3D Printing in Golf: Where Are We Now?
Formula 1, basketball, hockey, American football…golf? What do these things have in common? They are all using additive manufacturing in some capacity. Golf especially has been adopting 3D printing in various ways in recent years.
Golf may be one of the oldest sports in the world, dating to at least the 15th century in Scotland, if not earlier, but that doesn’t mean that it cannot be innovative. And in additive manufacturing, golf seems to have found a hole in one. But what is the current status of 3D printing in golf? Who are the major players? We decided to take a look.
Additionally, if you are interested in how golf is using 3D printing, be sure not to miss COBRA PUMA GOLF at RAPID + TCT. Ryan Roach, Director of Innovation, will be giving a talk on “How COBRA is Using Additive Manufacturing to Disrupt Golf.” Not only that, but if you register for the event HERE with the code “3DNATIVES” by Friday, March 28th, you will also be entered into a giveaway for the new 3D printed putter from Cobra Golf.
Where Did It Start?
Although it is only recently that 3D printing in golf became a major topic, there have been quite a few examples dating all the way back to 2018 when Titomic entered a partnership with Callaway Golf for 3D printed clubs. But that is not all. Adidas released a golf shoe, the MC87 4D, back in 2023 that integrated a 3D printed midsole.
That being said, 2024 was when 3D printing really started to take the golf world by storm. Bryson DeChambeau, nicknamed “The Mad Scientist” of golf, wielded a custom set of 3D printed irons from Avoda Golf during the 2024 Masters Tournament. And the best part? They really seemed to work! Adapted perfectly to the golfer, the club face was also slightly curved to reduce sidespin and increase accuracy on off-center strikes, perfect for his big swing style. He ended up finishing the Masters in sixth place, a significant achievement.
Bryson DeChambeau with a 3D printed golf club (photo credits: PGA)
This year, it seems the 3D printed irons, created to his exact specifications, will be making a return. And DeChambeau is not the only one. Rickie Fowler also made waves last year through his partnership with COBRA PUMA GOLF.
COBRA PUMA GOLF Show 3D Printing Fits the Sport to a Tee
It is undeniable that COBRA PUMA GOLF, a subdivision of Puma, has become one of the main stars of 3D printing in golf. A long-time manufacturer of golf gear, the company swept onto the additive manufacturing scene last year and have really made a name for themselves. It all started in January 2024 with the announcement that Rickie Fowler would be debuting a 3D printed RJ Cobra lob wedge at The American Express 2024 golf tournament. This was made using Metal Jet technology from HP.
COBRA PUMA GOLF did not stop there. The company introduced their LIMIT3D irons, made in partnership with nTop, the first-ever commercially available irons leveraging 3D printing technology in May. These proved to be a hit at RAPID + TCT 2024 with a talk and a booth where it was possible to try them out. Fully 3D printed with 316L stainless steel, the design of the club enabled a 33% weight redistribution without compromising overall strength.
Then in January, Cobra announced its new COBRA 3D Printed TOUR Irons. Unlike the LIMIT3D irons, these would not be a limited run but rather are a part of the main offerings from the company. The clubs start at $350 with a 4-PW set retailing for $2450 and a 3-iron and gap wedge available through custom order and have been available since March 21. They join a number of other solutions from the company.
A closer look at a 3D printed golf club from COBRA (photo credits: COBRA PUMA GOLF)
So where are we exactly when it comes to 3D printing in golf? Additive manufacturing has proven itself to be valuable in the sport as a way to create gear better suited to the golfer, something critical in a sport where “the wrong club” can make or break a game. We will have to wait to see how it continues to evolve, but the success of COBRA PUMA GOLF and Avoda Golf certainly make the future seem hopeful.
Additionally, it will be possible to learn more about COBRA PUMA GOLF’s work at RAPID + TCT 2025 in the conference session “How COBRA Is Using Additive Manufacturing to Disrupt Golf.” Here, attendees can learn more about the success story behind the first commercially available 3D printed golf iron. Not only that, but if you register for RAPID + TCT 2025 before Friday, March 28th with this link and use the code “3DNATIVES,” you will automatically be entered to win a COBRA GOLF LIMIT3D Steel Mallet Tour Prototype Putter, made using Metal Jet 3D printing and currently being tested on professional tours.
What do you think of the use of 3D printing in golf? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.
