PING Proving Grounds

Shane and Marty are joined at the PING Proving Grounds by Stacey Pauwels, PING Vice President and granddaughter of PING Founder Karsten Solheim. They dive into the impact of Karsten’s wife, Louise Solheim, PING’s longstanding commitment to women’s golf, and the new G Le4 family.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty are joined by Fredrik Tuxen, CTO and co-founder of Trackman, to discuss the technology that has impacted every facet of the golf industry from equipment research and development, to the fitting environment and golf instruction. They cover the creation of Trackman, how it’s used at the PING Proving Grounds, and the future of the technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Erik Henrikson, PING Director of Golf Science, joins Shane and Marty at the PING Proving Grounds to discuss the G740 irons, the newest PING iron in the super-game-improvement category. They cover the new sole design, material innovations that have led to improvements in the sound, feel, and performance of the iron, and the new AWT 3.0 shaft.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane is joined on the PING Tour Truck just outside the gates of Augusta National by 18-year-old amateur, Mason Howell, as he prepares to make his Masters debut. Along with his swing instructor, Bill Connally, they discuss Mason's tournament prep, staying in the Crow's Nest, equipment changes for the week, and what it's like missing a week of school to play in the Masters.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty are joined by Tony Serrano, PING Principal Design Engineer, to review the new Scottsdale TEC putter line. They discuss the research behind Eye-Q, a new Scottsdale TEC alignment technology, PING’s philosophy as it applies to the Onset models, and the other multi-material mallets in the lineup.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travis Milleman, PING Senior Design Engineering Manager, joins Shane and Marty at the PING Proving Grounds for a discussion on the new i540 irons. They dive into the technologies that were used in the design and construction of the player-distance model, what type of player it’s suited for, and how it delivers more on-course performance in speed, stopping power, sound, and feel.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty are joined on the PING Tour Truck by Daniel Berger, a recent addition to the PING roster on the PGA Tour. They discuss his transition to PING equipment, his golf journey and the keys to his game, and what life looks like off the golf course.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Viktor Hovland and his caddie, Shay Knight, join Shane Bacon inside the new PING Tour Truck at TPC Scottsdale to discuss the upcoming WM Phoenix Open, recent swing changes Viktor has been working on, his interest in philosophy, and Viktor and Shay's player-caddie relationship.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior Design Engineer, Jacob Clarke, joins Shane and Marty at the PING Proving Grounds to review the s259 wedge lineup. They cover the six grind options, the refinements that were made to the sole designs, and how Tour feedback plays a role in the research and development process. They also dive into the importance of wedge fitting and gapping.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty are joined at the PING Proving Grounds by Ryan Stokke, PING Director of Product Design, to go behind the design of the G440 K driver. They dive into the design and development process, the innovations that contribute to PING's straightest and most forgiving model to date, and why MOI matters for all swing speeds.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty are joined at PING HQ by John Oldenburg, Director of Shaft Development, to dive into the world of graphite shafts. They discuss PING's approach to shaft design, the new PING Shaft Lab, and how the new space will be used to elevate PING's holistic approach to club design.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty are joined by Alex Kump, PING Soft Goods Design & Development Director, for a gear-focused discussion on golf bags, headwear and accessories, all of which are designed by his team at PING HQ. They dive into the origins of the iconic L8 and Hoofer golf bags, the R&D behind the new PING Reserve carry bag, and headwear insights from his team's partnership with our PING pros.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty discuss how to determine the best clubs between your driver and longest iron. They compare all of the equipment options, identify the fitting tools golfers can utilize to gap the top-end of their bag, and review PGA Tour trends at that end of the bag.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty discuss alternative style putting and the fitting tools available to help golfers find a putter that’s best for their setup and stroke. They dive even deeper into long putters and one of the newest options available in the PLD family, the PLD Oslo L.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PING Pro Harris English joins Shane Bacon ahead of his second Ryder Cup to discuss Bethpage Black, what it’s like to play for Team USA, and how he’s continued to elevate his game and prepare for the biggest events in golf.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Fall approaches, Shane and Marty take time to discuss the PING Virtual Fitting Experience, a complimentary fitting session with PING Fitting Specialists, available to everyone. They cover why and when a virtual fitting might be a good option, what to expect from the process, and fitting applications like PING Co-Pilot.