After celebrating their 50th anniversary Ping is paying tribute to an old masterpiece, the old Scottsdale Aner. The new and modernised series reinforces a continued presence on the greens and demonstrates that the company, inspired by visionary founder Karsten Solheim, still has plenty to offer golfers.
One of the first putters I used was my grandfather's old Anser that to this day can still hold its own against any modern equivalent. Can the new and sometimes radical Scottsdale series teach an old dog new tricks?
The Scottsdale series comes in an overwhelming choice of 14 different designs that creates somewhat of a putter roulette. I found there to be too much choice from: centre shafted; offset; mallet; half mallet; traditional Anser and some other scaffolding designs I have yet to put a name to.
There are however a few themes running throughout the series which really allow you to putt confidently and accurately. The Satin PVD anti-glare finish, with burgundy flange, is a common feature among for all. All of the putters boast a bold, perfectly contrasting line that makes alignment simple and incredibly effective.
After playing with a few different types such as the Pickemup and Tomcat, I settled on the Wolverine that is one of the heaviest, 355g, centre shafted models. I loved this as it has the boldest alignment lines and a half ball that delivers the best results I've ever had - without being too over-the-top like my old Odyssey '2 Ball' putter.
The Wolverine feels soft yet firm. All the putters have a synthetic insert and face appliqué made out of thermoplastic elastomer. This produces a softer feel but provides the predictable pace you would expect form a steel faced putter.
The Wolverine is centre shafted and produces a forward pressing stoke which I prefer. It is lofted to compensate for this and the heal-toe weighting fits my parallel putting stroke perfectly. Throughout the series you get a range of weights, weighting options and styles with something for everyone. Although you are bombarded by choice it seems Ping have thought very carefully about what an individual may need.
I have fallen in love with this series of putters and the overwhelming choice, which initially put me off, has left me like a kid in a candy store. You could spend hours choosing and have fun playing with all features available, like radical ball scoops and crazy designs. Ping has taken what used to be a sensible, classic putter and dragged it into the 21st century while adding a touch of the ridiculous. But don't be fooled, these putters mean business and for those of you struggling with alignment you should try one of these.
What the Web is Saying
"To be honest, there's a sense that PING threw some darts at the proverbial board by offering so many models of the Scottsdale putters. But the Pickemup hits the bull's-eye for me, offering intriguing feedback and sharp visuals with a delightful twist." - putterzone.com
"Lots of shot correction - face insert delivers consistent, accurate, controlled roll (speed) and distance on or off the sweet spot." - golf.com
"The PING Scottsdale Wolverine putter swings beautifully, looks great and delivers consistent, accurate results. It makes distance control and alignment easy, and because of its excellent balance you'll have a great chance of striking the ball smoothly and rolling your putts purely. Isn't that what putting's all about?" - golf-equipment-reviews.com
Price Comparison
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Ping Scottsdale Craz-e Too Putter (CG Golf) |
 £109.00 
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Ping Scottsdale Carefree Putter (Golf Gear Direct) |
 £122.55
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Ping Scottsdale Senita Putter (Golf Gear Direct) |
£103.55
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| + 1 others available from Golf Gear Direct ↓ | ||
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Ping Scottsdale B60 Putter (Online Golf) |
 £84.55
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Ping Golf Scottsdale Mallet Putter (Online Golf) |
£119.99
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| + 11 others available from Online Golf ↓ | ||
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Ping Scottsdale Carefree Putter (Online Golf) |
£122.55
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Ping Scottsdale Craz-e Too Putter (Online Golf) |
£109.00
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Ping Scottsdale Carefree Putter (Online Golf) |
£122.55
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Ping Scottsdale Senita Putter (Online Golf) |
£113.05
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Ping Scottsdale Senita Putter (Online Golf) |
£103.55
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Ping Scottsdale Anser 2 Putter (Online Golf) |
£84.55
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Ping Scottsdale Zb Putter (Online Golf) |
£84.55
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Ping Scottsdale Half Pipe Putter (Online Golf) |
£84.55
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Ping Golf Scottsdale Mallet Putter (Online Golf) |
£99.99
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Ping Scottsdale Tomcat Putter (Online Golf) |
£84.55
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