First Look: PING Anser TR 1966 Putters

It’s Just Another Anser Copy

That has to be one of my absolute favorite reader comments. It’s usually appropriate, but at the same time, there’s not a single person reading the article, or writing it for that matter, who doesn’t already realize as much. The PING Anser is iconic, and has been copied the inspiration for countless putters over the last several decades.

Well, today we have another Anser variant to check out, but this one is actually made by PING so that makes it OK, right?

In car terms, it’s a resto-mod. PING has kept the original classic body, but installed modern technology under the hood.

Specifications: PING Anser TR 1966

• Models: 2 (Anser and Anser 2)
• Weight: 340g
• Material: 17-4 stainless steel
• Length: 35″ as standard
• Face Milling: True-Roll face technology
• Fit: slight arc stroke type
• Finish: Manganese bronze PVD (Anser)/Blast (Anser 2)
• Shaft: PING Stepped shaft
• Lie: angle adjustable +-4º
• Grip: PP58 midsize black grip
• Price: U.S. MSRP: $162.50

Classic Elements: The Anser Heads

Putter heads really don’t get much more classic than these two. The Anser gives you a super clean look. The corners are a bit rounded, and the top line a bit thick. It’s sound slotted for tonal pleasure, and lacks any sight lines that could mar the visual experience.

The more square Anser 2 has the sight line that many need to aim correctly, a thinner top line, and an overall more square geometry.

What can I really say about these shapes? They are iconic, classic, green-tested, and the templates for numerous putters that followed.

New Tech: PING TR Grooves

I get the feeling that we will be seeing TR grooves for the foreseeable future, and why wouldn’t we? These grooves work. Remember that the premise of the TR groove is to promote uniform putting distances across the putter face. Simply, the edges produce a hitter roll than the center, thus on-center and off-center strikes roll out the same.

The tech works. I’d keep it too.

Other Tidbits

There are a couple of other little things that I think are worth mentioning. First, the Manganese bronze finish is only available on the Anser, and more importantly, it’s a finish, not a different metal. Both of these are stainless steel. I’d love to see an actual MnBr head, but I bet that the materials and environmental costs make it cost prohibitive.

Who am I kidding, I want a solid copper one, and I want it right now. Get Mr. Solheim on the blower!

I also find it interesting that the stock grip on both of these is the PP58 midsize grip. I would have expected a more traditional standard sized grip, maybe even the classic Pingman grip. I guess the midsize reflects the prevalence of larger than standard putter grips in most players bags.

I actually want to go with the optional PP65 oversized grip. There is an upcharge there, but the PP65 has a great shape and feel that deftly competes with the likes of the SuperStroke 3.0.

More to Come

This is just the first taste of the Anser TR 1966. Really, it’s not even a taste. We are reading the menu and looking at the pictures while we prepare to order. Regardless, I’m salivating, and I can’t wait to get my teeth into these. We’ll have them in hand in a few weeks, and I’ll share my findings with you before they hit the shops in March.

Stay tuned…