Ping PLD Custom Program

[chip75]

Like the PING logo in cavity is the PLD logo on the face a must?

[GHINandDiet]

3 hours ago, chip75 said:

Like the PING logo in cavity is the PLD logo on the face a must?

 

I was told it was mandatory to have the PLD logo on the face when I did my fitting. However, you don't have to get the "pill" or "candy bar" around the PLD lettering. My Anser has "PLD" directly engraved on the heel-side of the face without the box around it, I just had to ask for that specifically. I don't know if that rule has changed since they started offering laser engraving.

[ratputters]

I went to Ping HQ in Phoenix, AZ yesterday for a PLD Custom putter fitting. I had visited the Ping WRX department years ago for an irons/woods fitting with their Tour rep (that invitation came through a VIP, I am not a professional golfer) so I had a good idea of what to expect in regards to customization options.

 

I collect Cameron putters and my preferences lean heavily towards Newport and 009M heads, particularly longnecks. I have gone through the Cameron putter fitting in Encinitas a few times as well.

 

My thoughts on the overall Ping PLD Custom experience…

 

The fitting:

In my opinion, the fitting and technology are significantly more advanced than any other fittings I have done in the past. I was fit by Alex and his knowledge of putting stroke mechanics and equipment is exceptional. If you’re not familiar with Ping’s putting analysis they assess your stroke in five areas: 

• Closing angle
• Impact angle
• Tempo
• Impact lie angle
• Shaft lean at impact

When the fitting began Alex asked what types of heads I prefer. I told him I lean heavily toward Anser heads with a long plumbers neck. He showed me a couple Ansers they had in the fitting room with 30* hang and I started putting. Alex disappeared and came back a few minutes later with three additional putters including one that was more face balanced (5* hang). 

 

Aside from the technology of the actual fitting process, this is exactly what will have me going back to PLD from this point forward. I have never seen another brand offer options of that level in real-time to a consumer. Alex knew I liked very long necks so he went back to WRX and had a head shafted in on the spot.

 

(Anser 30 from my fitting)

 

Another cool part of the experience was when Tony Serrano, Ping’s Sr. Design Engineer came in to talk to me about the design of the heads I was looking at. Pretty amazing experience!

 

To end the fitting, we went outside and hit puts with the three putters I narrowed down to. We finalized grip and shaft selections and Alex told me to send him my requests for custom stampings for each putter. Pretty amazing experience and I can’t wait to go back.

 

 

The putters:

As I mentioned, I went in hoping to fit into an Anser longneck. I was surprised (and thankful) for the options with the different toe hang. I ended up buying three putters.

 

Anser 30 - this putter fit my arc the best and it looked extremely good at address. I went with a 360g head and the patina finish on carbon steel.

 

Anser 5 - since my arc doesn’t match up as well with a more face-balanced putter, this didn’t swing as nice as the Anser 30, but visually it was the putter of my dreams. It looked every bit as good as my favorite putter which is a Cameron 009M beach with a very long neck. This Anser 5 probably won’t get much playing time but I wanted to add it to my collection. I went with a 360g stainless head with custom stampings on the sole.

 

I opted for a rocker sole on both Ansers.

 

Oslo - I have always wanted a mallet and I fell in love with an Oslo with a double bend shaft. I do not like sight lines or dots of any kind so this putter nailed it for me. Tony Serrano explained part of the design goals for the Oslo were to provide natural alignment aids the width of the golf ball on the topline and flange. This putter does exactly that!

 

Overall, this experience far exceeded my expectations. I hope to go back every year and see what new heads and finishes they have in the works.

 

Edited June 17, 2023 by parkcityut
Spacing

[newportbeach]

1 hour ago, parkcityut said:

I went to Ping HQ in Phoenix, AZ yesterday for a PLD Custom putter fitting. I had visited the Ping WRX department years ago for an irons/woods fitting with their Tour rep (that invitation came through a VIP, I am not a professional golfer) so I had a good idea of what to expect in regards to customization options.

