Best Ping Putters for Straight Putting Strokes (2025 Guide)
If you have a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke, selecting the right putter is critical. Ping, known for precision milled faces and tour-proven designs, offers several models specifically engineered for players with minimal arc in their stroke.
This guide explores the best Ping putters for straight putting strokes, breaking down each model’s features, benefits, and ideal golfer profiles to help you make the best choice for your game.
Understanding Straight Putting Strokes
A straight putting stroke, also known as a “straight-back-straight-through” (SBST) stroke, keeps the putter head moving along a relatively straight path during the backswing and follow-through.
What to Look for in a Putter for SBST:
- Face-balanced design (the putter face points upward when balanced)
- High MOI (moment of inertia) for forgiveness
- Stable mallet or high-MOI head shapes
- Alignment aids to help square the face
Ping categorizes their putters using stroke types:
- Straight = little to no arc
- Slight Arc
- Strong Arc
Look for Ping putters labeled for “Straight” strokes.
Alright then! Let’s get to the list…
1) Ping Tyne 4
Stroke Type: Straight
Head Shape: Mallet
Key Features:
- Dual-fork “tyne” design increases stability
- Tungsten toe and heel weighting for balance
- Long alignment line aids square setup
Why It’s Great:
One of the most stable and forgiving Ping mallets, ideal for players who need help keeping the putter face square throughout the stroke.
Check out the Ping Tyne 4 on TGW!
2) Ping Fetch
Stroke Type: Straight
Head Shape: Mallet with ball-pickup hole
Key Features:
- Face-balanced with deep CG (center of gravity)
- Ball retrieval cutout (legal for tournament play)
- Lightweight aluminum body with steel soleplate
Why It’s Great:
Provides excellent balance and feedback with a functional design. Ideal for older golfers or anyone with mobility concerns.
Check out the Ping Fetch on TGW!
3) Ping Harwood
Stroke Type: Straight
Head Shape: Ultra-high MOI mallet
Key Features:
- Multi-material construction (aluminum body, tungsten weighting)
- Face-balanced with extreme forgiveness
- Multiple alignment aids
Why It’s Great:
If you struggle with consistency, this is Ping’s most stable putter. Great for shaky hands or players under pressure.
Check out the Ping Harwood on TGW!
4) Ping PLD Milled DS72
Stroke Type: Straight
Head Shape: Mid-mallet
Key Features:
- CNC-milled from forged 303 stainless steel
- Face-balanced with clean, compact profile
- Crisp feedback with slightly firmer feel
Why It’s Great:
Used by Tour pros like Viktor Hovland. For golfers who want a clean look with face-balancing in a mid-mallet body.
Check out the Ping PLD Milled DS72 on TGW!
5) Ping Tomcat 14
Stroke Type: Straight
Head Shape: Large mallet
Key Features:
- 14-dot alignment system
- Lightweight aluminum body with steel weight pads
- Face-balanced and ultra-forgiving
Why It’s Great:
Perfect for golfers who rely heavily on alignment aids and stability. The massive footprint inspires confidence.
How to Choose the Right Ping Putter for Your Stroke
| Model | Stroke Type | Head Style | MOI | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyne 4 | Straight | Mallet | High | All-around SBST players |
| Fetch | Straight | Mallet | High | Senior golfers, casual rounds |
| Harwood | Straight | Mallet | Ultra-High | Shaky hands, off-center strikes |
| DS72 C (PLD) | Straight | Mid-Mallet | Medium | Better players, firm feel |
| Tomcat 14 | Straight | Large Mallet | Very High | Alignment-focused golfers |
Expert Tips for Straight Stroke Golfers
- Stick with face-balanced models: Avoid toe-hang putters unless you add arc to your stroke.
- Use alignment aids: Straight-stroke players benefit from visual cues to square the face at address.
- Test for feel: Ping offers multiple face inserts and milling styles (e.g., Dual-Durometer, Pebax, or solid milled).
- Weight matters: Heavier heads can help you stay on path; Ping mallets tend to support smooth strokes.
Ping Face Technology: Which One Should You Choose?
- Dual-Durometer Insert: Found in Ping 2023 models, combines soft feel and firm response.
- Shallow Milled Face: Found in PLD Milled series like DS72 C; firmer, with more feedback.
- Pebax Insert: Used in older Sigma models; softer for those who prefer feel over sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a beginner use a face-balanced putter?
Absolutely. Face-balanced putters are often the most forgiving and easiest to keep on line.
How can I tell if I have a straight putting stroke?
Try using alignment tools like the Eyeline Mirror or a laser device. If your putter stays mostly straight-back-straight-through, you’re in the SBST category.
Are Ping adjustable-length putters face-balanced too?
Many of them are. Models like the Fetch and Tomcat 14 are both adjustable and designed for straight strokes.
Should I use a mallet or a blade for a straight stroke?
Mallets generally work better for SBST strokes because of their weight distribution and face-balancing.
Final Thoughts
If you have a straight putting stroke, Ping offers some of the best face-balanced options on the market. From ultra-forgiving mallets like the Harwood and Tomcat 14, to compact, Tour-inspired models like the DS72 C, there’s a fit for every skill level.
Make sure to test a few options and prioritize alignment and balance over looks alone. The right Ping putter can help you stay on line and drain more putts with confidence.
Citations
- Ping Golf: https://ping.com
- Golf Digest 2025 Hot List – Putters
- MyGolfSpy – Ping Putter Stroke Type Analysis
- GolfWRX Forums – Player Feedback on Ping Mallets
