Designer Q&A: Ping G driver

We find out more about the story behind the technology found on the new Ping G driver from Ping Senior Design Engineer Marty Jertson

Designer Q&A: Ping G driver

We find out more about the story behind the technology found on the new Ping G driver from Ping Senior Design Engineer Marty Jertson

Not only is Ping’s Senior Design Engineer Marty Jertson an outstanding golfer (he’s already played a few PGA Tour events as well as the 2011 US PGA Championship) but he’s also a golf club science boffin. Anything he doesn’t know about driver design and performance isn’t worth knowing, so who better to speak to than him to find out more about the thinking and technology behind the new Ping G driver.

Ping are known for staying true to down and back centre of gravity positioning within their clubheads, offering the best combination of distance and forgiveness. This feature is further enhanced in the new Ping G driver.

Check out the rest of the Ping G range

“Having the CG down and back is without doubt the best place for it,” Jertson told GM. “It allows golfers to play less loft, which means the contact with the ball is less glancing and more direct leading to more ball speed. It’s then about creating appropriate spin, which you can do through the three different models we offer in the new G driver range.”

Ping G driver back view

Another interesting feature on the new Ping G driver is the Vortec on the back of the clubhead. Much like a spoiler on a car, this works with the turbulators to reduce aerodynamic drag.

“On the downswing there are two forces acting on the club. The Vortec design was adopted from the back of pick up trucks and helps give the air flow over the crown more momentum, meaning there is less vacuum force slowing the club down and ultimately increasing the speed of the clubhead.”

Ping G driver Dragon Fly crown

Ping’s new G driver features lighter sections on the back of the crown called Dragonfly technology, which allows Ping to move weight lower and more toward the perimeter of the clubhead.

“It produces amazing weight savings while also achieving great acoustics. The rib structure on the inside and outside creates the strength and stability we need. We didn’t take no for an answer when it comes to titanium and we’ve pushed the boundaries of what was possible and included sections that are just 0.43mm thick, much thinner than the 0.5mm that was believed to the be the thinnest possible in golf club driver design. We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved and we think golfers will love it.”

 

Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x