Talented young South African Brandon Stone has signed a multi-year equipment deal with Ping.
Stone will play his first event at the European Tour's BMW International Open in June after a successful freshman year at the University of Texas.
In 2013, he was the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year, the Newcomer of the Year, the NCAA Freshman of the Year and the Big 12 Conference individual champion.
Stone - also a Ping first team All American - was ranked by Golfweek magazine as the number two collegiate men's golfer.
"Brandon is a wonderful example of a young man coming up through PING's amateur program, which reaches into ever corner of the world to identify and develop talent," said John Solheim, Ping's Chairman and CEO.
"He has incredible skills but on top of that he has a great work ethic, and his determination makes him very tough to beat."
Over the past four years, Stone has notched 18 victories in the USA and his native South Africa.
The 5'11" Pretoria Native, who has only ever player with PING clubs, added: "Becoming a pro golfer is something I've dreamed of since I was a young boy.
"PING has supported me for years and I know they'll help make the transition as smooth as possible.
"I'm excited to compete with the best players in the world and to be an official member of the Ping family."
Stone will wear a PING hat, carry a Ping staff bag and play a minimum of 11 Ping clubs, including a driver and putter.
-
Jinichiro Kozuma Facts: 12 Things You Didn't Know About The Japanese LIV GolferLearn more about the life and career of Japanese LIV Golf League pro, Jinichiro Kozuma via the following facts...
-
Treat The Golfer In Your Life This Christmas And Save Big With $700 Savings On Stewart Golf Electric TrolleysGolf Monthly experts rate these remote control golf trolleys as some of the best available, on offer right now in these brilliant Christmas golf deals
