Ping PLD Custom Program

[Ntrewy7]

After a long process, I finalized with the Ping rep Tuesday. I just received my invoice and paid it. He said with the holiday break I should receive first half of February which is more than fine considering Canadian winters.

 

I ended up going with the following:

• Left Hand – 34 ½”
• Anser 30
• Shallow Amp
• 367 grams
• Double Oyster
• Matte Black Shaft
• Alignment Aid – Dot on top/White
• PP60 rubber Grip
• Initials on far toe 
• All text has no fill for muted look

 

Edited December 21, 2023 by Ntrewy7

[MattM97]

18 minutes ago, Ntrewy7 said:

After a long process, I finalized with the Ping rep Tuesday. I just received my invoice and paid it. He said with the holiday break I should receive first half of February which is more than find considering Canadian winters.

 

I ended up going with the following:

• Left Hand – 34 ½”
• Anser 30
• Shallow Amp
• 367 grams
• Double Oyster
• Matte Black Shaft
• Alignment Aid – Dot on top/White
• PP60 rubber Grip
• Initials on far toe 
• All text has no fill for muted look

 

 

Nice see that you settled on the Anser 30 will be nice to see the end results, what's your lie angle?

 

Also seems like Adam is busy with emailing everyone today lol. 

[Ntrewy7]

6 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

Nice see that you settled on the Anser 30 will be nice to see the end results, what's your lie angle?

 

Also seems like Adam is busy with emailing everyone today lol. 

Yeah I am excited! Looking forward to getting final product in hand.

 

2 degrees flat (orange) and 2 degrees of loft. I have always struggled with hands being behind at impact, and hitting up on it. My fitting recommended 1 degree of loft, but that is pretty aggressive. It is something that I can work on this winter.

Edited December 21, 2023 by Ntrewy7

[MattM97]

Got a teaser 

 

Got that Michael Bay lense blur going on 😂

 

[JDTex]

@MattM97 that maple leaf by the PingMan is a really cool touch!

[JDTex]

Almost 70 pages in now, and I went back through about 20 of them before I got tired. Anybody have any PLD center shafted putter pictures?  Curious to see if anyone has went that route with PLD. 

[MattM97]

1 minute ago, JDTex said:

@MattM97 that maple leaf by the PingMan is a really cool touch!

 

Needed to add a bit of the Canuck touch on that, was hoping they could do it a bit smaller so it looked like he was putting the maple leaf but they couldn't guarantee the size. Still think it's very nice and not over the top. Will look awesome with paint and finish. 

[Ntrewy7]

14 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

Needed to add a bit of the Canuck touch on that, was hoping they could do it a bit smaller so it looked like he was putting the maple leaf but they couldn't guarantee the size. Still think it's very nice and not over the top. Will look awesome with paint and finish. 

Looks great! What finish did you decide to go with?

[MattM97]

15 minutes ago, Ntrewy7 said:

Looks great! What finish did you decide to go with?

 

Will be Glazed Donut, loved it from the moment I saw it. Oyster is really nice especially the brushed version but have like 4 black putters.

 

Patina on Carbon is the nicest but I wanted something maintenance free. 

[Ntrewy7]

35 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

Will be Glazed Donut, loved it from the moment I saw it. Oyster is really nice especially the brushed version but have like 4 black putters.

 

Patina on Carbon is the nicest but I wanted something maintenance free. 

 I was between Glazed Donut and the Double Osyter which I went with. The GD was the finish on the Anser 30 that I tried at the Ping HQ and it is very nice. I ultimately chose the double oyster as I love the blackish finish that is something different than matte or pvd black. Looking forward to the double oyster wearing away and being unique.

 

I originally asked for antique finish (the finish on their recently released limited edition Grand Slam Anser putter), but they were unable to do so on stainless. It is only available on bronze which is not a pld custom consumer option.

 

Like you because of Canadian weather I chose to avoid carbon.

[MattM97]

23 minutes ago, Ntrewy7 said:

 I was between Glazed Donut and the Double Osyter which I went with. The GD was the finish on the Anser 30 that I tried at the Ping HQ and it is very nice. I ultimately chose the double oyster as I love the blackish finish that is something different than matte or pvd black. Looking forward to the double oyster wearing away and being unique.

 

I originally asked for antique finish (the finish on their recently released limited edition Grand Slam Anser putter), but they were unable to do so on stainless. It is only available on bronze which is not a pld custom consumer option.

 

Like you because of Canadian weather I chose to avoid carbon.

