Equipment
THINQ: An app that helps you think like a professional golfer
The significant problems we face in life can not be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them,” Albert Einstein once said. If we define “ significant problems” as three putting and missing fairways, the founders of THINQ Sports think they have the elixir.
THINQ Golf (pronounced “think”) is a game-based, brain-training regimen aimed at helping golfers change the way their brain functions in an effort to lower scores and improve performance. Using brain maps (EEG’s or Electroencephalograms) of 30,000 elite golfers, the think tank at ThinQ has analyzed, dissected and created a database that answers the question: How do the best golfers in the world think?
THINQ’s app, which is available through the App Store and Google Play, gives users access to a plethora of scientifically researched brain games and education. The games target five key areas of brain development: attention, synchronicity, adaptability, awareness and intention. The goal is to improve the most critical 1 second in golf — the moment before golfers take the club back.
According to CEO Tim Suzor, this moment is akin to the 1960s Space Race phrase “All systems go.” The vast majority of golfers have all of the physical tools necessary to hit decent golf shots, but really have no idea how to routinely prepare themselves to hit a quality golf shot. When it does happen, it’s almost by accident.
“If we’re not measuring, we’re guessing,” Suzor says.
Each game is designed specifically to develop an exact brain function related to performance. To play, users can sign up for a monthly membership, which costs $7.99. An annual membership can also be purchased for $44.99.
Training requires approximately 10 minutes per day as users try to boost their “Q Handicap.” If they want to measure skills against other users, there is an evolving platform where players can compete against each other and win actual prizes, such as equipment and other cool golf stuff.
The idea came from THINQ CEO Tim Suzor, a Class A PGA Professional with a background in biomechanics and biofeedback. He teamed up with Dr. Debbie Crews, LPGA Master Professional who has spent decades studying the role of science in golf. Eventually the hours of conversations led to a realization. Every golfer could benefit from this information and given the current ability to package and distribute it in a game-based format, every golfer could access it.
Simply, “It was just an area which had to be addressed and hadn’t been yet,” asserted Suzor.
Those who decide to enroll will have access to webinars, which addresses specific skills/strategies and are presented by leading “thinkers” in the industry. The “Vision Board” is an online journal where players can record key thoughts, ideas and notes on their progress. Finally, there is an online forum where members can chat, question, debate and engage in meaningful dialogue around all aspects of Thinq.
Where’s THINQ headed?
This plane is being built as it’s flying. THINQ’s 40,000 users include elite amateurs, as well as pros and high-level college golf programs. To engage more of the weekend warrior contingent, expect to see new apps (for use at home, on the range or before tournaments) over the next 12 months.
If you really want to” THINQ” big, consider the role neuroscience could play in helping golfers get feedback prior to a round. Picture this: A range full of tour players hooked up to monitors that, get this, aren’t measuring launch angle or spin rate. They’re measuring brain activity. Players hit a couple balls and then examine a screen, which relays pertinent neurological information. Rather than hitting a couple more drivers, they employ a couple of exercises to heighten awareness before they head off to the first tee.
You can’t think your way to scratch, and THINQ doesn’t make any promises you will. Critics will see this as a product better suited to low-handicap players and at this point, and they’re probably right. That said, don’t be surprised if you drop at least two strokes with THINQ, but be ready to make a several month commitment.
Suzor doesn’t make any outrageous claims or bill ThinQ as a miracle drug. It’s a powerful tool that requires consistent effort and a dedication to the larger picture of incremental improvement.
Perhaps it’s time to start putting our money where our minds are.
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Whats in the Bag
Drew Brees WITB 2024 (April)
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Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (10.5 degrees)
Mini driver: TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper (13.5 degrees)
5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (19 degrees)
Irons: TaylorMade P790 (4-8, PW), TaylorMade P760 (9)
Wedges: TaylorMade MG Hi-Toe (52-09, 56-10, 60)
Putter: Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2 Prototype
Check out more in-hand photos of Drew Brees’ clubs here.
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Equipment
Putter Roundup: 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
We always get some great photos of some phenomenal putters at tour events and love to share them. Here are a few from the 2024 Zurich Classic that caught our eye and seemed interesting. (And as a reminder, you can check out all our photos from New Orleans here)
MJ Daffue’s Scotty Cameron T-11 Prototype
MJ is going with the new Scotty Cameron T-11 Prototype this week. The putter is a multi-piece mallet that puts an emphasis on stability with the wings on the back. Daffue’s putter does have a design that differs from retail with a monotone finish, which eliminates the black paint on the aluminum parts that we see at retail. He also has a half siteline milled into the top and an L-neck welded on for some additional toe hang. The face features a deeper milling that should offer a softer feel and slightly quieter sound.
Scotty Cameron T-7.5 Prototype
We spotted a few different Scotty Cameron Phantom models with modified rear flanges. It looks like the straight black flange was cut into a half circle for a little softer look at address. On this T-7.5, you can still see the raw aluminum from the back view, so this might have been a last-minute job to get them out on tour. The semi-circle also has a white line on it, maybe to frame the ball differently.
Alex Fitzpatrick’s Bettinardi SS16 DASS
Alex’s SS16 is made from Bettinardi’s famous D.A.S.S., or double-aged stainless steel, for a softer and more responsive feel. The face has a unique diamond pattern milling and features a logo that I feel like I have seen before, but can’t put a name to. The putter is a classic mid-mallet style with a simple, single white siteline on the top. The sole is clean with just the SS16, DASS, and a green triangle logo on it.
