Miles Bennett
Golf fans have noticed Ping staff players wearing PLD golf caps at the Players Championship. PLD stands for 'Putting Lab Design', and Ping has made its PLD putters available to tour players for several years. Viktor Hovland, Joaquin Niemann, Bubba Watson, and Tony Finau are among the players who have used the highly customized putters. Ping has now expanded its PLD program to allow everyday golfers to buy customized putters and access Ping's fitting staff either in person or remotely.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Putting Lab Design |
| Availability | Available to consumers via three avenues: PLD Custom, PLD Limited, and PLD Milled |
| Price | PLD Custom: $1290, PLD Limited Anser Patent 55: $790, PLD Milled: $485 |
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What You'll Learn
PLD stands for Putting Lab Design
The PLD program offers three avenues for customization: PLD Custom, PLD Limited, and PLD Milled. The PLD Custom option provides golfers with a level of detail and personalization normally reserved for tour players. This option includes a fitting, which can be scheduled either in person at Ping's putting lab in Phoenix or virtually. The fitting costs $200, which is deducted from the $1,290 price of the putter if purchased.
The PLD Limited option celebrates the 55th anniversary of the Ping Anser patent and costs $790. The PLD Milled option features four models previously used to win on tour: Anser, Anser 2, DS72, and Prime Tyne 4. These putters are milled from 303 stainless steel, requiring more than four hours of milling time to create the precise head shape. The Anser and Anser 2 models are designed for golfers with a slight arc in their stroke, the DS72 is for straight-back, straight-through strokes, and the Prime Tyne 4 is for those with a strong arc in their stroke. The PLD Milled models cost $485 each.
Ping's PLD program allows golfers to work with a fitter to determine their ideal putter specifications, including length, loft, lie, and grip type. Golfers can also choose the head design and material, with options including stainless or carbon steel. Additional customization options include tungsten weighting, face milling, different finishes, alignment aids, engraving, and paint fill. Once the final design is agreed upon, the putter is custom-built by Ping's master machinists and club builders.
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Ping pros wear PLD caps at TPC Sawgrass
Ping pros are wearing PLD caps at TPC Sawgrass to promote the limited-edition staff bag in recognition of their "Putting Lab Design" new putters. The Players Championship in 2022 saw Ping debut the PLD caps and bags, and they have done so again in 2024. The PLD acronym stands for 'Putting Lab Design', and many of Ping's pros use the PLD range on the PGA, DP World, and LPGA Tours. Ping staffers, including Tyrrell Hatton, Lee Westwood, and Louis Oosthuizen, have been spotted with the bags in play at TPC Sawgrass. Viktor Hovland, Ping's biggest name associated with the PLD DS 72 prototype mid-mallet, is also in the lineup.
PLD was initially only available to professionals, but the line was released to consumers in 2022. The collection included high-quality, premium milled flat sticks, such as the PLD Anser putter. These putters are crafted from solid blocks of forged 303 stainless steel, requiring over four hours of milling time, according to Ping.
Ping has a history of sponsoring players and teams in golf. In 2022, the company produced four models in the PLD range, including classic models milled from 303 Forged Stainless Steel. The Ping PLD Anser Putter is a throwback to the original design, while the Ping PLD DS 72 combines a modern face with a balanced shape.
The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in 2022 was marked by rain delays and high winds, causing "carnage" among the high scores. Despite the challenging conditions, Ping pros proudly displayed their PLD caps and gear, showcasing their affiliation with the brand and its innovative "Putting Lab Design" range.
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PLD putters are now available to consumers
Golf fans have been curious about the PLD golf caps sported by Ping pros at the Players Championship and TPC Sawgrass. The three-letter acronym stands for "Putting Lab Design", and now, PLD putters are available to consumers in three different ways: PLD Custom, PLD Milled, and PLD Limited.
For several years, Ping's PLD putters were only available to tour players. The PLD Custom option offers a high level of personalisation, with fittings available in-person at Ping's putting lab in Phoenix or virtually. There is a $200 non-refundable charge for the fitting, which is deducted from the $1,290 cost of the putter if purchased. The PLD Milled line features four models that have been used on tour: Anser, Anser 2, DS72, and Prime Tyne 4. Each head is crafted from 303 stainless steel and shaped with over four hours of milling. The Anser models are designed for golfers with a slight arc in their stroke, while the DS72 is for straight-back, straight-through strokes, and the Prime Tyne 4 is for those with a strong arc.
