Equipment

Callaway redesigns Odyssey R-Ball Prototype using GE’s additive manufacturing

Published

8 years ago

Nov 16, 2018

Callaway has announced the company has signed a consultancy agreement with GE Additive’s AddWorks team, with the aim of improving its equipment through the potential of additive manufacturing. According to GE Additive’s website, additive manufacturing is a process that creates a physical object from digital design, enabling the creation of lighter, stronger parts and systems.

What does this mean for Callaway’s equipment?

The opening project from the agreement is a redesigned Odyssey R-Ball Prototype putter head. Callaway originally developed the Odyssey R-Ball Prototype as a tour preferred model in Japan, which consisted of removing the front ball from the original 2-ball design. Callaway, through additive manufacturing, has optimized the acoustics of the putter while retaining the preferred shape and performance.

Brad Rice, director – R&D, Advanced Engineering at Callaway, speaking about the process, stressed that the use of additive manufacturing is the future to the production of equipment in the game of golf, stating

“Additive manufacturing is a new tool; which is quickly going beyond the aspirational phase, and into the functionalization phase of the technology. Callaway needs to learn how to use this tool well because it is inevitable that 3D-Printing of production parts is going to happen – it is the production method of the future.”

So just how has Callaway and GE Additive collaborated to create the ideal acoustics on the Odyssey R-Ball Prototype putter head? Well, the answer is by adding geometry that made it difficult for conventional casting methods, which you can get a feel for in this short video.

For the Odyssey Prototype putter to retain its optimal design and shape while altering the acoustic signature of the putter head, Callaway and GE Additive’s AddWorks’ design and engineering teams implemented additive manufacturing through the following process:

AddWorks provided guidance to Callaway, based on decades of additive design background spanning several industries.
The team refined existing designs to the build direction to ensure all features were self-supported or easily supported during the build. The AddWorks team designed supports for thermal stresses and overhang constraints.
Topology optimization was used in conjunction with acoustical mapping to create the optimal design.

According to GE Additive AddWorks general manager, Chris Schuppe, additive manufacturing is a method which we are going to be hearing of a lot down the line, and he is expecting this to be the first of many collaborations with Callaway

“We’re taking away many new learnings from our first project together, especially around aesthetics. We have also used additive technology to create an acoustic map, which is certainly a first for us. We’re looking forward to driving more successful projects with Callaway, as they continue their additive journey.”

What the future holds for Callaway’s products through the use of additive manufacturing remains to be seen. However, the company’s bold stance on the potential of the process enhancing their equipment could be telling.

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Gianni Magliocco

Gianni is the Managing Editor at GolfWRX. He can be contacted at [email protected]

16 Comments

aga

Nov 18, 2018 at 7:41 pm

Can’t wait to get my hands on one of those tour tested R-Ball prototype putters… and price is no deterrent !!!!

Reply Report comment
Tom

Nov 17, 2018 at 11:53 pm

Equipment manufacturers have run out of new product ideas….now just blowing smoke and mirrors…..sellers be sellin!

Reply Report comment
- gunmetal
  
  Dec 5, 2018 at 2:00 pm
  
  Yep.
  
  Callaway is King of this. Boeing, Lamborghini, now GE. They partner with companies that can add credibility to their marketing story.
  
  Reply Report comment
engineer bob

Nov 17, 2018 at 1:05 am

GE will attempt to “engineer out” the unnecessary material and make it ring like a bell… how low can you go using high tech capability?!! Pa thetic US technology usage.

Reply Report comment
- Engineer Swede
  
  Nov 20, 2018 at 8:35 am
  
  EBM or Electronic Beam Manufacturing is for the most part a bought up technology from a Swedish company called Arcam, that is now a part of GE. It’s actually fun to see 3D-printing technologies getting a wider audience. Rapid prototyping might soon become rapid(and local) production! Now wouldn’t that be a thing Bob? Where all you’re golfclubs is not produced in Taiwan but in the neighbouring town? Supporting local business and less shipping?
  
  Reply Report comment
JP

Nov 16, 2018 at 10:28 pm

Has anyone ever complained about the sound the putter makes? If the sound sucks, the design probably sucks. Start over.

Reply Report comment
- ogo
  
  Nov 17, 2018 at 1:07 am
  
  Geerhead duffers want a good sounding putter because that’s all they look forward to… a ding sound…!
  
  Reply Report comment
Tiger Noods

Nov 16, 2018 at 7:30 pm

So, the short story is they couldn’t figure out how to do this in-house, called a contractor, and they’re spinning it as competence.

Nice story, bros.

Maybe they will start making clubs that don’t have high failure rates. That’d be nice.

Reply Report comment
- Jamie
  
  Nov 16, 2018 at 10:24 pm
  
  That’s called patent infringement, libtard. You don’t just get to take another’s ideas and processes and make them your own.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Libtard
    
    Nov 18, 2018 at 3:44 am
    
    First, Libtard? Grow up.
    
    Second, patent infringement? I’m guessing that your use of “libtard” probably precludes a college degree, so maybe, just maybe, leave the litigation to those qualified.
    
    Third, you clearly weren’t replying to the above, so I suggest you brush up on your interwebbing, Señor AOL…
    
    Finally, I don’t get the American fascination with insults and someone’s political views. I thought America was “land of the free” and such… you really are an intolerant bunch.
    
    Reply Report comment
Hogenben

Nov 16, 2018 at 5:25 pm

All they are doing is working on acoustics…..just bs marketing hype.

