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PING at 50
An interview with John Solheim
By CAROLYN MCCOOL
An interview with John Solheim
By CAROLYN MCCOOL
 |  |  |  |  |
Time changes many things but not everything. More
than fifty years of love with devotion, from a
manufacturer, shows that time does not change the
quest for a better idea or a product; in fact, some
things just last.
PING calls 1959 an official birthday but those who
know understand the birth of great ideas begins long
before a venture happens and stay long after its
inception.
In 2009, PING celebrated the big five-0. Recalling fifty
is easy on one hand and not so easy on the other. A
recent warm spring day in PING Chairman and CEO
John Solheim’s Phoenix office, surrounded by his
support team of Pete Samuels and Dave Engelking,
found the conversation stirring and reflective, yet
enriching. Looking at fifty through the years, examines
PING’s journey, which is quite a ride.
The Understanding Years
Karsten Solheim, PING founder and father of John,
knew he had something. From putter cooking on his
wife Louise’s stove, Karsten, a forever tinkerer and
innovator created a better way of doing things that kept
him in the game, on course and off. Karsten, both an
engineer and calculating golfer, knew an ideal way to
make and design a product, yet in 1959 his ideas
were not widely accepted. Those days in Redwood
City, Calif. until mid-1961, were days of learning and
understanding more about the market, the products,
production, and just about everything that would play
into the game reflecting PING’s motto “Play your best.”
Today, the learning and understanding continues in
market opportunities and challenges, yielding to the
way to do better with the “givens” of manufacturing and
golf. “Our success in equipment building has been a
lot of fun,” smiles Solheim. “We have learned so much
over the years and understand how to do things better
from developing new ideas, projects, and products.
How we have produced products has changed, even
the creation of a room flow channel in product
assembly and production has changed. We once
produced products across rooms, now we use a “U”
curve in production that is more efficient. We run a
different model than anyone else.”
The Putter Years
That first “ping” created a company name. Two years
ago, PING, celebrated a birthday--fifty. There, I said it
again. Fifty and PING both sound good and they both
have a story and after the understanding years finds
the exponential growth of the putter.
Business was doubling every year until the USGA in
1967 outlawed the putters because of a bend at the
grip. Sales went to zero, but a short time later with the
“problem” corrected business increased ten fold.
Karsten made the shaft bend inside the grip instead of
outside of it and history marched forward.
In 1962 the first professional victor with a PING putter
was John Barnum at the Cajun Classic but the first
notable professional victory came at the Phoenix Open
in 1967 when Julius Boros won there with a Cushin
putter. The Anser putter first produced in 1966,
heralded success was at the door and barging in,
forever changing the Solheim name and influence.
The Expanding Years
PING Putters were winning tournaments and being
found in bags far and wide. The early 1960s
introduced the international market to PING and it has
been a friend for life. The 1970s continued to see
putter growth and increased market share with
acceptance and even jealousy at times. PING’s
campus grew with the purchase and expansion of
land and buildings, irons and woods pushed the
depth and breadth of PING farther and wider.
Distribution grew and the little “PING Man” statute
resting outside of the factory main building gradually
became very big and wanted.
Good and great players desired a share of the history
creating company. Karsten, a man committed to
loyalty, found other players willing to walk with him
down this magical sidewalk. Larger than life – famous
named players like Nicklaus, Littler, and Boros even
wielded a PING.
than fifty years of love with devotion, from a
manufacturer, shows that time does not change the
quest for a better idea or a product; in fact, some
things just last.
PING calls 1959 an official birthday but those who
know understand the birth of great ideas begins long
before a venture happens and stay long after its
inception.
In 2009, PING celebrated the big five-0. Recalling fifty
is easy on one hand and not so easy on the other. A
recent warm spring day in PING Chairman and CEO
John Solheim’s Phoenix office, surrounded by his
support team of Pete Samuels and Dave Engelking,
found the conversation stirring and reflective, yet
enriching. Looking at fifty through the years, examines
PING’s journey, which is quite a ride.
