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PING Performance Research Centre formally opens (VIDEO)

The PING Performance Research Centre has launched at Loughborough University to advance cutting-edge technology and innovation in the world of golf.

The state-of-the-art facility deepens the University’s partnership with PING, a globally recognised, family-owned, manufacturing company, synonymous with innovation, quality, and service in the world of golf.

The PING Performance Research Centre is based on LUSEP, Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park and co-located with the Sports Technology Institute, a £15 million facility housing the University’s research on the design, simulation, testing and manufacture of sporting goods.

The Centre was opened by John K Solheim, President of PING, and Professor Nick Jennings, Loughborough University Vice-Chancellor, with PING colleagues from both its Arizona global headquarters and European headquarters in the East Midlands, as well as golf players, coaches, media and University researchers, current students and alumni.

Ping launch attendees. ‌John K Solheim, PING President and Professor Nick Jennings, Loughborough University Vice Chancellor together with PING engineers and University researchers and students.

PING’s partnership with the University began in 2010 and continues to drive research and innovation, enrich student education and experience, and generate positive economic impact creating new jobs, including employment for recent University graduates.

The latest research collaboration between PING and the University’s Sports Technology Institute commenced in 2018 and has delivered a bespoke measurement system for analysing the golf swing that was showcased at the launch event.

John K Solheim said: "Surrounded by like-minded organisations with a thirst for knowledge and innovation, the Centre will enable our PING engineers to study the mechanics of the golf swing in more detail than ever before as we continue to meticulously develop pioneering equipment that allows golfers to play their best.”

Professor Jennings said: “The vision of our new Strategy - Creating Better Futures, Together is to be an internationally engaged, research‐intensive university that delivers meaningful impact and keeps students at our heart. Our multi-faceted partnership with PING sums this up perfectly. I look forward to seeing it continue to grow and flourish.”  

Professor Mike Caine, Loughborough University Associate Pro Vice Chancellor (Sport) said: “The PING Performance Research Centre will be a catalyst for further deepening our partnership and delivering impact. It marks an important milestone in our work together and reinforces the East Midlands region’s potential as a global sports innovation hub, with Loughborough at its heart.”

Notes for editors

Press release reference number: 22/129

Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.

It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2022 QS World University Rankings and University of the Year for Sport by The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2022.

Loughborough is in the top 10 of every national league table, being ranked 7th in The UK Complete University Guide 2022, and 10th in both the Guardian University League Table 2022 and the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.

Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ and is in the top 10 in England for research intensity. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.

The Loughborough University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.

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