Golf Professionals reach for the stars in the Low Countries

March 31st, 2008 | Quintic Video Software

The PGA of Belgium is among the first of the world associations to invest in state-of-the-art software to benefit its members, based on a blueprint pioneered by the PGA training facility at The Belfry.

Belgian members installed the Quintic Biomechanics 2D software at its headquarters in Waregem this March, just in time for the 2008 season. Quintic MD and much-in-demand biomechanics guide to top European Tour players, Dr Paul Hurrion, is said to be absolutely thrilled that international PGAs may well benefit from his research and expertise that went into the Belfry apparatus.

“Yes, it is a commercial thing – the software – and so it’s intended to make money, but it’s been such an act of dedication and input of invaluable experience by the entire team at Quintic, that to see it begin to gain acceptance further afield is really encouraging,” said an enthusiastic Hurrion from the World Congress of Golf in Phoenix, Arizona.

The PGA of Belgium’s 145 qualified professionals and 26 trainees will get both immediate return on the Association’s investment as well as benefits in the longer term, says the secretary-general Bernard A. de Bruyckere.

“In the short term the software will be used in our education programme where computer coaching will become more important,” says de Bruyckere. “In the longer term we will be able to use the system at our events, such as pro-ams, giving them an extra dimension to deploy in coaching and demonstration. Furthermore, the fact that (almost) all of our members will be using swing analysis will reflect positively on the PGA.”

Until 2007, the PGA of Belgium had worked with another system, but an article on the internet about the newly-installed system at The Belfry piqued the Belgian chief’s attention.

He – like many others – had always had the idea that software of this calibre was prohibitively expensive for the average professional, and so even to consider the outlay rarely occurred as a viable solution to most Professionals. However, through the working relationship with Quintic, the Belgian Association is confident that all professionals will now be able to use swing analysis on computer, giving them an extra tool for a better service to their clients.

The technology at The Belfry – on which the Belgian system is modeled – includes Quintic Biomechanics 2D Software, four High Speed Multi-Camera systems, Advanced Motion Measurement 3D Software, RSscan Force Platform and a powerful computer.

Firstly, hitting a ball onto the driving range while using the facility, is a much more interactive experience than without it. The objective is to obtain a representative swing, which is captured by four synchronized cameras and a force platform – the latter to help assess and guide balance.

Golfers can see and understand the biomechanics, technique, balance and muscular dynamics of their golf swing in the greatest of depth and detail. Using video capture, they can also learn from comparison with the world’s top golfers and with statistical models to improve their own technique and performance.

Next, user-friendly quick 2D analysis is provided by the high end Quintic Biomechanics Analysis Software – similar to that used by universities and physiotherapy clinics across the world, international sporting organizations, top clubs, golf academies and golf professionals alike.

The force platform is a highly complex and sensitive piece of hardware that provides accurate and reliable data on pressure and timing during the swing. Of the many things Paul Hurrion has learned over the years, arguably the most important factor in golf swing performance is balance. Incorrect balance can negate everything else that may be right. And it’s the one thing that is difficult to detect by the human eye or video camera. Virtually instantaneous dynamic foot pressure analysis enables the golfer to visualize and understand his own body movements. The key then is how to turn the information into improved performance.

Looking at the investment strategically, Bernard de Bruyckere is sanguine in his outlook.

“In the eyes of the general public golf remains a sport for the rich,” he explains. “Efforts are being made to make the sport more accessible but this will take time. Commercially- speaking the current situation is not in favour of the sport as companies do not want to relate to the rich or the public reached is too small. With 50,000 golfers the sport is to be considered a medium size sport behind football, cycling and tennis. The government is more and more aware of the sport and now has an infrastructure for building golf courses. Unfortunately the procedure is so tough that hardly any new projects get off the ground. The youngest 18 holes course is now about 10 years old. And we might dare to hope that initiatives like this will benefit the game on a national basis.”

As the benefits are seen to bear fruit, it is hoped that golfers throughout the low countries and the Benelux countries will come and see the working environment for themselves.

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