The pioneering 2 Thumb Grip putter grip has been named one of the most innovative concepts in the sports industry.
2 Thumb Grip Limited, the company behind the revolutionary grip, received the prestigious Gatsby Innovation Award which will now see it given specialist support and independent validation from the country’s foremost specialist sport technology laboratories at Loughborough University, England.
Philip Gazeley, PGA coach and designer of the 2 Thumb Putter Grip, will now work with the internationally respected researchers at the University’s Sports Technology Institute – a £15m initiative to enhance research, innovation and enterprise in the sport and leisure sector – in order to continue the promotion of the grip and its technique to a growing global audience.
Since its launch at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando in 2005, the 2 Thumb Putter Grip has proved extremely popular with a number of tour players including Ryder Cup player Miguel Angel Jimenez.
The design of the grip is such that it allows both thumbs to be placed on the grip in equal measure to eliminate the possibility of one hand being too dominant, make correct posture easier to maintain and also to minimise twisting of the club.
Philip believes the support of Loughborough University will now continue to see his concept go from strength to strength worldwide.
He said, “The 2 Thumb Grip has already proved extremely popular and has helped improve the putting fortunes for an ever increasing number of professionals and thousands of amateurs.
“Now, with the backing of the specialists at Loughborough Sports Technology Institute, the grip will benefit from the expertise and independent validation needed to take it to the next level.
“I am very excited and looking forward to working with them to continue to revolutionise the art of putting.”
The Institute already has an international reputation for its work with global brands including Adidas, Callaway Golf, Canterbury of New Zealand, Head, Umbro, New Balance, Nike, Reebok and Sports Direct International (Dunlop Slazenger) on the design, simulation, testing and manufacture of sports equipment.
Professor Mike Caine, the Institute’s director, said, “As specialists in the commercial development of design-led innovation, partnering leading brands, Loughborough University Sports Technology Institute is well-placed to support 2 Thumb Grip Limited. I am delighted to support this novel concept in a sport with global reach.
“We look forward to working with Philip to provide in-depth technical information to further strengthen 2 Thumb Putter Grip’s marketing claims.”
The Gatsby Innovation Awards are funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation in partnership with Loughborough University Sports Technology Institute. One of the Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts, the Gatsby Charitable Foundation focuses on grant making in a limited number of fields including the encouragement of technology transfer between universities and industry.
2 Thumb Grip Limited www.2thumbgrip.com
Loughborough University Sports Technology Institute www.sports-technology.com