Ping PLD Milled DS72 Putter Review

I review the Ping PLD Milled DS72 and discover exactly why Viktor Hovland relies on this putter

After rolling in a few putts with the Ping PLD Milled DS72 I instantly understood why Viktor Hovland is extremely fond of this head. The DS72 easily challenges the best golf putters. Ping have always been known for their outstanding range of putters ever since they first launched a flat stick in 1959.

Ping is synonymous with quality golf equipment and their new PLD DS72 putter is a superb example of why they are. 2023 FedExCup Champion and Ryder Cup hero Viktor Hovland has had a version of the DS72 in his bag for some time now and it’s clear to see why. Hovland has achieved some of his biggest accomplishments in his golf career with a DS72 in his hands and I felt inspired to follow in his footsteps after seconds of putting with Ping’s latest iteration of the DS72.

Ping launched a DS72 as part of their original range of PLD putters so it’s hard to understand why they felt compelled to launch another model a year later. However, I’m not going to complain because I feel this is an improvement on last year’s – maybe Hovland will feel the same and drop one in his bag.

You might be wondering, what makes this putter better than the original PLD DS72, for me it’s the gunmetal finish that contrasts perfectly with the white alignment line. Some people may prefer the satin finish of the original PLD DS72, if that’s the case you can pick up the satin DS72 for less than the gunmetal DS72 and save yourself some dollars.

The technology and features of the new PLD DS72 are no different from those of the PLD DS72 that launched in 2023. This putter continues to suit golfers with a straight back and straight through putting stroke, being face-balanced. The DS72 isn’t the largest mallet, it sits somewhere between the PLD Oslo 3 and PLD Anser 2D also released in Ping’s latest PLD release.

If you’re used to playing with one of the best blade putters but you feel as though you would benefit from a larger head either for confidence or alignment assistance then the DS72 is a brilliant option. Similarly, if you favor playing with mallet putters but feel the head looks rather large and obtrusive behind the ball, switching to the PLD DS72 could be a very smart move.

What technology features in the Ping PLD Milled DS72 Putter

Power of the machines

All of the putters rolled out as part of Ping’s PLD range including the DS72, over both releases, excluding the Ally Blue 4, are entirely crafted from 303-stainless steel through precision machining techniques.

Aggressive Milling Pattern

Every putter in Ping’s outstanding collection of PLD putters showcases the advanced Aggressive Milling Pattern (AMP) face technology, which creates a surface texture meticulously perfected with input from Ping’s finest Tour players. The DS72 undergoes an intensive milling process lasting over four hours, ensuring precise shaping for improved sound, feel, and speed on the putting green.

Gunmetal finish

Ping has opted to discontinue the matte black and satin finishes previously selected for the initial PLD putters introduced in 2023. In place of these, they have adopted a gunmetal finish, which imparts a sense of superior craftsmanship and visual appeal. The white alignment line on the PLD DS72 perfectly compliments the gunmetal finish, resulting in a striking contrast. Without a doubt, this refined finish is poised to garner a positive reception among both Tour professionals and amateur golfers alike.

Ping PLD Milled DS72 Putter

RRP: $449.99 / £450.00

	Loft	Length	Lie	Head weight	Suited stroke
Ping PLD Milled DS72 Putter	3°	33″ – 36″	20°	365g	Straight

Verdict: Ping PLD DS72 putter

Ping would probably admit their most recent putters haven’t been quite as big a hit as they would have wanted but the brand’s investment of significant resources into its premium CNC Milled PLD family means the franchise is starting to grow a sizeable following. Ping have just launched five new fully CNC Milled PLD models for 2024 and we’re very much drawn to the super simple DS72 mallet which has made an appearance before. It’s the model favored by Norwegian Viktor Hovland and we can utterly see why he feels this completely unoffensive model is the perfect fit for his game.     

I’ve said before we’re fans of the model’s blunt head shape, so the back of the head is parallel to the face which is perfect if your eyes struggle to deal with a full-on curved back mallet shape on the dancefloor. I love the DS72’s muted, sound, firm no insert feel, and how putts came off the face with very little skid or bounce and lots of roll. It’s a model I’d love in my own bag.

However, £450 is a lot of cash for a PLD putter that doesn’t appear on the surface at least to be crammed full of tech like a Cobra 3D Printed Supernova or TaylorMade Spider Tour. But you have to appreciate this model takes hours to CNC Mill which costs money and gives a very premium and precise end product.

If you’re happy spending at this level you should be aware Ping have also just opened a PLD fitting lab at Loughborough University. Where for an additional fee you can get fit for, and pretty much design your very own PLD model to your exact requirements. A service that’s very rarely available in the UK.   

Video: How does the Ping PLD DS72 compare to other leading 2024 putters?

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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.

Ping PLD Milled DS72 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

Ping PLD Milled DS72 Putter