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newly crowned U.S. Amateur Champion, Mason Howell, joins the pod off the back of his recent win at The Olympic Club. The 18-year-old high schooler chats with Shane and Marty about his unforgettable week in the Bay Area, qualifying for the Walker Cup at Cypress Point, what’s in the bag, and some advice for junior golfers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Erik Henrikson, PING Director of Golf Science, joins Marty Jertson in the PING Putting Lab for a discussion on putter torque and why it's a popular topic in golf. They cover the five senses and physics of putting, putter innovation, and the latest PLD Milled SE model, the Ally Blue Onset.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty discuss the most recent addition to the PING iron lineup, the i240 irons. They dive into the technologies have helped advance performance in the new players-style design, how the i240 irons are engineered to blend well with other models and the early success of the model on professional tours worldwide.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As The Open Championship approaches, Shane and Marty discuss the new iDi driving iron, PING's latest long-game solution. They cover inR-Air technology, the three loft options that deliver varying performance benefits, and how the iDi can provide more versatility and control at the top end of players' bags.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summer is a busy time for tournament golf. In this episode of the PING Proving Grounds podcast, Shane and Marty discuss their tournament schedules and how they prepare while balancing the demands of work and life outside of golf. They offer tips on how to get your game tournament ready and strategies for qualifying for bigger events.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty are joined on the PING Tour Truck by Scott Sullivan, PING Senior Manager of Amateur Player Development. They discuss the philosophies that guide PING’s Player Development Program, the support that PING provides at the collegiate level, and the impact of NIL endorsements on the program.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty caught up with two-time PGA Tour winner Mackenzie Hughes earlier this year during the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. They discussed the work he’s put in to see ball speed gains, the keys to his consistent putting and how golf is weaving into his life as a dad and husband.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

VISION54 co-founders Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson, join Shane and Marty at the PING Proving Grounds to discuss the importance of managing your body, mind, and emotions on the golf course. They cover the origin of Vision 54, technical skills vs. human skills, and how to improve your performance routine process.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PING Pro Matt McCarty joined Shane and Marty in the PING Tour Truck earlier this year during the WM Phoenix Open. They talked about his recent success as a three-time winner on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2024, his first PGA Tour title at the Black Desert Championship, equipment, as well as the majors and important events on his schedule for 2025.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the PING Proving Grounds podcast, Shane and Marty are joined on the PING Tour Truck by PING Pro Thriston Lawrence. They discuss growing up in South Africa, his passion for fishing, what’s currently in the bag, and his excitement to be playing in the Masters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty are joined in the PING Tour Truck by Erik Anders Lang, film maker and founder of Random Golf Club. They chat about his intro into golf, the origins of Random Golf Club and the Mad Scramble Tour, and his partnership with PING.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty are joined in the PING Putter Lab by Tony Serrano, PING Principal Design Engineer, to discuss the new Scottsdale putter family. They dive into the PEBAX insert, the return of the Craz-E, and the SuperStroke grip collaboration.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Paul Wood, PING VP of Engineering, joins Shane and Marty at the PING Proving Grounds to discuss the design and development of the G440 irons. They dive into the importance of the PurFlex cavity badge, the EYE2-inspired sand wedge, and the benefits of AFS 3D fitting to dial in spin rates.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty sit down with Jim Knous, former PING Pro turned Fitting Science Manager, to talk about his transition from life on Tour to an engineer at PING. They revisit his experience at the 2024 WM Phoenix Open and dive into his strategy to continue to try and qualify and play at the highest level.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty welcome Travis Milleman, PING Design Engineering Manager, to the podcast to take a closer look at the G440 fairway woods and hybrids. They discuss Free Hosel design, the refined fairway wood face heights, and how to leverage fitting solutions like PING Co-Pilot and the Gapping App to optimize the longer clubs in your bag.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty are joined at the PING Proving Grounds by Dr. Erik Henrikson, PING Director of Golf Science, to dive deep into the G440 driver family. They discuss the evolution of the ‘G’ series, the driver R&D process, and the innovation and technologies that deliver more speed and distance off the tee than ever before.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode of 2024, Shane and Marty take time to answer questions submitted by the PING Proving Grounds pod community. They discuss how to evaluate your equipment, Marty’s ‘Thriver’ specs, favorite interviews of the year, and sole grind options to consider in your wedges.