Olympic legend Michael Phelps partners with Ping

Michael Phelps will use a set of 14 custom-fit Ping clubs as he attempts to improve his golf

Michael Phelps

Ping has announced that legendary Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps will use a set of the brand's custom-fit golf clubs as he bids to reach single figures.

Phelps - whose love for golf has been well documented in recent times - will use Ping's new G25 driver, fairway woods, hybrids and irons, along with Ping Tour Groove wedges and a Scottsdale True Roll putter.

The American makes his official PING debut in the pro-am of this week's Waste Managament Phoenix Open, where he will partner fellow Ping player Bubba Watson. The 18-time Gold medalist also took part in last year's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

"I know how difficult the game of golf is, but I'm really serious about getting better and the experts at Ping have helped me a lot," said Phelps.

"They looked at my swing on the range and dialed me into clubs that perfectly fit my stance and swing.

"Ping has a long history of helping golfers playing better, so I'm excited to see how much I can continue to improve my game with the help of their equipment."

Phelps will use irons that are one inch over standard length and three degrees upright. His clubs have also been painted with gold and red and white and blue accents.

"We've custom built Michael's clubs to ensure he has every chance to improve and we believe he'll dedicate himself to golf with the same intensity he gave to swinning," said John Solheim, Ping Chairman and CEO.

"His global presence as a golfers will bring PING tremendous exposure and just as importantly shed additional light on the game in general."

Nick Bonfield
Features Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, writing, commissioning and coordinating all features across print and online. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x