Best Ping Putters for Straight Putting Strokes
Best Ping Putters for Straight Putting Strokes
If you have a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke, you’re part of a smaller group of golfers—but one that can benefit tremendously from the right putter match. Ping has long been a leader in putter design, offering models specifically crafted for different stroke types. For players with a straight stroke, choosing a face-balanced putter is critical to staying square at impact.
We’ll review the best Ping putters for straight putting strokes, explain why stroke type matters, and help you find the perfect match for your putting style.
Why Stroke Type Matters in Putter Fitting
Ping classifies putting strokes into three categories:
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Strong Arc: Large arc shape on backswing and follow-through
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Slight Arc: Moderate curve to the stroke
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Straight: Minimal to no arc; back and through on a single path
If your stroke is straight, you need a face-balanced putter, which minimizes rotation through the stroke. Using a toe-hang putter in this scenario may cause the face to open or close at impact, leading to inconsistency.
According to Ping’s internal fitting data:
“Golfers whose putters match their stroke type are 27% more likely to start the ball on their intended line.”
Top Ping Putters for Straight Putting Strokes
| Putter Model | Balance Type | Design Style | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ping Tomcat 14 (Heppler) | Face-balanced | Mallet | High MOI, adjustable length shaft, bold alignment | $270–$300 |
| Ping Fetch (Heppler) | Face-balanced | Mallet | Circle cut-out for ball pickup, firm feel | $250–$280 |
| Ping Ketsch G | Face-balanced | Mid-mallet | High forgiveness, insert face, alignment lines | $240–$270 |
| Ping DS72 (PLD Milled) | Face-balanced | Mid-mallet | CNC milled, soft feel, used by Viktor Hovland | $450–$600 |
| Ping Sigma 2 Tyne | Face-balanced | Mallet | Dual prongs, adjustable shaft, soft feel | $210–$250 |
1. Ping Heppler Tomcat 14
Best For: Golfers who want high forgiveness, sharp alignment lines, and firm feedback.
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Design: Multi-material mallet with extreme perimeter weighting
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Feel: Aluminum face provides a crisp, audible strike
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Shaft: Adjustable from 32″–36″
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Alignment: 14 dots + bold center line help square the face
Expert Tip: If you tend to decelerate or struggle with alignment, the Tomcat 14’s MOI and visuals can improve aim and tempo.
2. Ping Heppler Fetch
Best For: Golfers looking for a simple, unique design with functional alignment and ball retrieval.
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Design: Compact circular mallet
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Feature: Built-in ball pickup cutout (perfect for seniors or back issues)
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Face: Milled aluminum—no insert for firmer feedback
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Adjustability: Length adjustable, easy to fit
Note: Despite its small size, the Fetch is extremely stable and ideal for straight strokes.
3. Ping Ketsch G
Best For: Golfers who prioritize forgiveness and soft feel in a mid-mallet shape.
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Design: Compact but stable, very high MOI
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Face: Pebax insert for soft feel and consistent roll
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Balance: Perfectly face-balanced for minimal arc
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Alignment: Triple-line alignment for easy aim
Fitter Insight: Great for golfers who use soft grips or play slower greens.
4. Ping PLD Milled DS72
Best For: Serious golfers who want a premium feel with straight-stroke compatibility.
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Design: Tour-inspired mid-mallet
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Material: Fully milled from 303 stainless steel
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Balance: Face-balanced
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Used By: Viktor Hovland on Tour
Expert Insight: The DS72’s shape and balance help maintain face angle through the stroke, making it a favorite among precision-focused players.
5. Ping Sigma 2 Tyne
Best For: Golfers who like soft feel and strong visual cues in a compact mallet.
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Face: Dual-durometer insert (soft front, firm rear)
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Design: Dual-pronged shape enhances MOI
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Length: Fully adjustable shaft
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Stroke Fit: Face-balanced for straight stroke
Tech Insight: The Sigma 2 face tech offers feedback and forgiveness across different green speeds.
Expert Advice: What to Look for in a Putter for a Straight Stroke
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Face Balance: Look at how the putter head hangs when balanced. A face-balanced model will lie flat—ideal for minimizing twist.
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Alignment Features: Straight strokes benefit from bold, central alignment cues to help square the face.
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Forgiveness (MOI): High-MOI mallets help keep the face square on off-center strikes.
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Custom Fit: Adjustable-length shafts like those in the Heppler and Sigma 2 lines help players fine-tune posture and eye position.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: How do I know if I have a straight putting stroke?
A: Use a putting arc trainer or video your stroke from above. If the putter moves straight back and through, you likely have a straight stroke.
Q: Are face-balanced putters only for beginners?
A: No. Many advanced players with straight strokes prefer face-balanced mallets for consistency and forgiveness.
Q: Can I use a blade putter with a straight stroke?
A: Some blade putters like the Ping Anser 5 are nearly face-balanced, but most traditional blades are designed for arc strokes.
Q: Is the adjustable shaft worth it?
A: Yes—especially if your posture, eye line, or setup changes frequently. It can eliminate the need to buy a second putter just for fit.
Final Thoughts
Ping offers some of the best-engineered face-balanced putters in golf. If you have a straight putting stroke, models like the Heppler Tomcat 14, PLD DS72, and Sigma 2 Tyne are designed to support a square path and consistent impact.
The right Ping putter can give you better start-line control, improved roll, and fewer three-putts. Use Ping’s fitting tools or see a certified fitter to find the perfect match.
