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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — For an equipment manufacturer that helped put perimeter-weighted irons on the map, the release of Blueprint, in 2019, marked another significant moment in Ping’s storied history. Tungsten Bar
After decades of focusing on cavity-back models, Ping rolled out its first 100-percent forged muscle-back iron to satisfy the elite ball striker.
The blade remains a popular option for Ping staffers, including Tony Finau and Sahith Theegala, who prefer a shorter blade length and prioritize workability and trajectory control over added forgiveness. Blueprint has been so successful, in fact, Ping has been working behind the scenes on two new models that were introduced on Tour in recent weeks.
That’s right: the next Blueprint won’t consist of a single blade. Instead, Ping appears to be focused on expanding the handicap range Blueprint services. Less than a month after the cavity-back Blueprint S appeared on Tour, a full-on blade, called Blueprint T, made its debut at the FedEx St. Just Championship.
It’s natural to look at the Blueprint T and wonder how it stacks up to the original Blueprint. While we likely won’t have any concrete details for some time — it should be noted Ping waited more than eight months to release the first Blueprint retail heads — the irons share one thing in common: a machined tungsten toe screw that most likely gives Ping’s most unforgiving iron model a slight bump in the MOI department.
The overall look has been scaled down considerably and only features a single “Blueprint T” callout on the back of the head. The rest of the surface remains free of badges and other markings. Assuming the version introduced to Tour pros in Memphis is the retail offering, it should earn high marks from the minimalist crowd.
While the Blueprint S looks to have some S55 traits — forgiveness and workability in a more compact package — the Blueprint T remains a pure blade with minimal offset. In a head-to-head comparison with the Blueprint S, the Blueprint T has noticeably less offset and a slightly thinner topline.
The blade length looks to be identical as well, which makes sense considering some golfers will try to blend the two models to create the ideal set. For the moment, the Blueprint T remains a Tour-only option that’s still receiving early feedback from pros. With the FedEx Cup playoffs now in full swing, it’s likely many will wait until the offseason to work their way into one of Ping’s latest iron.
For recreational golfers, it means waiting even longer to get our hands on the latest Blueprint.
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Jonathan Wall is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s Managing Editor for Equipment. Prior to joining the staff at the end of 2018, he spent 6 years covering equipment for the PGA Tour. He can be reached at jonathan.wall@golf.com.
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