 

I collect Cameron putters and my preferences lean heavily towards Newport and 009M heads, particularly longnecks. I have gone through the Cameron putter fitting in Encinitas a few times as well.

 

My thoughts on the overall Ping PLD Custom experience…

 

The fitting:

In my opinion, the fitting and technology are significantly more advanced than any other fittings I have done in the past. I was fit by Alex and his knowledge of putting stroke mechanics and equipment is exceptional. If you’re not familiar with Ping’s putting analysis they assess your stroke in five areas: 

• Closing angle
• Impact angle
• Tempo
• Impact lie angle
• Shaft lean at impact

When the fitting began Alex asked what types of heads I prefer. I told him I lean heavily toward Anser heads with a long plumbers neck. He showed me a couple Ansers they had in the fitting room with 30* hang and I started putting. Alex disappeared and came back a few minutes later with three additional putters including one that was more face balanced (5* hang). 

 

Aside from the technology of the actual fitting process, this is exactly what will have me going back to PLD from this point forward. I have never seen another brand offer options of that level in real-time to a consumer. Alex knew I liked very long necks so he went back to WRX and had a head shafted in on the spot.

 

(Anser 30 from my fitting)

 

Another cool part of the experience was when Tony Serrano, Ping’s Sr. Design Engineer came in to talk to me about the design of the heads I was looking at. Pretty amazing experience!

 

To end the fitting, we went outside and hit puts with the three putters I narrowed down to. We finalized grip and shaft selections and Alex told me to send him my requests for custom stampings for each putter. Pretty amazing experience and I can’t wait to go back.

 

 

The putters:

As I mentioned, I went in hoping to fit into an Anser longneck. I was surprised (and thankful) for the options with the different toe hang. I ended up buying three putters.

 

Anser 30 - this putter fit my arc the best and it looked extremely good at address. I went with a 360g head and the patina finish on carbon steel.

 

Anser 5 - since my arc doesn’t match up as well with a more face-balanced putter, this didn’t swing as nice as the Anser 30, but visually it was the putter of my dreams. It looked every bit as good as my favorite putter which is a Cameron 009M beach with a very long neck. This Anser 5 probably won’t get much playing time but I wanted to add it to my collection. I went with a 360g stainless head with custom stampings on the sole.

 

I opted for a rocker sole on both Ansers.

 

Oslo - I have always wanted a mallet and I fell in love with an Oslo with a double bend shaft. I do not like sight lines or dots of any kind so this putter nailed it for me. Tony Serrano explained part of the design goals for the Oslo were to provide natural alignment aids the width of the golf ball on the topline and flange. This putter does exactly that!

 

Overall, this experience far exceeded my expectations. I hope to go back every year and see what new heads and finishes they have in the works.

 

Superb thanks for sharing. I’d love to see pics of your putter collection sometime. Perhaps they are in another thread. 

[14max]

An update to my PLD experience:

 

I noticed a FedEx vehicle pulling away from my house yesterday so I checked my doorstep to see what he'd dropped off.  In the small, white plastic bag I found the black pleather drawstring valuables bag with gold-colored thread stitched in diamond pattern around the bag with "PLD/CUSTOM" stitched in black thread.  I turned it over and noticed my name stitched in gold-colored thread and a note from John Souza (Wrx director) expressing appreciation and welcoming me to the PLD Custom family.  A pretty cool and very unnecessary gesture as I feel the whole adventure has been top notch from beginning to end. 

[kramerica]

3 minutes ago, 14max said:

An update to my PLD experience:

 

I noticed a FedEx vehicle pulling away from my house yesterday so I checked my doorstep to see what he'd dropped off.  In the small, white plastic bag I found the black pleather drawstring valuables bag with gold-colored thread stitched in diamond pattern around the bag with "PLD/CUSTOM" stitched in black thread.  I turned it over and noticed my name stitched in gold-colored thread and a note from John Souza (Wrx director) expressing appreciation and welcoming me to the PLD Custom family.  A pretty cool and very unnecessary gesture as I feel the whole adventure has been top notch from beginning to end. 

