The Tullamore man behind the putter grip that's going down a storm

What links Tullamore native Enda McLoughlin and golf pro Padraig Harrington? A new piece of golf equipment invented by Mr McLoughlin that looks like it's going to take the golfing world by storm, that's what. Thirty-year-old Enda, originally from Arden Vale and now working as Wicklow Golf Club's professional golfer, recently invented a new putter grip called the "P2". Padraig Harrington came across it thanks to a sample of the product that had been given to fellow golfer Damien McGrane, and less than 48 hours later put it into action at the Abu Dhabi Championship. Last Wednesday Enda enjoyed a trip home and dinner with his parents Ollie and Martina, after a busy start to 2012. Speaking to the Offaly Independent he said the first batch of 1,000 P2 grips has all but sold out, and another order has been placed due to its popularity. "It's gone quicker than we thought," Enda said, adding that the putting grip's popularity will also mean a short wait for those looking to get their hands on one now. Enda said his idea was born when he glued two grips to the front and back of his own putter. This evolved to the P2, which is of regular width but has deep, flat sides. Its advantage is that it forces the hands high, making it difficult to flex the wrists and thus keeping the putt on line. Though Enda puts his business venture success mostly down to luck, the P2 has been warmly received on the golfing circuit and he's had orders from America, Europe and even New Zealand. P2s were first offered for sale at Christmas in Wicklow Golf Club, and favourable reviews from members who bought one for €29.95 helped it take off. Though Enda says he hasn't sat down and calculated how many units he must sell to break even, he suspects it's another 1,500. Golfers interested in buying Enda's P2 grip should visit www.p2grips.ie or inquire about its availability from their local pro golf shop.