 

The one other thing that stopped me on the Oyster was that it seems to fade quick on rub points like corners and edges from pics I've seen but that's with tour guys who use their putters a lot. I'm sure the Glazed fades as well but maybe not as noticeable. 

 

I don't mind carbon, the ones I have I'm taking good care of them but I do play a lot of early rounds with dew and I really just want to grab something and play it, no worries on wiping during the round, after the round, a possibly wet cover, etc. 

[Ntrewy7]

26 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

The one other thing that stopped me on the Oyster was that it seems to fade quick on rub points like corners and edges from pics I've seen but that's with tour guys who use their putters a lot. I'm sure the Glazed fades as well but maybe not as noticeable. 

 

I don't mind carbon, the ones I have I'm taking good care of them but I do play a lot of early rounds with dew and I really just want to grab something and play it, no worries on wiping during the round, after the round, a possibly wet cover, etc. 

I love the idea that the oyster will fade. It is like patina without the work to keep it from rusting. I love seeing the tour players and you can see when it fades and wear marks.

 

I tested both the carbon and the stainless and much preferred the feel to the stainless.

[Arlin964]

I did the remote version of the fitting early this year and got a great putter with Alex’s expertise. 
 

After spending all year testing my PLD Kushin, Artisan 0120 and various other mallets I’ve had for a while, I think I’ve figured out I have much better speed control for lag putts with mallets instead of blades. Getting speed right is a major component to the success of my putting, so with a trip to PHX on the books in early 2024, I basically have no choice but to go do this PLD fitting in person. 
 

While I would wholeheartedly recommend the virtual fitting if you can’t make it in person, I also believe there are some things you learn/identify in person you couldn’t otherwise. Since my putter slot in the bag is always revolving, I figure another PLD can’t hurt! I got a cheap 2021 Ping DS72 from CPO, and surprisingly I really like the soft feeling insert. And the shape is perfect. I think I’ll lean toward a DS72 or maybe another mallet if we find a better fit. 
 

As much as I am a gear junkie, I think I’m equally a “fitting experience” junkie. I need them all. 

 

Edited December 21, 2023 by Arlin964

[MattM97]

9 minutes ago, Arlin964 said:

I did the remote version of the fitting early this year and got a great putter with Alex’s expertise. 
 

After spending all year testing my PLD Kushin, Artisan 0120 and various other mallets I’ve had for a while, I think I’ve figured out I have much better speed control for lag putts with mallets instead of blades. Getting speed right is a major component to the success of my putting, so with a trip to PHX on the books in early 2024, I basically have no choice but to go do this PLD fitting in person. 
 

While I would wholeheartedly recommend the virtual fitting if you can’t make it in person, I also believe there are some things you learn/identify in person you couldn’t otherwise. Since my putter slot in the bag is always revolving, I figure another PLD can’t hurt! I got a cheap 2021 Ping DS72 from CPO, and surprisingly I really like the soft feeling insert. And the shape is perfect. I think I’ll lean toward a DS72 or maybe another mallet if we find a better fit. 
 

As much as I am a gear junkie, I think I’m equally a “fitting experience” junkie. I need them all. 

 

 

Hopefully your tempo fits into a mallet cause I'm not sure if they have lighter mallets which seems to be a bit of a downfall for many, but seems like a conclusion you've come to with your testing. 

 

The one good thing with the in person is you can go outside and work on lag putts which is something I really wanted to focus on myself and we did, that obviously is lacking online, plus trying various options too from no milling to deep grooves. 

 

Just bring the Kushin to the testing. 

[Arlin964]

2 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

Hopefully your tempo fits into a mallet cause I'm not sure if they have lighter mallets which seems to be a bit of a downfall for many, but seems like a conclusion you've come to with your testing. 

 

The one good thing with the in person is you can go outside and work on lag putts which is something I really wanted to focus on myself and we did, that obviously is lacking online, plus trying various options too from no milling to deep grooves. 

 

Just bring the Kushin to the testing. 

Yep, I definitely tend to like heavier putters.  Also planned on bringing the Kushin since maybe they can do another mod to it that may improve my feel with it.

 

I also think I may be interested in a carbon head too since I'm discovering a like a softer feel, as well as being able to test the deeper milled grooves.  Lag putts outside will be crucial!

[MattM97]

2 minutes ago, Arlin964 said:

Yep, I definitely tend to like heavier putters.  Also planned on bringing the Kushin since maybe they can do another mod to it that may improve my feel with it.