Reply Report comment
bj

Nov 16, 2018 at 2:46 pm

Callaway AND many other manufacturers of ALL kinds of products should have ALREADY been using 3D printing!!! The EXTREME amount of savings in designing ANY proto type is and the ability refine their products is very flexible AND inexpensive!!
Its about time, they are FAR behind in using this tech that is HAS BEEN WELL PROVEN!!

Reply Report comment
- ac
  
  Nov 16, 2018 at 5:34 pm
  
  whats the deal with the random all caps? is it code? AND ALL ALREADY EXTREME ANY AND FAR HAS BEEN WELL PROVEN..guess not.
  
  Reply Report comment
DB

Nov 16, 2018 at 1:57 pm

Cool story. I do think additive, 3-D, multi-material, etc. will be the future for some golf clubs. Article would have been better if Callaway had released some pictures of the final product or some information about how they can actually apply this to a product.

Reply Report comment
Jamie

Nov 16, 2018 at 1:52 pm

GE will be bankrupt in a few weeks. Callaway would be smart to buy this unit now.

Reply Report comment
- Benny
  
  Nov 18, 2018 at 6:20 pm
  
  I certainly hope not. Would love to put a wager on this. Now is a great time to buy!
  
  Reply Report comment

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Equipment

Interesting clubs at top of bag – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

1 hour ago

Jun 3, 2026

Will Schube

In our forums, users are talking about top of bag setups that are non-traditional or thought-provoking in some way. Original poster @SuperSpurs106 inquired about other members who might use unorthodox set-ups to help with gapping issues or weak spots.

They wrote:

“I currently have a PING G430 driver, TM Qi35 3W and a TM Qi4D 7W. Driver and 7W are fine but can’t get on with my 3W and have always struggling with this club over the years. Thinking of adding a 2H which I know would look odd. Just wondering if anyone else had a weird set up at the top of their bag?”

Our members in the forum have offered up their thoughts and personal experiences with non-traditional top of bag set-ups, and their reasoning for thinking outside of the box to begin with. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

BowMain42: “Don’t worry about what “looks” odd. If the club does what you need it to do, it’s the right club.”
scooterhd2: “I cant hit 3 woods either. Thats why I roll with a unicorn XL Hibore 2 wood. 400 cc head at 16 degrees of loft and its just a monster 3 wood off the tee. Off the deck, we are playing the f6 baffler. 5 wood at 41.75 inches and its easy to control.”
phizzy30: “I had driver, 3 metal, 2/4 hybrid once upon a time as a higher ss player. 4 hybrid is gone and in place is a driving iron nowadays. I don’t think what you’re proposing is weird in anyway, however the yardage gap might be glaringly huge between driver and 2 hybrid. What is it about your 3 metal that has got you all messed up? You could always go 4 metal with shorter shaft and see if that works.”

Entire Thread: “Interesting clubs at top of bag”

If you aren’t a member, join us in the GolfWRX forums today!

Equipment

Members of the Mini Driver Club – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

1 hour ago

Jun 3, 2026

Will Schube

In our forums, one user has gone searching for fellow users of a mini driver. In a post, @TightFade asked for other mini driver users to chime in with their weapon of choice, the reason for employing a mini, and what club follows it in the bag.

@TightFade asked:

“What mini are you playing? What spot in the bag did it take over? What’s the next club after it? For me: Elyte mini 13.5. Replacing 3w. Next up club looks like it’ll be 5w.”

Our members in the forum have been sharing their own bag setups featuring the mini driver, and the various reasons they purchased one in the first place. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

RCGA: “Ping G430 Max 12* ‘Thriver.’ Next club is a 4w and 2i (I play a weird course).”
JMB3: “R7 at 12.75 with Diamana BB 63s. 3w replacement. Next Club: Elyte Ti 5w at 17*.”
ColdOkieGolf: “R7 15.5 turned down to 13.5 It replaces the 3w. I found it surprisingly easy to hit off the deck, and it’s very rare that I need or want to hit something beyond 250 from the fairway, so next club is my 7w.”
ChaosTheory: “I’m sub-90 MPH with driver. But I’m able to hit DOD. I have been wanting something like the R7 15.5, so I just ordered one. I have a spot in the bag so nothing has to go. But I could see it replacing my trusty 4 wood, which I never use for approach shots. Just tee shots and lay ups. If I drop the 4 wood, I will turn my 7 wood down to ~20 degrees and will have good gaps. I recently tried a thriver build: 12 degree driver turned to 14, with a heavier 44 inch shaft and added head weight. I hit it great. Very accurate and not overly high, but the problem was that it sometimes went as far as a typical drive. And that’s not what I needed. So I will probably turn the 15.5 up to 16.5 or even 17.5. It’s all theoretical at this point. ?”

Entire Thread: “Members of the Mini Driver Club…Check In.”

If you aren’t a member, join us in the GolfWRX forums today!

Whats in the Bag

Chris Gotterup WITB 2026 (June)

Published

1 hour ago

Jun 3, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

Chris Gotterup had >14 clubs in his bag when photographed prior to the Memorial Tournament.

Drivers: TaylorMade Qi4D (8 degrees), Ping G440 LST (9 degrees @8), Ping G440 LST (7.5 degrees)
Shafts: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Grey 6.5 TX 70 g, Project X HZRDUS T1100 Handcrafted 6.5 TX 70 g, Project X HZRDUS Smoke Grey 6.5 TX 70 g