Using a custom set of 3D-printed Avoda irons, Bryson DeChambeau has not only made headlines with his impressive play at the Masters and PGA Championship, but also with the unique design of his clubs. These irons have curved faces, unlike traditional flat-faced irons, which has sparked intrigue in the golfing community. The curvature from heel to toe, known as bulge, and from the leading edge to the topline, known as roll, is typically found in drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids, but less common in irons.
During a practice round, DeChambeau explained to Golf Channel about why he wanted curved iron faces. He highlighted how the curvature on the face, similar to drivers and hybrids, helps to prevent over-correction when shots are hit on the toe or heel. This uniqueness in design aims to address the gear effect, which is a common phenomenon in golf where side-spin is imparted on the ball upon striking. The gear effect is especially noticeable in toe and heel misses, causing shots to hook or slice more dramatically.
With DeChambeau’s high clubhead speed, the gear effect is further magnified, resulting in significant hooking and slicing on toe and heel misses. By curving the hitting area of the irons, DeChambeau aims to compensate for this effect and ensure that his shots stay on target. This approach brings the science of designed into woods to the realm of irons, marking a unique and innovative move in golf club design.
While the use of bulge in the faces of drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids is a common practice, it is less prevalent in irons. This is due to the differences in the amount of backspin generated by the two club types. Irons typically generate higher backspin rates compared to drivers, resulting in less sidespin and therefore less impact from toe or heel misses. Therefore, the addition of bulge to iron faces may not be as crucial as it is with woods, making it a less common feature in iron design.
Despite the potential benefits of incorporating bulge into iron faces, golf equipment companies have traditionally focused on designing it in drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids. The reasoning behind this decision lies in the understanding of the gear effect and the amount of sidespin generated by different club types. While irons may benefit from some level of curvature, the backspin they produce often mitigates the impact of toe or heel misses, making bulge less necessary for the majority of golfers.
In conclusion, Bryson DeChambeau’s innovative use of curved faces on his 3D-printed Avoda irons has brought attention to the concept of bulge in iron design. While not a common feature in iron faces, the incorporation of curvature aims to address the gear effect and enhance shot accuracy for players with high clubhead speeds. This unique approach showcases the intersection of technology and science in golf club design, potentially paving the way for future innovations in golf equipment.
