Show overview
PING Proving Grounds has been publishing since 2023, and across the 3 years since has built a catalogue of 95 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode. That works out to roughly 55 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 29 min and 42 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-US-language Sports show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed yesterday, with 11 episodes already out so far this year. Published by PING.
From the publisher
The PING Proving Grounds podcast dives into PING's celebrated history and immeasurable contributions to golf equipment, custom fitting and the game of golf in general. Broadcaster Shane Bacon and Marty Jertson, PING's Vice President of Fitting and Performance and professional golfer, discuss what happens behind the scenes at the PING Proving Grounds where data-driven research helps a team of scientists and engineers develop products and fitting tools to help golfers play their best. From the gold putter vault to PING Man and everything in between, tune in to hear more about what goes on at the PING Proving Grounds. Want to watch the podcast? Go to https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLerJdr1xhGiUKMPq3_uhO3HeIGE98CgTy
Latest Episodes
View all 95 episodesEpisode 95: Your Questions Answered
Episode 94: PING’s Commitment to Women’s Golf
Episode 93: Trackman (Feat. Fredrik Tuxen)
Episode 92: G740 Irons
Episode 91: Mason Howell at the Masters

Episode 90: Scottsdale TEC Putters
Shane and Marty are joined by Tony Serrano, PING Principal Design Engineer, to review the new Scottsdale TEC putter line. They discuss the research behind Eye-Q, a new Scottsdale TEC alignment technology, PING’s philosophy as it applies to the Onset models, and the other multi-material mallets in the lineup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 89: i540 Irons
Travis Milleman, PING Senior Design Engineering Manager, joins Shane and Marty at the PING Proving Grounds for a discussion on the new i540 irons. They dive into the technologies that were used in the design and construction of the player-distance model, what type of player it’s suited for, and how it delivers more on-course performance in speed, stopping power, sound, and feel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 88: Daniel Berger
Shane and Marty are joined on the PING Tour Truck by Daniel Berger, a recent addition to the PING roster on the PGA Tour. They discuss his transition to PING equipment, his golf journey and the keys to his game, and what life looks like off the golf course. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 87: Viktor Hovland & Shay Knight
Viktor Hovland and his caddie, Shay Knight, join Shane Bacon inside the new PING Tour Truck at TPC Scottsdale to discuss the upcoming WM Phoenix Open, recent swing changes Viktor has been working on, his interest in philosophy, and Viktor and Shay's player-caddie relationship. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 86: s259 Wedges
Senior Design Engineer, Jacob Clarke, joins Shane and Marty at the PING Proving Grounds to review the s259 wedge lineup. They cover the six grind options, the refinements that were made to the sole designs, and how Tour feedback plays a role in the research and development process. They also dive into the importance of wedge fitting and gapping. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 85: G440 K Driver
Shane and Marty are joined at the PING Proving Grounds by Ryan Stokke, PING Director of Product Design, to go behind the design of the G440 K driver. They dive into the design and development process, the innovations that contribute to PING's straightest and most forgiving model to date, and why MOI matters for all swing speeds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 84: Shaft Development
Shane and Marty are joined at PING HQ by John Oldenburg, Director of Shaft Development, to dive into the world of graphite shafts. They discuss PING's approach to shaft design, the new PING Shaft Lab, and how the new space will be used to elevate PING's holistic approach to club design. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 83: Soft Goods Design & Development
Shane and Marty are joined by Alex Kump, PING Soft Goods Design & Development Director, for a gear-focused discussion on golf bags, headwear and accessories, all of which are designed by his team at PING HQ. They dive into the origins of the iconic L8 and Hoofer golf bags, the R&D behind the new PING Reserve carry bag, and headwear insights from his team's partnership with our PING pros. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 82: Top-End Fitting
Shane and Marty discuss how to determine the best clubs between your driver and longest iron. They compare all of the equipment options, identify the fitting tools golfers can utilize to gap the top-end of their bag, and review PGA Tour trends at that end of the bag. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 81: Alternative Style Putters
Shane and Marty discuss alternative style putting and the fitting tools available to help golfers find a putter that’s best for their setup and stroke. They dive even deeper into long putters and one of the newest options available in the PLD family, the PLD Oslo L. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 80: Ryder Cup Preview (Feat. Harris English)
PING Pro Harris English joins Shane Bacon ahead of his second Ryder Cup to discuss Bethpage Black, what it’s like to play for Team USA, and how he’s continued to elevate his game and prepare for the biggest events in golf. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 79: The PING Virtual Fitting Experience
As Fall approaches, Shane and Marty take time to discuss the PING Virtual Fitting Experience, a complimentary fitting session with PING Fitting Specialists, available to everyone. They cover why and when a virtual fitting might be a good option, what to expect from the process, and fitting applications like PING Co-Pilot. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 78: Mason Howell
Newly crowned U.S. Amateur Champion, Mason Howell, joins the pod off the back of his recent win at The Olympic Club. The 18-year-old high schooler chats with Shane and Marty about his unforgettable week in the Bay Area, qualifying for the Walker Cup at Cypress Point, what’s in the bag, and some advice for junior golfers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 77: Putter Torque (Feat. Dr. Erik Henrikson)
Dr. Erik Henrikson, PING Director of Golf Science, joins Marty Jertson in the PING Putting Lab for a discussion on putter torque and why it's a popular topic in golf. They cover the five senses and physics of putting, putter innovation, and the latest PLD Milled SE model, the Ally Blue Onset. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 76: i240 Irons
Shane and Marty discuss the most recent addition to the PING iron lineup, the i240 irons. They dive into the technologies have helped advance performance in the new players-style design, how the i240 irons are engineered to blend well with other models and the early success of the model on professional tours worldwide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
