Billy Cannada
Staff Writer
EASLEY—A local golf shop is aiming to build relationships with Easley golfers one swing at a time.
Jim Hackenberg, owner of Jimmy Hacks Golf in Easley, spent the majority of his golf career trying to prepare himself for the professional level, but has recently shifted that focus to teaching others.
“For many years I was trying to make it onto the PGA Tour, but did not make it. So I moved towards teaching golf,” said Hackenberg. “Everything that I had been doing to try to make myself better. I shifted to try to make other students better.”
Hackenberg says a light bulb went off while he was on the golf course with a friend.
“I had the unique opportunity to go caddy for a friend of mine on the PGA Tour,” said Hackenberg. “While on tour, and watching the best players in the world, I started noticing certain things that make better players more effective at what they do.
“I noticed that they all swing in this beautiful rhythm where they are always in balance,” he added. “I started thinking that, if I could improve people’s balance and help them get more coordinated, I could help more golfers.”
What ensued was a new creation called the “Orange Whip,” which uses a flexible shaft to help golfers understand the athletic motion that goes into a golf swing.
“There’s not been anything like it,” said Hackenberg. “This device is really important for beginners or people that struggle with the game of golf, but the better players are the ones who immediately like it. The response has been fantastic.”
The inventor/owner says Orange Whip is a helpful tool for upcoming golfers, and people who have been around the game for quite some time.
Hackenberg says he has noticed a particular interest in the sport in the Easley area.
“It’s amazing to see the youth development in Easley,” said Hackenberg. “Some of the best players in the state are coming out of here, so I’m very fortunate to have found this location.”
Hackenberg’s products range from $99 to $209, and he says the reviews have been more than positive.
“We’ve got a product that nobody returns. They like it too much,” said Hackenberg. “I think we almost have unlimited potential, so I see it as a world-wide company that could produce and ship products all over the world. One of the things that I am most proud of is that all of our parts and manufacturing is done here in America.”
Hackenberg says he hopes to become even more a part of the community in the days to come.
“As I go further, I want to get more involved in the community in terms of developing the golf in this area,” said Hackenberg. “This is really the golf Mecca.”
“Everybody wants to be good, but they don’t always want to put in the effort necessary to be good,” said Hackenberg. “My products will help.”
To learn more, visit www.orangewhiptrainer.com.
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