Ping Demo Days

[FLGOLFJUNKIE]

What to Expect?

Has anyone ever been to a Ping Demo day? I wanted to know what to expect as I Will be attending their Demo Day @ Celebration Golf Course. Website is asking me to call to reserve a time, how much $ should I expect to spend, if any?

[pingman1]

[quote name='FLGOLFJUNKIE' timestamp='1326602185' post='4086597']
Has anyone ever been to a Ping Demo day? I wanted to know what to expect as I Will be attending their Demo Day @ Celebration Golf Course. Website is asking me to call to reserve a time, how much $ should I expect to spend, if any?
[/quote]

Do a static fit on PING's web-site, print it out and take it with you. The rep well probably verify the measurements and watch you hit balls with several different configurations. It will cost you nothing. The PING reps will make you feel very comfortable, and make recommendations based on what they see. When you are finished you will walk away with a great feeling and knowing what specs to order when you decide to buy new clubs.

[rocker40]

Is the i20 Driver going to be at the Demo Day?

I wouldnt expect to spend any money at a demo day. It should all be free unless you purchase equipment.
Make sure you show up ontime for any freebies. I picked up a hat at the last PING Demo Day.

I really liked the PING Demo day that was held in my area. They had a trackman we were hitting into an outdoor range.

[Llortamaisey]

I would expect to spend lots of money at the demo day, especially if the i20 stuff is there. Ping has a great lineup this year.

Have fun, good luck, and let us know how the event goes for you!

[Br1an02;]

I might have to drive down for this demo day. Does anyone know if the i20 stuff will be there?

[topr]

[quote name='Br1an02;' timestamp='1326659655' post='4089137']
I might have to drive down for this demo day. Does anyone know if the i20 stuff will be there?
[/quote]

That would be a must for me. Does the Ping van typically get the latest and greatest at the same time or before authorized Ping dealer/fitters? Our Ping dealers won't have the i20's until the 2nd week of Feb.

[Boogs2]

Sorry for threadjacking but can you do the fitting just to see what type of shafts you should be using for your irons? I have i5s that I'm thinking about sending to Ping but would like to try other shafts like their new CFS before putting money down for good ol' s300s.

[golftejas]

Last Ping demo day I attended was after the G20 gear had just been released. Ping rep was very friendly and helpful, and let me try multiple sets of irons (G20, i15, S56) with regular or stiff stock shafts, plus he used a Ping fitting cart to let me try TT DG R300 & S300 in the i15. We also tried Cushin shaft inserts to get a feel for those. Static fitting per the Ping color chart put me in 1 deg upright clubs - - I told him I had been playing 1 deg flat - - we broke out the lie board and sure enough 1 deg flat. I hit shots and we discussed ball flight - - they had a trackman set up but I didn't do much with that due to a strong wind that day. We also discussed club length recommendations, swingweights, grip options and grip sizes. Then he asked if I wanted to try the new G20 driver - - very impressive club. Overall, a great experience and he summarized everything on a Ping fitting sheet. All free. Enjoy yourself, you'll have a blast.

[FLGOLFJUNKIE]

The I20 stuff WILL be there and that's why I'm going...Really want to try something new!!

[FLGOLFJUNKIE]

Thanks all for confirming. I WILL leave my credit card at home and will only come with my license and maybe 40 bucks in CASH.

[displayname]

The demo day I went to had Ping and several other of the major companies. 6 in total I think. Ping was by far the best. They had two guys that were basically sales guys ready to answer any general questions about the technology and the clubs, and one guy doing the fittings. I had no idea they had a fitter out there, but when the fitter saw me hitting the irons and fighting a hook. He just walked up and said "try this". Next thing I knew I was hitting off a lie board and had a fitting done. Lengths, lies, shafts and grip size. The reps were very friendly and easy to work with and I never felt any pressure to buy. They want you to have fun, enjoy the clubs, try as many options as you want, get you fit, and send you home well informed for when you are ready to buy. They were by far the most enjoyable company at the demo day.