Does anyone know if this is standard? I haven't received this yet.

[dwboston]

1 hour ago, kramerica said:

Does anyone know if this is standard? I haven't received this yet.

 

It's standard.  It should arrive about 6 months after you get your putter.

[Unteachable]

6 hours ago, parkcityut said:

I went to Ping HQ in Phoenix, AZ yesterday for a PLD Custom putter fitting. I had visited the Ping WRX department years ago for an irons/woods fitting with their Tour rep (that invitation came through a VIP, I am not a professional golfer) so I had a good idea of what to expect in regards to customization options.

 

I collect Cameron putters and my preferences lean heavily towards Newport and 009M heads, particularly longnecks. I have gone through the Cameron putter fitting in Encinitas a few times as well.

 

My thoughts on the overall Ping PLD Custom experience…

 

The fitting:

In my opinion, the fitting and technology are significantly more advanced than any other fittings I have done in the past. I was fit by Alex and his knowledge of putting stroke mechanics and equipment is exceptional. If you’re not familiar with Ping’s putting analysis they assess your stroke in five areas: 

• Closing angle
• Impact angle
• Tempo
• Impact lie angle
• Shaft lean at impact

When the fitting began Alex asked what types of heads I prefer. I told him I lean heavily toward Anser heads with a long plumbers neck. He showed me a couple Ansers they had in the fitting room with 30* hang and I started putting. Alex disappeared and came back a few minutes later with three additional putters including one that was more face balanced (5* hang). 

 

Aside from the technology of the actual fitting process, this is exactly what will have me going back to PLD from this point forward. I have never seen another brand offer options of that level in real-time to a consumer. Alex knew I liked very long necks so he went back to WRX and had a head shafted in on the spot.

 

(Anser 30 from my fitting)

 

Another cool part of the experience was when Tony Serrano, Ping’s Sr. Design Engineer came in to talk to me about the design of the heads I was looking at. Pretty amazing experience!

 

To end the fitting, we went outside and hit puts with the three putters I narrowed down to. We finalized grip and shaft selections and Alex told me to send him my requests for custom stampings for each putter. Pretty amazing experience and I can’t wait to go back.

 

 

The putters:

As I mentioned, I went in hoping to fit into an Anser longneck. I was surprised (and thankful) for the options with the different toe hang. I ended up buying three putters.

 

Anser 30 - this putter fit my arc the best and it looked extremely good at address. I went with a 360g head and the patina finish on carbon steel.

 

Anser 5 - since my arc doesn’t match up as well with a more face-balanced putter, this didn’t swing as nice as the Anser 30, but visually it was the putter of my dreams. It looked every bit as good as my favorite putter which is a Cameron 009M beach with a very long neck. This Anser 5 probably won’t get much playing time but I wanted to add it to my collection. I went with a 360g stainless head with custom stampings on the sole.

 

I opted for a rocker sole on both Ansers.

 

Oslo - I have always wanted a mallet and I fell in love with an Oslo with a double bend shaft. I do not like sight lines or dots of any kind so this putter nailed it for me. Tony Serrano explained part of the design goals for the Oslo were to provide natural alignment aids the width of the golf ball on the topline and flange. This putter does exactly that!

 

Overall, this experience far exceeded my expectations. I hope to go back every year and see what new heads and finishes they have in the works.

