In search of the Perfect Putt

May 28th, 2011 | Quintic Ball Roll, Tuition

June 2011 Gi : Golf International Magazine www.golfinternationalmag.com

Following last month’s putting instruction featuring Dr Paul Hurrion’s work with Rory McIlroy, we focus on how the same coach’s Quintic Ball Roll putting analysis system is now guiding regular golfers – as well as tour stars – to the correct specifications and stroke. Dominic Pedler reports on the ultimate launch monitor for your putting.

 

“Putting is an art not a science,” claims Ben Crenshaw, which is all very well when you’re blessed with the perfect stroke of that particular two-time Masters champion. But for the rest of us – and that includes tour pros such as Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy – science is very much transforming our understanding of the mechanics of putting and the way both our stroke and our equipment influence the vital dynamics of the golf ball on its final journey. In the same way that conventional launch monitors such as TrackMan, Vector, FlightScope and Foresight GC2 have revolutionised the long game, so the equivalent technology for the more modest – but most used – club in the bag is now emerging as an essential part of the clubfitting process for golfers of all levels.

One session on the latest Quintic v2.4 system will dramatically alter the way you think about the very nature of putting: opening your eyes not only to obvious alignment issues but, more fundamentally, to the nuances of ball speed, spin, launch angle and the nature of true roll. Quintic does all this through a state-of-the-art camera which (operating at 260 frames-per-second) only needs to capture the movement of a specially marked golf ball over the first 12 inches of its journey for the software to impute all the clubfitter needs to know about your clubface contact and the resulting influence on the ball in terms of the roll and path of putt. While some of the parameters Hurrion himself summarises below can get rather techie in nature, it’s worth stressing that Quintic is emerging as a highly practical tool, in practice, both for coaches as a teaching aid and for clubfitters who can now match a player’s putter specification to their style of stroke far more swiftly and efficiently than ever before.

Following Gi’s visit to The Belfry to see the system in action, here is Hurrion’s instant guide to the putting parameters that the Quintic v2.4 measures and why they matter so much to your own putting game.
Please click here to download the full article: GI_Quintic_Ball_Roll

June 2011 Gi : Golf International Magazine www.golfinternationalmag.com

Under Armour announce new innovation ambassador for 2011…

May 1st, 2011 | Full Swing Biomechanics, Putting Biomechanics, Under Armour

Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE: UA), is pleased to announce that Dr Paul Hurrion will be working alongside the company in 2011 to develop the UA ArmourStability® line that hits stores in May.

Dr Paul Hurrion has gained international recognition in many sports, specialising in biomechanical, sporting and equipment analysis. This unique insight into the athletes at the very top of the game creates the perfect partnership to help Under Armour develop this innovative, game changing new product.

Lower back problems are one of the most common complaints health professionals hear from golfers. Though it may seem a relatively low stress sport, compression forces in the lumbar spine reach 8 times bodyweight during the golf swing * – not much less than measured in American football linemen hitting a blocking sled! These forces present a considerable injury risk for the golfer.

When asked why he liked the product, Dr Hurrion said, “Lower back supports have long been worn by athletes to try and prevent injury and improve performance in sports like cricket (fast bowlers), javelin throwing and weight lifting. The UA ArmourStability® top offers similar benefits to the lumbar supports worn in those sports. Firstly the top helps elevate muscle temperature which increases the metabolic rate, thus increasing muscular efficiency. This temperature increase also improves the suppleness and flexibility of the muscles which is key in reducing potential for injury and potentially allowing the golfer to create a larger ‘X-factor’ (Hip and Shoulder separation during the transition).”

He went on to say, “The Armour Stability top has compression panels positioned to help stabilise the musculature around the lumbar spine. These panels help to increase intra-abdominal pressure. Increased intra-abdominal pressure during movements that generate forces around the spine has been shown to be beneficial. The benefits are due to a spinal unloading effect allowing compressive forces on the spine to be reduced. Weightlifters have long tried to increase intra-abdominal pressure during heavy lifts as they feel it helps ‘stiffen’ the spine. This stabilising and unloading of the spine could help reduce the chance of a lower back injury during the golf swing.”

When asked to summarise the benefits in a golfing context, Dr Hurrion said, “This potential means that the UA ArmourStability® top could help golfers transfer energy stored during the backswing more effectively in the downswing and through impact leading to greater clubhead speed. In conclusion the UA ArmourStability® top reduces the injury risk to the lumbar spine during the golf swing as well as potentially enhancing performance through increasing flexibility and power transfer.”

* Hosea TM, Gatt CJ. Back pain in golf. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine 1996: 15:37-53

 
* PLAY STRONGER, LONGER Compression stabilizers at lower back reduce muscle fatigue.
* MORE CONSISTENT GOLF SHOTS Increased stamina & core strength for swing consistency.
* FAST RECOVERY Improves circulation, removing lactic acid for decreased post-round soreness.
* TEMPERATURE REGULATION Speeds evaporation, regulating body temperature on hot & cold days.
* FEEL YOUR SWING BETTER Improves spatial awareness for increased muscle sensitivity & control

Built in Technology HeatGear® : For when it’s hot. Keeping athletes cool, dry, and light. Ideal use: Extremely warm weather. Over a decade ago, HeatGear®, the original second skin layer, sparked the revolution of performance apparel and rendered cotton T-shirts obsolete.

COMPRESSION – Under Armour’s Trademark performance fit. These products fit snugly to the body providing a close, lean, and supportive fit.

For more information please visit www.underarmour.co.uk





Contact us


Feed



BlogRoll

Categories


Archives


search


© Dr Paul Hurrion – Official Site of Putting Coach. All rights reserved.