PING’s G20 line of golf clubs has garnered quite a bit of attention in the short time since its release. PING has always been a brand that attracts a loyal fan-base like few companies can, but much of this interest has been from people that are not long-time users of their products. So far, THP has reviewed the G20 driver and irons, with both receiving very positive feedback. Today I’m going to talk about the G20 line of fairway woods.
G20™ – Getting the ball airborne and adding yards is easy with the low-deep CG in the 17-4 stainless steel G20s, creating optimal spin and high launch. Perimeter weighting and a large face increase the MOI for improved accuracy. The larger profile G20s generate fast ball speeds for maintaining distance, even on mis-hits, for ensuring long, straight results.
I tested the 16.5° 4 wood for this review, which is complimented by three other loft options – 15°(3W), 18°(5W), and 21°(7W). The head on the G20 is fairly large in appearance at 164cc, but much of that is since it is a fairly flat and shallow fairway wood. The crown is a metal flaked gray finish with a large alignment aid and the bottom is an extremely shiny chrome finish with black and red accents. In all, the G20 fairway wood is one of the more attractive offerings I’ve seen from PING. If I could change one thing it would be the size of the alignment aid, but it’s a pretty minor issue for me.
Ballflight
External weighting locates the CG low and back to produce high launch and optimal spin for long, straight results. You can optimize your ball flight by choosing either the higher-launching TFC 169F shaft or the TFC 169F Tour version for a lower trajectory.
I did find the G20 to be a reliably straight club for my swing, though it didn’t deliver quite as high of a ball flight as I get from my current fairway wood. One key thing PING mentions and that I’d like to reiterate is that the right shaft option can really be the big difference maker here. Make time to take advantage of a fitting and you should be able the get the ball flying right where you want it.
I found that I had a hard time missing to the right with the G20. I almost had to force the issue, though missing right isn’t really common for me these days. My directional miss was mostly to the left, but for the most part this was a club that wanted to stay straight for me.
Stock TFC Shaft Options
Speaking of shafts, the G20 fairway wood comes standard with the TFC 169F, which is slightly changed from the G15 series.
Designed for the G20 line, TFC 169F features higher launch, low spin, and a livelier, responsive feel with a softer tip for increasing dynamic launch.
While I didn’t absolutely love this shaft for my swing, I found it to be a pretty nice compliment to the G20 fairway wood. As I mentioned before, take the time to get a shaft fitting when you’re shopping for a new club. You’ll be happy you did. As for the TFC 169F, I found it to be pretty true to flex and it’s decorated nicely. I was really impressed with the red graphic portion up towards the grip. It was surprisingly attractive to my eye.
The TFC 169F shaft is offered in 5 different weight and flex options.
Forgiveness
The large, 17-4 stainless steel head and variable thickness face increase the MOI to maintain high ball speeds that are consistent across the hitting surface. This enables you to hit the ball high and straight, even on mis-hits.
I found this to be a pretty true statement from my experience with the G20. Not necessarily on those swings that produce side-spin as much as those in which I just missed the sweet spot. I had more than a few shots on the course where I was a bit worried about the results, only to find myself in the fairway without much distance loss. I found that missing high on the face caused the least desirable results for me.
I felt the feel of the G20 was pretty responsive in that I was well aware when I hit a clean shot. The sound of well struck shots was a bit muted with a nice, high-pitched ‘ping’. I really enjoyed the sound and found myself wanting to hear it over and over.
Final Thoughts
The G20 fairway wood is yet another very solid offering from the folks at PING. The forgiveness and straight ball flight are probably my two favorite things about the club. Fairway woods are a club that I can be hot or cold with and it’s nice to have a little help to fall back on if I need it. The ball flight wasn’t quite as high as I would have liked, but as I said, a proper fitting shaft could make that an easy reality. The G20 is definitely a fairway wood I’d put on the ‘must-try’ list if you are in the market. For more info on the G20 line of clubs, as well as some of the custom fitting options that are available, you can head over to www.PING.com. As always, thanks for reading and best of luck out on the course this year.
Ryan H.
Forgiveness and straight are pretty important features of a fairway wood to me! I definitely plan on putting this one on my “must try” list as well. Thanks for the review Hawk, I enjoyed that. That lower ball flight could be a huge asset on a day where there’s more wind than usual or when the fairways are dry and firm.