The Understanding Years
Karsten Solheim, PING founder and father of John,
knew he had something. From putter cooking on his
wife Louise’s stove, Karsten, a forever tinkerer and
innovator created a better way of doing things that kept
him in the game, on course and off. Karsten, both an
engineer and calculating golfer, knew an ideal way to
make and design a product, yet in 1959 his ideas
were not widely accepted. Those days in Redwood
City, Calif. until mid-1961, were days of learning and
understanding more about the market, the products,
production, and just about everything that would play
into the game reflecting PING’s motto “Play your best.”
Today, the learning and understanding continues in
market opportunities and challenges, yielding to the
way to do better with the “givens” of manufacturing and
golf. “Our success in equipment building has been a
lot of fun,” smiles Solheim. “We have learned so much
over the years and understand how to do things better
from developing new ideas, projects, and products.
How we have produced products has changed, even
the creation of a room flow channel in product
assembly and production has changed. We once
produced products across rooms, now we use a “U”
curve in production that is more efficient. We run a
different model than anyone else.”
The Putter Years
That first “ping” created a company name. Two years
ago, PING, celebrated a birthday--fifty. There, I said it
again. Fifty and PING both sound good and they both
have a story and after the understanding years finds
the exponential growth of the putter.
Business was doubling every year until the USGA in
1967 outlawed the putters because of a bend at the
grip. Sales went to zero, but a short time later with the
“problem” corrected business increased ten fold.
Karsten made the shaft bend inside the grip instead of
outside of it and history marched forward.
In 1962 the first professional victor with a PING putter
was John Barnum at the Cajun Classic but the first
notable professional victory came at the Phoenix Open
in 1967 when Julius Boros won there with a Cushin
putter. The Anser putter first produced in 1966,
heralded success was at the door and barging in,
forever changing the Solheim name and influence.
The Expanding Years
PING Putters were winning tournaments and being
found in bags far and wide. The early 1960s
introduced the international market to PING and it has
been a friend for life. The 1970s continued to see
putter growth and increased market share with
acceptance and even jealousy at times. PING’s
campus grew with the purchase and expansion of
land and buildings, irons and woods pushed the
depth and breadth of PING farther and wider.
Distribution grew and the little “PING Man” statute
resting outside of the factory main building gradually
became very big and wanted.
Good and great players desired a share of the history
creating company. Karsten, a man committed to
loyalty, found other players willing to walk with him
down this magical sidewalk. Larger than life – famous
named players like Nicklaus, Littler, and Boros even
wielded a PING.
The Iron Years
Make no mistake, PING is more than putters and the
“iron years” marked around the 1980s give proof to
that fact. Though the first iron bore the name KI,
followed through until the KIV, it is the Eye 2s from
1982 that are PING’s most successful. Other models
and materials like beryllium copper, found their way in
the iron line up over the years in the Zing and ISI irons.
Late in 1984 something that would test PING’s metal
found its way into their history as well, square grooves.
The Groove Years
The late 1980s and early 1990s are a time that anyone
in and around golf will never forget. Grooves, which
create spin and bite from a club to a ball, created
much stir and discussion. The golf world, in later
years, would never be the same after these seven or
so years of discussion. Discussion centered on how
the grooves were measured and whether they should
be allowed.
The groove issue found resolution in 1993. “The
winners of the groove issue were the golfers, as they
were able to play their clubs forever,” says John.
“Some of the settlement agreements were
confidential, but with the USGA, no money exchanged
hands.
Relations are good with the ruling bodies. “One good
thing that eventually came out it was the forming of the
United States Golf Manufacturers Council which, when
appropriate, provides collective input to the USGA,”
states John firmly. One year ago, March, John allowed
the PGA Tour to waive the groove exception to the Eye
2s and also recently for the U.S Open, US Senior
Open and US Ladies Open for qualifying.
The groove years brought a lot of challenges and
education that later proved to be a blessing. “I see
them now as learning experiences for the team that
were not so welcome at the time, but later proved to
help us improve the strength of our company,”
recounts a peaceful John. “They set us up for more
challenges to work through to perfect our product and
build a stronger team.”
