Every two years Ping bring out a range of putters to satisfy our tastes and needs from a classic Anser to high-MOI, high forgiveness mallet shapes. This year sees 10 models released, including a couple of new designs, as well as an updated look and face insert technologies.
In this review I will be trying out the Ping Tyne G which is one of their mini mallet styles.
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The Tech
New this year is a Pebax face insert which is said to increase feel and improve the consistency of ball speeds, replacing the grooves in the 2021 models. This insert is available in around half of the models in the range, depending on the head characteristics.
There are two different face types in the 2023 range - a shallow milled option which provides a firmer feel and more consistent ball speeds, and a smooth milled option which has a firmer feel and produces slightly more ball speed. The Tyne G features both the Pebax insert and a shallow milled surround.
A number of other models in the range also benefit from tungsten weights added into the heel and toe of the head, to help with more stability during the stroke.
The Tyne G itself is designed to be an easy-to-aim mid mallet thanks to a trio of white alignment lines and a ball width hole in the back of the putter head, which also doubles as a useful tool to pick your ball up without bending down.
This hole also makes sure that there is more weight in the perimeters of the putter, which adds forgiveness and stability for more accuracy.
Ping 2023 Tyne G Putter Review
Looks and Feel
The Tyne G head is jet black with white accents in keeping with traditional Ping colours, and the brand has done away with the red from the previous 2021 models which is a change I am all for.
It's a mini mallet in size with the back cavity helping to frame the ball and make aligning to the target easier. An added bonus is that you can pick the golf ball up when playing gimmies on the green too.
I'm very glad that Ping offer nine more options for the 2023 range because I have to be honest, I really wasn't a fan of the look and shaping of the Tyne G, I thought it was pretty ugly.
Having said that the bright side is that the headcover is excellent quality and looks premium, thanks to the black leather and stitched patterning.
The head weighs 360g which is on the light side for a mallet too, it is actually almost identical in weight to the Anser 2D. There is a lightness in the stroke and a high-pitched strike due to the hollow cavity.
The feedback was not what I would want from a putter, as the strike felt weak and I couldn't feel the head during the stroke or at impact.
Performance
I struggled with getting the pace right on my longer putts due to the lighter head weight, making it harder for me to 'feel' the putter head during the stroke.
The stability and start line of the putts from short distance was good, but the hole in the back of the head took my attention away from the face and golf ball which meant my aiming wasn’t too good. I started the ball on the line I aimed at but this was not always the correct one!
Overall I found the Tyne G to perform well from short range due to the tungsten weighting in the head which didn’t allow the face to twist.
For longer putts when I missed the insert or couldn't feel the head properly during the stroke and I struggled with leaving putts either short or hitting them way past the target. My pace is normally the best part of my putting, but this was lacking when using this putter unfortunately.
Ping 2023 Tyne G Putter Verdict
With ten models to choose from in the Ping 2023 range you're bound to find one that suits you.
This Tyne G model wasn't for me though, the insert may have added a softer feel to the strike but this was hidden by the lightweight head and hollow sound produce by the head shape. In the end the size of the head looked small, with the ball-shaped hole taking over.
At £280 these putters aren't cheap and I have some doubts over the size of the Pebax insert too, I fear that it might be a little too small to cater for off-centre strikes, especially if you're a golfer looking for more forgiveness due to mishits!
If you like this kind of mini-mallet shape then this putter may still be worth trying out but I just didn't get on with it. I'd much rather use the Anser 2D model which I tested at the same time.
Who Is It Aimed At?
Golfers who struggle with short putts, and those of you that like a lighter putter, or enjoy using the mini mallet shape.
Would I Use It?
No, this putter wasn't for me unfortunately. See my review of the Ping 2023 Anser 2D putter where I was far more enthusiastic.
If you enjoyed this, you may also like:
Ping 2023 Anser 2D Putter Review
Ping PLD Milled Putters Review