Why Golf Equipment Companies Should Learn From Bryson DeChambeau? LIV Golfer’s Coach Explains

Bryson DeChambeau a.k.a the Scientist is well known for his futuristic approach in the golf world. While doing so he makes sure not to leave no stone unturned. The result of his approach you say? We all know very well, that he won his second U.S. Open title, beating Rory McIlroy with on the final hole at 2024’s toughest venue so far, all thanks to his three-dimensional printed equipment. What makes him choose such equipment has been a question, and now, his swing coach has a say during a podcast.

In the podcast, Fore Play presented by Barstool Sports, DeChambeau’s swing coach, Dana Dahlquist was asked to give a walk-through on how the 3D-printed clubs work, or whether this new design trend will become widespread. The coach explained the need for new club designs, giving DeChambeau’s example, “His ball speed is really, really high (over 190 mph) …and when they do, things start to change. And one of those things is curvature.” Dahlquist noted that traditional clubs are designed for slower swing speeds and don’t account for the increased curvature at higher speeds.

He further revealed that the 30-year-old experimented with different bulge and roll designs on his driver to reduce curvature. “When he started experimenting with the bulge and rolls specifically on the driver…he could see the fluctuation in how that curvature was.” This experimentation led to the development of Bryson’s unique 3-D printed clubs. According to the coach, Bryson’s ability to control the ball is due to the unique club design and his practice routine. 

“He wants to try it off the heel…he wants to try it off the toe…he wants to be able to control the ball better.” This level of control is essential for high-speed players like Bryson, who require a more precise and specialized club design to optimize their game. Dahlquist also criticized the equipment industry for not thinking outside the box and adapting to the increasing swing speeds of professional golfers. “The industry needs to have a little bit out of the box thinking to change the industry.” The coach also suggested that the industry’s reliance on formulaic testing and technology, such as twist face, was not enough to optimize club designs for high-speed players.

He further emphasized the need for the equipment industry to reassess its approach, stating, “The industry is going to have to go, ‘Okay, well, at those high-speed players, what is the optimal bulge and roll?’ And also, on the flip side, the low-speed players, what is that average going to be, and what’s the bulge going to have to be for you to get optimal launch and spin?”

This further highlights the importance of considering the entire range of swing speeds, from high-speed players like Bryson to players that have slower swing speeds. This is what will help develop clubs that can truly optimize players’ performances and plug the gaps in their games. That being said, how did DeChambeau come to a decision to opt for such equipment?

Bryson DeChambeau equipment costs $10,000

Bryson DeChambeau’s decision to use 3D-printed irons, which cost $10,000, sparked a debate at the 2024 Masters due to their unique bulge-and-roll design. Initially, the USGA deemed them non-conforming because the groove edges were too sharp. However, DeChambeau and his team worked closely with USGA officials to modify the grooves. After several adjustments, the irons were deemed conforming, and DeChambeau was able to use them in the Masters.

Ever since the clubs debuted in the Masters, DeChambeau has had one impressive showing after another, leaving fans to speculate if it was all because of the new gear. Well, given his performances in the majors this year, T-6 at Masters, 2nd position at the PGA Championship, and his most recent top-of-the-table performance at the U.S. Open, it’s a big Yes! 

As the scientist has already said before, “I trust them”. What are your thoughts on his equipment? Tell us in the comments section below.