The PLD Limited option celebrates the 55th anniversary of the Ping Anser patent and is priced at $790. With the PLD program, golfers can work with Ping's fitting staff to determine their ideal putter specifications, including length, loft, lie, and grip type. They can also choose from various options like tungsten weighting, face milling, different finishes, alignment aids, engraving, and paint fill. The putter is then custom-built by Ping's master machinists and club builders.
PLD putters have been used with great success by top golfers like Viktor Hovland, Joaquin Niemann, Bubba Watson, and Tony Finau. Now, everyday golfers can access these highly customised putters and experience the same level of detail and performance that was previously reserved for tour players. By offering the PLD putters to consumers, Ping is providing golfers with the opportunity to improve their game and enjoy the benefits of these specialised putters.
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Viktor Hovland uses a PLD DS 72 prototype
Viktor Hovland, the FedEx Cup champion and Ryder Cup star, has used a PLD DS 72 prototype mid-mallet for all six of his PGA TOUR victories. The PLD DS 72 prototype is a Ping putter, custom-made for Viktor Hovland and milled from carbon steel. It features two white lines, one on the topline and one on the flange, for better alignment.
The PLD DS 72 prototype is a face-balanced, straight-stroke-type model with a double-bend shaft. It is distinguished by a wide top rail and a ball-width cavity created by its clean heel-and-toe ballasts. The light aluminum hosel helps position weight low to optimize the center of gravity for consistency and accuracy. The putter has a matte-black finish, giving it a fresh look with winning performance.
Hovland's PLD DS 72 prototype is an example of Ping's PLD (Putting Lab Design) range, which is used by many of Ping's pros on the PGA, DP World, and LPGA Tours, as well as in LIV Golf. Ping debuted the PLD accessories at TPC Sawgrass in 2022, where a number of its staff players wore PLD golf caps and carried PLD-logoed bags.
In 2025, Hovland changed his putter for the first time in his PGA TOUR career, switching from the PLD DS 72 prototype to the Ping PLD Oslo "Onset" putter. He made the change after testing out a range of putters supplied by Ping and finding that he liked how flush the new Oslo Onset putter sat against the ground at address.
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PLD Custom, PLD Limited and PLD Milled options
PLD, which stands for "Putting Lab Design", is a range of golf accessories by Ping. Ping's PLD Custom, PLD Limited, and PLD Milled hats are some of the options available in the PLD headwear collection.
PLD Custom
The PLD Custom option offers a high level of customization for golfers. It allows golfers to design their own unique hats with specific features tailored to their preferences. This may include choosing the hat's color, design, and adding personal touches such as logos or embroidery. This option provides golfers with the opportunity to showcase their individuality and style on the course while still benefiting from the performance and quality associated with the PLD brand.
PLD Limited
The PLD Limited hats are a special edition line within the PLD collection. These hats feature unique designs or color combinations that are released in limited quantities. Golfers who prefer to stand out on the course and collect exclusive items will appreciate these limited-edition releases. The PLD Limited hats offer the same performance and quality as other PLD hats but with a distinct style that reflects the latest trends or commemorates special events in the golfing world.
PLD Milled
The PLD Milled hats are crafted using a precision milling process, ensuring a consistent and high-quality construction. This manufacturing technique results in hats that are known for their durability, comfort, and attention to detail. Golfers who prioritize performance, fit, and long-lasting quality will find the PLD Milled hats to be an excellent choice. This option typically features a sleek and classic design, focusing on functionality and performance rather than flashy aesthetics.
Each of these PLD options offers golfers a unique combination of style, performance, and customization. By choosing any of these hat options, golfers can align themselves with the PLD brand, known for its innovative designs and popularity among professional players on tours such as the PGA, DP World, LPGA, and LIV Golf.
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Frequently asked questions
PLD stands for Putting Lab Design.
Ping pros wear PLD golf hats at the Players Championship. Viktor Hovland, Joaquin Niemann, Bubba Watson and Tony Finau are some of the players who use the PLD range.
You can buy PLD golf hats on the official Ping website.
