Equipment

THINQ: An app that helps you think like a professional golfer

Published

9 years ago

Jan 2, 2015

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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Chris Nickel

I didn't grow up playing golf. I wasn't that lucky. But somehow the game found me and I've been smitten ever since. Like many of you, I'm a bit enthusiastic for all things golf and have a spouse which finds this "enthusiasm" borderline ridiculous. I've been told golf requires someone who strives for perfection, but realizes the futility of this approach. You have to love the journey more than the result and relish in frustration and imperfection. As a teacher and coach, I spend my days working with amazing middle school and high school student athletes teaching them to think, dream and hope. And just when they start to feel really good about themselves, I hand them a golf club!

15 Comments

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?

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - 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.
    
    Reply Report comment
  - 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
    
    Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
W

Jan 3, 2015 at 1:09 pm

We need an App to do this? What a pathetic lot we are, the golfers

Reply Report comment
- 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?
  
  Reply Report comment
  - 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.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - 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…
      
      Reply Report comment
      - 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.
        
        Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- 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 –
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - 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
    
    Reply Report comment

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Equipment

A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic

Published

57 mins ago

Apr 25, 2024

Andrew Tursky

Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.

Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.

We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.

Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).

See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here

Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge

Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.

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A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.

See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here

Turning Back the clock

Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.

But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.

For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.

Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.

The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.

The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.

Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter

Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.

Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.

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It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.

If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.

Brilliant.

See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here

Stricker’s unrecognizable putter

Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.

Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.

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Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates

Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.

Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.

It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.

Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines

Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.

Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.

FitzMagic teams back up

Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.

See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here

And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.

We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!

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