A new alignment technology developed using eye-tracking research, high moment of inertia mallet designs, and a striking white finish have been brought together in PING’s new Scottsdale TEC putter line.
The Scottsdale TEC (Tour Elevated Concepts) Ally Blue Onset, Ketsch Onset, Hayden, Ally Blue H and Ketsch 4 (RRP £375) were developed using eye tracking research rooted in a visual performance philosophy known as Quiet Eye.
In putting, Quiet Eye describes the duration of a player’s final gaze fixation on the ball, with longer durations consistently linked to higher skill and better performance. PING engineers tested multiple alignment prototypes while golfers wore Tobii eye tracking glasses. This enabled precise measurement of where, how long, and how consistently players focused their attention. The data revealed that certain alignment designs better stabilised gaze and extended Quiet Eye duration, leading to stronger visual control and improved putting performance.
This new alignment technology, called Eye Q, provides a distinct focal point on the top rail of the putters. By combining a focal point with a long alignment line, the design helps quiet the player’s eyes before the stroke, making it easier to centre and maintain a stable gaze at the critical moment.
The Scottsdale TEC Ally Blue and Ketsch models are engineered with an onset shaft position, which places the shaft near the centre line of the putter head, behind the top rail and ahead of the centre of gravity to provide golfers with a full-face view of the ball at address.
As with all PING putters, the centre of gravity in every Scottsdale TEC model is positioned behind the shaft axis to ensure it is pulled through the stroke for stability and less twisting. This preserves the torque and dynamic feel of the putter and allows for stroke type fitting to match a golfer’s needs. This theory was employed by PING founder Karsten Solheim, who often used a wheelbarrow analogy to make his point. He described how much easier and more stable it was to pull a wheelbarrow over a curb instead of pushing it over.
Meanwhile, the lightweight aluminum body and dense stainless-steel sole plate in the new putters positions mass low and to the perimeter to ensure extreme MOI and optimal CG placement for high forgiveness and consistent roll. Weight savings from the PEBAX insert cavity also provide discretionary mass to further optimise performance.
The putters’ one-piece inserts are made of PEBAX, an elastomer commonly used in the soles of athletic shoes for its elastic properties. The lightweight, high-energy-return compound delivers a soft and responsive feel, leading to improved distance control and consistency.
PING has also updated the WebFit Putter app with the new Scottsdale TEC series. The web-based fitting tool is developed in-house and helps golfers find the PING putter that best fits their game.
