Golf News: - Posted 1st March 1998

Ping's founder 'very' ill

Phoenix, Arizona - Karsten Solheim, the founder of Ping golf clubs, is said to be 'very ill' at his home in Arizona.

Solheim' health has been deteriorating for some time with Parkinson's disease but recently he went into the John C. Lincoln Hospital in Phoenix suffering from complications with pneumonia and an advanced state of Parkinson's. He returned home on 20th February and his family are by his bedside offering support.

Bob Cantin, Director of Corporate Communications of Karsten Manufacturing, said that Mr Solheim was much better since his return from hospital.

Karsten became a leading figure in the golf industry when he began selling hand-made putters in 1958 which turned into the multi-billion dollar organisation.