PING Nome 405 putter
With the debate ongoing about the future use of the belly or long putter, PING has become the first major golf company to introduce a USGA-approved adjustable-length belly putter shaft.
Offered exclusively with the Nome 405 putter, the shaft allows players to self-adjust the length within a nine inch range - from 37.5 to 46.5 inches - to optimize performance. To change the length, players use a PING adjustment tool that threads into a locking ring on the shaft. Turning the tool loosens the ring, allowing the shaft to slide telescopically. The player then adjusts the shaft to the desired length. Turning the adjustment tool in the opposite direction and removing it locks the ring and secures the shaft so it's ready for play.
The lower portion of the shaft is steel, the upper portion beneath the grip is graphite. The locking ring is made from 17-4 stainless steel. The Nome head is precision milled from high-grade aluminum and finished with a durable nano nickel coating. A lightweight aluminum frame and tungsten sole weighting optimize the CG and the MOI. The mallet-style head features a black alignment bar and white contrasting sightline.
The shaft is available in three different bends to match Straight, Slight Arc, and Strong Arc stroke types. This coincides with PING's Fit for Stroke putter-fitting concept.
"With the popularity of belly putters we saw a unique fitting opportunity because shaft length is so critical to performance," said PING Chairman and CEO John A. Solheim. "Adjustability is key because the standard 42-inch belly putter fits a narrow range of people. When the shaft is too long or too short, it alters your distance from the ball, your eye position, and the path of your stroke. Adjustability lets you experiment until your posture is comfortable and your eyes are over the ball, which helps you make a consistent stroke and solid impact. "
The Nome 405 Belly will be available in retail stores on May 1st with an MSRP of US$320.