Why the Ping G430 LST was the most popular driver at the Presidents Cup

Equipment
Ping G430 LST driver

In January 2023 Ping released their latest ‘G’ range of products with the G430 family. Since then the woods and irons have received plenty of acclaim and always feature at the top end of any test and, last week at the Presidents Cup, the G430 LST was the most popular driver in Canada.

Seven players – Jason Day, Corey Conners, Taylor Pendrith, Mackenzie Hughes, Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala and Keegan Bradley – all went with the LS Tech rather than the MAX, which is the most forgiving of the range and appeals to the widest range of golfers, and the SFT (Straight Flight Technology).

The LST is only one of the three to feature Ping’s Carbonfly Wrap technology which is a lightweight composite that covers the crown and wraps into the heel/toe sections which saves weight and encourages all the key elements that you want in a driver; lower the Centre of Gravity for more ball speed, less spin and higher MOI (forgiveness). The face also curves less at the bottom of the clubface so anything hit off the bottom of the club will launch with more energy and less spin.

After being fully fitted Ping claim that the LST can offer you seven yards more distance over the previous model, the G425 LST.

This is the first time that Ping have introduced a carbon crown and there are the now trademark turbulators on top. These refer to the small ridges which are designed to improve the club’s aerodynamics by creating turbulence in the airflow over the clubhead as it moves through the air during a swing. This reduces drag and allows the club to move faster.

Smaller head size

And at 440cc it’s a slightly smaller head size than normal (460cc) so if you like a more compact look to your driver then this will appeal. Other key tech initiatives a moveable 22-gram, high-density tungsten back weight which influences the shot shape +/- seven yards between the Draw, Neutral and Fade settings and it is available in 9° and 10.5° lofts which are adjustable to +/- 1.5˚.

“With recent manufacturing advancements and the smaller head size of the G430 LST, the time is right to bring this technology to golfers,” said Ping at the club’s launch. “It’s quickly becoming the favourite of our tour players, who are enjoying the ball-speed gains while raving about the look, feel and sound.”

The sound was maybe the biggest drawback in the previous model and this has been a huge positive and something that will really appeal to the pros and amateurs alike.

“It sounded so much crunchier and healthier. It was like a hit, I really love the sound of this driver,” said Rick Shiels in his review.

As for the tour players, Viktor Hovland is also a big fan of the G430 LST driver, as are many of the LPGA stars such as Linn Grant and Leona Maguire.

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