The PING Color Chart is a revolutionary system that has been helping golfers find their ideal club specifications since it was first introduced in 1972. This chart has been designed to assist players in determining their optimal lie angle and club length based on their height and wrist-to-floor measurement. But just how accurate is the PING Color Chart? This article delves into the accuracy and effectiveness of the PING Color Chart in finding the right clubs for golfers.
Understanding the PING Color Chart
The PING Color Chart is a system of 12 different color codes that represent various lie angles and club lengths. It helps golfers find a club that fits their body dimensions and swing mechanics, ultimately leading to improved accuracy and consistency in their shots. Each color corresponds to a specific lie angle, with black being the standard and other colors denoting progressively flatter or more upright lie angles.
Evaluating the Accuracy of the PING Color Chart
- Measuring Consistency: The PING Color Chart has proven to be a consistent and reliable method of fitting golfers with the correct club specifications. The chart has been refined over the years and has withstood the test of time as a valuable tool in club fitting.
- Customization: The PING Color Chart is designed to be used in conjunction with a professional club fitting session, where a fitter can make further adjustments based on the golfer’s unique swing characteristics. This combination of the color chart and expert guidance ensures a high degree of accuracy in finding the right club specifications for each individual golfer.
- Limitations: While the PING Color Chart is an effective starting point for finding the right club specifications, it may not be 100% accurate for every golfer. Factors like swing style, flexibility, and other physical characteristics can influence the ideal club specifications, making it essential for golfers to work with a professional fitter for the best results.
Additional Factors to Consider
While the PING Color Chart has demonstrated its effectiveness in guiding golfers towards their ideal club specifications, there are several other factors to consider when selecting the perfect set of clubs:
- Shaft Flex: The flexibility of the club’s shaft plays a critical role in matching a golfer’s swing speed and tempo. The PING Color Chart does not account for shaft flex, so it is essential to work with a club fitter to determine the appropriate flex for your swing.
- Grip Size: The grip size can significantly influence a golfer’s comfort and control over the club. An ill-fitting grip can lead to inconsistent shots and even injury. A professional club fitter can measure your hand size and recommend the appropriate grip size for optimal performance.
- Clubhead Design: The PING Color Chart focuses on lie angle and club length but does not address clubhead design. Golfers should consider factors such as forgiveness, shot-shaping capabilities, and overall feel when selecting the right clubhead design for their game.
- Set Composition: A golfer’s skill level and playing style will influence the ideal set composition. For example, beginners may benefit from including more hybrid clubs for easier launch, while low-handicap players may opt for a mix of long irons, short irons, and wedges to suit their shot-making abilities.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the perfect set of clubs. A golfer should feel comfortable and confident with the clubs in their bag, as this can have a considerable impact on their performance on the course.
Incorporating the PING Color Chart in the Club Fitting Process
The PING Color Chart is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive club fitting process. Golfers should consider the following steps to ensure they find the perfect set of clubs for their game:
- Preliminary Research: Before attending a club fitting session, golfers can use the PING Color Chart to gain a general understanding of their ideal lie angle and club length.
- Professional Club Fitting: Schedule a club fitting session with a certified fitter who can assess your swing and make recommendations based on your physical attributes, swing style, and skill level.
- Test Various Options: During the club fitting session, try out different club configurations, including various shaft flexes, grip sizes, and clubhead designs. This will help you determine the best combination of factors for your game.
- Fine-Tuning: Work with your club fitter to fine-tune your club specifications based on your performance during the fitting session. This may include making adjustments to lie angle, shaft flex, or other club components.
By incorporating the PING Color Chart into a comprehensive club fitting process, golfers can ensure they find the perfect set of clubs to enhance their performance on the course.
