“Blueprint” is the ideal name for a Ping iron, given te fact that some 60 years ago. company founder Karsten Solheim introuced the world to iron design that still exists today.
The latest in that long line are the Blueprint S and Blueprint T, two new forged irons now available for custom fittings and pre-order at authorized Ping golf shops at $230 per club (steel) and $245 (graphite).l
“Our two Blueprint irons represent a new strategy for us in the forged-iron category,” said John K. Solheim, Ping CEO & President. “With the forged and forgiving cavity-back design of the “S” and the traditional muscle-back shape of the “T”, we’re targeting a wider range of golfers who prefer tour-style forged irons. The Blueprint name is a signal to skilled golfers looking for control, precision and feel from their irons. As the name implies, no details have been overlooked in the development of the new irons. Both models are engineered and manufactured to exacting standards and deliver the performance expected in a PING iron.”
“We’ve already seen multiple tour wins with the Blueprint S, including by Ping Pro Sahith Theegala, who earned his first PGA Tour title last fall in his first tournament with the new irons. Louis Oosthuizen won back-to-back weeks with a combo set of the Blueprint S and T irons, an approach we planned for by matching the lofts of each set, allowing golfers to blend their preferred models within our precision-iron line. The tour adoption is growing almost daily as we begin the new tour season.”
Developed following extensive testing with top Ping professionals, Solheim said the Blueprint S delivers score-lowering performance in a forged cavity-back design. Much of the design influence can be attributed to PING’s long line of tour-proven “S” series irons.
The compact shape fits the discerning eye with a thin top line and minimal offset. The forged 8620 carbon steel head boasts a clean cavity design, distinguished by an eye-catching textured pattern and hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish. The grooves are precision milled for optimal launch and spin. A high-density toe screw and shaft tip weight allow for swingweight fine-tuning.
“The Blueprint S is going to be a pleasant surprise for a lot of golfers who might not think they
are good enough to play them,” Solheim said. “Its design speaks to the lower handicap, but its technology broadens its appeal to the player who is looking for a forged, blade-style iron that’s a little easier to hit but still delivers the look and feel expected in a blade.”
An Industry First
A patented construction technology called “Precision Pocket Forging” in the Blueprint S allows for a pocket to be forged into the cavity of the 3, 4 and 5 irons. The pocket saves 10 grams of weight, which is re-allocated to increase the MOI and optimize the center of gravity position for more distance and trajectory control. An elastomer insert is concealed in the pocket of the 3-5 irons ensuring the solid feel and sound expected in a forged players iron.
“The ability to design a pocket into a forged iron in this way is an industry first,” said Solheim. “It’s a brilliant collaboration between Ping engineers and our supplier who thankfully accepted the challenge, and we developed a solution to a never-before solved problem. Until now, this level of long-iron forgiveness and the forging process have been mutually exclusive. We’re excited to bring this score-lowering technology to golfers.”
For the highly skilled golfer who relies on workability and prefers the size and look of a muscle back, the Blueprint T is engineered as a single-piece, 8620 carbon steel forging that puts a premium on trajectory control and superb feel. Its muscle-back design concentrates mass through the impact zone to ensure a pleasing sound and feel with the workability to take on any shot.
A shorter heel-face height allows the hosel transition to blend smoothly into the top rail, creating a clean, distraction-free appearance at address. The narrow soles enable consistent turf interaction from all conditions. Precision-milled grooves ensure the preferred launch and spin for players who rely on pinpoint control. A high-density toe screw and shaft tip weight provide precise swingweight control and a slight boost in MOI.
“Traditionally, an iron like the Blueprint T relies as much on the skill level of the player as it does on the technology,” Solheim said. “We understand that, but we’re always looking for ways to improve every iron we design. In the Blueprint T, every detail is extremely precise and calculated to ensure the performance demanded from a forged blade. It’s a true shot-maker’s iron crafted with precision, for precision.”
The Blueprint T lofts match the Blueprint S and i230 irons to allow golfers to create blended sets within PING’s precision iron offerings. The standard length of the Blueprint T 3-9 irons is ¼” shorter than Blueprint S to promote a lower ball flight.
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Photo Courtesy of Ping