Gel Golf - Paul Hurrion ‘SEDO’ Signature Putter : 2000fps

October 20th, 2008 | Biomechanics Consultancy, GEL Golf, Putting Biomechanics, Quintic Video Software

The following image is a slow motion video (2000fps) of a centre strike with a GEL ‘SEDO’ design. The GEL ‘Dr Paul Hurrion’ Signature Range incorporates the latest groove technology using a multi-layer aluminium insert that delivers great feel and exceptional feedback. The use of this technology creates instant forward roll on the golf ball, thus minimising the effect of skidding. Quintic has proved that the action of a golf ball during the first phase of the putt is the most crucial element to direct the ball towards the intended target, and hence why groove putters outperform all other putters.

My main aims when developing putting technique for any player are to work from a basis of:

1. Sound biomechanical principles – ‘fit the putter to the player!’
2. Working with the players own anatomy & biomechanics
3. Avoiding injury to the player along with long term development

My coaching philosophy is underpinned by the fact that the ball and putter collide for only 1 millisecond and therefore everything that comes before and after impact should be as biomechanically sound as possible (no manipulation!). A sound set up position and posture using the correct putter (length & lie) are crucial to allow the player to create a stroke with the best chance of sending the ball in the intended line with the right pace - consistently.

The Paul Hurrion signature range not only includes the latest GEL groove and insert technology, this allows weight to be positioned around the perimeter of the club head, thus creating a high moment of inertia (MOI). As a result of increased MOI, it increases the forgiveness of off-centre hits.

In essence my putter range encompasses the following;

* The thin, firm multi-layer aluminium insert enhances feel & gives exceptional feedback
* Groove technology creates immediate forward roll
* Perimeter weighting enhances the MOI, increasing forgiveness
* Optimal head weight, in order to eliminate the ‘hit’ at the moment of impact…

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Padraig Harrington - 300fps Driver

October 20th, 2008 | Biomechanics Consultancy, Full Swing Biomechanics, Padraig Harrington, Quintic Video Software

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Hi-Tec CDT wins GOLF EUROPE Product Award 2008

October 8th, 2008 | Biomechanics Consultancy, Full Swing Biomechanics, Hi-Tec, Padraig Harrington, Quintic Video Software

Global sports and outdoor footwear manufacture HI-TEC are proud winners of the Golf Europe Product Awards 2008 presented yesterday at the Golf Europe Exhibition, Germany. Judged by leading industry experts the HI-TEC Pure Power WPi scooped top prize at this years prestigious awards only open exclusively to innovative products scheduled for market introduction in 2009.

The brand new HI-TEC Pure Power WPi is a revolution in golf footwear, never seen before! Featuring HI-TEC’s exclusive CDT game enhancement technology, developed in partnership with Quintic Consultancy and world number 4 and 3 time major winner Padraig Harrington, this style continues to prove that winning power does come from your feet!

The Pure Power WPi also features the worlds first in nano technology - ion-mask™. ion-mask™ is a brand new, earth friendly, scientific advancement that works on a molecular level to repel water and other liquids, ensuring your footwear stays lighter, dryer and cleaner for longer, without changing the original properties of the material.

Unlike other waterproofing technologies that only offer waterproofing with a degree of breathability, the ion-mask™ water management technology offers a further 6 key benefits.

100 % Waterproof - By enhancing each individual fibre of the materials themselves and with particularly dense material such as leather it is possible to engineer a 100% waterproof product.
100% Breathable - The treatment binds invisibly (on a nano scale) to material fibres, enhancing them, rendering the material as breathable after the process as before.
Hydrophobic - By enhancing each individual fibre the shoe itself becomes protected, much less absorbent to liquids and quicker drying.
Lightweight - A treated shoe does not absorb as much water in wet conditions and is on average 35grams lighter than those with a membrane.
Stay Cleaner - Like water, the treatment also helps to repel dirt and reduce staining whilst the low surface energy prevents long-term dirt and mud build up.
Environment Friendly - Non toxic, minute quantities of chemical are used during the room temperature process ensuring virtually no waste of materials of energy in comparison to dip application (DWR’s) or membrane technologies.

The award winning Power Power WPi represents a perfect illustration of HI-TEC’s commitment to instantly comfortable and lightweight game enhancing footwear. Available from May 2009 in White / Silver and White / Cobalt in sizes 6-12’s inc halves the Pure Power WPi has a suggested retail around £109.99.