Steve Stricker’s Odyssey White Hot No. 2
This putter has made some amazing putts in its long career! Stricker’s White Hot No. 2 might be in the top 10 of most famous putters in golf. When you see all the dents and lead tape, you know the heel will be up and it will be sinking putts! The soft White Hot insert looks to be in good shape and has less wear on it than the rest of the putter. We don’t know how much lead tape is on the sole, but it has to be multiple layers compacted down over the years.
Doug Ghim’s Scotty Cameron T-7 Prototype
This T-7 should win the award for “best color finish” in this list with its deep chromatic bronze. It looks like Scotty added a cherry bomb dot to the heel of the deep-milled face and filled it with a very dark blue paint. The rest of the putter looks pretty stock with its single site line on the topline and twin site lines down the “fangs” of the putter. Twin 5-gram weights are installed in the sole and the putter is finished off with a gloss black double bend shaft with a fill shaft offset.
- Check out the rest of our photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic
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Equipment
Spotted: Project X Denali hybrid shaft
Project X’s Denali wood shafts have been seen in more and more golf bags this year as we start off the season. As a refresher, Denali Blue is the mid-launch and mid-spin model while Denali Black is for players seeking lower launch and spin.
Denali combines great feel with stability and increased ball speed. Currently, Project X only offers Denali Blue and Black in wood shafts, but we spotted a hybrid shaft in Daniel Berger’s bag at the 2024 Zurich Classic.
The shaft looks to be a Denali Blue 105G – HY in TX flex. No word on details from Project X yet but we can assume that this is a mid-launching shaft that weighs around 105 grams in Tour X-Stiff flex.
Berger has this shaft in his TaylorMade P770 3-iron, likely for some added launch and spin to hold the green from longer distances.
Hopefully, this means we will see some more shafts coming under the Denali name in the future, as I think many of us would like to try one in a hybrid or utility iron!
- Check out the rest of our photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic
- Check out in-hand photos of Daniel Berger’s full WITB here.
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bradford
Jan 5, 2015 at 7:32 am
Interesting, but it sounds to me like someone found a way to practice more–and on someone else’s dime. Gotta say no to this one, make it free–maybe.
Since when is GolfWRX a site to place free adds?
Chris Nickel
Jan 5, 2015 at 11:18 am
Why would the creator of the app want to make it free? I guess I don’t understand that line of thinking. Like everything else in a market economy, if you don’t see a value for it, don’t buy it – but that doesn’t mean they should just give it away.
brian
Jan 7, 2015 at 1:08 pm
if your product is genuinely good, you make it free. Make money on the advertising due to the apps traffic, then you nickel and dime for additional features.
Jayme Johnson
Oct 9, 2015 at 6:36 pm
Hi Chris,
I am currently working with a company that is building an app that helps golfers, coaches and kids improve and analyze their golf swing, taking a multi-sensor and bio-metric approach. The product will launch in 3 months. I’d love to get your feedback to test the product before we launch. Please email me if you’re interested at [email protected].
Thanks!!
Jayme Koo
j.a.
Jan 3, 2015 at 7:59 pm
I often play with a senior guy who is a single digit handicapper. He always says that most of golfers flaws are on their minds. He always has a very positive attitude to the game which helps him to his success. His swing is far from perfect and his newer club is like 6 – 8 years old.
W
Jan 3, 2015 at 1:09 pm
We need an App to do this? What a pathetic lot we are, the golfers
Chris Nickel
Jan 3, 2015 at 3:00 pm
Why does this make us “pathetic”? You train your muscles for strength and flexibility…why wouldn’t you do the same thing for your mind?
No Major for you
Jan 3, 2015 at 9:50 pm
Don’t need an App to do it for me. I can work it out for myself, as strong as mind is.
Chris Nickel
Jan 4, 2015 at 1:30 pm
I’d be interested to hear what strategies, techniques, exercises you do to address this type of preparation…
AC
Jan 5, 2015 at 6:47 pm
See it, Feel It, Trust it. If you are thinking of anything else but the TARGET before you pull the trigger you are SCREWED.
Trae
Jan 3, 2015 at 7:09 am
This seems really cool. I like how it’s backed by some science and their website mentions and briefly describes some studies done. They should definitely try to get their research published in an academic journal or something. I’d love to do a reading of their research and really find out about it.
Chris Nickel
Jan 3, 2015 at 1:04 pm
Yes, I believe they currently have 5 studies going/completed – I think the longitudinal evidence will be really quite interesting moving forward –
Chris Thompson
Jan 2, 2015 at 1:10 pm
Great App ! The competition mode is really cool. I didn’t finish in the top 3 this time but first place was a Ping Driver. Can’t wait for the next tournament.
Ian
Jan 3, 2015 at 4:56 am
Chris, have noticed any positive changes to your game after using this? I’m interested, but not sure if it’s worth it.
Chris Thompson
Jan 3, 2015 at 8:06 am
Ian – the Awareness game got me thinking more target and I have also noticed some differences with my focus in the short game. The science made sense to me. I don’t know much about neuroplasticity etc but I like the idea of working on the mental game like I work on my physical game. I have yet to get into the webinars to learn more. good luck