PING has had quite a bit of success in past years with their G-series of game improvement clubs as well as the Anser irons, which was their first forged iron in quite a long time.
This year, both lines are extended – the G-series now contains the G20 drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, and irons, while the Anser family welcomes new wedges to the fold. We’ve obviously got a lot to get to this week, so lets check them all out!
We’ll start off this week with a quick quote from PING Chairman and CEO, Mr. John Solheim:
It is very satisfying to witness tour players’ excitement for the G20 family and the Anser Milled putters. Tour validation is an important seal of approval and the G20 products and Anser Milled models are in high demand by the game’s best players. At the recent Open Championship, the G20 driver was our most popular model, with nine being used. We also had several Anser Milled putters in play.
John A. Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO
G-Series
The G-Series of cubs from PING has perennially been their product for players looking for additional forgiveness and distance across all clubs in the bag. The G20 Series is the latest in the G family, encompassing drivers down through iron sets, all of which feature perimeter weighting and high MOI.
There’s a lot of new technology in the entire G20 family. Our engineers optimized the clubs to fit and benefit golfers of all skill levels. In the driver, we’re using for the first time a titanium alloy called Ti 8-1-1, which allows us to improve the weighting to better optimize the entire clubhead. When combined with our new, proprietary, high-balance-point shaft, our testing shows significant improvements in energy transfer, which leads to longer, straighter drives. The irons are more forgiving and feature a cavity design that includes an elastomer badge for improved feel. The fairway woods and hybrids offer golfers high-launching, forgiving options from all conditions.
John A. Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO
G20 Driver
The G20 Driver is designed to be playable for golfers of all skill levels, thanks to the external weighting in the large 460cc head. By optimizing the location of the center of gravity, the G20 maintains a high level of forgiveness while also launching the ball high with low spin which leads to max distance and accuracy. The G20 driver also employs a large variable thickness face that produces faster ball speeds than before while also increasing MOI across the entire face.
The 204 gram clubhead is composed of Ti 8-1-1 which is a lighter, lower-density alloy. Using this metal allows for precise perimeter weighting thanks to this alloy’s high strength to weight ratio. Of course, as we know, that perimeter weighting increases forgiveness, which is ultimately going to give you a better chance at being in the fairway instead of some deep rough.
Options
The Ping G20 driver will be available in a number of lofts, including 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, and 12. There are two shafts to choose from – the TFC 169D (which comes in L, Soft R, R, S, and X flex) and the 169D Tour (in R, S, and X flex). Of course, if there is a custom shaft you prefer, check PING’s website for a number of other options from shaft manufacturers such as Aldila and Mitsubishi. MSRP is set at $330 though some online retailers have a pre-sale going on now with it listed for a little cheaper. Expect to see them in stores around August 11th.
G20 Fairway Woods
Another new member of this family is the PING G20 fairway woods. Designed to get the ball up in the air quickly and easily, the G20 fairways incorporate a number of features that make them playable by just about anyone. Of course I’m talking about external weighting and a low, deep center of gravity. The result is a very forgiving, stable club at impact and a high launch with optimal spin for shots that are not only straighter, they’re longer as well.
Both the head and face are constructed of 17-4 stainless steel, which is pretty standard for fairway woods. The face is a bit deethat produces consistent ball speeds across its width. The face height us larger than previous models, now provoking more confidence off the tee or off the deck as well as increasing forgiveness on off-center contact.
Options
The G20 fairway comes in four lofts: a 15° 3W, 16.5° 4W, 18° 5W, and 21° 7W. PING also provides two shafts to choose from – the TFC 169F (L, Soft R, R, S, and X Flex) and the lower launching TFC 169F Tour (in R, S, and X Flex). Topping them off is the standard PING ID8 rubber grip. Both shaft and grip can be customized through PING if you prefer something other than stock. All variations are available in both right handed and left handed models. The PING G20 hits stores August 11th with a MSRP of $220.
Hybrids
PING continues the trend started with their G15 hybrid, the new G20 hybrid has a shorter, more compact head with plenty of offset. The appearance at address really is that of a driving iron, looking more like an iron with a filled in cavity as opposed to a more fairway wood-like appearance.
The G20 hybrid produces a higher launching ball flight with low spin and a straight, penetrating trajectory for longer, more accurate shots. The club’s interaction with the turf is now improved, thanks to additional bounce and camber. The heel to toe length is also shorter so that the new hybrid is playable from most all lies. Even if you get stuck in the thick stuff, you’ll be able to get away with a less than perfect strike thanks to a large internal weight inside of the 17-4 stainless steel head. It also has a flatter lie angle than before, with a softer crown shape, which further improves its appearance at address.
Options
The PING G20 hybrid comes in your choice of 5 different lofts, including 17°, 20°, 23°, 27°, and 31° models. Just like the fairway woods and drivers in this family, two shafts are available – the TFC169H and the lower launching TFC 169H Tour, both topped with the soft rubber PING ID8 grip. They will hit stores August 11th with a MSRP set at $175.
Irons
Rounding out this lineup is the G20 irons, which keep the same highly playable design principles of the other clubs in this family. These irons feature pretty extreme perimeter weighting located low and deep, with a multi-cavity design that provides the ultimate in forgiveness. Inside the cavity is a multi-material badge made of soft elastomer that extends out to the heel and toe. The end result is an increase in forgiveness as well as an improvement in both sound and feel.
The cavity’s floating CTP structure helps to make the face more stable and generate faster ball speeds as well as a greater degree of distance control.
Options
The G20 irons from PING are available in a number of different lofts, starting with a 20° 3-iron on the low end, all the way up to a 58° LW. A new PING CFS steel shaft is stock, though a lighter, graphite option is available in the form of the PING TFC 169i. Regardless of which you choose, either will be topped off with the PING ID8 rubber grip. Expect to pay around $97 per club when they hit shelves August 11th.
Anser Forged Wedges
Closing out Bag Drop today is the new Anser Forged Wedge. These Anser Forged Wedges are the latest addition to the Anser family of forged clubs, which was introduced last year. Forged from soft 8620 steel, these new wedges assure a solid, soft feel.
The CG has placement has been optimized thanks to a high-density tungsten toe weight. That weighting also elevates the MOI for a more penetrating ball flight, consistent high-spin, and an overall increase in shot making ability. Thanks to thicker hitting area, a stabilizing bar, and hour glass shaped reinforced back cavity ensure consistency across the face.
Options
PING’s Anser Forged Wedges come in lofts ranging from 50° up to 60°, stepping up in 2 increments, providing a wide variety of options for all players. The stock steel shaft is the True Temper DG Spinner, while a graphite option is available in the form of the same TFC 169i shaft found in the previously mentioned G20 irons. MSRP is set at $185 per wedge when they hit stores.
There are some PINGs with ferrules now. That’s really all I can say.
That angular look on the top of their irons is pretty much gone now. They are starting to look like all the others. Too bad really, I always like it.
Really, really don’t like the look of PING’s G series irons or hybrid. Those Anser wedges look interesting, will have to give them a try.
I own the G20 4 wood — and I must like a lighter setup and swingweight as it fits me well. I’ve only hit it on the range due to the high temps in my area, but if you hit down on it, it launches well and tries to go straight. Fine club, good look at address, powerful, and crisp feel.
is the wedge “spin milled” ? and what lofts are available ?