Discover more about HI-TEC featuring ion-mask at www.wetisdry.com
Discover more about HI-TEC CDT at www.cdtpower.com

Putting guru helps Lornie establish first round lead

July 4th, 2008 | Biomechanics Consultancy, Putting Biomechanics

Having taken the big decision to play golf full-time only last month, Graeme Lornie showed his potential with a four-under-par 69 in his first round over the PGA Centenary Course to lead the £55,000 Gleneagles Scottish Championship by two shots.

“If I don’t try now I never will,” said Lornie, who believes that at the age of 28 time is already running out on his efforts to be as good as he can be. The £8800 top prize on Sunday in the Tartan Tour’s flagship event would go a long way to vindicating his decision.

He was a greenkeeper for 10 years at Royal Aberdeen and Newmachar and a leading amateur in the north-east before turning professional three years ago and working at a golf range before taking on an attachment with the Kings Links Golf Centre in Aberdeen.

With the rough up, keeping the ball on the fairway was paramount on a day when the average score was approaching 80. Lornie spoiled an eagle 3 at the second with four bogeys in his next five holes but made his score with an inward five-under-par 32 and credited a coaching session with Birmingham-based Paul Hurrion.

Hurrion, a biomechanic who specialises in putting, also coaches Open champion Padraig Harrington and fellow Irish Ryder Cup player Paul McGinley. “He improved my posture and my form on the greens is like night and day,” said Lornie, No.2 on the young professionals’ order of merit for the last two years.

His Kings Links stablemate Scott Henderson, a former European Tour rookie of the year, said Lornie was a real prospect, but warned he must be careful to avoid becoming bogged down in technicalities.

On a sunny day of light winds which strengthened throughout the day, Henderson was one of the few later starters to break par. He lost a ball at the eighth, but a three-wood to four feet at the last set up an eagle 3 and a round of 72.

Four players were in joint second place on 71: Craig Lee, Paul McKechnie, Nigel Scott-Smith and Eddie Thomson.

Lee, a European Tour rookie, is No.228 on the money list with just over £20,000 and he estimates his expenses at more than double that. He is looking for a good week to fund the remainder of his campaign and an eagle at the last helped him on his way.

“I have five or six events left and I still believe I can do it,” he said, “but it would be frustrating if I couldn’t play because I don’t have enough money.”

McKechnie is playing the Tartan Tour after four seasons on the Challenge Tour but the dream is still alive and has been taking coaching from Alan White at Lanark to help build towards qualifying school at the end of the season.

For Scott-Smith, a one-time aspiring tour player who now runs the Palacerigg Golf Centre, it was a performance reminiscent of his full-time days in the 1990s, and he made his score with birdies at each of the five par-5s.

Thomson, another who had an eagle 3 at the last by chipping in, kept out of the thick rough all day, and after missing the cut in three Challenge Tour events played yesterday with words of wisdom from coach Bob Torrance ringing in his ears: “Keep believing.”

http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport

DOUGLAS LOWE, Golf Correspondent

The most balanced argument yet for the optimum swing…

May 1st, 2008 | Biomechanics Consultancy, Quintic Video Software

Good balance is essential to powerful and consistent golf shots, putts, chips, and full swings. The human body makes compensations both at address and during the swing to give us the impression we are in balance. Our biomechanical research has found that as golfers, we don’t always know where our weight is truly positioned! We may think that are weight is distributed evenly and ready to hit the golf ball, however, it isn’t until we use biomechanical analyse, in particular force platforms that the true answer is revealed. Even some of the ’s best golfers think they are doing one thing, but actually are doing something else.

One of the most naturally gifted golfers I ever coached owed his considerable ability to a childhood spent playing table tennis. To most, there would be no link here, but because I was encountering him in a biomechanical context I understood just how much he owed to his table-tennis playing and how much it informed his golf.

And it was all down to balance…

If an athlete can achieve equilibrium he or she has an inordinate advantage over every competitor that does not. And the likelihood is around 90% of children don’t have it. But they can learn, and quickly too.

For goalkeepers or cricketers in the slips and wicketkeepers static balance is key. Dynamic balance comes into play during the bowling action, for instance, where the bowler needs to have all forces on the same plane and moving in the same direction.

