Ping Golf is launching its 2005 golf bag line, which includes two new versions of its flagship Hoofer bag -- the Hoofer Extreme and the Hoofer Lite -- along with two cart bags, the Trailblazer and the Ping Retro.
"Since the Hoofer's debut in 1995, the bag's reputation has continually grown," said Ping Chairman John Solheim. "This makeover generates two new Hoofer bags that improve upon a durable design that is already greatly revered and recognized in the field as a lightweight, feature-rich golf bag."
The Hoofer Extreme, weighing approximately 4.6 pounds, features a patent-pending, standing retractable strap that is adjustable while walking.
"Because the primary strap stands upright, the golfer doesn't have to bend down or fumble with the straps to get the bag on his or her shoulders," said Solheim. "At that point, the golfer can use the adjustable, secondary strap to make the bag feel snug and comfortable."
The Hoofer Extreme also features an 8-inch by 9.5-inch, patented eight-way top; a full-length divider; and five pockets including an insulated water bottle pocket. The Hoofer Extreme, according to Solheim, is designed to offer the most complete storage and functionality by also offering zipper access to the bag's interior through the apparel pocket, a patented bag stand, a trunk handle and a towel clip.
The bag comes with a rain hood and is constructed with a water-repellent polypropylene material that Solheim said offers more than 500 hours of UV protection. The Hoofer Extreme comes in five stock colors and three limited edition colors, and has a suggested retail price of $165.
Weighing in at only four pounds, the Hoofer Lite, made of a high-performance nylon material, is Ping's latest entry into the ultra-lightweight bag category. The bag, Solheim said, features a new, patented 8-inch by 9-inch top to make club removal and replacement easier, while also providing a hi-tech spacer mesh padding for shaft protection. The bag also features an eight-way top, full-length dividers, four pockets, a trunk handle, a rain hood and a new towel clip.
The Hoofer Lite (SRP $100) also has a padded hip pad and a lightweight strap that may be configured for use as a single or dual strap and comes in five stock colors and four limited edition colors.
The Trailblazer (SRP $150) provides an eight-way, 9-inch by 9.5-inch club divider with "stadium seating" so golfers can easily sort and access their clubs. This nylon bag weighs approximately eight pounds and, Solheim said, has been geared for enhanced stability on a variety of surfaces with the addition of four "feet."
The Trailblazer also features a hook-and-loop glove holder, 11 pockets, two front handles and an integrated trunk handle. Standard features, such as an umbrella sleeve, rain hood, towel clip and full-length dividers, are also included.
The Ping Retro bag (SRP $100), according to Solheim, has a traditional shape and tube construction to provide sturdiness on and off the golf cart. The lightweight nylon Ping Retro weighs approximately six pounds and features eight pockets, full-length dividers and a patented, seven-way, 7.5-inch by 9-inch top with spacer mesh. In addition to a trunk handle, towel clip and rain hood, a hidden umbrella sleeve keeps the umbrella concealed and prevents interference when retrieving clubs.
The Ping Retro also offers an insulated beverage pocket with enough room for two full-size water bottles. This pull/push cart-compatible bag comes in four stock colors and three limited edition colors.
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