Review: Ping Glide Wedge

Building a Better Short Game
I feel like a broken record when I talk to other golfers, especially my high golf team, but the most important clubs in your bag that can lower scores are your short game clubs; wedges and putter.  Almost every golfer I’ve met could lower their scores by getting better wedges (especially ones that fit their game).  They really are the best way to build a better short game. (with some practice too)

Ping revamped their wedge from the grip down.  While that may seem backwards, it has some validity.  Grips come in two varieties; your favorite style or whatever is on the club.  I’ve heard of guys cutting off brand new grips just to put their favorite one on, or never caring about the grip, just whatever it has is fine.  The new Ping wedge grip hopefully will get the golfer thinking about the difference a grip can make.  One of the biggest changes is the length; it is longer so that you can grip down more.  At 3/4″ longer it isn’t way longer, but has more markings to allow for repeatable gripping-down for better touch and distance control.  The new CFS shaft is a little heavier and more stable than previous versions, but yet easy to elevate.

The Ping Glide has a completely redesigned head.  It has a much big pocket cavity and has more bounce and grind options than previous Ping wedges.  I found the bigger pocket really creates much better and softer feel.  It also moves the weight for added forgiveness.  The stainless steel head has a crisp feel that is very middle of the road, not harsh, but not mushy.  The dulled finish looks very good at address and in the bag.  Some might complain because it is the only finish, but it matches Ping irons nicely.

For me the biggest benefit of the new Ping Glide wedges are the new sole grind options.  The TS (thin sole) is my favorite grind.  My 58* wedge has this one and makes it incredibly versatile.  It is a C-grind with lots of bounce, which fits my needs perfectly.  The leading edge is blunted so that it resists digging, but still easy to get into and out of the turf for those tight lies.  It also works very well out of the sand as you can splash it out with an open face.

The 54* wedge is SS (standard sole) which I used mostly as a “gap wedge” from fairways or rough when I had around a 95 yard shot.  It doesn’t have as much ground off the sole which helps to stabilize the head on full shots.

These wedge made their way to green grass at Quivira Golf course in Cabo San Lucas, MX.  I have to admit, they certainly came in handy with my slightly rusty iron play.  I couldn’t believe a couple of the up-and-downs I had from the rough or the dunes.  I had a couple really memorable par saves and birdie chip-ins.  They really do “glide” through the turf with great ground interaction.  This is such a key to good wedge play.  The grooves too have just the right spin, for holding power without sucking the ball off the green or causing it to balloon into the breeze.  I like how they used different grooves for different lofts based on different needs. 

FlightScope Xi Tour Launch Monitor

Ping Glide 58* Wedge

  • Spin: 9878 rpms
  • Launch Angle: 54.4*
  • Dispersion: 2.9 yds
  • Club Head Speed: 79.8 mph
  • Ball Speed: 80.2 mph
  • Total Distance:  85.7 yds
  • Carry Distance:  83.5 yds

For an off the rack wedge that should allow you to fit your needs, I don’t think you can find a much better wedge than the Ping Glide.  The new grind options, the more forgiving heads and the whole package of shaft and grip to fit your game, you really can build a better short game.

For more information: www.ping.com

Quick Hits:
+More grind options
+Additional forgiveness
+Better feel
+Longer grip

–One finish