“Quinitc to become a Technology Partner to GEL Golf
July 27th, 2007 | Biomechanics Consultancy, Putting Biomechanics, Quintic Video SoftwareGroove Equipment Ltd., (GEL) is proud to announce the signing of Dr. Paul Hurrion, putting coach of British Open champion Padraig Harrington, 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.
Padraig Harrington wins ‘The 136th Open Championship’
July 23rd, 2007 | Biomechanics Consultancy, Golf Biomechanics, Putting Biomechanics, Quintic Video SoftwareCongratulations 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 on the 14th hole 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 and has now won all three play-offs he has contested this year.
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 (Dr Paul Hurrion – Quintic) can’t imagine any more pressure than Padraig was under several times late on Sunday. Dr Paul Hurrion was personally mentioned in his speech, we at Quintic are very proud of what he has 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.
