Recently, I compiled a list of eight golf technologies that didn’t quite make the cut.
Well, I’ve found six more to discuss today.
Now, unlike my previous collection, not every item here was a complete flop. Some are cherished memories for many, and one entry stood as an industry standard for nearly 60 years.
Yet, as popular as they may have been, these items aren’t something you’re likely to come across in a pro shop today. And if by chance you do, rest assured, they won’t be in their original packaging.
Let’s dive in.
TaylorMade Bubble Shaft
Arguably the most significant oversight in my initial list was the TaylorMade Bubble Shaft. This unique shaft design, featuring an unusually large butt section, became quite iconic—so much so that it might even make Sir Mix-A-Lot blush.
TaylorMade aimed to enhance launch and stability with the Bubble Shaft. While it might have achieved some success, changing those grips was a hassle of considerable proportions. As shaft technology continued to evolve, the Bubble Shaft gradually became obsolete.
Callaway Gravity Core
To the best of my memory, the Gravity Core was a weight adjustability feature that found its way into a few Callaway models like the Big Bertha Alpha 815 Double Black Diamond Driver.
Side note: I can’t help but think someone on Callaway’s marketing team was paid per letter.
Anyway, while the Gravity Core did tweak launch and spin, the whole idea was broadly criticized as fundamentally flawed. Elevating the center of gravity without a meaningful increase in MOI just didn’t make sense.
Callaway moved on from it pretty quickly, though you can still spot them on CallawayGolfPreowned.
OnCore Metal Core Golf Balls
While OnCore has impressed us with several of its golf balls, their initial metal core model didn’t make the best impression.
The concept behind their hollow metal core tech was pushing weight to the perimeter to increase the ball’s inertia and supposedly minimize side spin, resulting in straighter shots. However, the feeling at impact was far from pleasant.
Reportedly, in tests against the Pro V1, golfers couldn’t tell the difference between the two balls.
I should mention the testers were wearing earmuffs.
That’s actually true.
Air Force One Nitrogen Drivers
Powerbilt is one of those brands that frequently undergoes management changes. But back in the early 2010s, they ventured into something unique with their nitrogen-charged AirForce One Drivers.
The drivers performed quite well for a few years, and this was likely due to more than just nitrogen. However, after a split between Air Force One and PowerBilt in 2016, nitrogen’s role in golf has largely disappeared.
Still, I’d be intrigued if it made a comeback.
Odyssey Red Ball Putter
I promise I’m not singling out Callaway today; I honestly forgot about the Red Ball putters for a bit.
Yeah, that doesn’t exactly help their case, does it?
Anyway, the Red Ball putter sported a mallet design with a Red Ball Alignment Scope—basically, a viewfinder intended to help golfers properly line up over the ball.
Personally, I kind of liked it.
Even if it wasn’t the worst idea, there may not be just one alignment method suitable for every golfer. And considering it’s a 2018 release, this chapter might not be completely closed yet.
Time will tell.
Atti Dimple Pattern
Even if the Atti dimple pattern doesn’t ring a bell, you’ve likely seen it before. Covering 66% of a golf ball’s surface, it was standard on nearly every golf ball produced between the early 1900s and 1970.
With advancements in aerodynamic optimizations, the Atti pattern eventually faded. Though, I still occasionally stumble across them in the woods.
