Bryson DeChambeau is known for pushing the boundaries of golf technology. Also known as the Scientist in the golf world for his weird ideas, he makes heads turn every time. As he marches into the final round of the 2024 PGA Championship, the spotlight is once again on his innovative equipment choices. His 3-D printed irons have generated both excitement and controversy, raising questions about the role of technology in the sport.

DeChambeau’s usage of 3D-printed irons that cost a whopping $10,000 to make generated a lot of discussion during the 2024 Masters because of their distinctive bulge-and-roll faces. So, is he still using these clubs in the PGA Championship? Well, yes, he is, and it did come with some difficulties. In the post-round conference on Saturday, he revealed that he is confident in their effectiveness. “I trust them,” DeChambeau said. “I know what they’re going to do, but unfortunately it’s been user error today and the past few days.”

These irons aren’t your typical golf clubs. Because of their unique facial curvature, they aid in correcting off-center hits. The 3-D rapid prototyping approach sped up the many revisions that were needed for this creative design. Using conventional techniques would have required the time-consuming process of making and perfecting several molds. DeChambeau’s method made adjustments and fine-tunings more quickly.

Bryson DeChambeau’s journey with the new club

In his own words, Bryson DeChambeau has admitted to having trouble using the irons over the week at the PGA Championship. His words, however, could just be modestly disguised. Ever since the clubs debuted in the Masters, DeChambeau has been having one impressive showing after another, leaving fans to speculate if it was all because of the new gear.

First came the Masters, where he had a dominant opening round and a just as good second round, finishing tied for first place before the weekend. Even in the end, he had a respectable T6 finish, leaving him tied for the highest-placed LIV golfer at the Masters with Cam Smith. This is where the fans became skeptical and the cheating speculations began.

He, however, received the go-ahead to use the clubs from the USGA. At first, the USGA declared them non-conforming because of the excessively sharp groove edges. To alter the grooves, DeChambeau and his group collaborated closely with Carter Rich and other USGA officials. The irons were cleared for competition in time for the Masters after several modifications. Despite the difficulties, DeChambeau persisted in using his novel strategy. “It’s a slow but steady grind to improving my equipment each and every week,” he said.

Even now, in the PGA Championship, he is placed T4 after three rounds, indicating that things are going well. Bryson DeChambeau’s 3-D-printed irons will surely continue to be a talking point as he gets ready for the final round of the PGA Championship. It remains to be seen if these clubs will help him win or cause more controversy. There’s no denying that the Scientist’s unrelenting quest for technological innovation both fascinates and divides the golfing community.