Bryson DeChambeau, often dubbed “The Scientist” for his analytical approach to golf, clinched a thrilling victory at the US Open, reaffirming his status as a force in the sport. His win is particularly noteworthy given his move to LIV Golf, which has reduced his mainstream visibility. DeChambeau’s success is attributed not only to his skill but also to his relentless pursuit of innovation in golf equipment, famously demonstrated by his embrace of unconventional gear. Among these innovations, his use of 3D-printed irons from Avoda Golf has garnered significant attention, highlighting the increasing role of additive manufacturing in professional golf.
Bryson DeChambeau with Avoda Golf 3D printed irons, showcasing the innovative design at a recent golf event.
The Scientist’s Gear: 3D Printed Irons Take Center Stage
DeChambeau’s moniker, “The Scientist,” is well-earned. He consistently pushes boundaries, experimenting with longer driver shafts, unique grip sizes, and distinct driver geometries. His equipment choices are meticulously scrutinized, setting him apart from many pros who primarily use sponsored gear. Unlike golfers tied to major endorsements, DeChambeau’s move to LIV Golf, while impacting traditional sponsorships, has paradoxically empowered him to select equipment purely based on performance. This independent approach lends credibility to his gear choices, especially his adoption of Avoda Golf’s 3D-printed irons. While other players might promote sponsored clubs, DeChambeau is known to choose equipment that genuinely provides a competitive edge.
Avoda Golf: From Obscurity to the US Open Fairway
Avoda Golf’s ascent in the golf industry has been rapid, sparked by founder Tom Bailey and a pivotal connection that led to Bryson DeChambeau testing their prototypes. This small company initially gained attention for its drivers featuring a unique “bulge and roll” clubface design, engineered to enhance accuracy and minimize mishits. Crucially, DeChambeau has been actively involved in the design process of Avoda’s 3D-printed irons. This collaboration is significant because it reflects a departure from the norm where pros simply use sponsored equipment. DeChambeau’s choice to use Avoda’s 3D-printed BAD Prototype irons at the Masters and now the US Open underscores their performance benefits. Reportedly, Avoda is experiencing a surge in demand, selling around 15 sets of these innovative clubs daily, signaling a significant market validation for 3D printing in golf.
3D Printing’s Expanding Footprint in Golf
Beyond irons, 3D printing is making inroads across various golf equipment sectors. Snarr3D is pioneering 3D-printed golf shafts, while Cobra Golf has already launched commercially available 3D-printed putters and irons, like the LIMIT3D. This growing interest and commercial availability indicate a genuine shift towards adopting 3D printing in golf. Many believe 3D printing’s potential extends further, especially into areas like customized grips, where personalized performance enhancements can be achieved.
Cobra LIMIT3D 3D printed iron, showcasing the lattice structure and design innovation in commercially available 3D printed golf clubs.
The Future of 3D Printed Golf Clubs: Promise and Practicality
Despite the excitement, Avoda plans to transition from 3D printing to traditional molding for mass production, viewing 3D printing primarily for prototyping and initial design validation. Avoda’s initial concept centered on “combo length irons,” aiming to simplify swings across different clubs, highlighting a broader innovation beyond just manufacturing methods. DeChambeau himself envisions a future where golfers can 3D-print metal club heads at home, acknowledging that while mass adoption isn’t immediate due to cost, he firmly believes “3D printing is the future” of golf equipment. He points out that reducing the price point is crucial for wider accessibility.
Currently, the high cost of 3D-printed clubs, like $3,000 sets, limits their accessibility. However, advancements in binder jetting technology, particularly from companies like HP, coupled with volume production and automation, could drastically reduce manufacturing costs. Focusing 3D printing on complex components like club faces, combined with cost optimization in materials and processes, holds the key to making premium, yet reasonably priced, 3D-printed golf clubs a reality in the near future. While truly affordable mass-market 3D-printed clubs may still be years away, DeChambeau’s US Open victory with Avoda’s 3D-printed irons strongly signals a promising trajectory for 3D printing in the world of golf.
