For the first time since the USGA anchoring ban in 2016, Ping is offering a long putter model at retail.
Ping’s new PLD Milled AS Oslo L is part of the new PLD Milled AS (Alternative Style), which adds three putters — each catering to a unique putting style — to Ping’s PLD lineup.
Keep reading below for details on all three PLD Milled AS series putters, who each is for and my thoughts on the release.
What is the Ping PLD Milled AS series?
The new Ping PLD Milled AS series is made up of three putters, each from a non-traditional style of putting and based on Ping’s Oslo shape, one of the highest MOI and most forgiving shapes they make.
Oslo L is a 47″ long or “broomstick” style putter, popularized in recent years by Adam Scott and Lucas Glover. It’s Ping’s first long putter since the 2016 anchoring ban when players used to take the style of putter and use their sternum as a fulcrum in the stroke. The modern use of these putters involves players hovering the putter just below their chest and using their top hand to guide the putter.
The other two models are the Oslo CB, a counterbalance model with a double-bend shaft, and Oslo C, a center-shafted, standard-length putter with zero offset. It’s important to note the new Oslo C is not a low torque or onset model like Ping’s Ally Blue SE putter released in August.
All of Ping’s PLD Milled AS series models use the Oslo shape.
Ping
Who is each model for?
While all three models are categorized for Ping’s “Straight Arc” stroke type, each will cater to a specific, alternative style of putting.
The Oslo C is designed for players who prefer zero offset and a center-shafted look to aid in alignment. Meanwhile, the Oslo CB counterbalance option will be for players with a more deliberate stroke. Ping also says counterbalancing can be a good option for players who have too much shaft lean at impact to help them start the ball on line.
And finally, the Oslo L is for a player willing to try something very different and get the benefit of stability and control from the long putting style.
My thoughts
It was kind of wild for me to discover Ping was not currently in the long putter market, but the company does have a history of taking its time sometimes with trends in equipment, like adjustable metal woods, carbon usage and low torque putters.
Long putters haven’t had the same explosion in interest as low torque putters over the past 2-3 years, but they have definitely garnered their biggest following in the post-anchoring ban era.
Now they have a new option to satisfy that part of the market, while adding new shapes to their counterbalance and milled options. Previously, those two categories were only satisfied by the Scottsdale line, but now they’re available in the more premium PLD Milled line.
Giving players more options to satisfy different preferences will always be applauded here, and Ping seems to be casting their net wider to appeal to more golfers.
Price, Specs and Availability
PING 2025 PLD Milled Oslo AS C Putter
This center-shafted model will appeal to players who set up more comfortably with no offset. The full-length contrasting alignment line draws the focus forward to making aiming easier. Ballasting cascades to a cavity floor with etched lines that further help aim the highly forgiving head.
Technology:
Fully milled 303 Stainless Steel
Straight Arc
Shallow milling for slightly firmer feel
Long alignment line in back cavity on all 3 models
Matte black finish
PING 2025 PLD Milled Oslo AS Counterbalance Putter
The Oslo CB combines a longer shaft and grip with the highly forgiving Oslo head design. The CB is paired with a mid-length shaft and a longer grip for gripping down, if desired. For the golfer with too much shaft lean or “handle drag” at impact, counterbalancing helps deliver the face square and get putts started on line.
Technology:
Fully milled 303 Stainless Steel
Straight Arc
Shallow milling for slightly firmer feel
Long alignment line in back cavity on all 3 models
Matte black finish
The added stability and control that long putters can provide is engineered into the center-shafted Oslo L, designed for straight-arc strokes. This long putter’s split grip and 47-inch shaft promote a true pendulum stroke, minimize wrist hinge, and reduce back stress because of a more upright posture.
Technology:
Fully milled 303 Stainless Steel
Straight Arc
Shallow milling for slightly firmer feel
Long alignment line in back cavity on all 3 models
Matte black finish
Ping PLD Milled AS series putters will be available for pre-order starting October 14 and will arrive at retail on October 23.
Both the Oslo C, CB and L will cost $449.
Oslo C will come standard at 35″, Oslo CB is 37.75″ and Oslo L is 47″. The non-broomstick putters will have lie angles of 70 degrees and lofts of 3 degrees that can be adjusted in custom. The Oslo L has fixed specs of 79 degrees lie and 3 degrees of loft.
