NASA Technology That Helped "Eagle" Land On The Moon Is Helping Golfers Make "Eagles" On Earth

In the 1960's, former NASA rocket scientist Ben Huang was among the thousands at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., who worked on the Saturn V moon rocket program. Today, he's an entrepreneur - incorporating technologies that helped Apollo 11 astronauts land "Eagle" on the moon into improved clubs that help golfers reach their favorite par 4 greens on the first shot and putt out with the next, carding "eagles" (two under par) as their score.

A part of Huang's contribution to the Apollo program involved developing a shock-absorbing liner to insulate and protect astronauts and their spacecraft from the fiery re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. He's now using his expertise in space-age composite materials to make grips for tennis rackets, baseball bats, and - most recently - golf clubs.

After leaving NASA, Huang established his own company, Winn, Inc., in Huntington Beach, Calif., in 1977. His company made a polymer-based material for sports equipment grips, replacing the leather which had been in use previously. Huang's composite material is much lighter and enables the Winn grip to better absorb shock. It's also easier to grasp than other materials. Huang first tried his composite material on tennis rackets, then adapted it for use on baseball bats.

Huang next turned his talents to the game of golf. A number of experiments led to his perfecting Elastom ETMª, a space-age polymer material that has proven outstanding for use as grips for golf clubs. Because clubs with Winn grips weigh less than clubs with traditional rubber grips, the club head has a greater relative weight. This allows the golfer to strike the ball harder and drive it for greater distance. Winn grips also dampen the vibration and shock so often felt when the ball is not hit precisely. This may hold a medical bonus for the golfer, as there is less chance of the golfer developing the debilitating hand, wrist and arm condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Elastom ETMª grips are easily installed on existing clubs. Affixing a new grip to a favorite club had been a difficult, time-consuming task. Winn Inc., however, has patented both a conventional slip-on grip and a new do-it-yourself product that requires no tools, solvents or special training. Assembled at the factory, the Winn grips are comprised of two components: the converter or underlisting and the Elastom ETMª grip wrap. Various patterns of slip-on grips are available for woods, irons and putters. Using the do-it-yourself method, golfers can replace the grips on their clubs anywhere they wish, even on the golf course.

Debuted at the 1995 PGA International Golf Show in Las Vegas, Nev., sales of the new golf club grips have been brisk, with first year sales bringing in $800,000 for Winn, Inc. Huang projects 1997 sales will be around $5 million.