Ping PLD Milled Anser 2D Putter Review
Published:
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At a glance
- TG Rating
- Owner Rating
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Pros
- Extremely forgiving blade putter
- Deeper blade putter head with a helpful alignment line in the cavity
- High-quality gunmetal finish
- Amazing feel and performance -
Cons
- Not too dissimilar from the Anser D that was released in the original 2023 PLD putter range
What we say...
My review of the Ping PLD Milled Anser 2D Putter known for its forgiving nature, but how much has changed in a year?
Those of you putter enthusiasts will know that the Ping PLD Milled Anser 2D Putter is a brand new model released in the latest wave of Ping’s PLD range. However, within the initial PLD putters that launched last year there was an Anser 2 and an Anser D – so how much does this putter differ from those two?
Obviously, this putter performs exceptionally well, as do all of Ping’s putters. Ping have built up an excellent reputation for manufacturing some of the game’s best putters ever since they started producing putters in 1959. The first putter introduced by Ping was the 1A, and over the years the Anser has become their most popular blade putter and the winning most putter in golf history.
The Anser 2D is effectively a Ping PLD Anser with a deeper profile which creates somewhat of a “D” shape – hence the name. The number two refers to the type of hosel used which gives this putter slight toe-hang to suit players with a slight arc. The Anser 2D gained notoriety on Tour as the putter of choice for Tony Finau who provided his insight to help Ping create this tour-inspired model.
Everything so far sounds extremely positive, and that’s because it is, it’s hard to pick a fault with the Anser 2D, especially considering it performs with as much forgiveness as some of the best mallet putters on the market. The high MOI head is certainly appreciated but it’s no more forgiving than the Anser D or even similar putters from other brands such as the Odyssey Ai-One Double Wide – both of which make a smaller dent in your wallet.
The biggest change between this year’s release of Ping PLD putters from the original models that dropped in 2023 is the color. Opting for a gunmetal finish instead of the matte black and stain that is the most significant difference – does it warrant the larger price tag? I think not.
The white alignment line in the cavity of the Anser 2D also features in the Anser 2 and Anser D, so alignment hasn’t been enhanced for this putter. It will be interesting to see if Tony Finau decides to swap out his current putter for this one, at that point, my stance might change and I may view this as a necessary addition to the range.
What technology features in the Ping PLD Milled Anser 2D Putter
Power of the machines
Each putter introduced during the initial and subsequent releases of the Ping PLD putter series, apart from the Ally Blue 4 (which is made from 304-stainless steel), the Anser 2D is meticulously crafted from 303-stainless steel using precision machining methods.
Aggressive Milling Pattern
Every putter in Ping’s remarkable selection of PLD putters showcases the advanced Aggressive Milling Pattern (AMP) face technology, resulting in a meticulously crafted surface texture that incorporates feedback from professional tour players. The Anser 2D undergoes an extensive milling procedure lasting over four hours, ensuring precise shaping for improved sound, feel, and speed on the putting green.
High MOI
In the most recent release of models in the PLD range, the Anser 2D, along with the Oslo 3 and Ally Blue 4 putters, incorporate a high MOI feature, providing exceptional forgiveness due to their low center of gravity. MOI is commonly associated with drivers, it has become a significant focus in 2024, with Ping and TaylorMade both producing drivers boasting a 10,000 MOI – exemplified by the Ping G430 Max 10k and TaylorMade Qi10 Max.
Nevertheless, MOI holds significant importance in putters, particularly evident in the Anser 2D, where its high MOI plays a crucial role in upholding the putter’s promise of enhanced accuracy and consistency.
Gunmetal finish
Ping has opted out of the matte black and satin finishes used for the initial PLD putters introduced in 2023. Instead, they have adopted a gunmetal finish, which exudes a sense of superior craftsmanship and visual appeal. The white alignment line on the PLD Anser 2D complements the gunmetal finish flawlessly, resulting in a striking contrast. Without a doubt, this polished finish is expected to receive a favorable reception from both Tour professionals and amateur golfers.
Ping PLD Milled Anser 2D Putter
RRP: $449.99 / £450.00
Loft | Length | Lie | Head weight | Suited stroke | |
Ping PLD Milled Anser 2D Putter | 3° | 33″ – 36″ | 20° | 365g | Slight Arc |
The PLD Anser 2D is available in lengths from 33″ to 36″ making it a viable option for a wide range of golfers. While I don’t see a massive gap in the market for this putter it does work exceptionally well. The high MOI ensures a great amount of forgiveness that isn’t always seen in Anser putters but this isn’t your average Anser.
If you’re a fan of traditional blades then you’d probably prefer the PLD Anser or PLD Anser 2. However, for some golfers, such as Tony Finau, the deeper “D” shape works well because of the extra forgiveness and enhanced alignment line in the cavity which does help to line up putts easier.
Personally, I wouldn’t be rushing to purchase the Anser 2D because there are cheaper options that are very similar. Even if you specifically want a Ping putter the PLD Anser D is almost the same putter at a fraction of the price. All this being said, I was impressed with the Anser 2D, I just don’t know how necessary of an introduction it was to the PLD range.
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About the author
James Hogg – Golf Equipment Writer
James has a degree in English Language from Newcastle University and an MA in Journalism from Kingston University.
He spent seven years working for American Golf as part of the sales and fitting team alongside his studies and is a specialist in putters, golf balls, and apparel.
James took up golf as a teenager and, thanks largely to his length and consistency off the tee, he plays off a handicap of 4.7 at Cleveland Golf Club.
You can contact James via email for loads more golf equipment insight.
Product Information
Ping PLD Milled Anser 2D Putter
RRP: $449.99 | VIEW US OFFER | £450.00 | VIEW UK OFFER
Loft: 3°
Length: 33" - 36"
Lie: 20°
Head Weight: 365g
Suited stroke: Slight Arc