Golf business is putting technology first

INNOVATIVE golf equipment and coaching is being brought to Sheffield by a South Yorkshire golf technology firm which counts a former Manchester and Leeds United player as a supporter.

Zen Golf, based near Meadowhall, has revealed plans to manufacture its Zen Works putter range in full at its Woodhouse production headquarters.

The business already produces its ground-breaking Zen Green Stage – a computer-controlled putting green – in Sheffield, and teaches its revolutionary Zen Putting Mechanics across the region.

The Zen Oracle putter is the world’s first tour performance putter to feature a scientifically proven training system, as well as Zen’s high-tech ‘Wave’ faced technology, which aids pin-point accuracy & distance control.

Neville Barrett, managing director of Universal Supply Sheffield, based near Crystal Peaks, is overseeing production of the Zen Works putters, which are finished in the same black industrial diamond coating as Rolex watches, the main sponsor of the Open Championship.

Nick Middleton, founder of Zen Golf, said: “We started making putters in Sheffield in the late 1990s and it was all simply because we thought if anywhere in the world should make putters it should be Sheffield.

“What’s unique to us is that on the face we use ridges, not grooves, which are scientifically proven to grip the ball more effectively which eradicates the known phenomena of dimple error resulting in improved accuracy and distance control.

“Balls are harder and greens are faster nowadays; this means putting is consequently harder too! Zen high tech face technology works to reduce energy at the impact and allows you to have a much more fluid and committed stroke.”

The quest of Zen to become the first fully integrated design, build and coaching company owes its origins to a scheme set up by Sheffield Hallam University in 2004 called SportsPulse, an initiative which was launched to bring together the region’s sports sector – from the best brains in sports science and technology to leading sports companies – with the aim of realising Sheffield’s potential as a top city for sport.

Former Manchester United and Leeds United footballer, Lee Sharpe, is a Zen Golf ambassador. He is now a two-handicap golfer with aspirations of turning pro, and trains using Zen’s cutting-edge coaching and technology.

Mr Sharpe said: “Zen is proving to be a real game changer. The coaching alone is revolutionary, but that coupled with the incredible new Zen Works putter was a winning combination.”