It’s that time of year again: the USGA’s roster is filled with new additions, this time with a lot of shoes we’ll see players playing in the majors in 2027.
On Monday, four new models from the Ping G450 family hit the list, which is where any new club must live before it’s officially approved. My man gibber? We could see the likes of Neal Shipley or Austin Eckroat put this line into the game, but we’ll have to wait and see.
From left to right: G450 LST, G450 MAX, G450 SFT USGA
The three drivers in the new line follow the typical Ping framework with LST (Lum Spin Tech), MAX (more forgiving models) and SFT (Straight Flight Technology – Biased Driver). But there’s also a new G450 MINIMAX mini driver that golfers have been clamoring for since the prototypes hit the market.
Advertisement
MINIMAX would be the best name yet for a mini driver, and Ping himself, based on the MAX name that the brand is known for. It’s fair to say that we’re still the heavy-buttoned-Ping Ping we’ve always been, but we’re also here for the party.
Details of the PING Mini MINIMAX Driver for the 2017 USGA
One big change for the whole family that we can see from the list of images is something called FASTFLEX. This appears to be the Ping version of something like the TaylorMade SpeedPocket or Mizuno’s Coretech Chamber. Typically, this is a technique that allows the driver to bend the face a little more, while increasing the speed of the ball in relation to the swing speed.
Knowing Ping, there is probably a story of forgiveness built into it. Often this support allows the face to be more consistent in the mis-mixes, which means that the speed from the middle will be faster, but the effect should also be maintained in the middle of the hits.
Advertisement
It also looks like a 7.5º offering on the LST right off the bat, although this is only for racing players, and the MINIMAX is only available in a 13º floor. That’s mildly disappointing as I really enjoy the 15.5º mini, but the 13º segment makes sense. Ping took his time with this mini driver so I’m sure he’ll have a great account for the 13º.
Details of the PING G450 LST driver head on the USGA compliant list. Notice the 7.5º floor offering. USGA
If this means that Ping is following up with a speedy new lineup, the driver market is about to feel a real move.
Today on the Tour there is about a 70/25/5 split, respectively between the LST/K/MAX heads in the story, but I wonder what will happen to that K percent once the new MAX is introduced.
Advertisement
We look forward to getting our hands on some of the upcoming testing. In the meantime, make sure to follow our social channels for the latest information as we have it! Ping will announce new fairways and hybrid additions, but no word on those yet.
After the Ping 2027 driver line reached the USGA conforming list, it includes the new G450 mini driver that first appeared in Golf.