GoKawiilBryson DeChambeau teed off for the 90th edition of the Masters on Thursday, in his bag alongside an eclectic mix of Krank drivers and woods, Avoda irons, and Bettinardi wedges, a golfing first: the two-time major champion will be sporting a 5-iron he fabricated himself using a 3D printer, according to ESPN.
DeChambeau reportedly confirmed to reporters on Wednesday that he'll play this weekend's tournament with a 5-iron made using a 3D printer. As the report notes, DeChambeau's nickname is the "Mad Scientist," owing to his highly analytical approach to the game.
When asked why DeChambeau had decided to break out the 3D-printed iron on the eve of the biggest tournament in golf, he simply replied: "Because they're finally ready." Per the report, the United States Golf Association (USGA) would have to approve his clubs for use before he can compete using the DIY project, but there's no reason to believe he would boldly announce his plans unless he was at least a little bit confident they would pass muster.
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As reported by ESPN, DeChambeau's previous deal with LA Golf ran out in February. "There's this nature that I have about myself where innovation is a habit of mine, and I really find and take pride in that ability to learn -- even through failure, even through making a bad decision or a good decision -- what I can get from that," he told reporters on Wednesday. "We'll see where it goes. We'll see where it takes me," he added, "All I could say now is, if I don't put them in the bag, it's my fault now."
As yet, there are no specific details about the process or equipment DeChambeau has used to manufacture his 5-iron. However, given his $125 million LIV Golf Contract, it's unlikely he was using a budget 3D printer. It is also unclear whether DeChambeau manufactured the club entirely by himself, or is working with a partner or manufacturer for the 3D printing process.
As MyGolfSpy notes, choosing a 5-iron for the experiment is an ambitious and bold move, given that it's a crucial club around Augusta's 7,565-yard course. That means he'll get plenty of chances to use his 3D-printed innovation.
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