PING Proving Grounds

Episode 101: Iron Fitting

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Shane and Marty return to the pod for a deep dive into the fitting process for the scoring clubs. They cover PING’s iron lineup, WebFit, and how it can be used to jumpstart the fitting process, and what to consider when getting fit inside vs. outside.

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Episode 100: Charles Barkley

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +0000

In a special 100th episode, Shane and Marty welcome friend of the PING brand, and two-time Hall of Famer, Charles Barkley to the Proving Grounds podcast. From rebuilding his infamous golf swing under the tutelage of Stan Utley, to stories from his time on the ‘92 U.S. Olympic "Dream Team" with Michael Jordan, the Chuckster holds court in this milestone episode.

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Episode 99: Driver Fitting

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +0000

It’s the most important club in the bag, which makes the fitting process even more critical. In this episode, Shane and Marty take an in-depth look at the driver fitting process, exploring the G440 lineup and the technologies and data available to fitters and golfers to help find the right combination of distance and forgiveness off the tee.

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Episode 98: Arccos (Feat. Sal Syed)

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Shane and Marty are joined by Sal Syed, CEO & Co-founder of Arccos, on the pod for an episode on PING’s partnership with Arccos, golf’s #1 game tracking platform. They discuss how the company has evolved from early prototypes to millions of shots tracked and insights that are helping golfers play better.

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Episode 97: Wyndham Clark

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Shane and Marty are joined on the pod by last week's U.S. Open champion, Wyndham Clark. They discuss all things Shinnecock, including sleeping on the lead, insights on crucial shots, and all the details of his winning Scottsdale TEC Ally Blue Onset putter.

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Episode 96: Erika Larkin

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Shane and Marty are joined at the Proving Grounds by Golf Digest Top 50 golf teacher and PING Brand Ambassador, Erika Larkin. They discuss how she got into the game, her teaching philosophies and how her partnership with PING came to be.

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Episode 95: Your Questions Answered

Thu, 14 May 2026 07:00:41 +0000

In this episode of the PING Proving Grounds podcast, Shane and Marty catch up on their tournament golf and take time to answer questions submitted by listeners. They touch on elements of equipment design and offer insights that golfers can take to their next fitting to help them build out their bag.

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Episode 94: PING’s Commitment to Women’s Golf

Wed, 06 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 93: Trackman (Feat. Fredrik Tuxen)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:01:41 +0000

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.

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Episode 92: G740 Irons

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 91: Mason Howell at the Masters

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 90: Scottsdale TEC Putters

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:00:06 +0000

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.

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Episode 89: i540 Irons

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 88: Daniel Berger

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 87: Viktor Hovland & Shay Knight

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 86: s259 Wedges

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 85: G440 K Driver

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 84: Shaft Development

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 83: Soft Goods Design & Development

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 82: Top-End Fitting

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 81: Alternative Style Putters

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 80: Ryder Cup Preview (Feat. Harris English)

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 79: The PING Virtual Fitting Experience

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 78: Mason Howell

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 77: Putter Torque (Feat. Dr. Erik Henrikson)

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 76: i240 Irons

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 75: iDi Driving Iron

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 74: Prepping for Tournament Golf

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 73: Tour Development Program (Feat. Scott Sullivan)

Fri, 23 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 72: Mackenzie Hughes

Wed, 14 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 71: VISION54 (Feat. Lynn Marriott & Pia Nilsson)

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 19:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 70: Matt McCarty

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 69: Thriston Lawrence

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 68: Erik Anders Lang

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 67: Scottsdale Putters

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 66: G440 Irons (Feat. Dr. Paul Wood)

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 65: Jim Knous

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:30:47 +0000

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.

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Episode 64: G440 Fairway Woods & Hybrids (Feat. Travis Milleman)

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 63: G440 Driver (Feat. Dr. Erik Henrikson)

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 62: Your Questions Answered

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 61: Indoor vs. Outdoor Fitting

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 60: Fitting Science (Feat. Chris Broadie)

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 59: Science Friction

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 58: Golf Blueprint (Feat. Dr. Nico Darras)

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 57: Tour Truck Insights

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 56: PLD Custom (Feat. Alex Webb)

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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

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Episode 55: Matt McCarty

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 19:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 54: Lauren Coughlin

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 53: Tim Herron

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 52: Iconic PING Clubs (Feat. Jonathan Wall)

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 51: Prodi G — The Next Generation

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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

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Episode 50: Matthieu Pavon

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 49: Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 48: A Culture of Curiosity (Feat. Dr. Erik Henrikson)

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 47: Austin Eckroat

Fri, 31 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 46: Your Questions Answered

Wed, 22 May 2024 15:41:57 +0000

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.

