Ping Grayhawk TR Review

WVP · September 24, 2013

Thought I'd post a quick review since I had some group guidance in this thread: http://www.golfwrx.c...n-a-few-models/

a few weeks ago and there has been a surprise winner in my putter search...........Ping's Grayhawk TR.

I've come to find a few specifics of what I like in a putter. In order of importance:

1. Zero or minimal offset (this Grayhawk has a half-shaft offset) - I feel that minimal offset is important for someone with a dominant left eye. Probably a big reason why center shaft putters were setting up so well for me.

2. A single alignment line, and ideally one that runs up to the face (exactly like this model). I use a line on the ball for aiming at my intended line so this matches up perfectly. I also think this appeals to my left eye dominance and works well with minimal offset. A lot of Seemore's have this, or simply the line on the top line.

3. Stability / high MOI and consistent distances - the last thing I want is a finicky putter. Personally I felt like a lot of the Cameron's I tried produced serious distance loss from slightly off center hits. I pictured myself leaving long putts 10' short and then blasting my next putt 10' past the hole.The Futura was perfect though in this area, just too hard on the eyes.

4. Face balanced, or close to it. I have a SBST/slight arc but really I don't feel that toe hang is incredibly important unless you have a serious issue consistently missing right or left due to issues with the face at impact.

So the Grayhawk TR:

Sound/feel: the aluminum insert is kinda loud surprisingly, and definitely a different feel than anything out there. Firm but a touch "springy"? The grip is awesome as has been well documented here. No need to spend another $20 on an aftermarket grip...

Look: the matte finish works as intended as there's zero glare out on the course, but is "almost" borderline cheap looking. Definitely the classic Ping utilitarian design. And a contrast to the mirrored sole which seriously looks as classy as anything out there (but will surely get scuffed up over time). The long alignment line is simple and works really well for me. Plenty of options in the TR line for almost anyone's tastes.

Result: I find that the distance control is great as well as the roll. Maybe not the prettiest putter out there but the optics and function works perfect for my game. Been making a lot of putts with it which is most important. Short putts especially are simple with the firm insert and long alignment aid. This is a high performing putter - solid value as well, IMO.

Some pics:

Pics aren't as good as I'd liked.....was getting a bit dark so the natural light was in short supply....

Nessism · September 25, 2013

Nice review. Love the photos. Could see myself hoing one of those.

Have a TR putter and concur about the sound and feel. Can't say I love it but it's good enough. It's the results that matter.

mws92 · September 25, 2013

Great review (and love your picture is from PensBlog ... Can't wait for hockey season).

As far as sound goes the Grayhawk is a unique putterin that there is a lot of open area between the stabilizer bars around the edges and the center of the putter. This is what gives putter a huge MOI number but slightly louder sound than other TR models. Some people like it other do not.

If you like the mallet look but want something more muted go for the Senita or the new Craz-E. Same TR insert but more muted sound.

just win · September 25, 2013

I was a serious putter ho for a long time. Basically just trying to buy a short game and the TR series has me putting well. I have the Shea model and I think it makes my Srixon XV feel soft and I also love the ting it makes when it hits the ball. The grip is the best stock grip on any putter on the market hands down. The only thing I was unsure about at first was the weight of the putter. This putter felt heavy to me at first but I have really grown to like it.

WVP · September 26, 2013

[quote name='Nessism' timestamp='1380155912' post='7911317']
Nice review. Love the photos. Could see myself hoing one of those.

Have a TR putter and concur about the sound and feel. Can't say I love it but it's good enough. It's the results that matter.
[/quote]

Thanks, not sure why the black came out with that red tint. I assure everyone there's zero red on the putter!

Yeah, the feel is unlike anything else but I think it's something you can come to love if the results are there. However - the opposite is true, if the putts stop falling I can see myself wanting a different face. Fortunately the optics and setup is perfect so it's not like something would be more ideal for me.

WVP · September 26, 2013

Great review (and love your picture is from PensBlog ... Can't wait for hockey season).

As far as sound goes the Grayhawk is a unique putterin that there is a lot of open area between the stabilizer bars around the edges and the center of the putter. This is what gives putter a huge MOI number but slightly louder sound than other TR models. Some people like it other do not.

If you like the mallet look but want something more muted go for the Senita or the new Craz-E. Same TR insert but more muted sound.

Very good information, thanks. And good eye on the TPB pic - I hardly ever read that site but the pic ties in my two passions better than anything. Well this one is pretty good too:

Lemieux looking like a boss but I can do without an R11 in my pic!

itchyfinger · September 26, 2013

I love my Greyhawk. Great review.

mr_divots · October 4, 2013

Great looking putter. Intrigued to try one of these. I saw they released a Craz-e version a couple days ago. Tempted to go with that model, but this one with the long sight line is a good looking option too.

Is this insert firm or softer overall? Been gaming a White Hot Pro #7 and have come to like the soft feel.
Already have a g5i Craz-e, so wondering if it is worth the switch.

bevans · October 5, 2013

Nice putter!

I'm trying to decide between the tr grayhawk and the tr Shea h.

WVP · October 5, 2013

[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1380915397' post='7953379']
Great looking putter. Intrigued to try one of these. I saw they released a Craz-e version a couple days ago. Tempted to go with that model, but this one with the long sight line is a good looking option too.

Is this insert firm or softer overall? Been gaming a White Hot Pro #7 and have come to like the soft feel.
Already have a g5i Craz-e, so wondering if it is worth the switch.
[/quote]

I wouldn't describe it as soft - certainly not in the same realm as Odyssey inserts. Really kinda feels different than most putters out there so I'd definitely try it first if you can.

mr_divots · October 7, 2013

Rolled a Grayhawk and a couple of the other SBST models at Golfsmith this afternoon. I liked the feel of the insert. I just have to like it a LOT to justify a new putter based on the insert. Overall, might be a little too close to my G5i Craz-e in terms of feel with this insert to justify the switch. Have recently put my Anser Milled #5 back in the bag. The TR is very nice. If I didn't have the two Pings already, it would be an easy decision. I might still end up with one regardless. One of the better feeling putters I've tried in a while.

WVP · April 3, 2014

Update, I have loved this putter so far. I've had a full winter of practicing on my indoor setup and I just have a ton of confidence with it. Today I put a Superstroke Flatso Ultra on it as well, can't wait to get the season going.