Engineering game enjoyment for 50 years

A classic American success story, PING’s humble beginnings can be traced to the family garage. Late nights, persistence and curiosity formed the foundation of the world-renowned golf equipment company that celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2009. And like most pioneers, Karsten Solheim (Karsten to his employees) endured his fair share of skepticism along the way. But skeptics didn't discourage him, they inspired him.

That inspiration prevails today at the Phoenix, Arizona-based company where more than 1000 workers leave their marks on PING products every day. Under the leadership of Chairman & CEO John A. Solheim, the youngest son of Karsten and Louise, the company remains family-owned in its quest to develop the most innovative and highest quality golf equipment in the world. It was John who was at his father's side from the very beginning. His entire work career has been at PING, having collected his first "paycheck" from dad at age 15. Like his father, who died in 2000, he shares a passion and understanding for engineering that sets the tone for the company's insistence on improving a product's performance through innovation and quality.

Today, the primary task of leading the product development charge is John's oldest son, John K. (Karsten), who trailed his grandfather around the plant during summer breaks from high school. Among his experiences was witnessing the transition of the product design process into the computer age. As developments in technology transformed club design from the hands-on, keen-eye craftsmanship that was the genius of Karsten into today's reliance on 3D modeling and supercomputers, he gained an appreciation no textbook could ever provide. With that knowledge, he went on to college where he earned a mechanical engineering degree and an MBA. He assumed his current role of Vice-President of Engineering in 2001 and leads a team of more than 60 engineers and researchers.