David Beckham’s missed penalty in the World Cup (along with John Terry in the Champions League final) was due purely to lack of balance… To kick accurately, you have to have a stable left foot as the right foot impacts the ball. Beckham’s foot clearly slipped as he made ball contact and it missed by a mile. Immediately afterwards, you could see him looking down at the ground to see what had gone awry.

But you’d never see Jonny Wilkinson making the same error. Part of his pre-kicking drill was to check where his left foot would be planted when he kicked, and if there was uneven ground or another type of irregularity he’d address it first, because he understands how being off-balance would affect the kick.

I give all my Tour golfers extensive balance testing more than anything else because it is really the beginning and end of good putting. If a golfer’s balance is off his putting will suffer. Conversely, once he learns balance, so much else about the mechanics of putting just falls into place.

Similarly for the full swing off the tee. When you watch pro golfers on the TV, they hold their finish for what seems like an age, even until after the ball has landed. It’s a conscious finish to ensure they are balanced. If they couldn’t hold the posture it would be due to lack of balance, and they need to be aware of it to correct it for the next drive – or even the next stroke.

Now translate this to the more frequently encountered athletic disciplines in most schools. Gymnastics, basketball, football, cricket, rugby… they all have balance at their core.

Video capture and analysis of body movement can rapidly identify if this is a problem and make it quick to rectify.

Olympic javelin silver medalist Steve Backley made huge progress through addressing his balance: where his back foot landed for the throw, how his forces worked in unison through correct alignment, his own centre of gravity. Through drills and conditioning, Steve superbly exemplified what we say to encapsulate this crucial aspect of biomechanical performance – effortless power over powerless effort.

Here’s an outstanding exercise I use with elite golfers, all athletes will benefit hugely from this too…

Try and stand on one leg for three minutes. It’s about the stability, strength and muscular awareness. It’s hard. Your ankles know all about it very quickly. Specifically, though, this rapidly develops an awareness of balance through pro-perception, the ability to react to subtle changes in the position of the bodies center of gravity

I use pressure platforms and Quintic video analysis to show equilibrium and balance transfer during the golf stroke, but what works very well to show this aspect as well as make people more aware of their balance (or lack of it) during a physical movement, is to have them stand on balance cushions… The immediate action is to make movement feel awkward, but balance and stability follow on very quickly.

If you never use biomechanics software for anything other than to improve balance in athletes, it’s arguable you’ve recouped the investment. That’s how crucial it is.

Thinking of improving your Golf swing? Think ProStance! www.pro-stance.com

The 3rd Annual Better Golf Through Technology

February 26th, 2008 | Biomechanics Consultancy, Putting Biomechanics, Quintic Video Software

The 3rd Annual Better Golf Through Technology conference took place at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). MIT is a private university located in Cambridge, BOSTON, Massachusetts, USA during the 24th & 25th February 08. It was great conference attracting some key researchers, scientists and teaching professionals. The itinerary for the two days along with video presentations of each of the presenters can be found by visiting the following link.

I presented research and teaching philosophy of my ‘Putting Biomechanics’.

It was a great honour to be asked to speak at the prestigious MIT (MIT’s reputation is built on its competencies in science, engineering & Technology). My father, Dr Robert Hurrion, presented some of his early research into computer simulation some thirty years ago! Two Hurrion’s invited to speak at MIT, quite an honour. I look forward to the next conference.

Paul Hurrion to design an exclusive line of putters for GEL Golf…

July 27th, 2007 | Biomechanics Consultancy, Putting Biomechanics

Groove Equipment Ltd., (GEL) is proud to announce the signing of Dr. Paul Hurrion to design an exclusive line of putters for GEL set to debut at the 2008 PGA Show.

A leading international biomechanist in several sports at Quintic Ltd., the Paul Hurrion Signature line will reflect Paul’s many years of experience working in the game of golf.

His expertise has led him to work with top pros such as David Howell, Lee Westwood, Philip Archer and he was personally thanked by Harrington during his Open Championship acceptance speech.

Paul’s first foray into club design came when he co-designed the Torpedo putter shaft which Harrington was using when he won the Irish Open in May of this year.

“For me personally, it is extremely exciting to be designing my own range of putters under the GEL umbrella, especially since GEL putters are not only technologically innovative but also look modern, colourful and striking,” commented Dr. Hurrion.

