Get Your Driving ‘In The Pink’ with Ping and Bubba3 min read

To mark Bubba Watson’s magnificent victory in the 2012 US Masters, PING is  introducing and marketing 5,000 of the pink G20 drivers, used by him in his memorable Augusta National triumph, and will donate a five per cent share of the proceeds to the player’s charities

The limited-edition all-pink PING® G20™ drivers, showcased by the new Masters Champion, is the inspiration for  the company’s fundraising campaign, Bubba Long in Pink. Driven by PING.  They  will be available in golf shops nationwide from around June 1.

As part of PING’s campaign, the company made a $10,000 upfront donation while also giving $300 for every drive Watson hits 300 yards or more (up to 300 drives). So far, $61,600 has been generated. All funds raised will go to Phoenix-area charities, chosen by PING with Bubba’s support. Its effort is part of the Bubba & Friends Drive to a Million initiative launched by Watson in January to raise $1 million for charities this year.

“Bubba is already approaching the target of 300 drives of 300 yards or longer, and we wanted a way to provide ongoing support for his generous cause,” said John A. Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO. “Even prior to his win at The Masters, golfers were requesting pink G20s.Through word of mouth, social media, and phone calls, the interest was extremely high. We want to satisfy that demand while bringing even more visibility to Bubba’s goal of raising $1 million.

“Golfers who own a pink G20 will be excited to have this prized possession. They’ll not only enjoy the improved performance of the G20, they’ll be participating in a wonderful cause,” he added.

“It was a great weekend for the PING family and for Bubba’s new family in particular, and we couldn’t be happier for them. He will be a very popular champion, and very deserving”

The drivers will have a bright pink shaft and club head featuring the same technology that has earned the G20 high marks for its performance from golfers of all abilities. The pink G20s are offered in 9.5º, 10.5º, and 12º lofts for right-handed players; 10.5º for left-handed.

There is also a version geared for women with 12º loft and a Ladies flex shaft. All come with a matching pink headcover and a power-promoting high-balance-point TFC 169D shaft labeled, “Bubba Long in Pink. Driven by PING. Limited Edition 2012.” It is available in R, S, and L flexes.

Watson had special magic all of his own as he pursued his aim of securing a precious green jacket as illustrated after his tee shot found the woods on the second hole of sudden death (the 10th) as patrons and the global TV audience watched spellbound.

Roughly 155 yards from the green, he hit a wedge, hooking it some 40 yards around a stand of trees, the ball landing and spinning sideways to within 10 feet of the hole. Two putts later, he had his first major title, falling tearfully into the arms of his caddie, his mother, and numerous friends.  “If I have a swing,” he said, “I have a shot.”

Watson’s Redwood Anser® putter will be the newest addition to the PING Gold Putter Vault, the 54th PING putter to have helped win a major championship, the most of any brand. Watson, 33, will receive a solid-gold replica of the putter head. Two gold-plated replicas of the putter will also be made – one for Bubba, one for the vault. His fourth career title elevated him to No.1 in Ryder Cup

In addition to the Anser putter, Watson plays a bagful of PING technology: G20 driver (8.5º), G20 4-wood (16.5º), S59 irons (3-PW), Tour-W® wedges (52º, 56º), and a Tour-S® Rustique (64º/TS).

For information:  Neil Gray or Sam Elder at GMS on +44 (0) 1438 718399

E-mail: neil@gmsgolf.co.uk; sam@gmsgolf.co.uk