[craniac24]

I would hope that if you chose to buy clubs as a result of your fitting, that you would purchase them from the course that hosted the event. I think it's only fair, and the right thing to do.

[pingman1]

[quote name='craniac24' timestamp='1326686406' post='4091487']
I would hope that if you chose to buy clubs as a result of your fitting, that you would purchase them from the course that hosted the event. I think it's only fair, and the right thing to do.
[/quote]

Only if they will match Discount Dan's pricing!

[Charlie14]

[quote] [color=#1C2837]I would hope that if you chose to buy clubs as a result of your fitting, that you would purchase them from the course that hosted the event. I think it's only fair, and the right thing to do.[/color]

[quote][color=#1C2837][size=2]Only if they will match Discount Dan's pricing![/size][/color][color=#1C2837][size=2] [/size][/color][/quote]
[/quote]
Man I wish stores would match discount dan's. Sadly I don't they will since stores always match "advertised prices" and DD's doesn't advertise their price.

Anyone able to price match with DD?

[gr00vetech]

When is the demo day at celebration? My dad lives in orlando and i'd like him to go. he really needs a new setup.

[craniac24]

[quote name='pingman1' timestamp='1326722307' post='4092547']
[quote name='craniac24' timestamp='1326686406' post='4091487']
I would hope that if you chose to buy clubs as a result of your fitting, that you would purchase them from the course that hosted the event. I think it's only fair, and the right thing to do.
[/quote]

Only if they will match Discount Dan's pricing!
[/quote]


Then maybe you should wait until Discount Dan goes through the trouble to host a PING fitting day.

[displayname]

[quote name='craniac24' timestamp='1326686406' post='4091487']
I would hope that if you chose to buy clubs as a result of your fitting, that you would purchase them from the course that hosted the event. I think it's only fair, and the right thing to do.
[/quote]

The club I went to gave you an large coin, almost like a metal poker chip, and had you sign in before you could head out to the tents and the range. The coin got you 20% or 25% off anything you purchased from the pro shop from any of the mfg's there that day. The reps would fill out custom order sheets, and you would just take it inside to the pro shop if you were ready to buy. I think you had one week to purchase with the discount. It was a nice set up.

[pdksca]

[quote name='displayname' timestamp='1326741264' post='4094005']
[quote name='craniac24' timestamp='1326686406' post='4091487']
I would hope that if you chose to buy clubs as a result of your fitting, that you would purchase them from the course that hosted the event. I think it's only fair, and the right thing to do.
[/quote]

The club I went to gave you an large coin, almost like a metal poker chip, and had you sign in before you could head out to the tents and the range. The coin got you 20% or 25% off anything you purchased from the pro shop from any of the mfg's there that day. The reps would fill out custom order sheets, and you would just take it inside to the pro shop if you were ready to buy. I think you had one week to purchase with the discount. It was a nice set up.
[/quote]

Sounds like fun.

Demo days can be a blast. My buddies and I had a great time at Tucson National when our vacation happened upon a big multi-brand demo day there. The club provided lots of free beer and hot dogs and we blasted away with all sorts of cool equipment between swilling and telling stories. Way more fun than typical range-work!

[FLGOLFJUNKIE]

Just saw that there are two, one @ Celebration and one @ Grand Cypress. I think I'm going to go to the one at Celebration since it will probably be less crowded than grand cypress. I really want to skip the crowd so I will probably get there early in the day and definitely scheduling that fitting online!

[pingman1]

[quote name='craniac24' timestamp='1326740781' post='4093951']
[quote name='pingman1' timestamp='1326722307' post='4092547']
[quote name='craniac24' timestamp='1326686406' post='4091487']
I would hope that if you chose to buy clubs as a result of your fitting, that you would purchase them from the course that hosted the event. I think it's only fair, and the right thing to do.
[/quote]

Only if they will match Discount Dan's pricing!
[/quote]


Then maybe you should wait until Discount Dan goes through the trouble to host a PING fitting day.
[/quote]

Took my g20's, that I got from DD's to a PING demo day, they checked my clubs, watched me hit balls and changed my alignment slightly, got me hitting the irons much better. The specs were dead on.

[craniac24]

[quote name='pingman1' timestamp='1326761369' post='4096043']
[quote name='craniac24' timestamp='1326740781' post='4093951']
[quote name='pingman1' timestamp='1326722307' post='4092547']
[quote name='craniac24' timestamp='1326686406' post='4091487']
I would hope that if you chose to buy clubs as a result of your fitting, that you would purchase them from the course that hosted the event. I think it's only fair, and the right thing to do.
[/quote]

Only if they will match Discount Dan's pricing!
[/quote]


Then maybe you should wait until Discount Dan goes through the trouble to host a PING fitting day.
[/quote]

Took my g20's, that I got from DD's to a PING demo day, they checked my clubs, watched me hit balls and changed my alignment slightly, got me hitting the irons much better. The specs were dead on.
[/quote]


That's wonderful, but I'm not sure what your point is. Since it wasn't clear what MY point was, allow me to make it clear now.


I'm a financial advisor, and used to deal with people like you all the time that want to leech free research, advice and guidance, only to take their money to a discount brokerage because they lack the class and common decency to appreciate those who take the time to share their expertise. The reason I say that I "used" to deal with people like you is because I smartened up rather quickly and realized that if they want to take up valuable time, and utilize my extensive knowledge of finance, they're going to have to become my client first.

In this case, the course has taken the time, provided the space, and made the effort to provide a fitting day. Now, I'm sure that the organizer realizes that there are going to be a few bottom feeders that are going to take advantage of their efforts just to get some free knowledge that they can take elsewhere in order to get the absolute cheapest price. That said, I wish people like you would keep your penny pinching ways to yourself, instead of wearing it like a badge of honor.

[golfnuthb]

Id take my chances with the discount brokerage. I'm glad you don't work for Ping.

[buckI]

I have priced DD's and it is good. I do however buy from the local shop that a couple of young guys run because if they aren't around, the demo days are going to dry up. They have quite a number of them..PIng, Mizuno, Bridgestone and all the others plus it is at an outdoor site so I can see the ball flight. Worth a little extra to keep these things happening for me.

[FLGOLFJUNKIE]

As a financial advisor and a professional, I am sure that you're very aware that most of us, probably including you, would MUCH rather spend $200-$300 LESS on a set of irons, than buying them at regular price.

[pdksca]

Id take my chances with the discount brokerage. I'm glad you don't work for Ping.

 

Ouch, this is nasty ...but it is pretty funny!

 

 

 

[mantan]

Shots fired!!!!!

One of those times I think both sides have a valid point.

The guy said he had his clubs checked and the Ping Reps adjusted his alignment (not his equipment) and fixed his clubs. It wasn't like they did a full fitting and he walked past the clubhouse to make his order with DD.

But I also agree it's way too common for golfers to waste the resources of a big box demo bay or the rare range that has outdoor demos to 'test drive' clubs, then run online to save a few bucks. That's just tacky. They completely miss the correlation between the overhead/investment those companies and how they have to recoup their costs. They selfishly justify it by saying 'hey, I'm not spending any more than I have to'...then complain when the big boxes continue to close or have to hire entry level staff people who don't meet their expectations.

I agree with the poster above who talked about demo days with discounts. The best ones I've been are the ones who offer a discount on site. TM and Cleveland both had vans at demo days a couple of years ago. They would measure you and build you a custom set for a discount and have them ready within an hour. That really helped add value to the demo day and encouraged people to buy on site.

(Full disclosure, I have used DD's many times. But it's almost exclusively 'off the rack' stuff that I bought without hitting.)

