Karsten Solheim posthumously inducted into Southwest Section PGA Hall of Fame

The Southwest Section PGA announced that Karsten Solheim, Founder of PING, has been posthumously inducted into the Southwest Section PGA Hall of Fame.

Considered one of the leading innovators in golf club design, Solheim founded Karsten Manufacturing and later created PING golf clubs, which he moved to Phoenix in 1972. He was the first to develop perimeter-weight irons, the first to use investment casting and was the first to put the letter “L” on a high-lofted club that has become what now is widely known as the lob wedge. He also was a big supporter of women’s golf and he became the sponsor of the Solheim Cup, the women’s version of the Ryder Cup.

“Karsten Solheim is a true pioneer in the golf industry and was integral to the growth of golf in the state of Arizona,” said Curt Hudek, Executive Director of the Southwest Section PGA. “His engineering and business talents led to the creation of one of the largest golf course equipment companies ever created, and while he is no longer with us, this family-owned business continues to be one of the strongest brands in the world.”

Solheim passed away on February 11, 2000, at the age of 88.