How to Become a Golf Club Designer: Careers and Requirements

How to Become a Golf Club Designer: Careers and Requirements

By Dr. Eric Wilson, PGA Legacy Master Professional and Keiser University College of Golf Executive Director of Golf Operations

One of the aspects of golf that sets it apart from other sports is the equipment needed to play. Of course, you need a golf course to play on, but you also need the right golf shoes and clothes to get access to a golf club.

However, those aren’t the only items you will need. The most important items that any golfer needs for a round of golf are the clubs. Without the clubs, you won’t be getting too far around an 18-hole course. When it comes to clubs, the technology that it takes to make them has changed dramatically over the past century. The designs have come a long way from wooden to titanium-infused golf clubs. Due to the technology and the work that goes into designing modern clubs, there are careers individuals can pursue within the industry. Perhaps your short game isn’t good enough to turn professional, but carving out a career in golf club design can be a way to stay in the sport you love.

Becoming a Golf Club Designer

In the last 30 years, golf club design has changed dramatically. Since the 1980s, a lot more science has been put into the design of clubs. At one time, clubs were just tweaked by the designers. Modifying the head, face, and color were three ways that clubs changed in the pre-1980s. However, golf club producers use far more technology to develop the clubs pros like Tiger Woods, Jon Rahm, and others play with today. Becoming a golf club designer isn’t easy, but anyone with the patience to play a game like golf should have the drive to gain the qualifications needed to be an engineer.

Golf Club Designer Education Requirements

To design golf clubs, you typically need a strong background in engineering, industrial design, or related areas like materials science or physics. Understanding how the human body moves during a swing is just as crucial; knowledge of biomechanics and ergonomics helps create clubs that feel natural and improve performance. Proficiency with tools like CAD software is a must since so much of the design process involves 3D modeling and testing concepts virtually. Internships or hands-on experience in the golf industry are key; working on manufacturing or performance testing gives you insights you can’t get from a classroom. Staying up-to-date is also part of the job—new materials, aerodynamics research, and performance analytics are constantly shaping how clubs are made.

Firstly, aspiring golf club designers should gain a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. This will give them the right base needed to work in the industry.

In addition, a master’s degree in physics, materials, and/or manufacturing would help an aspiring designer land the job they desire. Like many jobs these days, golf club companies will favor applicants who have gained more education in mechanical engineering.

There are plenty of golf jobs that a B.S. degree will get someone, but a golf club designer isn’t one of them. Designers should also be comfortable in using computer software programs to create models. Although gaining a significant amount of education goes a long way in landing a person a golf club design job, it isn’t the only thing. Perspective engineers will most likely need to work as interns for a golf club company. This will give them on-the-job training they couldn’t gain at university. It isn’t often you will have a professor who has worked for Callaway Golf, so having the insight needed to strive in the position early on is unlikely.

Careers in Golf Club Design

New: A career in golf club design is for individuals who love blending engineering and creativity with a passion for golf. Golf designers are responsible for crafting clubs that help enhance golfer performance and enjoyment. Often, they work closely with manufacturers, research labs, and independent firms to develop innovative club designs that meet golfers’ needs. The design process includes testing prototypes, gathering feedback, and analyzing performance data for each club. This career requires both technical expertise and an intuitive understanding of what makes a great golfing experience.

Golf Club Design Teams

The biggest golf club companies have teams dedicated to designing their products. Therefore, you won’t be going for one singular job. It is good that you can work in a team, so communication skills are important when getting a job with Callaway, Nike, or another big brand. The different teams will work on different aspects of the product. One could be tasked with designing the actual club.

The second is working on the marketing of the club, while a third could be tasked with deciding on the right materials that make up the final product. Due to the various teams and positions, there are a number of jobs an individual could go into.

Another position could be a testing engineer who hands-on tests the product, reviews it, and decides how it could be better. Research positions are also available, and those teams must be up to date on all the rules and regulations the United States Golf Association mandates for clubs.

After working in the industry, you could also work as a golf club consultant. This independent job could be quite lucrative, but it comes with the knowledge that a steady paycheck isn’t on offer each month.

Working for a golf company

The good news for aspiring golf club designers is that there are several companies to work for. In fact, there are three levels of companies. The top-tier are the large brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma, and Callaway.

There is a second level of companies who don’t make quite the same amount of money but still produce profits in the millions. These companies include Cleveland and Adams Golf.

Finally, there is a third level of smaller companies. These golf club producers are located in the third-tier category due to making profits of less than $20m a year.

Golf Club Design Salaries

The money paid to golf club designers can be lucrative depending on the role, and salaries can vary. It is a great position to pursue and one that can keep you building the clubs professionals play with. The money paid to golf club designers can be lucrative depending on the role.

More on Golf Club Design Careers

Watch a video from the Keiser University College of Golf YouTube channel to learn more about golf club design and the careers available.

Learn more!

Want more tips? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, we can elevate your game to new heights together. Give us a call today at 888-355-4465.