It is fairly wide-ranging in that I have varying degrees of involvement in the design of most of Callaway Golf’s woods, irons, putters and wedges. Because of my experience,
I have input in the shaping of the products from drivers and fairway woods to irons and even putters at times. One of my first responsibilities, after I joined the company nine years ago, was to oversee the change from the original X-10 Iron to the X-12 Iron Series and its subsequent expansion. An additional role these days is to pass on my knowledge and experience to the younger designers, which allows me more time for other projects.

We’re investing heavily now in both technology and customer research. We’re trying to find out as much as possible about what golfers really want so that we can design products that precisely meet those needs. Callaway Golf has always made golf clubs that amateur golfers can benefit from, and we will continue to do that. But you will also see us designing for specific segments of the golfing public that have different needs.Fusion Technology is a really exciting area for us right now. The concept of being able to mix different materials to improve weighting and performance has opened up a whole new world of opportunities with literally endless possibilities.

Take the Big Bertha Fusion Irons, for example. We went out and developed a totally new material to make that club happen. We have experienced many changes within the company during the past few years, but we have come through it all and those changes have put us in a position where we will be very competitive in all of the key product categories. We have a few more things to do, but I think that the future looks very bright for Callaway Golf.

I grew up playing golf in southern California, which has always had great junior programs, so from a very early age I had plenty of opportunities to play competitive golf. As soon as I started golf at the age of 12, I fell in love with the game. Golf is so elusive, it’s only borrowed - you never own it. The game challenges you in every way - physically, mentally and spiritually. It teaches you discipline, patience and virtue. It would be wonderful if more people could be touched by it.

I started around 1980. I was impressed greatly by the old persimmon woods and the forged blades of the time. There seemed to be such artistry involved in designing and making those golf clubs and I was just somehow drawn to it. The first club I ever made was called the RC85. It was the last persimmon driver to be used in a PGA Tour event – the 1996 PGA Championship. You are probably best known for your wedge designs.

We’re investing heavily now in both technology and customer research. We’re trying to find out as much as possible about what golfers really want so that we can design products that precisely meet those needs. Callaway Golf has always made golf clubs that amateur golfers can benefit from, and we will continue to do that. But you will also see us designing for specific segments of the golfing public that have different needs.