Note: What follows is part of a series of articles written exclusively for TeeTimes.net by PGA Golf Professional Matt Keller. Hopefully, by sharing we can make your next round of golf that much more enjoyable.

Ping Golf recently launched the iPing putting app available through itunes. iPing is compatible for the iPhone and iPod touch.  The iPing app is designed to identify a golfer’s putting stroke type.  In addition, the iPing App measures the impact angle and amount of rotation of the putter during the stroke.   The App then classifies the putting stroke type as a straight, slight arc or strong arc. Your putting stroke is then matched to the most beneficial Pingputter model.  Once a player determines their putting stroke type, they will benefit by switching to a putter that complements their stroke.  For example, a face-balanced putter is more beneficial for a straight stroke while toe-down putter will benefit a strong arc stroke.

This is a must have App for anyone who wants to improve their putting.  There are many features that make the iPing app a successful training tool.  Putting could potentially account for fifty percent of your score.  Through Ping’s extensive research, they determined even the Ping tour players have a difficult time of consistently measuring an impact angle of zero. Also, the App measures the tempo of the backswing in relation to the forward swing.

Measure Mode allows golfers make five putts and track stroke type, impact angle and tempo during a practice session.  iPing stores each session, calculates a consistency score, averages the scores and assigns a Putting Handicap (PHcp).  Obviously, a lower handicap demonstrates your improvement on the green.

Practice Mode allows a golfer to focus on a particular aspect of their putting that is lacking consistency.

The iPing Compare Mode allows a player to compare their results (including previous sessions) with the results of their friends.  In addition, they can compare their results with Ping tour professionals, whose results are pre-loaded into the iPing app.

The iPing app is free, however, it requires the use of the Pingcradle, which holds the iPhone 4 or iPod touch.  It clips to the putter shaft below the grip.  The cost of the Cradle is $30 (MSRP) and is available for either the iPhone 4 or iPod touch.  If you are serious about improving the iPing is a great tool for any golfer.

Matt Keller, PGA

FEATURED AUTHOR: Matt Keller is a PGA Golf Professional with over 15 years of experience. Throughout his career he has worked at courses in Pennsylvania, Maryland,Florida and Delaware. Matt has conducted thousands of golf lessons to players of all ages and ability levels. Currently, he is a PGA Professional at Cripple Creek Golf and Country Club located near Bethany Beach, DE