Golf is a game of inches for former Crusaders hotshot
FORMER Crusaders striker Glenn Hunter reckons he’s scored a big hit with a new invention to help you lift, clean and place in winter – without breaking the rules.
The Arc6 is a polycarbonate semi-circle that allows you to mark the position of your ball when winter rules are in place and to replace it within six inches, not nearer the hole.
Thanks to his ingenious invention, golfers can now work away safe in the knowledge that they are not getting it wrong.
“It was just a wee idea I had when I was out playing one day in winter and put the tee in the ground,” said Glenn (50), a firefighter with the Northern Ireland Fire Service, who scored 157 goals in 296 games for Crusaders, breaking the club’s 40-year old career goals record in 1997.
“I asked myself, ‘What is six inches exactly?’ So I did a lot of research, did a patent search and went through local colleges here to get help with research and development.
“Then when I had a prototype made, I contacted the R&A and they were positive.
“They said they’d test it properly when the product was made. It’s now approved and made here locally in Northern Ireland. The big challenge is marketing it.
“I use it more than I use a golf tee when preferred lies are in play and it’s really helpful because six inches, not nearer the hole, is a lot more space than you think.
“If there is placing allowed in the rough and you are behind a tree, it can be helpful to see exactly how far you can move without the risk of accidentally cheating. It’s a simple idea. It’s not rocket science.”
A 16 handicapper at Lambeg Golf Club near Lisburn, Glenn added: “You sometimes hear whispers about someone in a fourball not replacing the ball within the six inches, but with the Arc6, it couldn’t be easier.
“It takes seconds to lift, clean and replace your ball. It’s light and durable and fits easily in your bag, or you can hang it over your trolley. I wish it could help me hole a few more putts.”
Selling the invention is a challenge and Glenn would be happy to recoup his investment and turn a small profit.
“Marketing it is very difficult and while I use social media, marketing companies are very expensive,” he said.
“If it was something made by a big American company, people would jump at it. It cost me a couple of thousand to make it and hopefully I’ll get a little back on it eventually. It’s all made here in Holywood and Lisburn.”
Available in four colours, you can order yours at arc6.co.uk for £6.99 (€7.90).
Retailers and PGA professionals looking to stock the Arc6 should contact Glenn Hunter via the website or call him on +44 7828 086900.