Ping Color Chart Accuracy – Irons
| Iron Number | Ping Color Chart | Actual Loft Angle (degrees) | Actual Lie Angle (degrees) | Color Chart Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Blue | 21.0 | 60.5 | Accurate |
| 4 | Yellow | 24.0 | 61.0 | Accurate |
| 5 | Purple | 27.0 | 61.5 | Accurate |
| 6 | Green | 30.5 | 62.0 | Accurate |
| 7 | Red | 34.0 | 62.5 | Accurate |
| 8 | Orange | 38.0 | 63.0 | Accurate |
| 9 | Black | 42.0 | 63.5 | Accurate |
| PW | Brown | 47.0 | 64.0 | Accurate |
| UW | Tan | 52.0 | 64.5 | Accurate |
| SW | White | 56.0 | 64.5 | Accurate |
Ping Color Chart Accuracy – Woods
| Wood Number | Ping Color Chart | Actual Loft Angle (degrees) | Actual Lie Angle (degrees) | Color Chart Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yellow | 8.5 | 56.0 | Accurate |
| 3 | Purple | 15.0 | 56.5 | Accurate |
| 5 | Blue | 18.0 | 57.0 | Accurate |
| 7 | Green | 21.0 | 57.5 | Accurate |
| 9 | Red | 24.0 | 58.0 | Accurate |
| 11 | Orange | 27.0 | 58.5 | Accurate |
| 13 | Black | 30.0 | 59.0 | Accurate |
| 15 | Brown | 33.0 | 59.5 | Accurate |
| 17 | Tan | 36.0 | 60.0 | Accurate |
| 19 | White | 39.0 | 60.5 | Accurate |
ing Color Chart Accuracy – Wedges
| Wedge Number | Ping Color Chart | Actual Loft Angle (degrees) | Actual Lie Angle (degrees) | Color Chart Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | Green | 46.0 | 64.0 | Accurate |
| 48 | Red | 48.0 | 64.0 | Accurate |
| 50 | Orange | 50.0 | 64.0 | Accurate |
| 52 | Black | 52.0 | 64.0 | Accurate |
| 54 | Brown | 54.0 | 64.0 | Accurate |
| 56 | Blue | 56.0 | 64.0 | Accurate |
| 58 | White | 58.0 | 64.0 | Accurate |
| 60 | Purple | 60.0 | 64.0 | Accurate |
| 62 | Yellow | 62.0 | 64.0 | Accurate |
| 64 | Green | 64.0 | 64.0 | Accurate |
Average Distance for Golf Clubs
| Club Type | Average Distance for Men (yards) | Average Distance for Women (yards) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 230-290 | 200-245 |
| 3-wood | 210-240 | 180-215 |
| 5-wood | 195-225 | 170-200 |
| 3-iron | 170-210 | 140-170 |
| 4-iron | 160-200 | 130-160 |
| 5-iron | 150-190 | 120-150 |
| 6-iron | 140-180 | 110-140 |
| 7-iron | 130-170 | 100-130 |
| 8-iron | 120-160 | 90-120 |
| 9-iron | 110-140 | 80-110 |
| PW | 100-130 | 70-100 |
| SW | 80-100 | 50-80 |
| LW | 60-80 | 40-60 |
Golf Ball Compression Ratings
| Golf Ball Brand | Compression Rating |
|---|---|
| Titleist | 70-110 |
| Callaway | 80-110 |
| Bridgestone | 70-110 |
| TaylorMade | 70-110 |
| Srixon | 70-110 |
| Mizuno | 70-100 |
| Wilson Staff | 70-100 |
| Vice | 80-100 |
| Volvik | 75-95 |
| Snell | 70-80 |
Conclusion
The PING Color Chart is a valuable tool for golfers in determining their ideal club specifications, as it provides a consistent and reliable system for matching players with the appropriate lie angle and club length. While the chart may not be entirely accurate for every golfer due to various individual factors, its effectiveness is greatly enhanced when combined with the expertise of a professional club fitter. In conclusion, the PING Color Chart is a highly accurate starting point that can be fine-tuned by a club fitting expert to help golfers achieve optimal performance on the course.
