Feature: Fitting the PING G30

PING have long been known for doing things a little differently, they are not a folllower of the crowd. Take for instance their coloured spot system for lofts and lies, now a golfing institution in it's own right.

It always amazes me, the amount of times that PING launch what turns out to be exactly the right equipment at the right time and both at a price that offers great value. So, when I received an invite to spend some time at their facility in Gainsborough to experience a fitting for the new PING G30 driver I was excited and intrigued to see if they have managed to get it spot on yet again! 

Firstly a little about the facility at Gainsborough. PING have had a fitting centre in Gainsbrough for number of years, this is natural as the company European headquarters sit on the edge of the Lincolnshire town. Over the years the fitting centre has grown to be a state of the art facility to rival anything in Europe and attracts over 4000 golfers a year, each of which recieve a custom fit from a highly trained PING technician. 

PING have three covered bays each fitted with a Trackman which uses PING's proprietary Nflight software to track and record the data produced. In addition there is a showroom with the current PING product line-up and a putting facility.

I was booked in for a 45 minute driver fitting although if you want to run through the entire bag you can spend 90 mins doing just that. 

So what can you expect? Well, first and foremost, a friendly welcome! I was greeted by PING fitting technician, Paul Rymer who immediately made me feel welcome and relaxed. Having experienced a few fittings over the years I knew that I would be feeling a little nervous, having your swing analysed always makes you slightly anxious and having such a warm and friendly welcome helps a great deal. 

We began with a player interview over a hot drink. During this time I was quizzed about my current shot shape, golf game in general, expectations and ambitions as a player. Paul explained to me that this helps PING build an understanding of where your game not only is, but where it is likely to be in the future, after all, a new driver needs to last for some time. 

Once the player interview was completed I was invited to hit some balls in my own time to loosen up. Now if you are ever find yourself at a fitting I suggest you make a conscious effort to relax, slow you swing down a bit as you will swing a bit quicker due the circumstances. It is a subconcious thing, but happens to everyone. Following a few quick swipes I eventually found a rhythm and we started to record some swings on the Trackman with the Nflight software. 

Paul explained to me that fitting a PING driver is process and somewhat a process of elimination. The data does not lie, so we would try a range of shafts, flexes and lofts and see what the numbers say. This is is exactly the format we followed starting with a PING G30 driver fitted with a PING TFC 419D S flex shaft (a simlar set up to my current driver.)

Having hit about 10 shots, Paul called me over to the computer to look at the results. "Not bad" said Paul, "but we can do a whole lot better" and so the process began. Paul has a keen eye and expertly guided me through a range of shafts, heads, shaft weights and lofts. Each time, nodding, mentally noting what was working and what wasn't.

The Nflight software and data produced by the Trackman is simply brilliant, after each driver, Paul would call me over, analyse the data with me and explain why that particular driver was good or bad for my game. On each occasion you have a visual reference, both via the numbers displayed on screen and the scatter pattern which for the untrained eye is a real benefit.  

Following 35 minutes of testing, Paul recommended that I try the best two performing drivers again. For me these were the PING G30 10* with a Tour S flex shaft 1/2" short and the PING G30 9* with a Tour X flex shaft 1/2" short.

Paul explained that both the drivers were working well for me, but in the end it was a personal choice. Ultimately I decided that the  the PING G30 10* with a Tour S flex shaft 1/2" short was working for me both via the numbers it produced and the feel in my hands. 

So, you might be wondering, did all this high tech kit and new driver technology make a difference? Well for me yes it did! I can honestly say that during my fitting I hit the G30 straighter and more consistently than any driver in my life. It came as a shock just how tight my scatter patterns were. For me the G30 worked incredibly well, not sacrificing distance and adding some straightness to my game. The fitting itself was a great process to go through and the combination of the new technology  on offer and Paul's expert knowledge made the experience enjoyable and ultimately fruitful. In my opinion visiting a fitting centre like the one at Gainsborough or a similar is a must for anyone looking to purchase a new driver.

About the PING G30 Driver

The most visible innovation on the G30 driver is the patented turbulators engineered onto the crown. Inspired by the aeronautics and sporting industries that put a premium on speed, Turbulator Technology reduces aerodynamic drag by significantly delaying airflow separation, maintaining attached airflow around the clubhead as it approaches impact, leading to more speed.

“The turbulators are really exciting,” said Solheim. “Wind-tunnel testing verified with clarity the role they play in reducing drag on the driver head, but its real benefit was confirmed through our player testing. When Bubba Watson first tested the turbulators, he picked up two miles per hour in clubhead speed and four miles per hour in ball speed, which meant 10 more yards for him. We can’t promise that for everyone, but with the turbulators’ powerful, inspiring look we’re confident all golfers will be longer off the tee, thanks to Turbulator Technology.”

The entire G30 series benefits from new face technologies and materials, including the introduction of T9S titanium in the drivers, which results in thinner faces and weight savings that help position the CG low and back. 

Lofts 9° & 10.5° in standard head, 10° & 12° in SF Tec head (adjustable +- 6/10 or 1 degree)
- Stock graphite shaft: PING TFC 419D (Soft R, R, S, X)
- Std. Length 45.75 inches, D3, 206g (standard); D1, 203g (SF Tec), 460cc
- RRP £299

The new PING G30 driver is available from all PING stockists from today. For more information please visit the PING Golf website - Click Here