 

I also think I may be interested in a carbon head too since I'm discovering a like a softer feel, as well as being able to test the deeper milled grooves.  Lag putts outside will be crucial!

 

Depending on where you're at weight wise they could probably just slap in some tungsten to it get you in a better spot. 

 

But a second putter nothing is wrong with that, Deep Amp is the softest but you could always get the grooves which are same depth but not a stock option and the PLD logo on the face wont be pill cut. 

 

Definitely update and compare in person vs online and what you come out with. 

[MattM97]

Here's something a few people might enjoy or be excited about. Sahith Theegala was at Ping, they did a post on his putter fitting and teased these...

 

 

That's a My Day and Zing for those wondering. There was a Zing PLD on your before but probably not good enough. 

[dwboston]

1 hour ago, MattM97 said:

Here's something a few people might enjoy or be excited about. Sahith Theegala was at Ping, they did a post on his putter fitting and teased these...

 

That's a My Day and Zing for those wondering. There was a Zing PLD on your before but probably not good enough. 

 

Always loved the look of the Zing, just couldn't line it up square.

[JDTex]

That MyDay looks fantastic!! 

[Catrick_Pantlay]

Anyone know if there is a cancellation list? I was offered a free flight credit but it expires Dec. 31. 

[MattM97]

3 minutes ago, Bbunty said:

Anyone know if there is a cancellation list? I was offered a free flight credit but it expires Dec. 31. 

 

Believe they're shut down until the new year. 

[Catrick_Pantlay]

9 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

Believe they're shut down until the new year. 

Thats devastating. I know they are still doing some club fits.

[MattM97]

28 minutes ago, Bbunty said:

Thats devastating. I know they are still doing some club fits.

 

Can always email and ask my fitting was semi last minute and they had a spot. 

[newportbeach]

Can’t wait to see finished pics of the ones in process right now. Thanks for sharing your experiences. 

[labrush12]

So there's about 70 pages about how great this program is. Has anyone else been slightly disappointed? I personally don't believe this is actually a tour level custom putter experience that they advertise.

Based on my fitting, I'm essentially in the right style putter. Talking with Alex over Zoom, we weren't changing much wrt loft, lie, weight, etc based on the results. However, I have a particular eye. I really want a blade style putter with a ball width cavity on the back. I initially stated an Anser blade with an adjustment to the ball cavity and Alex shot that down quickly. He then gave me two options. One that is really close to my current head, but with larger radii on the bumpers. The other is different enough that I would be hesitant to purchase without seeing it in person. 

I inquired about an adjustment to the radii and was again met with a no - it would require a whole head redesign and the changes I want would reduce the MOI. As a mechanical engineer, I understand the changes I want would require some CAD adjustments and possibly some tooling changes, but I don't see how it's a redesign. If they are made in a enclosed CNC machine - that would mean fixture changes and I could live with that, but in my opinion, that's not how they advertise the manufacturing of these putters. 

 

I don't believe a tour pro would be met with the same resistance, and since I'm paying $1500+ I want exactly what I'm looking for even if the MOI is slightly less (The fitting based my stroke at +0.5 hdcp, so I personally think the difference would be negligible). Has anybody else run into the same issue? Did you compromise, and are you happy with your decision?  

[snowmangolf]

11 minutes ago, labrush12 said:

So there's about 70 pages about how great this program is. Has anyone else been slightly disappointed? I personally don't believe this is actually a tour level custom putter experience that they advertise.

Based on my fitting, I'm essentially in the right style putter. Talking with Alex over Zoom, we weren't changing much wrt loft, lie, weight, etc based on the results. However, I have a particular eye. I really want a blade style putter with a ball width cavity on the back. I initially stated an Anser blade with an adjustment to the ball cavity and Alex shot that down quickly. He then gave me two options. One that is really close to my current head, but with larger radii on the bumpers. The other is different enough that I would be hesitant to purchase without seeing it in person. 

I inquired about an adjustment to the radii and was again met with a no - it would require a whole head redesign and the changes I want would reduce the MOI. As a mechanical engineer, I understand the changes I want would require some CAD adjustments and possibly some tooling changes, but I don't see how it's a redesign. If they are made in a enclosed CNC machine - that would mean fixture changes and I could live with that, but in my opinion, that's not how they advertise the manufacturing of these putters. 

 

I don't believe a tour pro would be met with the same resistance, and since I'm paying $1500+ I want exactly what I'm looking for even if the MOI is slightly less (The fitting based my stroke at +0.5 hdcp, so I personally think the difference would be negligible). Has anybody else run into the same issue? Did you compromise, and are you happy with your decision?  

