From Homemade Clubs to Major Player: The Rise of Avoda Golf
Golf enthusiasts, gather around! There’s a remarkable story brewing in the world of golf equipment that you don’t want to miss. It’s the tale of Avoda Golf, a company that seems to have burst onto the scene in 2024, turning heads and reigniting excitement about golf clubs and performance.
So, who’s behind this golf revolution? Meet Tom Bailey, the founder of Avoda Golf. It all started when Tom, an aspiring golfer who chased his dreams full-time after leaving college in 2017, found himself facing some pretty serious back issues. Instead of bowing out of the game, he rolled up his sleeves and dived deep into understanding the technical aspects of his swing. “Yeah, I just wanted to make myself a set of golf clubs a year ago and I got a bit carried away!” he chuckles.
Accidental Coach Turned Equipment Innovator
While trying to sort out his swing issues, Tom began to notice a lot of fellow golfers battling the same frustrations. This inspired him to shift gears and step into coaching, almost by accident! He soon discovered the game-changing techniques of Bryson DeChambeau and his unique approach to equipment. He got curious, “What is Bryson doing with his clubs? They look different, and it’s clearly working for him.”
This curiosity led him down the rabbit hole of single-length golf clubs. After crafting his own set back in the UK, he connected with Bryson’s long-time coach, Mike Schy, and began a collaborative journey that bridged distances, thanks to the Covid pandemic. “I was just really itching to get this right,” Tom recalls.
The Evolution of Avoda Golf Clubs
Fast forward to January 2022, and Tom finally made it over to California to work more closely at Mike’s Academy, kickstarting a project that lasted much longer than he anticipated. What began as an amateur venture quickly transformed into a serious quest to develop the perfect iron setup that catered to different swing styles and speeds.
Bailey’s innovation led to the creation of what he now calls combo-length irons. These clubs combine the benefits of both single-length and variable-length setups. “They are single-length up to a point, but then they extend as necessary based on the individual’s swing characteristics,” he explains.
What started as a personal project began gaining traction. Fellow golfers started eyeing his “agricultural-looking” homemade clubs, inquiring about the magic behind their performance. “We reached a point where everyone wanted me to work on their sets,” said Bailey.
Turning Vision into Reality
Determined to create something presentable for the golfing community, Tom enlisted his brother Nicholas, who was in the firearms industry at the time. They hit the pavement searching for manufacturing partners, but faced multiple rejections along the way. “They’d tell us, ‘It’s not a product for the mass consumer,’” he recounts. However, Tom wasn’t discouraged. He believed that if it worked well for him, others would naturally want in.
In a twist of fate, Bailey connected with Bryson DeChambeau in September of that year, leading to a significant breakthrough. Bryson had been struggling with his irons despite shining with his drivers. “I was like, what if I could build something he needs?” Bailey thought, and that’s where the real magic began.
Meeting the Master
With DeChambeau’s interest piqued, Bailey started designing a prototype with a unique bulged face. “The head had to look just right,” he notes. After a series of revisions, they were ready to test them out just before the Masters. But of course, things got a bit wild — a frantic race against time ensued to get the final prototypes shipped in time for the tournament.
Thanks to some quick thinking from a UPS worker who recognized the urgency, the irons made it to Augusta, and less than 48 hours later, Bryson played a phenomenal round of golf, raising questions about his new, secretive clubs.
What’s Next for Avoda Golf?
So, are these remarkable iron designs going to hit retail shelves anytime soon? According to Bailey, it’s complicated. “These clubs are tailored specifically for Bryson. They are one-of-a-kind.” However, he has plans underway to expand fitting opportunities for golfers worldwide. “I believe there’s a place for this innovative bulge technology in golf. But it has to be done right.”
Tom’s mission hasn’t changed since that day he set out to create his own golf clubs. He aims to continue refining equipment that stands up to his standards — and if he wouldn’t use it himself, it won’t be sold. “Everything we do is about making better equipment to help golfers excel,” he states firmly. “There’s more in the pipeline—trust me!”
As 2024 unfolds, it’s certain that golf enthusiasts will be keeping a close eye on Avoda Golf—a budding name that’s stirring up innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of golf equipment.
