Here’s how Padraig Harrington is hitting further at 52 than he was at 42
I don’t know about you, but my golf swing isn’t what it used to be. While my brain for the game has been getting sharper, my joints and muscles don’t live up to those improvements. This hasn’t been the trend of Padraig Harrington however, who emphasizes that at 52, he has added significantly more distance to his shots than he had at 42. He’s bucking the trend the vast majority of golfers see, and his results in recent tournaments speak for themselves.
Here’s what he had to say in a recent interview:
“I suppose what most people are talking about is that I’m hitting the ball further than I’ve ever hit it. My speed has gone up, quite substantially, on the golf course now. I’m in the low-to-mid 180s whereas a few years ago, I’d be doing well to get mid 170s. It’s a substantial gain”
And the gains he speaks about have translated to excellent tournament results. From 2021-2023, Padraig won 6 of the tournaments he entered, some of his best results in years. When asked about where the uptick in form came from, he had a clear answer:
“I’m always looking for an edge – it’s all about the small increments. So I saw advertising for VKTRY Insoles and bought them, and immediately set some personal records for myself. It’s not just the fact I’ve set my highest ball speed at 196 mph when I’m on the range – it’s a clear and consistent improvement throughout the rounds of golf.
VKTRY Insoles are a performance-based insole, using a stiff carbon fiber plate to store kinetic energy normally wasted in the ground. These insoles have been shown to increase drive distance by up to ten yards, and Padraig uses them to keep up with younger players on the tour.
“I still love competing with the young guys, and I’m hitting well above what would be considered tour speed now – you know, I don’t give anything up.”
Speed is important – but it’s not the only component to his success of course. Padraig has also noted that he had terrible issues recovering after a day of play, and since changing his insoles, he feels a huge amount stronger and fresher.
“I used to have terrible problems. I’d sit down, maybe for half an hour afterwards and the minute I’d stand up, I could hardly move. All my joints would be locked up. Since
wearing the insoles, I’m so much better after the rounds. So much less pain, so much less stress on me. They give you that energy back, so you’re not putting so much in – it’s really helped with the injuries and the recovery.”
Over the course of a day’s play golfers exert thousands of pounds of force through their heels, toes and ankles. While in the past, a soft insert might have been recommended, golfers like Padraig are choosing a firm platform of support instead.
We understood as kids that having something soft was better, because it might make your shoes comfortable – but we know something different now. You need that pressure coming back.
It’s clear from listening to Padraig where his priorities now lie as he continues to play at the highest level in his 50s. So few golfers continue to play at such a high level consistently, especially when they’re more than thirty-years into their careers. All we know is that he’ll be taking VKTRY Insoles on the tour for many years to come.
To learn more visit: VKTRY.com
