From his dominant finish to win the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup to his starring role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in Italy, Viktor Hovland had a remarkable season. In recognition of that, Ping is releasing a limited-edition “Hovi” signature PLD Limited putter on Tuesday.
Only 100 of the precision-milled putters will be available exclusively on pingpld.com beginning at 2 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, October 10. Purchase of the $990 Hovi is limited to one per customer.
Each Hovi putter is serialized, and custom-built to the exact shape, specs, and weight of Hovland’s DS72 putter, right down to the red Winn 15-inch “Long Pistol” grip and his nickname “Hovi” engraved on the sole. A custom putter cover was designed exclusively for this limited offering. It’s emblazoned with a Viking graphic as a nod to Hovland’s Norwegian heritage and several other icons, each symbolic of his life and interests.
“It was a lot of fun to watch Viktor’s season just get better and better,” said John K. Solheim, Ping’s CEO and president.
“His stellar putting has been well documented, and we’re excited to offer golfers their own custom-built ‘Hovi’ model through the PLD Limited program. And it’s not just meant for collectors. We’re encouraging those lucky enough to get one to take it on the course and put it in play. It will be one of the best investments they ever make.”
Before the DS72 model got its name, it was known simply as the “Hovi” during the prototyping process because its design was primarily inspired by Hovland’s insights and feedback, working closely with Ping’s principal putter engineer, Tony Serrano. The shape, sight lines and eye-catching patina finish were met with immediate acceptance from Hovland, who put the prototype in the bag three years ago and has earned all eight of his worldwide wins with it.
Two years ago, the DS72 model officially joined the Ping putter family, bringing the proven mid-mallet design to all golfers.
PHOTOS COURTESY PING