 

Thats a pretty awesome story.  3 putters is quite a haul.  Im going in August for my fitting and I can afford it but if i ordered 3 PLD's i would probably end up  divorced

I think my dream putter is a double wide blade thats face balanced or up to 20 degree toe hang and a top line.  I really like the shape of the BB28 by bettinardi but im not sure ping makes anything that wide

Edited June 17, 2023 by Unteachable

[MattM97]

43 minutes ago, Unteachable said:

Thats a pretty awesome story.  3 putters is quite a haul.  Im going in August for my fitting and I can afford it but if i ordered 3 PLD's i would probably end up  divorced

I think my dream putter is a double wide blade thats face balanced or up to 20 degree toe hang and a top line.  I really like the shape of the BB28 by bettinardi but im not sure ping makes anything that wide

 

Wouldn't an Anser D, Anser 2D or even Kushin be close to a BB28? The Anser D being the closest. 

 

As for neck I've seen an Anser X with a double bend so I assume an Anser DX could be possible. 

[Unteachable]

1 minute ago, MattM97 said:

 

Wouldn't an Anser D, Anser 2D or even Kushin be close to a BB28? The Anser D being the closest. 

 

As for neck I've seen an Anser X with a double bend so I assume an Anser DX could be possible. 

Thats what im hoping- that an anser XD exists.  probably doesn't because im guessing the kushin is close

[MattM97]

10 minutes ago, Unteachable said:

Thats what im hoping- that an anser XD exists.  probably doesn't because im guessing the kushin is close

 

I mean I don't think it would be too crazy to create, they obviously have to get that balance point down but it's Ping they can do it. 

 

The Kushin is still a nice option too especially if it performs. 

[hammergolf]

12 hours ago, parkcityut said:

I went to Ping HQ in Phoenix, AZ yesterday for a PLD Custom putter fitting. I had visited the Ping WRX department years ago for an irons/woods fitting with their Tour rep (that invitation came through a VIP, I am not a professional golfer) so I had a good idea of what to expect in regards to customization options.

 

I collect Cameron putters and my preferences lean heavily towards Newport and 009M heads, particularly longnecks. I have gone through the Cameron putter fitting in Encinitas a few times as well.

 

My thoughts on the overall Ping PLD Custom experience…

 

The fitting:

In my opinion, the fitting and technology are significantly more advanced than any other fittings I have done in the past. I was fit by Alex and his knowledge of putting stroke mechanics and equipment is exceptional. If you’re not familiar with Ping’s putting analysis they assess your stroke in five areas: 

• Closing angle
• Impact angle
• Tempo
• Impact lie angle
• Shaft lean at impact

When the fitting began Alex asked what types of heads I prefer. I told him I lean heavily toward Anser heads with a long plumbers neck. He showed me a couple Ansers they had in the fitting room with 30* hang and I started putting. Alex disappeared and came back a few minutes later with three additional putters including one that was more face balanced (5* hang). 

 

Aside from the technology of the actual fitting process, this is exactly what will have me going back to PLD from this point forward. I have never seen another brand offer options of that level in real-time to a consumer. Alex knew I liked very long necks so he went back to WRX and had a head shafted in on the spot.

 

(Anser 30 from my fitting)

 

Another cool part of the experience was when Tony Serrano, Ping’s Sr. Design Engineer came in to talk to me about the design of the heads I was looking at. Pretty amazing experience!

 

To end the fitting, we went outside and hit puts with the three putters I narrowed down to. We finalized grip and shaft selections and Alex told me to send him my requests for custom stampings for each putter. Pretty amazing experience and I can’t wait to go back.

 

 

The putters:

As I mentioned, I went in hoping to fit into an Anser longneck. I was surprised (and thankful) for the options with the different toe hang. I ended up buying three putters.

 

Anser 30 - this putter fit my arc the best and it looked extremely good at address. I went with a 360g head and the patina finish on carbon steel.

 

Anser 5 - since my arc doesn’t match up as well with a more face-balanced putter, this didn’t swing as nice as the Anser 30, but visually it was the putter of my dreams. It looked every bit as good as my favorite putter which is a Cameron 009M beach with a very long neck. This Anser 5 probably won’t get much playing time but I wanted to add it to my collection. I went with a 360g stainless head with custom stampings on the sole.

