Ping Wolverine
Available in three right hand and left hand models, also including the heel-toe Wolverine H (365 grammes) and face-balanced Wolverine C (370gms). Other Scottsdale models in the new series include Craz-E Too, Half Pipe, Hohum, Pickemup, Tomcat and Y Worry.
Quite why Ping chose this name as part of their new Scottsdale putter line is a mystery but presumably it was a smart piece of opportunism to coincide with the release of a popular film featuring the comic-book superhero of the same name.
Also Read: Best Golf Putters
And as the character has animal senses, a healing factor that slows down its ageing process and retractable talons, one of the Karsten family obviously spotted an opportunity for golfers to sniff the chance to shrug off their inhibitions like a youngster and to claw back some shots on their handicap!
And as you look down at address, there's certainly plenty to take in behind the ball - especially the claw-like stabilisers behind the heel linked by a red, white and 'dark charcoal' alignment aid, designed to keep the weight low and deep for a more forgiving feel at impact.
Personally I could have done with a little more weight built into the head for UK greens as opposed to those slick surfaces the makers are likely to find in the US where a heavy putter is harder to control. I would also have preferred less of a step at the back so it would make scooping up the ball much easier after a conceded putt.
However, thanks to the new, white thermoplastic eleastomer (TPE) insert, the ball generated a satisfying click off the face, reminiscent of the distinctive feel from TaylorMade's superb Rossa Corza Ghost putter.
The feel made distance control so much easier but the complication of the alignment design made me think too much about the technicalities of the stroke rather than merely stepping up and taking aim with confidence.
Verdict
An innovative putter, using a sabretooth-look to stabilize the putter head at impact. Crisp feel at impact made distance control easier to achieve.
