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The High-Performance Centre – Karen.

The High-Performance Centre that should be up and running in the next 7 weeks is another step forward in technology. The equipment we will have in it is two Foresight GCQuads, and Swing Catalyst 3D Motion plates, these plates measure forces and pressure in all three dimensions of movement as well as quantify the pressures being exerted. All this information will be displayed on large screens. Aside from these we also have a K-Vest device (measures body movements and the kinematic sequence) a DeWiz device for hand speeds and other detailed measurements as well as a hackmotion device for measuring wrist angles during the swing.Â

We have an extensive array of demo shafts (520 currently and growing). We stock heads that we can use for custom-fit assembly from PXG, KZG, Fujimoto, Tom Wishon and we are in discussions with Callaway & Edel currently to add to our range of options.

We are a certified True Temper Performance Centre. This allows us to have all the shafts (including Tour only) available from the following shaft manufacturers: True Temper, Accra, ProjectX, ÂHrzdus, Aerotech Steelfiber and Diamana. Aside from these, we stock Nippon, Shimada, MCA, UST Mamiya, Novatech, FST, KBS, TPT, S2S & Apollo.

We offer a range of grips in standard, undersize, midsize & jumbo from Golf Pride, Iomic, Lamkin, PURE, Star Grip, Jumbomax, 2Thumbs, P2, Super Stroke, Flatcat.

This may all sound very technical, but these systems are used by most of the world’s top tour players and have been of massive benefit to amateur golfers everywhere. They are now viewed as essential aids to swing development for golfers of all abilities.

Within the performance Centre will be 3 bays one for fitting one for lessons and the other set up as a small gym for golf-specific training. The gym will have available specialist equipment from Exxentric, Keiser, Core- Tex and a Proteus machine when they are available worldwide as well as conventional gym equipment. The exercise routines to build strength, speed and stability are all so key for players wanting to gain more speed and distance consistently without injuring themselves. This is extremely important for Elite players wanting to get themselves to the standards required to play on any modern tour.

It is also our intention to invest in a Zen Green Stage, a hydraulically movable putting surface and this will be coupled to Quintic Ball Roll, the most well-respected software for analyzing ball skid, roll and the putting stroke.

We have put in a complete tour standard workshop filled with specialist golf measuring and assembly equipment for repairs and where we can custom build sets to any requirements. We have a large store for our stock a reception and office.

We are so looking forward to opening our doors to the members of Karen Country Club and being able to assist those who want to improve in a scientific and structured way. We are very keen to get involved in the Club’s teams and in particular to be able to take the elite juniors and move their games forward.

Ross Valentine

Co-founder & PGA Professional

My introduction to the world of golf came in early 2015 leading up to the Magical Kenya Open at Karen Country Club. I understudied the superintendent where I learned a lot about the maintenance/upkeep of a golf course preparing for an international event.

2015 – This experience encouraged me to further my golf qualifications and I moved to Cupar, Scotland to do a 1-year Higher National Certificate in Professional Golf at SRUC Elmwood. Here I graduated with a diploma in professional golf (distinction) and my experience included volunteer coaching at the St Andrews Links Golf Academy, as well as experiencing playing golf at a collegiate level in the ICT League UK and the College HND team against other universities. These tournaments were all played as professional tournaments. With this new respect and insight into players at the elite level I was motivated to pursue golf as a qualified professional.

2016 – 2023 – After an initial internship with AB Golf from Elmswood I started work full time at the AB Golf High-Performance Center for owner and senior professional Adam Bishop. AB Golf is one of the busiest custom fitting, coaching and club-building outfits in the UK and is located Just outside of Oxford. Whilst here I enrolled in the University of Birmingham Professional Golf Studies FdSc Undergraduate Degree Course. I qualified in May 2020 and earned my full Class A PGA Membership. (PGA Professional)

At AB Golf, I was involved in many aspects of golf business but primarily Custom Fitting using GC Quad, Trackman and SAM Putt LAB, Coaching with Blast Motion and BodiTrack Golf Systems, Club building and repairs using a state of the art tour truck. I also gained first hand experience in running an ever expanding enterprise with 4 busy outlets (1 high performance center and 3 golf courses). A lot of experience was gained at Whiteleaf Golf Club whilst assisting the General Manager/Head professional in the day-to-day running of this golf club.

Part of my responsibilities for AB Golf was to set up and run their stand at the Annual British Golf Show. AB Golf represents most of the main brands within the golf industry here. It was here that I first met Saleem.

2023 – After 7 years with AB Golf in the UK I decided to return to Kenya to set up my own golf business. Incandescently this was at the same time that Saleem was looking to relocate to Nairobi and this led to an opportunity for both of us to jointly set up Data Driven Golf.

We intend to combine our skills, knowledge and passion for golf to create something that is a one-of-a-kind facility in Kenya based at Karen Country Club.

Certificates and Qualifications:

PGA Foundation Degree

HNC in Professional Golf

Certified Club Fitter

Certified Club Builder

KBS Certified

ASQ Level 2 Golf Coaching

Swing Catalyst Level 2 Certified