For the complete write up on GolfWRX’s trip to PING HQ, click here.

by SheriffBooth

This summer, Ping is releasing its next evolution in its wedge line.  Building on the success of the Tour-S wedges, Ping is calling the new line “Gorge” to highlight the new groove milling process that the company has implemented.  GolfWRX was invited to Ping Headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona for an introduction to this new product.

Our first look came during a technical presentation by Ping’s Director of Engineering, Brad Schweigert.  He shared that, with the new groove rule, Ping was forced to take a hard look at the best way to maximize spin and performance while staying within the groove dimension parameters.  The answer for Ping was to focus on production tolerances and they felt that the only way they could achieve the high tolerance level they were hoping for was to bring the milling process home to Phoenix, AZ, USA.

Wedge blanks are received, groove free, from Ping’s overseas production facility.  The blanks are delivered to Ping’s “Milling Room” on campus and grooves are computer milled using their proprietary method.  According to Schweigert, the Gorge milling process creates the sharpest groove edge radius on the market today and mimics the grooves prior to the rule change a few years ago. The milling room runs 22 hours a day, 7 days a week, producing the entire world’s supply of Tour wedges with Gorge grooves.

I am currently a Tour-S player, and I felt an immediate sense of familiarity with the Gorge.  Very little is changed with the shape, which in my opinion is a good thing.  What is different is the finish – Ping has chosen a dark gray (Ping calls it “Dark Satin”) finish that looks fantastic.

Also new with the Gorge wedges is a selection of sole grinds.  The TS grind (currently available in the Tour-S) is a low bounce option ideal for players that frequently encounter firm playing conditions or take a very shallow divot.  The SS grind is the most versatile, mid bounce option which is probably most similar to the current grinds on the standard Tour-S models.  And finally a WS grind is being added to the line, which is for players that are looking for a wider flange and higher bounce for soft conditions, soft sand, or that have steep angle of attack.

We got to try out the three different bounces in the 60 degree wedge on the Ping campus driving range.  I currently play a TS grind in the Tour-S wedge, and the TS Gorge felt and played similarly.  Since we were not hitting into actual greens, and I did not have my personal wedge with me, it was difficult to assess the increase in spin.  This will come with more testing.  The difference in the SS and WS grinds was apparent, and I struggled a bit with the WS due to the much higher bounce.  This is a good thing, though, as it will allow players to customize their wedge set without having to pay for specialized grinds.  Some players may opt to own multiple bounce options and put an SS or WS in play when conditions dictate.

All told, the Gorge is an impressive and exciting new release for Ping.  The wedges have a great looking finish and a very solid, almost forged feel to them.  I’m looking forward to putting them in play to truly test the Gorge milled grooves and evaluate the difference they make around the green.

To discuss the PING Gorge Wedges and see detailed pictures of different grinds, click here.

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Up Close Sole Grid Pictures:

TS Grind

SS Grind:

WS Grind: