Viktor Hovland made a significant change in his equipment at the Masters, switching from his Ping G425 driver to the new G440 LST. This marked the first driver change for him in four years, making it a big deal for the golfer who is known for not being a huge club tinkerer. Despite his recent win, Hovland decided to make the switch, showcasing his individualistic approach to his game. The decision to switch to the new driver was not a spontaneous one but rather a process that began five to six months prior.
The process of introducing the new driver to Hovland started last October when he wasn’t in the mindset to try out new equipment. His swing was in flux, and he needed stability in his game before considering any changes. The Ping representative, Kenton Oates, had to wait for the right moment to introduce the new driver, making sure that Hovland was ready to test it out. The specialized 7.5-degree head needed for Hovland’s requirements wasn’t available until February, delaying the process of making the switch.
One of the significant improvements Hovland experienced with the new Ping G440 LST driver was the consistency in his ball strikes. His misses on the face of the driver now had almost the same launch and spin, allowing for more control and predictability in his shots. The new driver also allowed him to maintain consistent ball speed across the face, improving his overall performance on the course. The shaft change from a Speeder TR to a Ventus Black Velo+ was also a strategic move that complemented the new driver.
The Ping G440 LST driver is designed to offer more ball speed and forgiveness, making it an ideal choice for players with faster swing speeds. The driver features PING’s deepest center of gravity (CG) for increased forgiveness and a shallower, thinner face for higher ball speed and distance. The custom-built driver for Hovland had a loft of 7.5 degrees with specific weight adjustments to suit his playing style. The addition of the Fujikura Ventus Black Velo+ shaft enhanced the overall performance of the driver for Hovland.
In conclusion, Viktor Hovland’s decision to switch to the Ping G440 LST driver at the Masters was a carefully planned and executed process that paid off in improved performance on the course. Despite the risks associated with changing equipment before a major tournament, Hovland’s individualistic approach to his game proved successful in this instance. The specialized design of the driver, tailored to Hovland’s requirements, showcased the attention to detail and precision in club fitting at the professional level. Overall, the switch to the new driver exemplified Hovland’s commitment to excellence and his willingness to adapt and evolve in his game.
