New alignment technology developed using eye-tracking research, high-MOI mallet designs, and a striking white finish distinguish the new PING Scottsdale TEC putter line.
The Scottsdale TEC Ally Blue Onset, Ketsch Onset, Hayden, Ally Blue H and Ketsch 4 are available to pre-order now from authorized PING stockists, with an RRP of £375.
“The new TEC Scottsdale putters represent an exciting new opportunity for golfers to improve their putting technique,” said Solheim. “The use of eye tracking research has given us great insight into the best ways to help golfers improve their focus and sink more putts.
“We also chose to make this line mallet-specific to better serve the growing market for these types of designs while continuing to offer stroke-style placement with perfect CG placement. All Scottsdale TEC models are designed with PING-proven performance, including high MOIs and great feel. We’re seeing the adoption of a great ride as we enter an important era.”
Eye Q Alignment Technology
Scottsdale TEC (Tour Elevated Concepts) putters are developed using eye-tracking research based on a visual performance philosophy known as Peaceful Eye – the way golfers meet the putter before the stroke. In short, the Quiet Eye describes the duration of a player’s final concentration on the ball, with longer durations being linked to higher skill and better performance.
PING engineers tested multiple alignment prototypes while golfers wore Tobii eye tracking glasses. This enabled accurate measurement of where players focused, for how long, and how consistent they were. The data revealed that certain alignments create a more stable appearance and duration of Silent Eye, which directly leads to stronger visual control and improved placement performance.
This new alignment technology, called Eye Q, provides a unique focal point on the rail of Scottsdale TEC putters. By combining the focal point with a long alignment line, the design naturally helps calm the player’s eyes before the shot, making it easier to center and maintain a steady gaze at critical moments. This visual stability is the key to developing the Silent Eye period.
“Our researchers and scientists are looking for inspiration outside of golf,” Solheim said. “Quiet Eye has been used extensively in other sports that require precise movements to help athletes improve focus right before the game. Whether it’s shooting a free throw in basketball or serving a tennis ball, many top athletes train using this technique. With the Scottsdale TEC line and Eye Q Technology, we offer golfers a quick solution to improving their putting technique.”
Early Models
The Scottsdale TEC Ally Blue and Ketsch models are designed with a shaft position, placing the shaft near the center line of the putter head, behind the top rail and in front of the CG to give golfers a full view of the ball at address. The response to the early models on the professional tour has been overwhelmingly positive, with several players playing one, including Tony Finau, who has seen a significant improvement in his PGA Tour putting numbers.
“I’ve always used a blade putter, but I wanted to try a mallet,” said Finau, who switched to the Ally Blue Onset model in January. “I tried the Ally Blue Onset and immediately fell in love with it. It sets the square and makes it easy to know where the face is aiming. With the dot and the line, I can line up the center of the ball, which is very important. When you make good strokes, you split the ball in half, which means it curls at the end. My Scottsdale helped the TEC really help line up the center of the ball.”
‘Pull’ Center of Gravity
As with all PING putters, the center of gravity on every Scottsdale TEC model is positioned behind the shaft axis to ensure it is pulled through the stroke for stability and less twist. This preserves the torque and dynamic feel of the putter and allows the stroke type to match the golfer’s needs. This idea was started from scratch by PING founder Karsten Solheim, who often used the wheelbarrow analogy to make his point. He explained how much easier and more stable it was to pull the wheelbarrow over the edge instead of pushing it.
“My grandfather was a firm believer in the role of the CG position in playing the putter,” said Solheim. “We continue to use that philosophy today in all of our putter designs. Ensuring proper CG placement relative to the shaft axis is critical to performance. Dragging the CG provides more stability through the stroke and helps keep putts connected and rolling into the hole.”
More Forgiveness
A lightweight aluminum body and a dense stainless steel sole plate keep the weight low and to the perimeter of the Scottsdale TEC putters to ensure extreme MOI and optimal CG for high forgiveness and consistent roll. Weight savings from the PEBAX installation also provide optional weight to improve efficiency.
“All of Scottsdale’s TEC putters are mallet designs and ensure that golfers need to make more putts,” said Solheim. “They vary in shape and offer different shaft and hosel positions, allowing us to offer stroke types to fit each golfer based on their needs.”
Responsive Feeling
Scottsdale TEC’s one-piece insert putter is made of PEBAX, an elastomer commonly used in sports shoe soles due to its elastic properties. The lightweight, high energy return compound delivers a soft and responsive feel, resulting in improved distance control and consistency.
WebFit Putter App Updated
PING has also updated the WebFit Putter lineup with the new Scottsdale TEC series. A web-based sizing tool is built in and is quick and easy to help golfers find the PING putter that best suits their game.
“We continue to encourage golfers to take the time to get their putters,” Solheim said. “Whether it’s through the WebFit Putter app or at their favorite golf store, finding the best stroke type for your game and matching the look of the putter to your eye, a custom-fit putter can make a big difference on the scorecard.”
For more information, visit ping.com/en-us/golf-clubs/putters/scottsdale-tec
