PHOENIX (July 15, 2015) – Achieving significant performance gains by engineering without sacrificing other key design attributes, PING announced two new innovative iron models today while expanding its popular Glide wedge and Cadence TR putter families.
The new GMax iron introduces COR-Eye Technology, a revolutionary design that increases flexing across the entire face for faster ball speeds that produce unprecedented distance and forgiveness. The new i iron, PING’s first model to utilize 431 stainless steel, is a softer players-style head that offers workability and ball-flight control with the forgiveness to ensure accuracy and consistency. Both new models are available with the PING CFS Distance shaft. Golfers can also choose one of four popular after-market shafts with no upcharge.
PING’s new Glide ES (Eye Sole) wedge combines the technology of the original Eye2 sand wedge, including the tapered hosel and scooped sole, with the high-performance features of the Glide design to add another versatile choice for improved play from bunkers and around the green. It joins the Glide standard sole (SS), thin sole (TS), and wide sole (WS), creating 16 loft and sole combinations to suit a player’s swing and most common turf conditions.
The Cadence TR putter series grows stronger with the addition of the Craz-e-r and Ketsch Mid. The Craz-e-r, an evolution of the highly successful Craz-E design, is a high-MOI model featuring a sightline that extends from the top to the back of the putter for improved alignment. The Ketsch Mid, a smaller version of the award-winning Ketsch, provides golfers a fully machined, high-MOI mallet-style head with advanced alignment features. Both models are engineered with True Roll Technology grooves and are available in two weight options.
All of the new product can be pre-ordered beginning today at PING-authorized golf shops.
“Our commitment to engineering without sacrifice continues to produce measurable performance benefits across our entire product line,” said John A. Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO. “For example, COR-Eye Technology in the GMax iron provides the rare combination of distance with control, giving you significantly more ball speed for shots that fly farther and land softly. The i iron is a players-style design that appeals to golfers of all skill levels because of its all-around performance. It has a great look and provides workability, trajectory control and just the right amount of forgiveness. It’s already in the bags of several of our tour professionals.”
Solheim added, “The two new Cadence TR models bring golfers proven designs with some exciting advancements. When we introduced the Craz-E in 2003, it quickly became a top-selling alignment-style model due to its shape and optics. In the Craz-e-r, we’ve added a new sightline that makes alignment even easier. The Ketsch Mid provides the benefits of the original Ketsch in a smaller head size.”
PING addressed short-game improvement with the new Glide ES wedge, inspired by the legendary Eye2 sand wedge. “Glide wedges had immediate tour validation with a win by Bubba Watson early in the season,” Solheim said. “Since then, they’ve been used to win several times. The ES sole adds even more versatility to the Glide wedge line by incorporating the proven technology of the original Eye2 sand wedge, which is still in use today and known for being one of the highest-performing sand wedges ever designed.”
GMax Irons
PING engineered its longest, straightest iron ever by utilizing COR-Eye Technology, which simultaneously activates the sole, face, and top rail to increase ball speed up to 3 mph over previous PING models, providing greater distance with control. COR-Eye creates a faster ball speed that is constant across the entire face, so even off-center strikes deliver longer, straighter results. A new cavity structure houses a concealed Custom Tuning Port that connects to the sole. With this deeper position and wider sole, each iron’s center of gravity is moved lower and farther back to increase the MOI for more forgiveness, accuracy and consistency. Distance-generating lengths and lofts are optimized for efficient gapping with the distance control and high trajectory needed to hit and hold more greens. An enhanced leading edge, more trailing edge relief and refined bounce help optimize turf interaction. The 4- thru 8-iron faces are heat treated using a specialized process that strengthens the material by approximately 40%, creating a Hyper-17-4 alloy and allowing the face to be thinner for greater flexing and faster ball speeds. Longer blade lengths and increased offset maximize forgiveness and ensure a higher max shot height. The set has a unique swingweight progression where the 4, 5 and 6 irons have lighter swingweights to help square the face at impact, creating faster ball speeds for longer, straighter shots.
