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PING S59 Iron Targets Blade Market
Contact Pete Samuels
602-687-5487
PHOENIX, Ariz. (July 30,
2003) - PING's focus on the blade iron market is intensifying with
the introduction of the PING" S590/00 iron, according
to company Chairman & CEO John Solheim.
"We have the technology and expertise to become a leader in the category," said Solheim. "A lot of blade players are the influencers, so it is good long term for the brand. Plus, we're providing better golfers something they've long been asking for from PING."
While it's the first traditional blade the company has offered since the 1960's, Solheim assures golfers the S59 includes all the innovation, quality and performance they've come to expect since PING pioneered cavity back irons.
"It's different for us, no doubt about it," Solheim said of the investment cast, stainless steel club. "But that's what is so exciting for us. We've taken a lot of what we've learned over the years and applied it in a way that we believe raises the bar in the blade category. It's consistent with what we've always done - design game improvement clubs.
"But with the S59, we're improving the game of the player who prefers the look, feel and performance of a blade. They're traditionalists who are very particular about their irons. This club provides solid hits - time after time."
Solheim led the engineering effort with PING Club Designer Mike Nicolette.
Together, they engineered a clean, classic shaped club head that provides
the feel and ball flight characteristics better players demand. A bar
positioned across the back of the compact head and a center of gravity
located close to the face produce solid blade feel with penetrating trajectories.
"There's a lot of engineering in the S59," Solheim added. "The bar across the back of the club plays a huge role in the performance of the iron. It ensures better players that solid feel and distance control they need to compete at a high level. It even has a small cavity to provide the forgiveness every golfer needs. And a slight, progressive offset makes the long irons easier to hit."
A thin top line and narrow, cambered sole give the S59 iron a traditional blade appearance. A buffed sole and flange that contrast with a sandblasted face and top line give it a unique finish that adds to its appeal.
"The response from our tour staff to the look of the club has been exceptional," Solheim said. "That first impression is critical to the acceptance of this type of club. The S59 looks great to their eyes and sits perfectly at address. It provides them the confidence they need to play any type of shot, from any type of lie. They wanted to know when they could get a set."
The PING S59 iron is available in 2-9, PW. Suggested retail is $130 per club with a PING ZZ-65 steel shaft.
PING retailers are currently accepting orders. Worldwide shipments will begin in mid-August.