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Episode 45: Harris English

Thu, 09 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 44: Juan Postigo Arce

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0000

He’s ranked fourth in the World 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.

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Episode 43: Chris Como

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 42: What's in the Bag: Shane Bacon & Marty Jertson

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 41: Bubba Watson

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 40: Seamus Power

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 39: Help for the High Handicapper (Feat. Andrew Rice)

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 38: Putter Fitting Kinetics (Feat. Dr. Sasho MacKenzie)

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 16:57:25 +0000

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.

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Episode 37: Derek Deminsky

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 36: Stan Utley

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 35: Behind the Design of s159 (Feat. Jacob Clarke)

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 34: Putting Lab Design (Feat. Tony Serrano)

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 33: John K. Solheim

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:18:38 +0000

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.

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Episode 32: Blueprint For Success

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 30: 2024 Golf Checklist

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 29: WebFit

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 28: Fit for Golf (Feat. Mike Carroll)

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 27: In the Archives (Feat. Rob Griffin)

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 26: The Secret to Spinsistency

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 25: Preston Summerhays

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 24: Golf’s Scariest Shots

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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As referenced by Marty when talking about mud balls: https://ping.com/en-us/blogs/proving-grounds/mud-balls

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Episode 23: Corey Conners

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 22: Taylor Moore

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 21: Boyd Summerhays

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Shane and Marty welcome PING Brand Ambassador Boyd Summerhays to the Tour Truck to discuss his success as a junior golfer and his path from professional golf to coaching some of world’s best players. Boyd also talks about his role as a parent to elite junior golfers and his longtime coaching relationship with PING Pro Tony Finau.

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Episode 20: Joe Mayo

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 15:28:43 +0000

Shane and Marty welcome Viktor Hovland’s swing coach, Joe Mayo, to the pod to discuss his return to golf, how TrackMan has impacted golf instruction, his approach to teaching, and his relationship with the Norwegian superstar.

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Episode 19: Adaptive Fitting

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Shane and Marty welcome PING VP of Engineering, Dr. Paul Wood, to the pod to discuss the brand’s history of adaptive fitting, some examples of how their engineers have created one-off custom clubs to help people with differing disabilities enjoy the game of golf, and how an innovative approach to adaptive fitting has influenced the design of some mainline products.

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Episode 18: Solheim Cup Preview

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Shane welcomes LPGA pros Allisen Corpuz and Leona Maguire to the podcast as they prepare for the 2023 Solheim Cup. They discuss Leona’s past Solheim Cup success, both of their stellar 2023 LPGA seasons, what it means to play for your country/continent, and the various strategies employed in the Cup’s match play format.

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Episode 17: Tony Finau

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Shane and Marty catch up with PING Pro Tony Finau and discuss his unique path to the pros, how he fell in love with PING, and how he learned that it takes more than distance to compete at the highest level.

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Episode 16: Women’s Product Development

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Shane and Marty welcome PING’s Director of Engineering Operations, Rose Fielder, to the pod to discuss women’s product development, common pain points PING engineers try to address when designing clubs for women, PING’s commitment to women’s golf and deflating fitting anxieties.

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Episode 15: Shay Knight

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 07:09:00 +0000

Just after their win at the BMW Championship, Shay Knight, caddie for Viktor Hovland, joined Shane and Marty in the PING Tour Truck. They discussed Viktor's recent success, the prep work that he puts in ahead of a tournament, and how and why their on-course relationship works.

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Episode 14: Viktor Hovland

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0000

A day after his record-setting 61 at the BMW Championship, Viktor Hovland joined Shane and Marty on the PING Tour Truck ahead of the Tour Championship. They discussed key moments in Viktor’s final nine at Olympia Fields, his approach to constant improvement, growing up in Norway, and, of course, the Ryder Cup.