 

I opted for a rocker sole on both Ansers.

 

Oslo - I have always wanted a mallet and I fell in love with an Oslo with a double bend shaft. I do not like sight lines or dots of any kind so this putter nailed it for me. Tony Serrano explained part of the design goals for the Oslo were to provide natural alignment aids the width of the golf ball on the topline and flange. This putter does exactly that!

 

Overall, this experience far exceeded my expectations. I hope to go back every year and see what new heads and finishes they have in the works.

 

Not surprising at all. Ping does an amazing job of fitting and looking at every detail. Did they tell you the story of the granite you putted on?

[Motoboss]

10 hours ago, kramerica said:

Does anyone know if this is standard? I haven't received this yet.

It took mine several months to show up, and surprised I was!

[newportbeach]

51 minutes ago, hammergolf said:

Not surprising at all. Ping does an amazing job of fitting and looking at every detail. Did they tell you the story of the granite you putted on?

sounds like we need to hear a story please

[hammergolf]

1 minute ago, newportbeach said:

sounds like we need to hear a story please

In typical Ping fashion, no expense was spared in setting up the putting lab. They special ordered a custom granite slab from Italy, and had it milled to be absolutely, perfectly flat. During testing, they noticed balls were drifting off line. Originally they thought it could have been the dimples on the ball since they knew the surface was perfect. But even after they changed balls they saw balls drifting. Eventually they realized it was vibrations from trucks driving by on the road outside. So they dug up the foundation around the granite, and it now sits on its own foundation so there’s no vibration from the trucks anymore…. Every time I made my annual visits there I always loved talking to the engineers to hear the level they go to in their research.

[UnderPar18]

On 6/17/2023 at 9:24 AM, parkcityut said:

I went to Ping HQ in Phoenix, AZ yesterday for a PLD Custom putter fitting. I had visited the Ping WRX department years ago for an irons/woods fitting with their Tour rep (that invitation came through a VIP, I am not a professional golfer) so I had a good idea of what to expect in regards to customization options.

 

I collect Cameron putters and my preferences lean heavily towards Newport and 009M heads, particularly longnecks. I have gone through the Cameron putter fitting in Encinitas a few times as well.

 

My thoughts on the overall Ping PLD Custom experience…

 

The fitting:

In my opinion, the fitting and technology are significantly more advanced than any other fittings I have done in the past. I was fit by Alex and his knowledge of putting stroke mechanics and equipment is exceptional. If you’re not familiar with Ping’s putting analysis they assess your stroke in five areas: 

• Closing angle
• Impact angle
• Tempo
• Impact lie angle
• Shaft lean at impact

When the fitting began Alex asked what types of heads I prefer. I told him I lean heavily toward Anser heads with a long plumbers neck. He showed me a couple Ansers they had in the fitting room with 30* hang and I started putting. Alex disappeared and came back a few minutes later with three additional putters including one that was more face balanced (5* hang). 

 

Aside from the technology of the actual fitting process, this is exactly what will have me going back to PLD from this point forward. I have never seen another brand offer options of that level in real-time to a consumer. Alex knew I liked very long necks so he went back to WRX and had a head shafted in on the spot.

 

(Anser 30 from my fitting)

 

Another cool part of the experience was when Tony Serrano, Ping’s Sr. Design Engineer came in to talk to me about the design of the heads I was looking at. Pretty amazing experience!

 

To end the fitting, we went outside and hit puts with the three putters I narrowed down to. We finalized grip and shaft selections and Alex told me to send him my requests for custom stampings for each putter. Pretty amazing experience and I can’t wait to go back.

 

 

The putters:

As I mentioned, I went in hoping to fit into an Anser longneck. I was surprised (and thankful) for the options with the different toe hang. I ended up buying three putters.

