metal technology in a progressive set design.

The long irons are slightly larger, high launching, and more forgiving. The smaller short irons feature less offset for greater control.

Stabilizing bars and a thicker face are in place to ensure distance control and a solid feel. Tungsten toe weights in the 17-4 stainless steel heads are used to elevate forgiveness.

A low-glare satin chrome finish and ferrule offer a clean, high-performance look.

Combined with PING’s new CFS (Control, Feel, Stability) steel shaft, the i20 optimizes feel and trajectories. The stock graphite shaft is the TFC 169i, which also comes in four flexes.

PING Introduces i20 Series

PING has kicked off 2012 with the introduction of its i20 fairway woods, hybrids and irons.

“In the i20 series, we’ve combined workability, distance and forgiveness with the goal to make any golfer a more versatile and complete player,” said John A. Solheim, PING chairman and chief executive officer.

“We’ve engineered the i20s with a solid feel and generous forgiveness, but also a degree of workability for the player who wants full command of the clubface for controlling trajectory and shot shape,” he added.

“Anyone who is passionate about their game is going to be very confident and capable with this game-improvement technology,” said Solheim.

Solheim said that the matte-black finish of the driver, fairway woods, and hybrids is more than eye-catching, adding that it has a real performance benefit.

“The non-glare finish absorbs light, allowing the player to focus without distraction,” he said. “Our tour pros are very enthusiastic about the finish, but even more so about the i20s’ performance. Players are able to execute any shot they want with confidence.”

The 460 c.c. driver head is designed to reduce drag, which generates clubhead speed and ball velocity for more distance.

“The i20 driver is incredibly long, but also highly accurate,” Solheim said. “We gave the fairway woods and hybrids the same matte finish and their designs offer the high-launching forgiveness that makes them reliable from all turf conditions and from the tee.”

In the multi-metal irons, a progressive set design features long irons that are slightly larger, high-launching and more forgiving. The smaller short irons feature less offset with better control.

Distance control, a key to consistent iron play, was a priority in the irons’ design, according to Solheim.

“The stabilizing bars and the thicker face offer great feel and ensure that golfers can hit to precise yardages. Distance control is an absolute must for better players, but precision is going to help anyone lower their scores,” he said.

To emphasize the importance of a proper fit with any i20 product, PING offers two stock shaft options. In the driver, fairways, and hybrids, golfers can choose PING’s TFC 707 series, or the Project X Black from True Temper.

“Both shafts deliver a solid, stable feel and consistent performance,” said Solheim. “Our TFC series is slightly heavier, stiffer and generates lower launch and less spin than Project X Black.”

In the irons, PING’s CFS (Control, Feel and Stability) shaft and the TFC 169i are available.

PING G20 Irons Have Extreme Perimeter Weighting

The G20 Irons from PING are designed to offer forgiveness and distance control.

Extreme perimeter weighting in the deep, multi-cavity design in the 17-4 stainless steel heads offer the forgiveness, while a multi-material cavity badge is made with soft elastomer heel and toe sections for better feel and sound.

The cavity’s floating CTP structure stabilizes the thin face for faster ball speeds leading to more distance. Combined with PING’s new CGS (Control, Feel, Stability) steel shaft, the G20 is designed to improve feel, trajectory and distance gaps. The TFC 169i graphite shaft is also available, each in various flexes.

Innocent People Felt 9/11 Impact From A Distance

The sky was blue with not a cloud in the sky, seemingly an idyllic day as I wheeled down Islington Ave. in Toronto to one of this country’s finest golf facilities where PING was gathering key accounts and the media for a product launch the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.

The readership of GNN doesn’t need me to continue on about how the events of that day turned out to be anything but idyllic. The fact that the 10^th anniversary of 9/11 is upon us hardly seems possible, but neither did the events of that day.

So etched in our minds is that day that we all remember where we were and in my case, it was the St. George’s Golf and Country Club, where we were sipping a morning coffee in the clubhouse when Dave Wilson of PING Canada informed us that a plane had hit the World Trade Center in New York. Read more

PING Sydney Goes For High MOI

The new Sydney is one of PING’s highest moment of inertia models.

Its frame is milled from high-grade aluminum and has three, eight-gram tungsten weights for balance and forgiveness.

A bold, red aligment bar is to provide easy aim and, to eliminate twisting and keep putts on line, the Sydney has a symmetrical shape for a square set-up. Extreme perimeter weighting helps to elevate MOI.

The Sydney is finished with a durable nano nickel coating.

Feel’s The Deal With PING Anser Wedges

The Anser Wedges are formed from soft 8620 steel to provide better feel.

The high-density tungsten toe weight helps optimize the centre of gravity and elevate moment of inertia for more penetrating, high-spin trajectories.

A thicker hitting area, stabilizing bar and hourglass-shaped, reinforced back cavity are consistency features, while the machined face and grooves are designed to maximize spin and control.

The Anser wedges are available in lofts of 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 degrees with steel Dynamic Gold Spinner W and CFS, as well as graphite TFC 169i shafts in various flexes.

PING Putter App Adds More Versatility

After introducing the iPING putter app in June, PING has added an “iPING Fit” application that is geared towards the industry and focused on putter fitting.

