WATCH: Viktor Hovland and Sahith Theegala react to the new PING driver

Viktor Hovland and Sahith Theegala with the new PING driver (Image via X @PINGTour)
Viktor Hovland and Sahith Theegala with the new PING driver (Image via X @PINGTour)

PGA Tour superstars Viktor Hovland and Sahith Theegala recently took to the Oak Tree National golf course in Edmond, Oklahoma, to promote PING's new G440 driver. The two golfers worked with the company's senior player development manager Kenton Oates and offered their first impressions of the club.

Upon initial inspection of the clubhead, the world-class golfers were stunned by its striking black and blue finish. Theegala was the first to test the new G440 driver, unleashing a powerful drive on his very first swing. Convinced by the club's signature impact sound, he declared it an absolute weapon.

Despite a couple of mis-hits, Theegala was wowed by the driver's forgiveness. He said (via YouTube 1:06 - 1:30):

"I really like the noise. It feels a bit softer to the ears. I've already hit 2 or 3 shots pretty far from the center of the face and they've all gone dead straight which is awesome. I feel at least all the PING drivers I've played have been super forgiving and this seems to fit the bill again. "

The club's lie angle stood out for Hovland. The Ryder Cup star hit a couple of balls off the toe of the club face but still noticed a straight ball flight. When he hit a ball off the heel, the golf ball barely cut.

Hovland noted (via YouTube 1:30 - 2:09):

"I really like the way it sits. Like when I put it down it just feels like the face wants to sit pretty straight which I'm a big fan of. [I] definitely hit a couple ones [balls] on the toe but it seems like ball flights are pretty straight. It feels like the gearing is actually helping what I'm wanting it to do and I like the sound too. This thing is nice."

In another promotional video for PING's X (formerly known as Twitter) platform, both golfers expressed their appreciation for the club's look, feel, and technology. Hovland stressed the driver's incredible forgiveness where a mis-hit doesn't cost a lot of ball spin. Despite hitting a lot of balls away from the center of the clubface, Theegala gained ball speed.

Here's a look at the PGA Tour sensations' videos for PING along with their new G440 driver (via X @PingTour and YouTube):

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PING globally launched the G440 driver and its 3 variants on January 14. While the clubs are available in MAX, LST, HL, and SFT models, Theegala and Hovland tested out the former model.


What drivers do Viktor Hovland and Sahith Theegala use?

Viktor Hovland and Sahith Theegala have been loyal members of PING's Tour roster. Known for their incredible ball striking off the tee, both PGA Tour golfers use drivers from the same brand.

Hovland has had the PING G425 LST driver in his bag since late 2024. While the loft of the club is 9 degrees, the European has set it to play at 8.5 degrees (flat standard) with a Fujikura Speeder TR 661-TX shaft. Here's a look at the club's specifications (via PING):

  • Club Head: PING G425 LST Driver 9 degrees set at 8.5 degrees
  • Shaft: 45.75 inches Fujikura Speeder TR 661-TX tipped 1 inch
  • Swing Weight: D5+
  • Additional Settings: 14g CG shifter in neutral setting
  • Grip: Golf Pride Multicompound Black/Blue 60R +1 wrap

Theegala, on the other hand, has already equipped the new PING G440 LST driver with a 10.5-degree loft. Here's a look at the specifications of his club (via PING):

  • Club Head: PING G440 LST Driver 10.5 degrees set at 8 degrees
  • Shaft: 45 inches Project X Gen 4 Hzrdus Black 60g tipped 1.5 inches
  • Swing Weight: D4
  • Additional Settings: 32g CG shifter in neutral

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Edited by Pratham K Sharma
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