Versatility in all conditions and higher spin rates are among the benefits of the new PING Tour Wedge, according to John A. Solheim, PING Chairman and CEO. 'The new Tour wedges are engineered to provide the performance and feel golfers have come to expect from PING,' said Solheim, who worked with PING Club Designer Mike Nicolette on the stainless steel wedges. 'They have a compact head and rounded sole profile that makes them incredibly versatile. They also feature precisely machined grooves with tuned specifications that have increased the spin rate, especially on short shots around the green. They give you control and precision where you need it most.' The investment cast clubs feature a small cavity for added forgiveness and a centre of gravity positioned to produce a penetrating, consistent ball flight. The compact head size and sole design allow the golfer to easily open or close the wedge for all types of shots from any lie. Golfers will also find the machined grooves help provide more consistency in wet or dry conditions. 'They're very playable for all ability levels,' said Nicolette, a PGA Tour winner turned club designer. 'They'll especially appeal to the player who likes to be creative in his or her shot making. This wedge can do just about anything you ask it to.' Early Tour feedback has been very favourable, according to Solheim. Several wedges are already in play around the world. In addition to the performance of the wedges, many have been pleasantly surprised at the cosmetics of the new club, which feature a polished, brushed finish and ferrule to give golfers a traditional blade look. 'We focused a lot of effort on creating the proper finish,' Solheim added. 'We know a polished finish appeals to many golfers. But we also know a shiny surface can create glare and cause a golfer to lose concentration. So we varied the finishes throughout the club. The areas that the golfer doesn't focus on are polished. The areas the golfer sees at address 'the hosel and top line' feature a light, brushed finish. It all makes a very attractive club.' Each wedge features a variable bounce angle and is custom fit in one of 10 colour codes (lie angles) and shaft flexes.