Bryson DeChambeau using 3D printed irons to contend at the Masters

Bryson DeChambeau never does things the conventional way. That’s never been more apparent than this week at the Masters, where the American is using a set of 3D printed, previously non-conforming, irons.

DeChambeau, who was in the lead after the first round at Augusta National, has chopped and changed his irons this year. You might think that after finishing in a tie for seventh at last week’s event on the LIV Golf League, that he would stick with the Ping irons that clearly worked well.

But no. Instead, the 30-year-old has put a set of Avoda irons in the bag for the Masters. They’re a brand you might not be aware of, but Bryson has played with them in the past. Except, the ones he has in the bag this week are slightly different.

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Avoda are a small, independent manufacturer, who make ‘first of their kind’ irons and wedges. While that’s all well and good, Bryson’s really are one of a kind.

As reported by Golfweek, DeChambeau’s irons were 3D printed, and only made it onto the USGA’s conforming list on Monday of the Masters. That is to say that last week, these clubs were not legal.

However, after being worked on by the manager of DeChambeau’s company, Connor Olson, the grooves on the irons were finally deemed to be conforming ahead of the year’s first major.

DeChambeau hasn’t divulged too much detail about his new additions to the bag, but he did say this while speaking to Golf Channel.

“When I mishit on the toe or the heel it seems to fly a lot straighter for me and that’s what has allowed me to be more comfortable over the ball.”

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Speaking after his round on Friday at Augusta National, DeChambeau was asked specifically about the irons that have him tied for the lead.

“Well, I designed them with someone from back home, and they have just got a different curvature on the face than other equipment. Most equipment is flat. These have a different curvature on the face that allows me to have my mis-hits to go a little straighter sometimes.”

That added forgiveness that DeChambeau mentions comes from the design of these irons, which essentially feature bulge and roll, like you would find in a modern driver.

Generally, when a ball is hit off the toe, it will hook, and vice versa. But, thanks to bolts in the heads of these irons, that is straightened out.

Clearly, that technology worked on his first trip around Augusta National at this year’s Masters. Despite the windy conditions, DeChambeau hit 15 out of 18 greens in regulation. He’ll be hoping his second round performance is just as strong, in more breezy conditions.

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor