Viktor Hovland Switches to Ping G440 LST for RBC Canadian Open, Marking Shift in Equipment Strategy
PGA Tour player Viktor Hovland stunned observers at the RBC Canadian Open by using a Ping G440 LST driver instead of his longtime G425 LST model, according to Ping Tour Rep Kenton Oates. This marked the first time Hovland has used the G440 LST since the 2025 Masters, signaling a potential shift in his equipment strategy. “That’s one way to switch,” Oates said, referencing Hovland’s departure from his “security blanket” of the G425.
The decision comes after months of testing the G440 LST and newer G440 K models, with Hovland alternating between the two in recent tournaments. However, the G425 remained his primary driver for most of his seven PGA Tour victories. “The 440s outperform the 425 in every category in testing,” Oates noted, though Hovland had previously cited concerns about the 440’s higher launch and tendency to exacerbate his natural rightward miss.
What Changed in Hovland’s Setup?
Hovland’s switch to the G440 LST was paired with a new Fujikura Ventus TR Black+ 6-X shaft, which features a stiffer mid-section compared to the Speeder 757 shaft used in his G425. This change, according to Oates, helped Hovland achieve a more consistent start line and reduced spin. “TR Black Plus was a home run on paper right away because it should have dropped his spin, and it should give him a better feel,” Oates said.
The G440 LST’s design includes a shallower, thinner face and a deeper center of gravity, which Ping claims increases ball speed and forgiveness. Hovland’s current setup includes a 9° loft with a Ping Trajectory 2.0 “Flat Dot” setting, a 45.75-inch shaft, and a Golf Pride MCC Black/Blue 60R grip.
Why Did Hovland Switch Drivers?
Hovland himself highlighted the G440’s superior spin consistency during a recent interview. “If I hit it off the heel or the toe with a 425, the spin discrepancy is very large,” he said. “With the 440, it’s very tight.” However, he had previously struggled with the 440’s higher launch and directional issues.
Oates explained that Hovland’s recent swing adjustments—particularly a tighter grip—allowed him to better control the G440’s characteristics. “As he tightened his swing up a little bit, to me it felt like it was just coming out of the proper start line every time,” Oates said.
Other PGA Tour Players Adopt G440 LST
Hovland is not the only player experimenting with the G440 LST. Nick Taylor, Taylor Moore, and Alex Noren have also transitioned to the model, according to GOLF equipment editor Jack Hirsh. Meanwhile, Wyndham Clark reverted to his Ping G440 Max 3-wood and adjusted his Qi4D driver loft from 10.5° to 9.0°.
The trend reflects broader equipment shifts on the PGA Tour, where players increasingly prioritize ball speed and spin control. Ping’s G440 family, launched in 2023, has been a focal point for many professionals, with the LST variant specifically targeting players with higher swing speeds.
What’s Next for Hovland’s Equipment?
Hovland’s performance with the G440 LST at the Canadian Open will likely influence his future choices. Oates noted that the driver’s 3-4 mph boost in ball speed could be a game-changer if Hovland maintains consistency. “With the new build, he could finally take advantage of that extra speed,” Oates said.
The move also raises questions about the G425’s long-term role in Hovland’s bag. While the G425 has been instrumental in his success, the G440 LST’s performance metrics suggest a potential transition. Whether this marks a permanent shift or a temporary experiment remains to be seen.
Key Takeaways
- Viktor Hovland used Ping G440 LST for the first time since the 2025 Masters at the RBC Canadian Open.
- The switch involved a new Fujikura shaft and adjustments to his swing mechanics.
- Ping’s G440 LST offers improved spin consistency and ball speed compared to the G425.
- Other PGA Tour players, including Nick Taylor and Taylor Moore, have also adopted the G440 LST.
For more details on Ping’s G440 driver line, visit Ping’s official website.
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