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2012 PING Gorge Wedges: Story, Pictures and Video

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For the complete write up on GolfWRX’s trip to PING HQ, click here.

by SheriffBooth

This summer, Ping is releasing its next evolution in its wedge line.  Building on the success of the Tour-S wedges, Ping is calling the new line “Gorge” to highlight the new groove milling process that the company has implemented.  GolfWRX was invited to Ping Headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona for an introduction to this new product.

Our first look came during a technical presentation by Ping’s Director of Engineering, Brad Schweigert.  He shared that, with the new groove rule, Ping was forced to take a hard look at the best way to maximize spin and performance while staying within the groove dimension parameters.  The answer for Ping was to focus on production tolerances and they felt that the only way they could achieve the high tolerance level they were hoping for was to bring the milling process home to Phoenix, AZ, USA.

Wedge blanks are received, groove free, from Ping’s overseas production facility.  The blanks are delivered to Ping’s “Milling Room” on campus and grooves are computer milled using their proprietary method.  According to Schweigert, the Gorge milling process creates the sharpest groove edge radius on the market today and mimics the grooves prior to the rule change a few years ago. The milling room runs 22 hours a day, 7 days a week, producing the entire world’s supply of Tour wedges with Gorge grooves.

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I am currently a Tour-S player, and I felt an immediate sense of familiarity with the Gorge.  Very little is changed with the shape, which in my opinion is a good thing.  What is different is the finish – Ping has chosen a dark gray (Ping calls it “Dark Satin”) finish that looks fantastic.

Also new with the Gorge wedges is a selection of sole grinds.  The TS grind (currently available in the Tour-S) is a low bounce option ideal for players that frequently encounter firm playing conditions or take a very shallow divot.  The SS grind is the most versatile, mid bounce option which is probably most similar to the current grinds on the standard Tour-S models.  And finally a WS grind is being added to the line, which is for players that are looking for a wider flange and higher bounce for soft conditions, soft sand, or that have steep angle of attack.

We got to try out the three different bounces in the 60 degree wedge on the Ping campus driving range.  I currently play a TS grind in the Tour-S wedge, and the TS Gorge felt and played similarly.  Since we were not hitting into actual greens, and I did not have my personal wedge with me, it was difficult to assess the increase in spin.  This will come with more testing.  The difference in the SS and WS grinds was apparent, and I struggled a bit with the WS due to the much higher bounce.  This is a good thing, though, as it will allow players to customize their wedge set without having to pay for specialized grinds.  Some players may opt to own multiple bounce options and put an SS or WS in play when conditions dictate.

All told, the Gorge is an impressive and exciting new release for Ping.  The wedges have a great looking finish and a very solid, almost forged feel to them.  I’m looking forward to putting them in play to truly test the Gorge milled grooves and evaluate the difference they make around the green.

To discuss the PING Gorge Wedges and see detailed pictures of different grinds, click here.

[youtube id=”-07iIGdeKuo” width=”600″ height=”350″]

Up Close Sole Grid Pictures:

TS Grind

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SS Grind:
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WS Grind:
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1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. JEFF

    Mar 17, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    I was not all the happy with the new Gorge. I played the Tour S for the last couple years including a 52* Rustic. After going through 2 Tour S 60* TS I gave the new Gorge (but with a WS) a try. For some DOPY reason Ping decided to up the price and put the CFS shaft in with no other stock option. The CFS shaft is aweful,and way way too light and short of feel…. for my tast anyway. I took it back and returned it for another Gorge TS and put in an S-300. Now the club is playable. Now using I20 PW 47* RUSTIC 52* GORGE 60* all bent 2* flat and S-300 in all teh irons.

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Equipment

Tour Edge unveils all-new Exotics mini driver

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Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game. 

The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag. 

At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.

The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.

“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley

In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.

To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.

“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod

An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.

Pricing & Availability

The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026. 

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Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss

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In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:

“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly. 

My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”

And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
  • MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
  • dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”

Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”

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Equipment

From the GolfWRX Classifieds: 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo

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At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.

From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo.  4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades.  5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft.   Standard Length, Lie and Lofts.  These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me.  Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules

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