The Transition Years
Gathering steam again and finding their true north,
PING regrouped and reaffirmed its commitment to
what they have always done best – innovate and offer
function in design of its product. Karsten handed the
reins of the company in bits and pieces to John who
was named President in 1995. John later became
Chairman and CEO, while Louise, Karsten’s wife, was
Chairman early on. The family-owned business was
shifting between the children of Karsten and Louise to
the children of the three sons. New blood was running
in golf’s veins and new things were budding and
blooming, if ever so small.
John’s project and “baby” showed up early in golf bag
development and now PING’s bags like the L8 and
stand bags are a hit and create identifying bags for
golfers, colleges, and businesses. The once only
black and white PING bag had found another outlet
with color and print, something that showed up in
clothing and hats over the years as well.
John’s number one son, John K., was transitioning
into the company during this stage when Karsten died
in February 2000. His large and celebratory funeral
was a testament to how many he influenced and how
much the world of golf was changed by his products.
Make no mistake, PING is more than putters and the
“iron years” marked around the 1980s give proof to
that fact. Though the first iron bore the name KI,
followed through until the KIV, it is the Eye 2s from
1982 that are PING’s most successful. Other models
and materials like beryllium copper, found their way in
the iron line up over the years in the Zing and ISI irons.
Late in 1984 something that would test PING’s metal
found its way into their history as well, square grooves.
The Groove Years
The late 1980s and early 1990s are a time that anyone
in and around golf will never forget. Grooves, which
create spin and bite from a club to a ball, created
much stir and discussion. The golf world, in later
years, would never be the same after these seven or
so years of discussion. Discussion centered on how
the grooves were measured and whether they should
be allowed.
The groove issue found resolution in 1993. “The
winners of the groove issue were the golfers, as they
were able to play their clubs forever,” says John.
“Some of the settlement agreements were
confidential, but with the USGA, no money exchanged
hands.
Relations are good with the ruling bodies. “One good
thing that eventually came out it was the forming of the
United States Golf Manufacturers Council which, when
appropriate, provides collective input to the USGA,”
states John firmly. One year ago, March, John allowed
the PGA Tour to waive the groove exception to the Eye
2s and also recently for the U.S Open, US Senior
Open and US Ladies Open for qualifying.
The groove years brought a lot of challenges and
education that later proved to be a blessing. “I see
them now as learning experiences for the team that
were not so welcome at the time, but later proved to
help us improve the strength of our company,”
recounts a peaceful John. “They set us up for more
challenges to work through to perfect our product and
build a stronger team.”
The Transition Years
Gathering steam again and finding their true north,
PING regrouped and reaffirmed its commitment to
what they have always done best – innovate and offer
function in design of its product. Karsten handed the
reins of the company in bits and pieces to John who
was named President in 1995. John later became
Chairman and CEO, while Louise, Karsten’s wife, was
Chairman early on. The family-owned business was
shifting between the children of Karsten and Louise to
the children of the three sons. New blood was running
in golf’s veins and new things were budding and
blooming, if ever so small.
John’s project and “baby” showed up early in golf bag
development and now PING’s bags like the L8 and
stand bags are a hit and create identifying bags for
golfers, colleges, and businesses. The once only
black and white PING bag had found another outlet
with color and print, something that showed up in
clothing and hats over the years as well.
John’s number one son, John K., was transitioning
into the company during this stage when Karsten died
in February 2000. His large and celebratory funeral
was a testament to how many he influenced and how
much the world of golf was changed by his products.
The Driver Years
Though PING has carried both wood and metal drivers
through the years it was the introduction of the G2 that
caused the golf world to take notice. Though PING’s
hybrids have offered magic, the G series drivers have
led them to the fifty-year mark.
Often remembered for keeping wooden woods in
service when metal woods were creating a storm,
PING has exercised often picked the direction they see
best to serve golf. “Our greatest contribution to golf is
innovation through design which creates function in
golf equipment for better golf and players,” tells John,
“and we have forced the industry to raise the level of
quality products and encouraged the ruling bodies
and administration to have accountability and
transparency in the operations and interests of golf.”
Imitation is an example of flattery and imitation is a
serious problem for the golf industry and PING.
