Ping unveils new PLD "Bruzer" prototype putter, made for high-MOI

On Tuesday of the 2019 Valspar Championship, a never-before-seen Ping prototype putter, called “Bruzer,” was spotted on the putting green.

The Bruzer putter, which is named after PING Chairman & CEO John A. Solheim’s dog, has a 100-percent milled head with a multi-material design for more stability. The black portions of the head are made from lightweight aluminum, while the copper portions in the back corners and on the toe and heel of the face are made from a heavier copper material. The goal with using materials of different densities, according to Ping TOUR representative Tony Serrano, is to move weight as far away from the center of gravity as possible to give the putter more forgiveness and stability.

Also, in addition to the two copper inserts, the face of the Bruzer is made smooth for sound, feel, and greater feedback, according to Serrano. The TOUR prototype comes with a mid-slant hosel and an all-black shaft. The top of the putter has three alignment lines, with the outer two lines being the exact width of a golf ball.

On Tuesday, Ping staffers Louis Oosthuizen and Austin Cook tested the putters. It remains to be seen whether either golfer will put them in play during competition, but Serrano says he “wouldn’t be surprised” if at least one of them uses it during the Valspar Championship come Thursday.

While the putter is USGA legal, it’s still just a TOUR prototype. However, Serrano says there could be retail possibilities for the Bruzer in the future.