 

Anser 30 - this putter fit my arc the best and it looked extremely good at address. I went with a 360g head and the patina finish on carbon steel.

 

Anser 5 - since my arc doesn’t match up as well with a more face-balanced putter, this didn’t swing as nice as the Anser 30, but visually it was the putter of my dreams. It looked every bit as good as my favorite putter which is a Cameron 009M beach with a very long neck. This Anser 5 probably won’t get much playing time but I wanted to add it to my collection. I went with a 360g stainless head with custom stampings on the sole.

 

I opted for a rocker sole on both Ansers.

 

Oslo - I have always wanted a mallet and I fell in love with an Oslo with a double bend shaft. I do not like sight lines or dots of any kind so this putter nailed it for me. Tony Serrano explained part of the design goals for the Oslo were to provide natural alignment aids the width of the golf ball on the topline and flange. This putter does exactly that!

 

Overall, this experience far exceeded my expectations. I hope to go back every year and see what new heads and finishes they have in the works.

 

Would love to see a picture of the Anser 5 you have. Thanks for sharing your story 

[ratputters]

I will definitely post photos of all three when I get them!

[grat702]

This thread is my fav thread ever on GolfWRX

thanks so much everyone for sharing their experiences, stories and pics!

[mjo23]

The things i would do for a retail Oslo double-bend…

[hammergolf]

My dream putter would be a Craz-E PLD!

[JourdanM]

1 hour ago, hammergolf said:

My dream putter would be a Craz-E PLD!

That would be sweet! 
 

I'd love a Bergen 

[cmyates3060]

I continue to love the customer experience from this program. Contact Alex as I was seeing a left miss trend and he informed me it could be due to lack of toe hang.  Getting to send in my custom to convert from an H to a 4. 
 

Question on grip -  has anyone gone with the PP60 Pistol?  How does it compare in feel and size to the SuperStroke Pistol GT 1.0?

[Honman]

12 hours ago, hammergolf said:

My dream putter would be a Craz-E PLD!

I've seen one in the Tour forum I'm sure. The Fetch PLD is the one that appeals to me. 

[Motoboss]

20 hours ago, cmyates3060 said:

I continue to love the customer experience from this program. Contact Alex as I was seeing a left miss trend and he informed me it could be due to lack of toe hang.  Getting to send in my custom to convert from an H to a 4. 
 

Question on grip -  has anyone gone with the PP60 Pistol?  How does it compare in feel and size to the SuperStroke Pistol GT 1.0?

I have a 60 and would consider it substantially bigger in feel than a SS pistol. I used the original SS grip years ago but since they went to that gawd awful nasty seam in the back I went back to Ping grips for years. 
Now I use Edel round with 4 wraps and they are excellent!

[commoditybroker]

Almost done!

 

should be shipping in a couple of weeks. 
 

 

[EVandy]

For those that couldn’t make it to Scottsdale, would you still recommend the experience with a virtual fitting?

[gman1707]

I really need an Anser 4J with the top line width of the Anser X.  The J’s I’ve seen look thinner. 

[JourdanM]

1 hour ago, EVandy said:

For those that couldn’t make it to Scottsdale, would you still recommend the experience with a virtual fitting?

100% yes

[sheppick.dan]

Who did you guys talk to when you were asking about the could do and couldn’t do?

 

I emailed them off the website and got pretty short answers. I’m ok if they aren’t able to do the design I was hoping for but the person didn’t even give a real answer. 

[ratputters]

4 minutes ago, sheppick.dan said:

Who did you guys talk to when you were asking about the could do and couldn’t do?

 

I emailed them off the website and got pretty short answers. I’m ok if they aren’t able to do the design I was hoping for but the person didn’t even give a real answer. 

I would call customer service and ask if they could have Alex reach out to you. He oversees the fittings and he was extremely helpful when I was there. Pretty much went out of his way so many times I actually felt bad.