[craniac24]

[quote name='FLGOLFJUNKIE' timestamp='1326772195' post='4097119']
As a financial advisor and a professional, I am sure that you're very aware that most of us, probably including you, would MUCH rather spend $200-$300 LESS on a set of irons, than buying them at regular price.
[/quote]


I don't know what line of work that you're in. But how about I come to your office and take you away from your work for 2 hours, then leave, never having any intention to provide any sort of value for the time that you spent with me? Sound good to you? I wouldn't think so.

I couldn't care less who you get your clubs from and what price you pay. I was merely asserting my viewpoint that if you take advantage of a resource that's being provided to you by a particular facility, then the right thing to do is to patronize that facility. If you're concerned that the pricing might not be the most advantageous to you, then DON'T GO TO THE DEMO DAY!

[craniac24]

[quote name='mantan' timestamp='1326776601' post='4097447']
Shots fired!!!!!

One of those times I think both sides have a valid point.

The guy said he had his clubs checked and the Ping Reps adjusted his alignment (not his equipment) and fixed his clubs. It wasn't like they did a full fitting and he walked past the clubhouse to make his order with DD.

[size="5"][b]But I also agree it's way too common for golfers to waste the resources of a big box demo bay or the rare range that has outdoor demos to 'test drive' clubs, then run online to save a few bucks.[/b] [/size][b][size="6"]That's just tacky[/size][/b]. They completely miss the correlation between the overhead/investment those companies and how they have to recoup their costs. They selfishly justify it by saying 'hey, I'm not spending any more than I have to'...then complain when the big boxes continue to close or have to hire entry level staff people who don't meet their expectations.

I agree with the poster above who talked about demo days with discounts. The best ones I've been are the ones who offer a discount on site. TM and Cleveland both had vans at demo days a couple of years ago. They would measure you and build you a custom set for a discount and have them ready within an hour. That really helped add value to the demo day and encouraged people to buy on site.

(Full disclosure, I have used DD's many times. But it's almost exclusively 'off the rack' stuff that I bought without hitting.)
[/quote]


Thank you. This says it all right there.

[fat eel]

I concur with the quality and usefulness of the Ping Demo Day in both Australia and Hong Kong, which were where I used to live the last decade. Their reps are always friendly and helpful and give you a lot of advice and inside info. Always enjoy going to a Ping Demo Day. The after effect is expensive, as I always end up buying their new equipments since I have been impressed

[FLGOLFJUNKIE]

[quote name='craniac24' timestamp='1326782124' post='4097767']
[quote name='FLGOLFJUNKIE' timestamp='1326772195' post='4097119']
As a financial advisor and a professional, I am sure that you're very aware that most of us, probably including you, would MUCH rather spend $200-$300 LESS on a set of irons, than buying them at regular price.
[/quote]


I don't know what line of work that you're in. But how about I come to your office and take you away from your work for 2 hours, then leave, never having any intention to provide any sort of value for the time that you spent with me? Sound good to you? I wouldn't think so.

I couldn't care less who you get your clubs from and what price you pay. I was merely asserting my viewpoint that if you take advantage of a resource that's being provided to you by a particular facility, then the right thing to do is to patronize that facility. If you're concerned that the pricing might not be the most advantageous to you, then DON'T GO TO THE DEMO DAY!
[/quote]


I still think I'm with the majority, unfortunately. Your point is true and valid and totally respect it from your point of view, however, I won't go to the demo day because I know that unless I have the opportunity to save money, I probably won't be spending full price on a set of clubs/wedges. Let me put you in my shoes. I'm a 29 year old who is the only bread winner in my house, and also have a 3 year old to provide for. In order for me to be able to buy the best equipment that I can, I have to find ways to save money. I care about my game, I'm not going to just buy a set online and continue to under perform. I would much rather go to an event where there will be knowledgeable professionals with experience and are there to help people like me that want to take their game to the next level. THAT'S what Demo Days are about!

I support the facility in other ways as well, as I play there once a week, and support Ping as I plan to change my bag to (almost) all Ping on 2012. So, if I go to the demo day and do not purchase something, but purchase something at a later date at a little bit of a discount, I don't think there's anything wrong with that.