GEL is planning to launch the Paul Hurrion Signature line at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando in January 2008, one year after GEL introduced its innovative line of grooved putters.

Under the agreement, Quintic, an independent equipment testing consultancy, will become a technology partner to GEL Golf. Quintic will undertake extensive biomechanical testing on GEL’s current offering of six models to make sure that the new brand is maximizing the use of its unique groove technology, which incorporates horizontal aluminium grooves in the design of each individual putter.

“We have 100% confidence in Groove Technology improving the desired topspin roll of a putt and we have brought Quintic on as a partner to make sure that we are maximizing the potential of our innovative technology,” said managing director of GEL, Alec Pettigrew.

Pettigrew continued, “The extensive biomechanical testing by Quintic has already proven GEL Putters outperform a number of top putter brands such as PING and Titleist and with Quintic on board, we will be looking to maintain our position at the cutting edge of Groove Technology and to continually upgrade the performance of the GEL Putters.”

“Quinitc is delighted to become a Technology Partner to GEL Golf and we look forward to further developing the Groove Technology used in GEL putters,” added Dr Hurrion.

GEL also made its professional tournament debut at the 136th Open Championship as Australia’s David Gleeson used a GEL putter.

GEL’s product line spans decades of putter design with everything from traditional blade style putters to cutting-edge designs. They feature an aluminium putter face insert which is softer and more responsive than the stainless steel face inserts of other groove putters. Several models are available in ladies and left handed, and each GEL putter comes standard with a specially designed WINN grip. The MSRP for all GEL models in the United States is $165.

GEL used advice from touring professionals when developing its putters and is now looking to encourage them to begin using the GEL Putters on Tour. Both men’s and ladies Majors have already been won by users of groove-faced putters including the 2001 & 2004 US Open Champion, Retief Goosen.

Play-off king Padraig wins The Open Championship!

July 23rd, 2007 | Biomechanics Consultancy, Full Swing Biomechanics, PGA European Tour Golfers, Padraig Harrington, Putting Biomechanics

Congratulations Padraig… what a day!

Exciting to the point of gut-wrenching!!

A superb last round of four under par 67 took Padraig into a play-off with Sergio Garcia for the Open Championship. Four birdies and an eagle three left him one shot ahead playing the fearsome 18th hole, but two visits to the water seemed to have put paid to his chances of winning a first major. But in a dramatic finish Garcia lipped out for par and a four hole play-off ensued. Like a man spared the death penalty, Padraig played superb golf to leave himself with a four foot putt for the title. He holed it, (straight in the middle) to become the first Irishman to win the title in sixty years…

Harrington’s victory, his first Major Championship success in his 37th attempt, saw him become the first European born player to win The Open Championship since Scotland’s Paul Lawrie triumphed at Carnoustie in 1999 and only the second Irishman in history to lift the Claret Jug following Fred Daly’s triumph at Royal Liverpool in 1947.

The 35 year old Dubliner picked up the first prize of €1,106,617 (£750,000) to move top of The European Tour Order of Merit – where he ended last season – and up to sixth on the Official World Golf Ranking, his highest ever placement.

“I think it will take a long time to settle in what I have achieved today,” he said. “The emotion of it, I couldn’t believe it. I know it was only a short putt to win in the end but as it was rolling into the middle of the hole I’m thinking, I’m the Open Champion! It was amazing, incredible to see that putt drop.”

“Always my goal was to win more than one Major and if I crossed the threshold and won one, as I have done now, I always want to win more. I’m going to celebrate like it’s the pinnacle of my career but I’ve got other goals to move on with now. I’m certainly going to enjoy this one though now, and for the foreseeable future. Forever actually.”

There’s no substitute for building a solid putting stroke that won’t break down under pressure and I can’t imagine any more pressure than Padraig was under several times late on Sunday. To be mentioned in his speech, I am very proud of what he has done & achieved, all those hours upon hours, late nights, hitting balls beyond midnight have all paid off, congratulations once again.

First of many Padraig !?!

*His 12th European Tour International Schedule victory in his 260th European Tour event as a professional.

*His first Major Championship victory in his 37th Major Championship appearance.

*Becomes the first European-born player to win a Major Championship since Paul Lawrie at The 1999 Open Championship also at Carnoustie – a gap of 31 Major Championships.

