By Leonard Finkel
Precision-milled faces featuring sharper groove edges than in any previous PING wedge model, dramatically increase spin rates and trajectory control in the new Glide 2.0 wedges. This leads to more precise short-game performance under all playing conditions.
An extremely precise wheel-cut milling process developed by PING’s engineering and manufacturing teams provide grooves with a sharper edge radius, which increases interaction with the cover of the ball at impact, creating more friction for improved spin and trajectory control. The grooves in the lower-lofted wedges (46°, 50° & 52°) are milled with a 20° sidewall and a .005” edge radius for optimal full-shot performance. The higher-lofted versions (54°, 56°, 58° & 60°) are milled to a .004” edge radius and a 28° sidewall to impart more spin, especially around the greens.
By spacing the precision-milled grooves closer together, PING designed the lower- lofted clubs with one additional groove (compared to the original Glide wedge) to increase spin and control on full shots. The higher-lofted versions feature two additional grooves for enhanced spin on chip and pitch shots. In testing, Tour players are seeing spin-rate increases of 1,000-1,500 rpm on partial shots (40 to 70 yards) and gains of more than 500 rpm on full shots, compared to their current wedges.
“The new Glide 2.0 wedges represent a major breakthrough in performance for a number of reasons, but it’s the new grooves that are most exciting,” said John A. Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO. “We worked closely with our tour staff to improve every aspect of the wedges. The players have been very pleased with the increase in spin rates, overall trajectory control, including lower ball flights, and the consistency of the carry distances. Around the greens, they’re impressed with the turf interaction and how the ball is reacting off the face to give them the precision they need to hit it closer.”
PING Tour players, most of whom have already converted to the new wedges including Bubba Watson and Louis Oosthuizen, appreciate the refined, compact look. They believe the feel and sound are incredible. With multiple sole grind options, the Glide 2.0 wedges offer all golfers the opportunity to improve their short games.
The soft, 431 stainless steel heads are distinguished by a hydropearl chrome finish, which adds a new level of performance by repelling moisture for reduced sole friction. The leading edges and sole grinds have been carefully crafted for exceptional surface interaction and versatility, gliding through turf and sand, enabling more creativity and shot making ability.
The patented design has key refinements to the four sole grinds (SS, WS, ES and TS) ensure Glide 2.0 wedges can be fit to a golfer’s divot depth or attack angle and most common turf conditions. Examples are:
SS GRIND (46°/12°, 50°/12°, 52°/12°, 54°/12°, 56°/12°, 58°/10°, 60/10°)
An all-purpose mid-bounce sole with heel and trail edge relief to create versatility on touch shots around the green. Ideal for moderate attack angles and divots. Fits most golfers.
WS GRIND (56°/14°, 58°/14°, 60/14°)
Full-sole design that provides turf security for players with a steep angle of attack. The reduced camber and added width prevent the sole from skipping into the ball.
TS GRIND (58°/6°, 60°/6°)
A PING WRX-inspired design based on the Tour-proven half-moon grind. The TS grind facilitates shot making and precision from even the most difficult lies. The heel relief allows shots to be executed with an open face to difficult pins or from firm lies without fear of the lead edge sitting too high.
ES GRIND (54°/8°, 56°/8°, 58°/8°, 60°/8°)
Eye 2-inspired sole design provides the ultimate in bunker performance, resulting from the classic dish profile along with its tapered hosel. A refined leading edge upgrades all-around performance.
Leonard Finkel is the author of The Secrets to the Game of Golf & Life and former editor in chief of Golf Journeys Magazine. His work has been featured in almost 200 publications including Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Golf Illustrated, Golf Tips and Player Magazine. He has written more than a dozen cover stories for Golf Today Magazine. He has written extensively about golf and travel and has added poker to his writing repertoire. Finkel also works as a marketing and public relations consultant. His specialty niche is writing advertorial copy. Prior to his career in golf, Finkel owned a chain of retail stores and a consulting and import company based in Asia. He attended the University of Utah.