The factory tour of PING begins in the club fitting area where you sign in. In the waiting room the newest PING clubs are on display, and you can drool over them, er, I mean, see what new products are being offered.
There is a small lecture room where you will begin your tour. You'll be introduced to your tour guide, learn about the history of the company and its founder, Karsten Solheim, and hear about the rest of the Solheim family and their involvement with the company. The second and third generations of the family are very much involved in the business. Louise Solheim, Karsten's wife, has always and continues to be involved and influence decisions. She celebrated her 90th birthday in 2008.
Although the name Solheim isn't technically part of the company name, it might sound familiar to golf fans. That's because Karsten Manufacturing (PING) sponsors a tournament in professional ladies golf called The Solheim Cup. It pits 12 of the top European-born players against 12 top American-born players. It is a prestigious event that occurs only every other year (odd years), alternating between the U.S. and Europe. That tradition began in 1990.
After the tour guide presents an overview of PING, you'll see a video that includes, among other things, the physics of golf club design.
