Appliance of science key to Parry’s return on European Tour

Dr Steve McGregor’s Sport Science Solutions played an integral part in the rise of golf’s leading player by providing a rigorous and quantifable sport science support service.

Parry, 26, turned to those principles in April as he sought a way back onto the European Tour. He began work with sports science specialist and PGA professional Rob Hobkinson, who was working as a consultant for Sports Science Solutions.

Parry romped to success at qualifying school last week and begins his second stint on the elite circuit at the Nelson Mandela Championship in Durban this week. The first day’s play on Thursday was suspended due to rain.

He attributed the work he has done with Hobkinson as being vital for getting him back among the big boys.

Hobkinson gave Parry a strict fitness and weights regime that was carefully developed following biomechanical, nutritional and physiological analysis.

Hobkinson said: “It’s about ensuring the exercises he is doing in the gym are having a positive effect.

“There’s no point going into the gym and lifting weights just to tick a box.

“You’ve got to quantify what effects the weight training is having on the body, and, in turn, on the player’s performance on the course.

“Our programmes are designed to complement the work his coach Mark Moore does on the range.

“The regime John has embarked on with us is undoubtedly helping prevent fatigue on the course.

“We saw that in the six days of qualifying school last week. As everyone was tiring after 108 holes, John could have played on.

“And he’ll need that strength in a 25-tournament season with all that travelling.”

Hobkinson has been impressed by Parry’s application to the project. “For the three days a week he is at home and not competing he’s with me in the gym at 8am every day,” said Hobkinson.

“And he’s seeing the benefits. He’s driving the ball past players who used to out-hit him.”

Richard Finch is also competing in Durban, just 11 days after putting his clubs down in Dubai at the end of a steady 2012 campaign.

After getting back into the top 60 last season, the 35-year-old from Hull will be looking to post a good result to set himself up nicely for the next 12 months.

Sunshine Tour regular Neil Cheetham of Sheffield is also in the field for the first of two events in South Africa before Christmas.