*This victory beats his best previous Major Championship performances of fifth in the US Open Championship in 2006 and tied fifth in the 1997 Open Championship, 2000 US Open Championship, 2002 Masters Tournament, and 2002 Open Championship.

*Wins The Open Championship in his 11th appearance.

*Third consecutive first-time Major Champion, following Zach Johnson (Masters Tournament) and Angel Cabrera (US Open Championship). First time this has occurred since Phil Mickelson (2004 Masters Tournament), Shaun Micheel (2003 US PGA Championship) and Ben Curtis (2003 The Open Championship).

*Second victory on The 2007 European Tour International Schedule, following the Irish Open.

*Third victory of 2007, following the Irish Open and Irish PGA Championship last week.

*Fourth time in his European Tour career he has recorded multiple victories in the same season.

*Gains an exemption into The Open Championship until the age of 65.

*Gains a five year exemption into The Masters Tournament, the US Open Championship and USPGA Championship.

*Gains a place in the 2007 PGA Grand Slam of Golf, joining Johnson and Cabrera.

*Gains a place in the 2007 WGC – Bridgestone Invitational and HSBC World Match Play Championship.

*Gains a place in the 2008 HSBC Champions.

*Extends his European Tour exemption until the end of 2017.

padraigjug1.jpg

McGowan Makes Challenge Tour Breakthrough

June 4th, 2007 | Biomechanics Consultancy, Putting Biomechanics

ross.jpgEngland’s Ross McGowan secured his maiden professional victory after a sudden-death play-off against Frenchman Michael Lorenzo-Vera at the European Challenge Tour’s Oceanico Developments Pro-Am Challenge.

The 25 year old from Surrey, who defeated Oli Fisher to take the English Amateur title last summer, carded a final round of three under par 67 to tie Lorenzo-Vera on 15 under 265 at the Marriott Worsley Park Hotel and Country Club and force the tournament into extra holes.

McGowan made sure of victory with a par four at the second sudden-death play-off hole to secure the first prize of €23,600 and move to 11th on the Challenge Tour Rankings. McGowan is now eyeing a place alongside Fisher on The 2008 European Tour by taking one of the 20 available cards available through the Rankings.

“It’s not really sunk in yet so I don’t really know what to think, I’m more relieved than anything just now to have come through the play-off but I know that it’s a tremendous win for me,” 

“I have been close a few times this year but got impatient and let some chances to win slip away, so I just tried to stay patient this week and it has worked out for me. That was some thing that I was very conscious of this week and it paid off. I was three off the lead today and just went out trying to hit fairways and greens early on. Then, all of a sudden I rolled a couple of ten footers at the first and second for birdie and I was right in there.

“That’s when staying patient became the key factor for me, and that’s why it was so satisfying to come through.”

Ross had visited Quintic’s putting laboratory for a biomechanics session with Dr Paul Hurrion at the end of April this year. Weight distrubution was the key change allowing the putter to stay lower to the ground through impact.

A dramatic final round at the Marriott Worsley Park Hotel and Country Club ended with Lorenzo-Vera and McGowan inseparable at the top of the leaderboard after the Frenchman’s fourth round 66 had given him the clubhouse lead that McGowan matched just 15 minutes later. With the scorecards signed and approved, the two men made their way back to the 18th tee to determine a sudden-death winner.

McGowan lipped out for birdie at the first extra hole, meaning another trip back to the 18th tee to do it all again. Another two great drives meant the pair were still neck and neck but Lorenzo-Vera’s approach skidded off the back of the green, while McGowan found the heart of the putting surface With an awkward lie against the fringe, Lorenzo-Vera knocked his third shot to ten feet but, after McGowan had made an easy two putt for par, the Frenchman could not hole out, leaving McGowan to celebrate his maiden success.

“This is such a huge win because I can now concentrate on getting my European Tour card through the Challenge Tour. This is the first huge step in my pro career and very exciting,” said McGowan.

Hi-Tec CDT Golf & www.golflifetv.com

April 3rd, 2007 | Biomechanics Consultancy, Full Swing Biomechanics, Quintic Video Software

Hi-Tec CDT Golf footware as featured at www.golflifetv.com. Please watch the video at the following link, you will need to scroll down the list to find Hi-Tec footware…

http://www.golflifetv.com/Video_Pages/GL_BC_Player.htm



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