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Ping s259 Wedge Review: A worthy Vokey alternative?

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Ping’s latest short-game offering builds on the success of the s159. But does the s259 wedge go one step further and have what it takes to rival the best in the game? Find out here…

Ping wedges often fly slightly under the radar compared to some of the category’s biggest names. But the company has quietly built a reputation for producing seriously reliable short-game tools.

The move from the Glide range to the S-Series marked a major step forward, and the latest Ping s259 Wedge looks to build on that momentum.

Following the success of the Ping s159 Wedge, this new model looks to refine those positives with aesthetic tweaks, more spin technology, and the kind of fitting versatility that Ping has long championed.

Find out whether it has accomplished that in our full Ping s259 wedge review below…

NCG Summary

5 star review
NCG SUMMARY

The Ping s259 wedge continues the brand’s development of premium offerings in the short game department. A compact head, excellent spin levels, and a clever grip design makes this a standout option for players who want to gain a bit more control inside 100 yards.

With 25 loft and grind options available, there’s also plenty of scope for golfers to dial in the exact setup they need.

PROS

  • Excellent spin rates and stopping power
  • Clean look
  • Unique grip design

CONS

  • Compact profile won’t suit everyone

First Impressions

At address, the s259 has a clean and compact profile that will immediately appeal to better players. I thought the shaping was tidy and understated, with minimal branding across the back of the head aside from the Ping logo and a small visible weight.

For me, that restraint gives the club a premium look and helps it feel less dated over time. I think this is something Ping clearly values with its longer product cycles.

ping s259 wedge review

One of the first things you notice on the face is the sheer number of grooves. Visually, it almost appears as though there are more grooves than on competing wedges, creating a friction-heavy look that inspires confidence when standing over delicate shots. 

The compact head shape does stand out. It frames the ball nicely and gives the club a slightly more player-focused appearance compared to previous Ping wedges.

NCG Verdict

In terms of performance, spin is the real headliner here.

During testing, I found the s259 produced excellent stopping power across the board. From bunker shots and chips to pitch shots and full swings its the same throughout.

The ball consistently checked quickly on the greens which gives you this sense of confidence that you can attack flags from inside 50 yards. That’s a sign of really useable wedge in my opinion.

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ping s259 wedge review

The MicroMax grooves Ping has designed helps to deliver this. They increase friction and maximise spin around the greens.

That ability to generate spin makes a big difference on the golf course. When you know the ball will stop near its landing spot, it effectively makes your targets feel larger because you don’t need to factor in as much of a rollout as you do with other clubs.

The straight leading edge on the lower lofts also proved particular helpful for alignment.

Compared to other wedges I have tested that have a more rounded shape, it gave a slightly squarer look at address and helped with aiming on fuller shots.

Feel is another strong point. The soft carbon steel construction delivers a pleasingly muted strike, especially on partial swings where touch and feedback matter most.

Ping S259 Wedge

The 8620 carbon steel which is used to craft the club head helps to create this noticeably soft feel, particularly on delicate shots where feedback and touch are crucial.

NCG Verdict

Ping may not dominate the wedge conversation in the same way as Titleist Vokey SM11 Wedge, but the s259 shows why it deserves to be firmly in that discussion.

With excellent spin performance, a soft feel, and one of the most comprehensive fitting line-ups on the market, this is a wedge that ticks almost every box.

On top of that, the thoughtful grip design and improved aesthetics only strengthen its case in that regard.

If you’re shopping for a premium wedge and want something slightly different from the usual suspects, the Ping s259 should absolutely be on your shortlist.

The Details

RRP: £179.00‌

More information: Ping website

Don’t forget to check out and like our YouTube channel – YOUR GOLF NCG – where you will find lots of hints, tips and equipment reviews.

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About the author

Callaway Epic Max driver review
Jack Backhouse

A member of the PGA for 13 years, Jack has lived golf for more than half his life. Inspired by Tiger Wood’s winning putt at the 2008 US Open, an obsession began with watching slow motion golf swings on the internet and reading What’s In The Bag articles in magazines.

Not destined for a life behind the desk in a pro shop, Jack has focussed more on coaching, working closely with regional teams in North Yorkshire and helping golfers of all levels on their journey to enjoying playing the game more. Jack has coached many junior golfers into the county teams, and once worked with a player at the 2018 Open Championship at Carnoustie.

After letting his game fall apart prior to COVID, Jack rediscovered his love for playing golf after joining Silloth Golf Club in 2020 and whipping round the windy, firm links course. Playing regularly with a half set of clubs he has a passion for shot making and developing skill, and claims to have the sharpest 30-100 yard game in the North of England (only because he doesn’t know anyone in the South), and now maintains a +1 handicap at a club much closer to home, Sand Moor GC.

Jack has always tinkered with his equipment, once building his own Frankenstein one length set of clubs after watching Bryson DeChambeau burst onto the scene after winning the US Amateur. He firmly believes in getting custom fit and is happy to debate anyone about blade irons being superior to any other iron category.

Jack loves: playing quickly, 2 ball golf, match play, heathland courses, pencil bags, foursomes, Tiger Wood’s swing 2005-2009.

Jack hates: buggies, unnecessary trees, giving shots, the 7 iron loft debate, graphite shaft lovers weird superiority complex.

What’s In Jack’s Bag:

Titleist TSR2 Driver

Titleist TSR2 Fairway wood

TaylorMade P7MB 3-P

Titleist SM10 wedges

TaylorMade TP Reserve Blade putter

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Ping S259 Wedge Review: A worthy Vokey alternative? | National Club Golfer