It doesn’t really surprise me that they’re not willing to design a completely custom/unique head shape that isn’t already an existing Ping style. I don’t think they would even do something like that for a tour pro. As far as I know, every tour pro using a Ping putter has some kind of variation of an existing putter head design. 

 

Now that you have all of your specs and you know exactly what you’re looking for, your best option might be to go with a boutique putter company like Mannkrafted or SINK. I think one of them would be more willing to design something from scratch for you. 

[MattM97]

20 minutes ago, labrush12 said:

So there's about 70 pages about how great this program is. Has anyone else been slightly disappointed? I personally don't believe this is actually a tour level custom putter experience that they advertise.

Based on my fitting, I'm essentially in the right style putter. Talking with Alex over Zoom, we weren't changing much wrt loft, lie, weight, etc based on the results. However, I have a particular eye. I really want a blade style putter with a ball width cavity on the back. I initially stated an Anser blade with an adjustment to the ball cavity and Alex shot that down quickly. He then gave me two options. One that is really close to my current head, but with larger radii on the bumpers. The other is different enough that I would be hesitant to purchase without seeing it in person. 

I inquired about an adjustment to the radii and was again met with a no - it would require a whole head redesign and the changes I want would reduce the MOI. As a mechanical engineer, I understand the changes I want would require some CAD adjustments and possibly some tooling changes, but I don't see how it's a redesign. If they are made in a enclosed CNC machine - that would mean fixture changes and I could live with that, but in my opinion, that's not how they advertise the manufacturing of these putters. 

 

I don't believe a tour pro would be met with the same resistance, and since I'm paying $1500+ I want exactly what I'm looking for even if the MOI is slightly less (The fitting based my stroke at +0.5 hdcp, so I personally think the difference would be negligible). Has anybody else run into the same issue? Did you compromise, and are you happy with your decision?  

 

Ask them if the Voss will be an option soon in the PLD line, Oosthuizen has one which is a blade with a ball width cavity. 

 

I can see where they're coming from and while it may suck that's their choice, there are many other custom putter makers big and small who will say "nope, not willing to do that" or if they do it usually comes at a big price tag or them saying "never, ever doing that again". 

[5hort5tuff]

25 minutes ago, labrush12 said:

So there's about 70 pages about how great this program is. Has anyone else been slightly disappointed? I personally don't believe this is actually a tour level custom putter experience that they advertise.

Based on my fitting, I'm essentially in the right style putter. Talking with Alex over Zoom, we weren't changing much wrt loft, lie, weight, etc based on the results. However, I have a particular eye. I really want a blade style putter with a ball width cavity on the back. I initially stated an Anser blade with an adjustment to the ball cavity and Alex shot that down quickly. He then gave me two options. One that is really close to my current head, but with larger radii on the bumpers. The other is different enough that I would be hesitant to purchase without seeing it in person. 

I inquired about an adjustment to the radii and was again met with a no - it would require a whole head redesign and the changes I want would reduce the MOI. As a mechanical engineer, I understand the changes I want would require some CAD adjustments and possibly some tooling changes, but I don't see how it's a redesign. If they are made in a enclosed CNC machine - that would mean fixture changes and I could live with that, but in my opinion, that's not how they advertise the manufacturing of these putters. 

 

I don't believe a tour pro would be met with the same resistance, and since I'm paying $1500+ I want exactly what I'm looking for even if the MOI is slightly less (The fitting based my stroke at +0.5 hdcp, so I personally think the difference would be negligible). Has anybody else run into the same issue? Did you compromise, and are you happy with your decision?  

 

Not many people qestioning the program on this forum.  I once said the program was too expensive, boy were they not happy with that lol. 

 

Truthfully I think your asks are too specific for what  PING is offering. They have their head shapes, neck offerings, and finish options.  I dont see them ever adjusting the cavity or bumpers etc etc. 

 

If you are looking for things that specific, go to someone like Mackmade who can play with his programming quite a bit before cutting the head. 

[TonyRo]

After hearing that the LAB DF3.0 will not be released as a broomstick right away, I am supremely tempted to just dive into a PLD instead. My whole bag is PING now except for a Mini Driver, it would be nice to have a PING putter too! The putters in here are drool-worthy! 🤑

[420burner]

Anyone know the cavity engraving options on an Anser? Most seem to have the regular PING logo.