PING Proving Grounds

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.

He's ranked fourth in the Word Ranking for Golfers with Disability, a PING Pro, and professional golfer on the G4D Tour. Get to know Juan Postigo Arce as he joins Shane and Marty at the PING Proving Grounds to talk about his background, his game, and what's in the bag.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty welcome Chris Como, PING Brand Ambassador, to the pod. They discuss Chris' journey to becoming a top golf instructor, his introduction to and interest in biomechanics, the 3D flat spot, and the relationship between fitting and instruction.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From G430 MAX 10K drivers to hit more fairways, to PLD custom putters to fit their stroke. Shane and Marty detail the equipment they have in the bag and how each club is custom-fit and custom-built to help them play their best.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian Pena, PING VP of Tournament Players, joins Shane on the PING Tour Truck as a special co-host for this week's episode just outside the gates of Augusta National Golf Club. They welcome two-time Masters Champion Bubba Watson to the pod to discuss ‘Bubba Golf', what it takes to win at Augusta, and his longtime history with PING and the Solheim family.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Ireland to Johnson City, Tennessee, to a two-time winner on the PGA Tour. PING Pro Seamus Power joins Shane and Marty on the PING Tour Truck to talk about equipment, his journey to the PGA Tour, and back-to-back aces in the 2023 Masters Par 3 Contest.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty welcome PING Brand Ambassador Andrew Rice to the pod to discuss his mission to help people play better golf so they enjoy it more. They talk about the tools and technology that have changed his approach to teaching, common equipment mistakes that high-handicap players make, the importance of knowing your carry numbers, and the best ways to practice.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty welcome PING Brand Ambassador Dr. Sasho MacKenzie to the pod to discuss putter fitting kinetics. They dive into why golfers miss putts, the four things a golfer can control, putter offset, and heads up putting.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty welcome golf instructor and PING Brand Ambassador Derek Deminsky to ASU's Thunderbirds Complex for an episode dedicated to the short game. They discuss misconceptions about spin, curing the chipping yips, and teaching tour-level and high-handicap players.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short game expert and PING Brand Ambassador Stan Utley joins Shane and Marty during the 2024 PGA Show. They cover Stan's short game principles, important elements of wedge design and the s159 sole grinds, and of course, working with Charles Barkley.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty are joined at ASU's Thunderbirds Complex by Senior Design Engineer, Jacob Clarke. They dive into the R&D behind s159, PING's most extensive and versatile wedge line to date. They also discuss Jacob's work with PING pros and how it inspired the development of WebFit Wedge, a new app aimed at simplifying the wedge fitting process.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Principal Design Engineer Tony Serrano joins Shane and Marty at a PLD launch party at Putting World during the week of the WM Phoenix Open to talk about his 36-year career at PING, the evolution of the PLD program, and his work with PING pros including Tony Finau and Viktor Hovland.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From an intern to the President & CEO at PING. John K. Solheim joins Shane and Marty from the PING booth at the 2024 PGA Show to talk about his journey to a leadership role, the evolution of the PGA Show, PING's latest equipment and what's in his bag. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty discuss the recent addition of Blueprint S and Blueprint T to PING's iron landscape. They chat about blended iron sets, the latest update to the gapping app within PING Co-Pilot, the early success of Blueprint S on Tour, and what's currently in Marty's bag.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty welcome to the pod PING Innovation Manager, Cory Bacon, the lead designer of the new G430 MAX 10K driver. They discuss our highest MOI, most forgiving and straightest driver to date, the G430 MAX 10K, the research and development process, the entire G430 driver family, and PING's commitment to optimization without sacrifice.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty kick off 2024 with new year's resolutions, the importance of a golf game retrospective, goal setting, and how to use stat-tracking apps and PING fitting tools for an unbiased assessment and to ensure that you have the right equipment in your bag.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty dive into PING's WebFit tool. They detail WebFit's purpose and how to use it, the evolution of using AI and data in fitting, and PING's goal of empowering and educating golfers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golf fitness expert Mike Carroll joins Shane and Marty to discuss his golf and fitness journey, how to stay sharp during the winter months, common misconceptions about golf fitness and recovery, and strength training vs. speed training.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty join PING Historian Rob Griffin in his office, the Archives at PING HQ, a room that houses more than 60 years of PING innovation. They discuss the man that started it all, PING Founder Karsten Solheim, his most iconic designs which revolutionized the way golf equipment was designed and manufactured, and how his philosophies still drive our research and development today.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty welcome Kenton Oates, PING's Sr. Player Development Manager, back to the pod to discuss Spinsistency, G430 fairway woods on the PGA Tour, and how the 7-wood can be optimized for all types of players.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty catch up with the 2019 U.S. Junior Amateur Champion and current Arizona State All-American, Preston Summerhays. Preston discusses playing in the Walker Cup at St. Andrews, the evolution of his swing and the clubs in his bag, along with his family's focus on all things golf.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In honor of Halloween, Shane and Marty walk through some of the scariest shots in golf, including how to tackle a fried egg, the 30-40-yard bunker shot, mud balls, and tee shots with trouble. ____ As referenced by Marty when talking about mud balls: https://ping.com/en-us/blogs/proving-grounds/mud-ballsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane and Marty catch up with PING Pro Corey Conners to discuss Corey's background growing up and playing sports in Canada, his consistent performance and the keys to his impressive ball striking. They also reflect on his experience playing in the Olympics and Corey's goal of returning to Canada to play for the 2024 International Presidents Cup team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PING Pro Taylor Moore joins Shane and Marty in the Tour Truck to discuss the benefits of Taylor playing on the Canadian and Korn Ferry tours, his big win at the 2023 Valspar Championship, and his long-standing relationship with PING.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.