Ping unveils special Viktor Hovland ‘Hovi’ Signature PLD Limited putter

Viktor Hovland’s incredible run during the FedEx Cup playoffs with a custom Ping PLD DS72 putter led to some grousing from weekend golfers. Sure, Ping’s extensive PLD putter program affords golfers the opportunity to build a DS72 to their own specs. But what happens if you want a replica version of Hovland’s putter built to his specs?

There’s much to be gained from using a putter built to your setup, weight and stroke type preferences, but with Hovland’s incredible run on the greens still fresh, Ping is offering golfers the chance to secure a special “Hovi” PLD that’s designed after the DS72 putter the 26-year-old currently has in the bag.

Before the DS72 had an official name, it was known as the “Hovi” — a counterbalanced prototype that eventually replaced the TaylorMade mallet he was using in 2020. Hovland’s since gone on to record all six of his PGA Tour titles with the putter in the bag.

“I’ve gone through some counterbalance putters in the past that I played in school, so I really like that shape,” Hovland told GOLF.com in 2021. “When I decided to sign with Ping, I stayed in that same head style but made one adjustment. There’s a line on the putter, but we also put one on the [topline] as well so the two lines match up together at address. Other than that, it’s the same head shape because that’s what I’m comfortable with. The milled insert in that putter is something that I much prefer as well. Instead of the ball melting on the face, you can feel the ball a little bit and it improved my speed.”

Instead of simply releasing a replica version of Hovland’s gamer with several personal touches, Ping chose to go all the way with the “Hovi” Signature PLD Limited ($990) — down to the exact same grip (and length) on his current wand.

Limited to just 100 pieces, each putter is fully machined at Ping’s headquarters in Phoenix, Ariz., serialized and custom-built to the identical shape, specs, length and weight of Hovland’s DS72 putter. Even the red 15-inch Winn “Long Pistol” grip is part of the build.

In other words, it’s an exact replica.

“It was a lot of fun to watch Viktor’s season just get better and better,” John K. Solheim, Ping’s CEO and president said in a release. “His play the last two weeks of the playoffs was phenomenal as his game peaked at just the right time, earning him back-to-back wins and the title of FedExCup Champion. He carried that momentum into the Ryder Cup, where his clutch play elevated him even higher among the best players in the world.

“His stellar putting has been well documented, and we’re excited to offer golfers their own custom-built ‘Hovi’ model through the PLD Limited program. And it’s not just meant for collectors. We’re encouraging those lucky enough to get one to take it on the course and put it in play. It will be one of the best investments they ever made.”

Available October 10 at 2 p.m. ET through pingpld.com, the limited PLD also has Hovland’s nickname “Hovi” engraved on the sole. The only other addition that’s new to this particular putter is a custom putter cover emblazoned with a Viking graphic — along with several other icons that are symbolic of his life and interests — a nod to Hovland’s Norwegian heritage.

PING 2023 DS72 Putter

$279

Fit for straight and slight-arc stroke types, the DS72 has a shallow milled face to deliver a firmer feel and consistent ball speed with pleasing acoustics. A platinum topline contrasts against the black cavity where a white alignment line and ball-width cavity floor focus the eye. The more squared off will be aesthetically pleasing to the mid-mallet player.The new PING putters all have one thing in common – precision performance on putts of every distance. Everything else is different. From firmer milled faces to soft feeling inserts, simple alignment aids to eye-pleasing color blocking, high MOI blades to multi-material mallets, each model is individually designed to achieve the proper balance of feel and forgiveness in a confidence-inspiring look that leads to more consistency on the greens. With 10 models in all, they leverage the best of PING putters from the past and present with an eye on making more putts in the future. A MODEL TO FIT EVERY GOLFER Each model is individually designed to achieve the proper balance of feel and forgiveness in a confidence-inspiring look. Choose from high MOI blades and multi-material mallets. TECHNOLOGY YOU CAN FEEL From firm milled faces to soft feeling inserts, the line-up is engineered to match a variety of feel preferences and deliver the control and consistency on putts of every length. ALIGNED FOR ACCURACY Single alignment cues or multiple lines combine with eye-pleasing color blocking to match your eye for confidence where it matters most.

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Ping’s recent PLD limited offerings have sold out in a matter of minutes. With Hovland’s name tied to the latest release, expect the trend to continue.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2023? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

Jonathan Wall

Golf.com Editor

Jonathan Wall is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s Managing Editor for Equipment. Prior to joining the staff at the end of 2018, he spent 6 years covering equipment for the PGA Tour. He can be reached at jonathan.wall@golf.com.

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