Ping, the pioneers of custom-fitting, has opened Europe's most advanced centre at Gainsborough Golf Club in Lincolnshire.
This new, state-of-the-art facility offers the latest technology coupled with traditional expertise and represents the latest step in Ping's campaign to strengthen its position as a maker of clubs to fit the golfer.
In the 1960's Karsten Solheim started to design and manufacture the first Ping clubs. Although that was 40 years ago, great emphasis was placed on custom fitting which is still a core company philosophy.
Since the early days technology has advanced considerably and now customers can spend an hour with their own personal fitter who can make full recommendations for irons, woods and putters. It can also be arranged to play on one of two 18 hole courses, owned by the company.
Here's a typical custom-fit programme where golfers can be:
Tested in one of three specially designed fitting bays, each complete with a roller shutter door enabling access to the driving range. Fitters can observe the ball flight, crucial to the fitting process.
Analysed on the Vector ball flight monitor system, one of the latest systems that measures swing speed, spin rate and launch angle.
Fitted for one of Ping's wide range of putters on the full-size synthetic practice putting green.
Shown the latest irons, woods, putters, bags and accessories in a superb Ping equipment showroom.
Existing Ping owners can visit the new fitting room for a 'check-up', and if necessary their clubs can be altered, with the opportunity to try the latest models.
"The new fitting centre offers a major advance in the level of service we can offer our customers," says John Clark, managing director of Ping Europe. "We have always been renowned for the quality of our fitting and the opening of the new centre is part of our company philosophy to continuously improve everything we do".
Fittings and adjustments are by appointments only. An hour-long fitting can be arranged by contacting an authorised Ping stockist. Adjustment appointments can be made directly to Ping by calling 01427 619219.
Ping says it will continue to offer packages to golfers and societies wishing to combine a visit to the fitting centre a round of golf and even a factory tour. For further details of these packages contact 01427 613088
