Designing my own putters

joekim84 · October 4, 2012

Hello World,

I'm a graphic designer by day, golf enthusiast/addict when i'm slacking off work. My addiciton to golf has reached a new level. As putting has always been my woe in the game (i'm constantly trying new putters at the local golf shop), I've realized i have this itch to design my own putter and get it produced. Not really thinking along the lines of trying to sell or manufacture on a large scale but I've already rough drafted alot of different concepts and thought, "What better place to get feedback?"

So let me know your thoughts on my designs, any tips/suggestions, and/or if you know a good machinist that would be interested in getting prototype built.

I've scanned the images from my sketchbook. I have pages and pages of designs. I love tp mills, scotty camerons, and ping ansers and I think you'll see the influence.

Here's preview of a couple of my concepts.

simple36 · October 4, 2012

The thing you need to remember is to keep the design to a point where machining costs aren't going to be outrageous. Sure it may look cool but some features may be hard to machine. Just something to keep in mind.

Also check out this thread
http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/712390-putter-making-advice-needed/

moocherpix · October 4, 2012

In response to the wave of "Do It Myself"ers and guys who want to design their own putters, I have to respond in a way that some might see as reckless or pointless.
[size=5]KEEP IT UP!!!!!![/size]
[size=5][size=3]When we were kids, how many of us spent countless hours doodling cars or drawing pick-up trucks on the covers of our binders or on pads while we wasted away hours? I know I did and I have never once cashed a check for my design skills, LOL.[/size][/size]
[size=5][size=3]It is part of dreaming and part of the creative process. Pay no mind to the guys who caution you to keep machining processes in mind. Draw what you want to see. Put your imagination down on paper and if, someday, you are able to get one milled, THEN work through the pains of dumbing down the design to make sure that it can be milled.[/size][/size]
[size=5][size=3]Those who are being cautious, there is nothing wrong with your worry. It is just that when a person sees an idea in his head and tries to put it on paper, the last thing they need to worry about is a process that may never happen.[/size][/size]
[size=5][size=3]Keep drawing putters. Keep [/size][/size][size=3]sharing them with us fellow putter junkies and know that there are eyes watching here that you never know about. Do you really think that some genius at TaylorMade really came up with the white putter idea on his own? [/size]
[size=3]Just a different view of a topic that has really come to the forefront with all of the access guys have to CAD software and the internet.[/size]
[size=3]Nick[/size]

simple36 · October 4, 2012

I realize that but I am saying if he is really interested in making this one for himself some day that is something he is EVENTUALLY going to have to do. As for the designs they are a little to "busy" for me. I prefer the simple clean look. That said its your putter so design whatever you want.

*on a side note i think we could have a putter designs thread where people can post pics of their putters they have designed.

golfluvzme · October 4, 2012

I have to agree with Nick on this one.
Drawing ideas was always a big part of my life. I have an older brother that was an incredible artist and watching him always pushed me.
I agree that IF he decides to take the steps necessary to have a putter made, the obvious adjustments would need to be made, but the odds are not in his, or anyone's favor that their sketches go any further than sketches, unless they find someone with the time, drive and ability to create their putters on a one-off basis. You found out the cost on that sort of project, so we both know the costs involved.
The designs in this thread are indeed fairly "busy", but the right eyes would see that as a plus. Sort of shows that the putter really IS the most intimate club in the bag and we all have very differing ideas of what looks good and what does not. Makes the world go around. I went back and looked at your designs and was reminded of this differing of opinions, instantly. Not every eye sees them the same.
I agree with your side note, though. Maybe start a thread with anyone contributing their artwork, so the OEM's have a decent stockpile of ideas that they don't have to pay for, ;-).

LaMont in AZ

simple36 · October 4, 2012

[quote name='golfluvzme' timestamp='1349394624' post='5752119']
I agree with your side note, though. Maybe start a thread with anyone contributing their artwork, so the OEM's have a decent stockpile of ideas that they don't have to pay for, ;-).

LaMont in AZ
[/quote]

Who says they are free!!! Also may inspire a few people thinking of designing their own.

finalist · October 4, 2012

Less is more. Form follows function. Take ideas from graphic design and apply them to product design. Make your work timeless rather than fashionable. Would you still like the design 10, 30, 100 years down the road?

Study Byron Putter Design stuff for subtle design features he created that would make Paul Rand smile. Great design is great for what you don't notice at first glance, but helps the function immediately. Byron is king of this.

Also...
Look into draft soles for better playability