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Episode 13: Temperature, Humidity & Altitude

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0000

As Shane prepares for his first U.S. Amateur in Colorado, he and Marty discuss the impact weather and altitude will have on his game. Marty takes Shane through Ballnamic’s “Plays Like” chart and Co-Pilot’s Launch Efficiency tool, before discussing common misconceptions golfers have with these conditions.

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Episode 12: Driving: Distance vs. Accuracy

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Shane and Marty tackle a big question in driver performance — What’s more important, distance or accuracy? They discuss how to determine when distance wins, how PING driver innovations address each element, and how PING’s fitting tool, Club Compare, can help golfers maximize their driver performance.

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Episode 11: Golf Ball Fitting

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Shane and Marty dive into the importance of being properly fit for the correct golf ball, and discuss spin vs. aerodynamics, the Ballnamic fitting tool, how PING engineers use Sling Man, and the importance of fitting both club and ball together synergistically.

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Episode 10: Putter Fitting Principles

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Shane and Marty discuss the importance of putter fitting, touching on its history, how iPING was developed and is utilized in the fitting process, the evolution of the PLD program, how tour feedback impacts the putter design process, and much more.

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Episode 9: Tyrrell Hatton

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Shane and Marty catch up with PING Pro Tyrrell Hatton inside the Tour Truck to discuss his recent tour success, why he plays a 7-wood, memories of his first Open qualifier, and a rare six-man playoff win.

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Episode 8: Performance without Sacrifice

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0000

From the PING Gold Putter Vault, Shane and Marty discuss the unique tradition of commemorating tour victories won with PING putters with gold-plated replicas, as started by PING Founder Karsten Solheim. Shane and Marty also discuss the product development process and what it takes for PING to release a new product.

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Episode 7: A Guide to Gapping

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:01:00 +0000

Shane and Marty discuss the importance of proper gapping — what it is, the commonalities among all skill levels, how it can be addressed in the fitting environment and the software solution PING has developed to help golfers gap their entire bag.

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Episode 6: Joaquín Niemann

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Shane and Marty catch up with Chilean Tour Pro Joaquín Niemann in the tour truck at the US Open. Joaquín discusses his win at Riviera, his love of cars, car racing, and avocados, his go-to clubs, and how he’s embraced PING technology.

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Episode 5: Get Golf Growing

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Shane and Marty dive into youth golf, covering topics like evolution of junior products and fitting, the Get Golf Growing program, the right time to transition to adult clubs, and their joint fear for the day their kids beat them on the course.

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Episode 4: Sahith Theegala

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Shane and Marty welcome Sahith Theegala to the PING Tour Truck. Among other things, they discuss Sahith’s swing, his PGA Tour journey, the likelihood that he’s the best chess player on tour, and what happened on 16 at Augusta.

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Episode 3: Fitting Matters

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Shane and Marty get together in the PING Putting Lab to talk about the PING fitting process, how it’s evolved with new tools and technologies, and the availability of fitting for golfers of all skill levels.

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Episode 2: The PING Tour Truck

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Shane and Marty take us inside the PING Tour Truck at the PGA Championship with PING’s Sr. Player Development Manager, Kenton Oates. They cover the basics, like what’s on the truck, who stops by, and what their week looks like when they pull up to a tournament, before diving a bit deeper, touching on the importance of the relationship tour reps develop with players, the balance between personality and technology when working with a pro, and advice the everyday golfer can take from how they fit and take care of Tour players.

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Episode 1: Welcome to the PING Proving Grounds

Thu, 25 May 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In the first episode of the PING Proving Grounds podcast, our hosts, golf broadcaster Shane Bacon and Marty Jertson, PING’s Vice President of Fitting and Performance, give us a brief overview of their backgrounds before diving into the history, culture, and importance of the PING Proving Grounds.

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Introducing: PING Proving Grounds

Mon, 22 May 2023 07:00:00 +0000

The PING Proving Grounds podcast dives into PING's celebrated history and immeasurable contributions to golf equipment, custom fitting and the game of golf in general. Broadcaster Shane Bacon and Marty Jertson, PING's Vice President of Fitting and Performance and professional golfer, discuss what happens behind the scenes at the PING Proving Grounds where data-driven research helps a team of scientists and engineers develop products and fitting tools to help golfers play their best. From the gold putter vault to PING Man and everything in between, tune in to hear more about what goes on at the PING Proving Grounds.

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