Really great review Ryan! I game this club myself and love the straight flight. I am getting the ball nice and high no matter where it is hit on the club face. You make this club sound as good as it really is, which is more than I could do! Keep it up!
Nice review Ryan! Sounds like another solid club and the G20 line continues to impress. Thanks for the write up.
Who wants easy to hit and straight? This guy! Nice review Hawk. I’ve hit some of the G20 lineup so far and have come away impressed
Nice review Ryan. I’ve never been good with FWs and I’ve decided to not carry them recently, but it looks like the G20 may cause me to reconsider!
Nice review Ryan!
Thanks for the review Ryan. I am one who tends to have struggles with fairway woods, so one that offers forgiveness is a must for me. Saying it’s on the “must-try” list has me thinking. Thanks for the write up!
Nice review Hawk! This one is one the list to try out. I have started to ponder 3 woods lately. I will make sure this beauty is on the list.
Nice write up there Hawk! Straight is always a good thing.
Forgiving and straight…sign me up! This fairway wood happens to look awesome too, I can’t wait to try it. I think I’d love having a 16.5 degree 4 wood in my bag and based on this review I’d be crazy if I didn’t try the G20. Thanks!
Great review Ryan! Enjoyed reading that.
Ping’s G20 line really has me sitting up and taking notice. I’m definitely one of those players who wouldn’t automatically pick up the Ping clubs, but I’ll be going out of my way to swing the whole G20 range due to THP’s reviews!
Solid review Hawk! Seems like PING has really nailed it with the G20 line based on all of the reviews.
Solid review Ryan! Ping really seems to have brought it with the G20 line.
Nice job Hawk. Love how you dissected every aspect of expectation versus results to show how this performed for you. Great review of a club I now need to take out for a test run.
Great write up Ryan! I would love to game this club.
Great review! Can’t wait to try it. Sounds like I will like the results.
Solid write up Hawk! I am liking the looks of this club more and more. It looks like it almost has a dark gray hue to it. I think that PING has some winners on their hands with the G20 lineup!
I liked the format of the review Ryan. Ping really has the fitting part down and I like how the offer the two ballflight options.
Great review Hawk/Ryan! Definitely putting this on my list (along with the octane and ultralite)
Thanks for the review, I have never hit a Ping fairway but would consider it, I like straight and forgiving woods
Good review. I just bagged the G15 4W so I won’t be upgrading that immediately but the 7W is a contender!
Nice review. Although I’m not looking for a 4W, I would like to try Nike woods. Like a 3W or 5W. I do like Nike products.
Nice and complete as I have some to expect from you RH. I’m with TC straight plu forgiveness is great mix. Thanks for your thoughts…
Good review Hawk! this FW is on my radar if I need to replace my current one that’s in my bag
GR8T Review ! Now I’m going to have to upgrade my G15s again
Nice review Ryan… looks like I’ll have to give Ping a try from the fairway as well!!
I think I want this exact club.
It’s really an amazing product which I never used before, it gives me a consistent shot and I am really very happy with this product.
I’ve been a Callaway fan for years, but I recently tried the G20 driver, followed by the fairway wood a couple of weeks later, & finally the irons. To get to the point, I’m wishing I’d tried Ping clubs years ago. They may not be the prettiest, but what they lack in looks, they make up in performance. I’ve never hit a ball straighter. The game is much easier if you’re playing from the fairway.
Just picked my G20 7 wood It was the only club I did not get a few months ago when I was at Gainsborough, I am so glad I went back what a club pure quality
Thanks to the ping boys
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I bought a G 20 7 fairway metal earlier this year and just love it. Easier to hit. I feel confident with it & get good distance and the ball is almost always in play. I am now looking for a 4 wood.
Read the review and I think you’re being a little fussy. I recently purchased a brand new g20 4 wood for a hundred bucks-still in wrapper (forgotten in back of a pro shop) and I am blown away by its appearance and performance. In my short tenure as a golfer (16 years) I have purchased literally dozens of drivers, fairway woods, irons, wedges and putters; and have spent thousands of dollars on all the latest -greatest clubs. Reviews are nice, but nothing replaces real-life experience. My mainstay has always been ping; their incredible experience, technology and no-nonsense performance is unmatched. Fairway woods come in all sizes and shapes, and the g20 is by far the best combination of appearance and overall performance. The power off the tee and fairway, and the easy solid contact out of thick rough is unsurpassed.