Fred VanSteen and Dale Briggs, of Knollwood Fairways, have been named National Fitter of the Year by PING Golf Co.

This award recognizes the authorized PING club fitter that has demonstrated the highest commitment to custom fitting and the promotion of its benefits to golfers.

“Fred and Dale have done a remarkable job expanding a teaching and practice facility into a full-service fitting operation that has helped hundreds of golfers benefit from PING fitting technology,” said John A. Solheim, PING chairman and CEO.

“They effectively deliver on the PING promise of technological innovation combined with exceptional customer service. Given the busy Pinehurst market where Knollwood does business, we’re especially proud to recognize their efforts and honor them as PING’s National Fitter of the Year.”

Built in 1969, Knollwood features a nine-hole, semiprivate golf course with 300 members and a 10-acre public driving range. Its pro shop offers 1,000 square feet of PING-dedicated retail space along with four PING fitting systems, giving the club a competitive edge in the golf-rich Sandhills/Pinehurst area, home to more than 40 courses.

Knollwood became an authorized Ping Fitting Account in 2007 and VanSteen said sales spiked immediately. “Golfers know that PING clubs are custom-built just for them,” he said. “Something as seemingly small as the correct grip size or a heel grind on a wedge makes a big difference.”

VanSteen is a graduate of the Professional Golf Management program at Methodist University. He ­custom fits the entire PING product line, including putters, to help ensure tee-to-green performance for his customers

“It’s really gratifying to take someone who’s been slicing the ball all his life and all of a sudden he’s turning it over with a little draw,” he says. “Or maybe we help someone discover more yards off the tee. When you hit the ball straighter and farther, golf is a lot more fun.”

VanSteen relies on PING’s full inventory of fitting technology: a 40-club iron-fitting cart, the Advanced Fitting System interchangeable driver bag and iron bag, and his newest addition, nFlight Custom Fitting software with a launch monitor. VanSteen estimates that he has personally fit more than 200 customers over the past two years.

He said winning PING National Fitter of the Year reaffirms his belief that no matter your facility’s size, if you offer a valuable service and treat your customers well, success will follow

“It means a lot to have this accolade from PING,” he said. “It gives us added credibility that even here at Knollwood, an everyman’s kind of place, we’re pretty good at what we do.”

In addition to VanSteen and fellow PGM graduate Briggs, the director of golf and instruction, Knollwood’s staff includes PGA teaching professionals Bob Flynt, Kevin Taylor and Laurie Rider.

Contact Howard Ward at howardward@att.net.