by Bang Average Golf’s Head of Cult Classics and Clutch Finishes.
In the pantheon of flatsticks, some putters are loved for their looks, some for their feel, and a rare few for the cold-blooded consistency they deliver on a scruffy Sunday green. The Ping Zing? It’s all three—if you’re the kind of golfer who values performance over preening.
Launched in the ‘80s with curves nobody expected and feel nobody saw coming, the Zing looked like it belonged in a toolbox, not a tour bag. But give it a few rolls, and suddenly you’re wondering why everyone isn’t using one.
This was the underdog putter that somehow became a major winner. And if you know, you know.
THE LOOK: Funky, Functional, Fearless
The stylish Anser set the bar in terms of looks, and most offerings that followed from Ping fell short. The Zing’s swooping, angular shape looks like it was designed with a protractor and a sense of spite. The toe flare. The unusual cavity. The sharp edges. It was no Anser… but when you put it behind the ball? Suddenly it made perfect sense.
The high toe line gives you a perfect view of the putter face. The slightly offset shaft suits the eye beautifully. And the unique geometry frames the ball in a way that screams, “Just roll it, mate.”
It’s not pretty but it sure is purposeful.
THE FEEL: Vintage Vibes, Pure Feedback
Cast from manganese bronze (or stainless steel, depending on the model), the Zing delivers a sound and feel that modern putters just can’t replicate. It’s that warm ping (appropriately) off the centre; sharp enough to give feedback but soft enough to stay smooth.
There’s no mush, no thud, no artificial inserts pretending to be feel. Just the pure, satisfying sensation of nailing one from 15 feet. And when you miss? You’ll know. But in the good, helpful, get-better way.
It’s feedback, not punishment. The feel of a Zing is much more pleasing than the Anser.
THE PERFORMANCE: Tour-Proven and Pub-Golfer Friendly
The Zing didn’t just show up; it won. Mark Calcavecchia rolled in a Claret Jug with a Zing, Curtis Strange bagged two US Opens and the man known as the best putter of his era – Loran “Boss of the Moss” Roberts also had a Zing in the bag. Plenty of others took it for a spin on tour too.
Why? Because it was consistent, balanced, and weirdly forgiving for something that doesn’t look like it should be. Toe-hang suited for arc strokes, lovely weight distribution, and that “just swing it” balance you only get from putters designed by someone who actually played golf.
Lag putts? Easy. Mid-rangers? Confident. Knee-knockers? Weirdly reassuring. The Zing is one of those rare putters that makes you stop second-guessing yourself and just roll the bloody thing.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Golfers who want feedback, not fluff.
Anyone who values function over form (or secretly loves retro gear).
People who appreciate putters with a bit of soul.
Players who want to feel like they’ve unearthed a hidden gem while everyone else plays overpriced milled furniture.
IN A NUTSHELL
Is it old?
Yes. And that’s part of the charm.
Is it effective?
Absolutely. This putter delivers, with zero ego and no marketing fluff.
Would we bag it today?
Without hesitation. It’s aged like a fine lager: slightly nutty, dangerously reliable, and welcome on any course.
BANG AVERAGE VERDICT
5 out of 5 glorious centre strikes. A timeless misfit with tour credentials and unmatched personality. Long live the Zing.
Disclaimer: May cause putting confidence, retro gear obsession, and unsolicited conversations with older playing partners who still call you “young’un.”