You can read about the original iPING app by clicking here and here.

The latest addition is a free app available through the App Store that quickly offers stroke type, the type of PING putter best suited to the golfer, dynamic lie, dynamic loft and length recommendations and has an advanced fit section.

The iPING fitting tool also offers the ability to share putter specs via e-mail, Facebook and Twitter.

Using the iPING app, a few quick steps will offer the fitter and golfer information that will better fit the client into the proper putter, based on stroke type, which now is clearly identified on PING putters through the use of stickers.

Below is the easy step-by-step process through the use of iPING:

Step 1

Take five 10 foot putts, then proceed to stroke type results page..

• Change player dexterity, if needed.
• Delete last putt or false positive, if needed.
• See stroke type results.

 Step 2

View Stroke type results. From here, a fitter can show the player PING putters in the corral with the corresponding stroke type sticker, or proceed to the putter recommendation screen for a slightly more in-depth fitting.

• Stroke Type sticker based on five measured putts.
• Closing angle and stroke type for five putts.
• Press “Recommend Putter” to look at suggested putter models.

Step 3 (Optional)

The recommend putter screen displays the putters corresponding to the player’s stroke type. On this screen, the fitter may designate a miss tendency on pressure putts and an alignment aid preference

• Slide finger across to show different putter families.
• Tap to display the displayed putter’s specs.
• Select miss tendency on pressure putts to adjust putter model recommendations.
• Select alignment aid preference to narrow putter model recommendation.
• Press “Advanced Fit” to obtain a recommended length, loft, and lie (Optional).

Step 4 (Optional)

Input static measurements (height, wrist-to-floor, etc.) and green speed to obtain length, loft and lie recommendation

• Tap to enter player height, wrist-to-floor, gender and stance style to obtain an accurate length.
• Tap to select typical green speed. This will affect the loft recommendation by adding one degree of loft for slow greens, and subtracting one degree for fast greens.
• Tap to e-mail final fit screen
• Press to take another five putts with the recommended putter and obtain updated loft and lie numbers

Anser Milled Series Adds Seven More Putters

PING has introduced seven new models in the Anser Milled Series of putters to fit more stroke types and style preferences.

Precision-milled from 303 stainless steel, each Anser Milled putter features subtle variations to the top lines, heel-toe length and toe radius, while a satin nickel provides a non-glare finish.

Models available (with putting styles in parentheses) include:

• Anser Milled (slight arc)
• Answer Milled 1 (slight arc)
• Anser Milled 2 (slight arc)
• Anser Milled 3 (slight arc)
• Anser Milled 4 (strong arc >)
• Anser Milled 5 (straight)
• Anser Milled 6 (strong arc)

PING G20 Fairways Go For Launch, Length

External weighting and low, deep centre of gravity in the G20 Fairway Woods from PING are designed to offer easy launch and additional yardage.

The large 17-4 stainless steel head and face increase moment of inertia for consistent ball speed across the entire hitting surface.

Golfers can choose their ball flights with their choice of either the higher-launching TFC 169F or lower trajectory TFC 169F Tour shaft.

PING G20 Hybrids Built For High Launch, Low Spin

An offset hosel in the G20 Hybrids from PING is designed to produce shots with high launch, low spin and a straight, boring trajectory.

Meanwhile, a shorter heel-to-toe length is for playability from all lies and to provide a flatter lie angle with a softer crown shape for improved appearance at address.

Additional bounce and camber creates improved ground impact and ensures a smooth transition through grass, especially when the ball is sitting down. A large internal weight insidethe 17-4 stainless steel head is to provide forgiveness and distance.

The G20 hybrids are available in 17, 20, 23, 27 and 31 degrees, with TFC 169H and TFC 169H Tour shafts in various flexes.

PING Refreshes Its Scottsdale Series of Putters

PING has refreshed its Scottsdale Series of putters with seven new models to fit more style preferences and stroke types.

The new models feature the same insert made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with a face appliqué for soft, yet solid, feel and crisp sound.

High-contrast alignment aids and long sightlines are designed to make aiming easier, while a dark charcoal PVD finish and polished sole offers improved appearance.

The following models (with stroke type in parentheses) comprise the new offerings:

• D66 (strong arc)
• ZB S (strong arc)
• Shea (slight arc)
• Tomcat S (slight arc)
• Carefree (slight arc)
• Mesquite (strong arc)
• Senita (straight)

PING G20 Promotes High Launch, Low Spin

The external weighting in the large G20 driver helps launch the ball high with low spin in the pursuit of maximum distance and accuracy through optimized centre of gravity location.

The proprietary, high-balance-point TFC 169D shaft is part of the package to enable golfers to swing a clubhead with more mass at the same speed to create a higher moment of inertia to generate faster ball speeds for longer, straighter drives.

Meanwhile, a large variable-thickness face is designed to generate faster ball speed and increase MOI across the entire hitting surface for greater forgiveness and power.

The 460 c.c. clubhead is made from Ti 8-1-1, a lighter, lower-density alloy with a high strength-to-weight ration that allows additional weight to be strategically placed to increase MOI on both the vertical and horizontal axis.

G20 drivers are available in 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 12 degree lofts with TFC 169D and TFC 169D Tour shafts in various flexes.

Next Page »