About Ping

Ping is one of the most recognized brands in golf equipment, known for their innovation and precision. Their history spans several decades, from humble beginnings in a garage to a global leader in the golf industry.

The foundation

Ping was founded in 1959 by Karsten Solheim, a Norwegian engineer who worked for General Electric in the United States. Karsten was an avid amateur golfer, but he struggled with his putting, which inspired him to develop a new type of putter. Instead of having the putter's weight centered like on traditional clubs, he placed the weight at the two ends of the clubhead. This provided more stability and balance when hitting.

The first prototype he developed was a putter that he called the "Ping" because of the sound it made when the ball hit the clubhead. This distinctive sound became the brand's name. Solheim began producing putters in his garage in Redwood City, California, and quickly began to attract the attention of golfers due to its revolutionary design.

Growth and Innovation

In 1967, Ping really took off when Julius Boros won the Phoenix Open with a Ping putter, giving the company great exposure. Ping was particularly known for their "Anser" putter, designed by Karsten Solheim in 1966. It quickly became one of the most popular putters of all time, and the simple but effective design is still used by professional golfers today.

In the 1970s, Ping expanded their range to include irons and drivers, always with a focus on precision and individual fit. They also introduced large-scale "custom fitting", where clubs were tailored to the individual golfer's swing and physique. This approach helped change the way many golfers purchased their equipment.

Technological Leadership

Over the years, Ping has pioneered the use of technology in golf. They were among the first to use computers to design and test their clubs, allowing for greater precision. They also introduced adjustable drivers and fairway woods, allowing players to adjust loft and lie, which is now the industry standard.

Another area where Ping pioneered was the use of perimeter weighting in irons. This technology improved the forgiveness of the clubs, meaning players could still get reasonable results even if they didn't hit the ball precisely in the center of the clubhead.

Ping has also been an innovator in materials, such as the use of titanium and advanced steel in their clubs to improve weight distribution and increase power transfer at impact.

What is Ping doing today?

Today, Ping is still family-owned, with Karsten Solheim's son, John Solheim, at the helm of the company. Their headquarters are located in Phoenix, Arizona, where they continue to design and manufacture the highest quality golf equipment.

Ping still produces putters, irons, drivers and wedges, but they are also known for their extensive custom fitting technology, which has become even more sophisticated with the use of 3D scanning and advanced swing measurements. They offer a wide range of products to suit all levels of golfers – from beginners to PGA Tour pros.

They continue to be leaders in innovation. For example, in recent years they have introduced new versions of their popular G-Series clubs and irons, combining new technology with the same precision and quality that has defined the brand for over 60 years.

Additionally, Ping continues to have a strong presence on the professional tours, where their equipment is used by many of the world's top golfers. They also work closely with coaches and club fitters around the world to ensure their products are tailored to the specific needs of each player.

From a simple putter designed in a garage to becoming a global leader in the golf world, Ping's journey has been driven by innovation, quality and precision. Their commitment to improving the game for all levels of players has made them one of the most respected brands in the industry, and they continue to set the standard for the future of golf equipment.

Our equipment

See our selection of used golf clubs and equipment here: Golf clubs

Also see our standing system to understand how each club is in condition: Standing Assessment