You know that classic “ping” sound golfers love? Turns out — Phoenix is behind one of the most satisfying sounds in sports!
PHOENIX — For golf fans and curious visitors alike, PING Golf isn’t just a world-class equipment maker — it’s a piece of Arizona history. Founded in 1959 by engineer Karsten Solheim, PING began in a garage when Solheim set out to solve his own putting problems. His innovative design made a distinctive “ping” sound at impact — and gave the company its name.
Solheim’s ideas — from perimeter weighting to custom fitting — revolutionized how golf clubs are designed, built and tailored to players of all levels. Over the decades, PING has grown into a globally respected, family-owned brand headquartered in Phoenix, at a 50-acre campus where more than 1,000 employees design, engineer, test and custom build high-performance golf products.
Today, visitors can take a behind-the-scenes look at how these legendary clubs are made with a factory tour of PING’s Phoenix campus.
Guided tours walk guests through the manufacturing floor, testing labs, engineering spaces and historic displays that trace PING’s evolution from a garage startup to a leader in golf technology. During the tour, you’ll see custom club building in action, learn about PING’s commitment to precision and gain an insider’s view of how equipment for both amateurs and pros is crafted.
One of the most memorable stops on the tour is the Gold Putter Vault, a gleaming room filled with 3,000 gold-plated putters. Solheim started the collection in the 1970s as a way to commemorate tour professionals’ victories with PING putters. The vault is filled ceiling to floor with replicas engraved with the winner’s name and tournament details — from early PGA Tour wins to major championships. It’s a fitting finale to the tour, offering a striking glimpse into PING’s rich competitive legacy.
Tours are free and are available by reservation only.
Whether you’re a golfer or a history buff, the PING campus tour offers a unique peek into one of the state’s most iconic brands.
Watch 12News for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app!
The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and our daily lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday”—on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.
12+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for “12 News KPNX.”
Amazon Fire TV: Search for “12 News KPNX” to find the free 12+ app to add to your account, or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