Counterfeit products may be even a more difficult
problem than they were in PING’s early years. With the
Internet and accessibility to product, the flow of fake
goods continues to take from companies who invest
and operate in sound technological practices and
innovations. The golf community continues to fight this
common problem.
Every part of the game has experienced change from
the agronomy to the conditioning of athletes. Years
ago few athletes were in great shape, now it is almost
a “standard order.” Sam Snead, one of the greatest
ever, was always in great shape, both in mind and
body. His record tells of high achievement. Today,
shape is all across the board and begins very early in
a serious achiever’s life.
One change of concern to John is with the Rules of
Golf. “The rules of golf have become overly
burdensome and have weighed down the game’s
potential for enjoyment,” says John. “They could serve
golf better if they were greatly simplified.”
“The future worries me greatly,“ John says thoughtfully,
“as it is tied to the economy. Golf will do well, by where
the economy is—when times are difficult, golf is the
first activity given up by many. The economy forces a
manufacturer to be more active when they sell less in
a difficult market, but must find a way to get and give
more in a troubled economy.”
PING has been in business for fifty years and some
people know who they are and what they stand for,
while others are learning. “Our goal is to use PING to
glorify the Lord and make golf as enjoyable as
possible for everybody,” says John as looks intently.
“To create a way for a disabled golfer to play is very
rewarding. For me, employing a lot of people is a joy
and having them, as a team, with our family members
going with you is very special. To be able to take care
of them along the way has been very satisfying.”
Carolyn Flinn McCool is a freelance writer and recently
published a book called Finish Well. Her husband,
Robin, was a sales rep for PING, formerly Karsten
Manufacturing Corporation for nearly 30 years. She is
the mother of twin sons and golf has always been in
her bag and home.
Though PING has carried both wood and metal drivers
through the years it was the introduction of the G2 that
caused the golf world to take notice. Though PING’s
hybrids have offered magic, the G series drivers have
led them to the fifty-year mark.
Often remembered for keeping wooden woods in
service when metal woods were creating a storm,
PING has exercised often picked the direction they see
best to serve golf. “Our greatest contribution to golf is
innovation through design which creates function in
golf equipment for better golf and players,” tells John,
“and we have forced the industry to raise the level of
quality products and encouraged the ruling bodies
and administration to have accountability and
transparency in the operations and interests of golf.”
Imitation is an example of flattery and imitation is a
serious problem for the golf industry and PING.
Counterfeit products may be even a more difficult
problem than they were in PING’s early years. With the
Internet and accessibility to product, the flow of fake
goods continues to take from companies who invest
and operate in sound technological practices and
innovations. The golf community continues to fight this
common problem.
Every part of the game has experienced change from
the agronomy to the conditioning of athletes. Years
ago few athletes were in great shape, now it is almost
a “standard order.” Sam Snead, one of the greatest
ever, was always in great shape, both in mind and
body. His record tells of high achievement. Today,
shape is all across the board and begins very early in
a serious achiever’s life.
One change of concern to John is with the Rules of
Golf. “The rules of golf have become overly
burdensome and have weighed down the game’s
potential for enjoyment,” says John. “They could serve
golf better if they were greatly simplified.”
“The future worries me greatly,“ John says thoughtfully,
“as it is tied to the economy. Golf will do well, by where
the economy is—when times are difficult, golf is the
first activity given up by many. The economy forces a
manufacturer to be more active when they sell less in
a difficult market, but must find a way to get and give
more in a troubled economy.”
PING has been in business for fifty years and some
people know who they are and what they stand for,
while others are learning. “Our goal is to use PING to
glorify the Lord and make golf as enjoyable as
possible for everybody,” says John as looks intently.
“To create a way for a disabled golfer to play is very
rewarding. For me, employing a lot of people is a joy
and having them, as a team, with our family members
going with you is very special. To be able to take care
of them along the way has been very satisfying.”
Carolyn Flinn McCool is a freelance writer and recently
published a book called Finish Well. Her husband,
Robin, was a sales rep for PING, formerly Karsten
Manufacturing Corporation for nearly 30 years. She is
the mother of twin sons and golf has always been in
her bag and home.
John Solheim of PING during a recent interview in his
Phoenix, Ariz. office.
Phoenix, Ariz. office.