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As winter approaches, Shane and Marty discuss the differences between indoor and outdoor fittings, including tips on how to make the most of the indoor fitting environment, and ways to gamify the fitting experience.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty welcome Chris Broadie, PING Fitting Science Manager, to the podcast to discuss the progression of statistics in sports over the years, the vital role data science plays in the research and development process, future club trends in professional golf, and making pro-level fitting tools available to everyday golfers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty tackle a big topic in wedge performance — spin. They discuss how spin is created, the factors that alter it, and how to control it in various scenarios.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty welcome the founder of Golf Blueprint, Dr. Nico Darras, to the podcast to discuss his company, taking the guesswork out of practice, how programming differs for pros versus everyday golfers, and tips for young players.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a workshop on wheels servicing Team PING and the best players in the world. Adam Harding and Jack Ulrich are joined by Shane Bacon inside the PING Tour Truck to discuss life on the road as part of PING's Player Development team. They discuss the logistics involved in getting the truck to Tour stops week-to-week, PGA Tour equipment insights, and a few of the most interesting build requests they've received.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty welcome Master Fitter Alex Webb to the podcast to discuss PING’s PLD Custom program. They talk about the history of PLD, the in-person and virtual fitting process for customers, alternative-style putting techniques, and their excitement to pass tour-level fitting and customization options on to the everyday golfer.   "Battle of the Podcast Co-hosts: Marty Jertson vs. Shane Bacon":  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1deM6ipAsw  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty welcome the Korn Ferry Tour’s top-ranked player and new PGA Tour card holder Matt McCarty to the podcast. They discuss his recent Three-Victory Promotion to the PGA Tour, playing the game as a lefty, keys to distance gains off the tee, and his plans for the rest of the season.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LPGA Tour winner Lauren Coughlin joins Shane and Marty on the podcast to discuss her recent success at this year’s CPKC Women’s Open and the Women’s Scottish Open, her work with Dr. Bob Rotella, building confidence in her game, and the upcoming Solheim Cup in her home state of Virginia.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PING Pro Tim ‘Lumpy’ Herron joins Shane and Marty on the podcast to discuss growing up in a golf family, his journey to becoming a four-time PGA Tour winner, his favorite PING clubs from over the years, and longevity in golf.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty welcome Jonathan Wall, Managing Editor for equipment at Golf Magazine and Golf.com, to the podcast to discuss several of PING’s standout clubs from the past and present. They talk about PING’s longstanding relationship with staff players, iconic PING clubs like the s55 irons, Anser hybrid, and Rapture driver, and notable Tour victories with PING clubs.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty get together to discuss the next generation of Prodi G junior clubs. They recount their personal experiences with junior golf, as players and parents, offer fitting advice for parents, and take us through WebFit Junior, a web app and new fitting tool just for juniors. https://junior.webfit.ping.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty welcome PING Pro and PGA Tour winner Matthieu Pavon to the podcast. They discuss his reverse handed chipping, playing a 46" driver, and what it'll mean to represent France in the Olympics.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty welcome PING Brand Ambassador, Wayne 'Radar' Riley to the pod. They dive into how he got started in the game and his 20+ year career on the European Tour, his transition to on-course commentating, and the story behind his 'Radar' nickname.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PING Director of Golf Science, Dr. Erik Henrikson, joins Shane and Marty on the pod for a deep dive into the world of research, development and innovation. From motion capture lab insights to the conception of crown turbulators, they discuss what goes on behind the scenes to develop PING's industry leading products and technologies.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty welcome PING Pro and PGA Tour winner Austin Eckroat to the Tour Truck. They discuss his long relationship with PING, which started when he was a junior golfer, his victory at the 2024 Cognizant Classic, and his shot-shaping abilities with the Blueprint T irons.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You asked. We answered. Shane and Marty dive deep on a variety of equipment and fitting related topics including their two-driver setup, the power of the trajectory tuning hosel, finding the right swingweight, and what type of player would benefit from an 'E' grind.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty welcome PING Pro and four-time PGA Tour winner Harris English to the pod. They discuss his longevity on the PGA Tour, shot making with Blueprint T irons, and why he enjoys the challenge of a US Open and playing tough golf courses.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.