Viktor Hovland is back. After a year and a half of frustration and swing tweaks that never seemed to click, he held off Justin Thomas to win the Valspar Championship by a shot. Two birdies through the Snake Pit sealed the deal and gave Hovland his first PGA Tour win since 2023.
Like all wins on Tour, there’s a formula that includes nerves, timing, mechanics and, of course, equipment. In this case, the driver in his bag stands out.
A $399 reminder that performance doesn’t always expire
A PING G425 LST, released in 2021 and currently selling for $399 in limited lofts, got the job done for Hovland.
The G425 LST (Low Spin Technology) is a better-player driver with a 445cc pear-shaped head designed to reduce spin. It features a moveable 17-gram weight for tuning ball flight and a forged T9S+ face to enhance ball speed. It’s built for control, distance and flight shaping.
In MyGolfSpy’s Most Wanted testing for mid swing speeds in 2022, the G425 LST finished best for distance and ranked near the top in Strokes Gained. It also earned high marks for shaping and overall performance. The one common complaint? The sound.
Still, it delivered then, and it still does.
Not the newest, just the right fit
The PING G425 LST isn’t the best driver for everyone and it certainly doesn’t feature the latest tech like the new G430 MAX 10K nor the PING G440. But it’s a reminder that the “best” driver isn’t always the one with the highest price tag.
At the Valspar, Hovland ranked 25th for distance and 20th for Strokes Gained driving.
Just because something isn’t new doesn’t mean it’s obsolete.
Thinking about your next driver?
Don’t just chase the new. Chase what fits. It might be worth taking a second look at that PING G425 LST while you can still get one. If you want something newer, here is a look at our complete 2025 driver test results: Best Golf Driver 2025.
PING Promo Codes and Discounts
- Get the PING G430 LST Driver for $180 off.
- Save $150 on the PING G430 SFT Driver, now $399.98 (was $549.99).
- PING Clearance – Up to 40% Off: Enjoy up to 40% off past-season products during the PING Golf clearance sale.
- Save 20% on PING G430 Hybrid for a limited time.
Top Photo Caption: Viktor Hovland has been content to stick with the same driver for multiple years. (GETTY IMAGES/Harry How)
JR
1 year ago
He might be using a $399 driver head but he isn’t using a stock shaft. Add in his shaft and the driver is likely over $1000.
JBS
1 year ago
$600+ shaft? Don’t think so bud. His shaft is $350. Fujikura Speeder 661 TR X.