Viktor Hovland Rekindles Masters Hopes with Vintage Ping Putter Revival
Ahead of the 2025 Masters, Viktor Hovland has made a bold move to restore his confidence on the greens by bringing back his trusted Ping PLD DS72 putter—a club he believes will unlock his best short game when it matters most.
The Norwegian golfer, who has had a stellar rise in the professional ranks, has recently faced challenges with his putting, a critical aspect of the game at Augusta National. Despite his all-around solid game, Hovland struggled to find consistency on the greens during the past few seasons, which led him to make a change for the prestigious tournament.
Hovland first used the Ping PLD DS72 putter early in his career, a time when his short game was a strength. After experimenting with other putters in recent months, he decided to return to the one he felt most comfortable with, aiming to regain the confidence that propelled him to some of his best finishes.
“I’ve always believed in the Ping PLD DS72,” Hovland explained. “It’s the one I used when I was at my best, and I felt like I needed to get back to what worked. It’s not just about the equipment—it’s about feeling good with the putter in my hands. At the Masters, where every stroke counts, you need that sense of trust.”
The decision to go with the vintage putter comes just days before Hovland tees off at the 2025 Masters, a tournament that has eluded him so far. However, with his proven ball-striking and a recharged short game, Hovland is optimistic that this year could be the one he breaks through on the hallowed grounds of Augusta.
While Hovland is known for his powerful drives and impressive approach shots, putting has often been the weak link in his pursuit of a major title. With the Ping PLD DS72, he hopes to channel the same magic he had when the putter first helped him rise to the top of the golf world.
Whether the putter can deliver the confidence boost he’s hoping for remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Viktor Hovland is all in on the revival of his vintage tool as he aims to make a serious run at the 2025 Masters.
