Ping G2 Driver: The Original (And Where To Find It Now)

The Ping G2 driver was once the most popular driver in golf. Today, it's still sometimes seen on golf courses and in golf shops that specialize in second-hand equipment. Ping Golf no longer manufactures the driver, which debuted in mid-2004. In 2005, according to Ping, the G2 driver was the top-selling driver on the market in eight months out of that year.

The Ping G2 was eventually superseded in the Ping lineup by the G5 driver, which came out about one year after the G2. (And yes, the G2 launched Ping's long-running G-Series driver family.)

Our original article about the Ping G2 driver appears below. But first ...

Buying the Ping G2 Driver Today

The Ping G2 driver can still be found on the secondary market. In fact, it is sometimes available on Amazon.com sold by Ping itself.

If you plan to shop for or purchase a used Ping G2 driver, we recommend you look it up on the PGA Value Guide first to check its current value.

Original Article: Ping G2 Driver Off to a Fast Start

Our original article on the Ping G2 driver, written at the time of the club's release, was first published on Aug. 11, 2004, and follows here:

The latest driver from Ping, its G2 Driver, was introduced to Ping's Tour players in July. And it's off to a fast start.

Just a month later, the Ping G2 Driver has been used by Mark Hensby to win the PGA Tour John Deere Classic, by D.A. Points in a Nationwide Tour victory, and by Karen Stupples in her Women's British Open win.

Soon, the Ping G2 Driver is available to the rest of us.

The Ping G2 Driver checks in at 460cc, is made of titanium and features an internal weighting system that reduces spin and launches the ball higher for added distance and accuracy. According to Ping, several of its Tour players, including Hensby, are claiming distance gains of 10-15 yards. They are also, Ping says, responding very favorably to the shape of the new driver.

"Its size and high moment of inertia makes it our most forgiving driver ever," said John A. Solheim, Chairman & CEO of Ping. "The design and shape actually make it appear smaller than it is. Several tour players have commented on its appearance saying it doesn't look like a 460cc driver. That clean appearance translates to added confidence.

"Plus, it has a great sound which gives the golfer a feeling of power knowing they've made solid contact."

Four lofts are available in the 460cc version (7, 8.5, 10 and 11.5 degrees) and three shaft choices (Ping TFC100D, Aldila NV 65 and Grafalloy ProLaunch 65), in R, S and X flexes, are available.

In addition to the 460cc version, men and women with slow swing speeds can choose a 400cc, 15.5-degree loft version of the G2. This smaller version is designated G2 EZ (slow swing speed men) and G2 Ladies.

"The higher lofted versions are very exciting," Solheim said. "A 400cc head with that much loft has never been available to golfers before. When matched with the proper shaft flex, it's a combination that will provide huge benefits to golfers with slower swing speeds."

Shipments outside the U.S. began in early August 2004. The Ping G2 Driver will be available in the U.S. beginning in September 2004.