Ping G30 fairway and hybrid review

Paul O'Hagan's on-course Ping G30 fairway and hybrid review

Above, Paul O'Hagan, Golf Monthly's Technical Editor, ventures onto the golf course to bring you his Ping G30 fairway and hybrid review.

Ping G30 fairway woods are designed to offer increased distance, while the G30 hybrids deliver a higher, longer flight.

The Ping G30 fairway woods are crafted from a new Carpenter 475 steel - 44% stronger than  17-4 stainless steel used in previous designs - with a uniform face thickness. This increases the face flex, translating to increased distance.

The face is also larger and taller with a flattened crown curve, creating more forgiveness and a flatter visual appearance implemented to increase confidence.

As with the Ping G30 driver, the fairway woods have 'turbulators' on the crown of the club, and while they don't have the same speed-enhancing effect as they do on the larger driver head, they assist alignment.

The centre of gravity in the fairway is designed to promote a high launch with optimal spin. The GC progresses more forward and lower in the 5 and 7 woods to ensure optimisation of launch angle and spin characteristics.

Much like the the G30 driver, loft can be adjusted up or down a degree, or at +6/10ths of a degree and -6/10ths of a degree.

The TFC 419F shaft allows for a heavier head with increased MOI for distance and accuracy, while Tour 65 and 80 shafts promote a lower trajectory for added control.

Ping G30 fairway woods essentials:

Available in: 3W (14.5 degrees), 5W (18 degrees) and 7W (21 degrees) Head size: 3 (167cc), 5 (151cc) and 7 (145cc) Materials: 17-4 stainless steel body, Carpenter 475 steel face Loft adjustability: +/- 1 degree Shaft/flex: 3 shaft options, ranging from Soft R to X-Stiff Available: now RRP: £210

Ping G30 hybrid - designed to offer a seamless transition from long or mid-irons to easier-to-hit hybrids - are available in lofts of 17, 19, 22, 26 and 30 degrees.

Each club produces a different flight and distance - a product of progressive centre of gravity and hosel positions - and forgiveness has been increased by heal and toe weighting, plus a heel pad that lowers the CG position.

As with the G30 fairway wood, the face - constructed from 17-4 stainless steel that's heated to make it thin but strong - has a uniform thickness.

The higher flight will also ensure the ball stops quicker when it lands - ideal for approaches to long par 4s or par 5s.

The new G30 hybrid face design has been given a squarer appearance at address, thanks to a flatter top rail and higher heel. This should inspire confidence and aid alignment at address

Ping G30 hybrids essentials:

Available in: 2H (17 degrees), 3H (19 degrees), 4H (22 degrees), 5H (26 degrees), 65 (30 degrees) Material: 17-4 stainless steel Shaft/flex: 2 shaft options (TFC 419H and Tour 90), ranging from Soft R to X-Stiff Available: now RRP: £175