PLAYING WITH … PING SIGMA 2 PUTTERS

Cost: $379. Tested by: Jimmy Emanuel, Golf Australia Writer (GA Handicap 9.4)

Numerous head designs, various grip options and adjustable length shafts means there is likely a Sigma 2 for everyone, writes Jimmy Emanuel.

MODEL PLAYED: Sigma 2 Fetch, Anser and Tyne 4; all fitted with Ping PP60 Pistol grips. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: There is obviously plenty of technology in the Sigma 2 putters when looking at the face and sole of each putter. But once I put all three test models behind the ball, the heads were nice and clean with classic Ping finishing and style.

Off the face, the feel is definitely softer than other Ping putters from the past, however the varied firmness of the insert means the roll is closer to non-insert putters I have used. This combination continued to impress me as the testing went on.

In regards to the three different models, I have always been partial to the Anser – and the Sigma 2 version was everything you would expect from Ping’s flagship model. The Fetch was intriguing and certainly easy to align with the golf-ball sized hole and parallel lines, while the Tyne 4 was surprisingly my favourite of the three. The combination of mallet forgiveness and the toe flow of the slant neck seemed to perfectly match my stroke and I found myself going back to it time and time again. HOW IT PERFORMED: As my time went on with the Sigma 2 putters, I became more and more comfortable with the feel of the new insert that I originally felt was a little too soft for my preferences. Beyond the feel, Ping’s TR pattern that is designed to improve roll and speed consistency no matter where the putt is hit on the face really impressed me. Purposely striking putts out of the heel and toe produced almost the same distance every time and really helped limit three putts when out on course.

The roll on centre strikes was very consistent as well. I noticed a large number of putts falling in the side door with the Sigma 2 putters, which always suggests the roll and speed is close to perfect, and on some dewy early morning greens the line left by the ball was almost unbroken from impact.

The Tyne continued to stand out for me in terms of head shape and performance. I can occasionally struggle to get along with mallet putters and even though the size of the head is significant, the Tyne 4 never felt awkward or uncomfortable for me. The two fangs on the back of the putter really framed the ball well at address and my alignment was better than with the Anser.

The Anser was my next choice of the three test models but only fractionally in front of the Fetch. The Anser appeared a little bulkier than previous versions to my eye and the combination with the black finish looked great. Off the face, the Anser was definitely the most solid feeling Sigma 2 and my long putting was at its best thanks in part to this.

Despite being my third preference, the Fetch did impress and is a great option for anyone who struggles with alignment or getting the ball out of the hole. The look is very compact for such a forgiving mallet, which made the Fetch feel less awkward than some other big head putters, and the combination of various alignment tools were extremely easy to use. When on the putting green and not focusing on aim as much as roll and feel, the Fetch was consistently on line with the hole – a great endorsement for the how easy it is to line up and getting the ball out of the hole with putter head is extremely easy.

Once again in terms of feel, there was a slight difference with the Fetch having a higher pitched sound off the face that wasn’t a negative by any means.

One of the other key technologies in the Sigma 2 range is the adjustable shaft length and Ping has really knocked it out of the park. The tool and system are ridiculously easy to use.

Although many people don’t consider putter length important, one session spent playing around with different lengths will quickly change that thinking. From players who grip well down to the hunched over putter, a simple adjustment can make a great deal of difference.

For mine, the adjustable shaft length was great to just experiment. I love to tinker with my clubs and have always tried different length putters, but rather than have to take the grip off and cut down or extend I was able to make a change in under a minute and be ready to try another length.

I also enjoyed the PP60 grip, which fit well in the hands regardless of the style of grip I employed and was a nice blend of a slightly bigger shape and the classic pistol grip.

Unsurprisingly given Ping’s putter history, the Sigma 2 line seriously impressed me. As always there was some adjustment to the feel of the insert but after one session I was perfectly comfortable and the construction designed for soft feel but consistent roll and speed is really well executed.

Despite my preference for the Tyne 4, all three models I tried could easily take a regular place in my bag and the adjustable length shafts, various grip options and numerous head designs means there is likely a Sigma 2 for everyone.