– Available 4-9, PW, UW, SW
– Stock steel shaft: PING CFS Distance (Soft R, R, S, X)
– Stock graphite shaft: PING CFS Graphite (65 Soft R, 70 R, 80 S)
– After-market stock shaft options (no upcharge): Dynamic Gold S300, X100; Project X 5.0, 6.0; XP 95 (R, S), N.S. Pro Modus3 105 (S, X)
– U.S. MSRP: $121.25 per club w/steel shaft; $ 136.25 per club w/graphite shaft
i Irons
PING engineers used 431 stainless steel for its high strength-to-weight ratio and softer feel to deliver workability and trajectory control with forgiveness. Larger head sizes and low/back CG positions in the long irons offer forgiveness and distance where golfers need them most. The smaller short irons and wedges provide precision and control. Workability comes from a head and hosel geometry that ensures trajectory control for precise shot-making. Weight savings from the 431 SS and the deeper Custom Tuning Port position allow for expanded perimeter weighting. A tungsten toe weight in the 3 thru 7 irons increases forgiveness. An elastomer CTP weight tucks into the tuning port, which is lower on the face to align with the impact area for a more solid sound and feel. The sole glides through the turf with ease, ensuring the solid contact required to play with control and consistency. An optimized, versatile bounce profile delivers exceptional performance in all conditions. The thin top rail and minimal offset create a confidence-inspiring look at address. Lengths and lofts are optimized to increase distance with proper gapping. With two PING shaft choices and four popular after-market stock options, golfers can match a shaft to their ball flight and feel preferences.
– Available 3-9, PW, UW
– Stock steel shaft: PING CFS Distance (Soft R, R, S, X)
– Stock graphite shaft: PING CFS Graphite (65 Soft R, 70 R, 80 S)
– After-market stock shaft options (no upcharge): Dynamic Gold S300, X100; Project X 5.0, 6.0; XP 95 (R, S), N.S. Pro Modus3 105 (S, X)
– U.S. MSRP: $135 per club w/steel shaft; $150 per club w/graphite shaft
Glide ES Wedge (Eye Sole)
The Glide ES features a scooped sole that offers versatility on full and partial shots from all conditions, especially bunkers. Its hosel transition and sole design were inspired by the original PING Eye2 sand wedge. The tapered hosel is smaller leading into the face to decrease the cross section for less drag through the sand. A 24º sidewall and tighter radius in the grooves optimize spin on chips and pitches. The chrome-plated 431 stainless steel head repels moisture to create more friction for improved spin and consistency in wet conditions and lies in the rough. Glide wedges are engineered from the hands down to provide short-game performance and trajectory control on shots of every length. The proprietary Dyla-wedge grip is ¾ of an inch longer to encourage gripping down to control ball flight. The CFS Wedge shaft is optimized in weight, flex and balance to provide a stable feel and lower ball flights.
– Available in 56º, 58º, 60º
– Dyla-wedge grip: ¾-inch longer, grip-down markings at 1 3/8″ intervals, softer tapering profile
– Stock shafts: CFS Wedge (stiff flex, 118g); TFC 419i (Soft R, R, S)
– U.S. MSRP: $140 w/steel shaft; $160 w/graphite shaft
Cadence TR Ketsch Mid
The Ketsch Mid has a smaller, more compact head than the original Ketsch mallet currently in play on many pro tours. It offers a 100% milled, aerospace-grade aluminum body to ensure precision, and also features True-Roll Technology grooves. TR grooves vary in width and depth from the center of the face, producing consistent ball speeds across the face for unmatched distance control, resulting in more holed putts and fewer three-putts. Contrasting white sightlines on the black anodized head simplify alignment. The center line extends to the back of the putter for added confidence. Golfers can choose a traditional-weight model with a stainless steel sole plate or a heavy-weight model with a tungsten nickel sole plate to match their stroke tempo and improve their consistency. The traditional-weight head will typically fit golfers with faster tempos and can help with lag putting. The heavy version adds mass to match slower-tempo strokes, and can lead to better results on shorter putts. The putter can be fit to accommodate straight, slight arc, or strong arc stroke types.
– Traditional, 350g; Heavy, 375g
– Straight, Slight Arc and Strong Arc stroke types
– Adjustable +/- 2º from std. lie angle
– U.S. MSRP: $245; Adjustable-length upcharge: $35
Cadence TR Craz-e-r
PING introduces a variation on the Craz-e, one of the most successful and enduring models in its history. A continuous white sightline extends from the top of the black PVD head to the back for easy alignment and more confidence. The high-MOI Craz-e-r is offered in a traditional-weight (blue) precision-milled aluminum insert, or a heavy (black) stainless steel insert. The traditional-weight head will typically fit golfers with faster tempos and can help with lag putting. The heavy version adds mass to match slower-tempo strokes, and can lead to better results on shorter putts. The putter can be fit to accommodate straight, slight arc, or strong arc stroke types.
– Traditional, 350g; Heavy, 383g
– Straight, Slight Arc and Strong Arc stroke types
– Adjustable +/- 2º from std. lie angle
– U.S. MSRP: $215; Adjustable-length upcharge: $35