Inside the PING Factory: The Art of Custom Golf Club Building

Ever wondered how your favourite PING golf clubs are crafted? From the moment an order is placed to the final assembly, PING employs meticulous processes and advanced technology to create precision-engineered clubs tailored to each golfer's swing. This post takes you inside the PING factory to explore how a custom set of golf clubs is made. This summer we took a trip from AFGolfStore up to Gainsborough to watch the PING team hard at work.

The Order Process Begins

The journey of a custom PING golf club starts with the order. Each order is printed out and serves as the blueprint for the club-building process. As soon as the ticket is printed, the team begins to gather all the necessary products listed on it. This initial phase is crucial as it sets the foundation for the entire build.

Weighing and Scanning Components

Once the products are picked, they move to a scanning station. Each item has its own QR code, which is scanned to bring up the corresponding details on a screen. This step includes weighing each product, allowing PING to determine the necessary adjustments for swing weight later in the process. This attention to detail is what makes PING clubs stand out in the market.

Cleaning the Heads

Before assembly can begin, the inside of the club heads is meticulously cleaned using a wire brush. This ensures that there is no dirt or grit inside the hosel, which could affect the club's performance. A quick burst of air is used to remove any remaining debris, preparing the heads for the next steps.

Setting the Lie Angle

A hallmark of PING's craftsmanship is its colour code system for lie angles. Early in the process, the correct colour dot is added to each head based on the specifications on the order ticket. This step is vital as it ensures that the clubs will be perfectly suited to the golfer's needs.

Applying Serial Numbers

Each PING club head is stamped with a unique serial number. This number is essential for tracking the specifications of the club, especially if the golfer wishes to add more clubs to their set in the future. By entering the serial number into PING's system, customers can retrieve the exact specifications of their clubs.

Selecting the Shafts

Next, the shafts are selected based on the order details. This section of the factory houses a wide variety of shafts, each ready to be matched with the appropriate club head. One unique feature of PING is the way they store the ferrules (the plastic pieces that connect the shaft to the club head) under heat lamps. This softens the plastic, making it easier to apply to the shafts.

Applying the Ferrule

The application of the ferrule is an important step. The ferrule must be positioned correctly to ensure that glue does not run down the shaft, which could affect the swing weight. This precise procedure showcases PING's commitment to quality and performance.

The Build Process Begins

With the heads cleaned and the shafts prepared, the build process begins. At this stage, tip weights are selected based on the earlier weighing process. Each club head is scanned, and the necessary amount of glue is delivered according to the specific model. The glue is applied, and the club is placed on a heating carousel to cure for about 15 minutes.

Lock and Lie Measurement

One of the most critical steps is the lock and lie adjustment. This process ensures that each club's loft and lie are perfectly aligned. A camera inside a metal block measures these angles, and the club builder is guided by a computer that indicates necessary adjustments. This method highlights PING's dedication to precision.

Cutting to Length

Next, each club is cut to its specified length. This step is performed with great care, ensuring that the ends are smooth and free from sharp edges. The efficiency of this process is impressive, thanks to PING's advanced machinery.

Turning Down the Ferrules

The ferrules are then turned down to ensure a perfect fit. This process requires skill, as the builders work quickly to create a polished appearance. A bit of acetone is used to buff each ferrule, giving it a shiny finish before it moves on to the gripping process.

The Gripping Process

The gripping stage is fascinating. PING employs a laser line to help builders align grips accurately with the shaft and clubface. This ensures that every grip is perfectly straight, contributing to the overall performance of the club.

Hot Melt Application

In addition to the standard procedures, PING uses a hot melt process for woods, hybrids, and fairway clubs. This involves injecting a glue-like substance into the club head to achieve the desired head weight, which is crucial for swing performance. The attention to detail in this step is what sets PING apart.

Final Swing Weight Adjustments

After the hot melt is applied, the clubs undergo swing weight adjustments. At this stage, each club is checked to ensure it meets the specified swing weight. The accuracy of this process is remarkable, with adjustments made as needed to ensure optimal performance.

Quality Control Checks

Before packing, each club goes through a manual quality control check. Selected irons are tested to ensure they meet PING’s high standards. This final inspection is vital for ensuring that every club leaving the factory is up to par with PING's reputation for quality.

Building PING Putters

While PING is renowned for its irons, it also takes great care in crafting putters. The process for putters follows the same meticulous steps, ensuring that each putter is built to the same high standards as their iron sets. This attention to detail is evident throughout the entire manufacturing process.

Your Custom Clubs Are Ready

After going through the entire manufacturing process, the custom clubs are now ready for packaging. Each set is carefully boxed with the golfer's name, signifying the personal touch PING adds to every order. This commitment to customisation ensures that every golfer receives clubs tailored specifically to their needs.

The PING Experience

The PING factory tour reveals the incredible dedication to detail and precision that goes into every club. From the initial order to the final assembly, every step is designed to ensure that the clubs perform at the highest level. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting, knowing how your clubs are made adds a deeper appreciation for the game.

This adds a level of trust for any customers looking to purchase PING clubs, which you can do so in a FREE custom fitting at any of our AFGolfStore locations.

BOOK A FREE PING CUSTOM FITTING TODAY

Thanks for joining us on this journey through the PING factory. We hope you’ve gained insight into the craftsmanship and technology that make PING clubs a favourite among golfers worldwide. Don’t forget to share this with your golfing friends!