Insider Interview: Robert J. Bettinardi

For more than 15 years, Robert J. Bettinardi has remained at the forefront of putting achievement and artistry. In 1990, he engineered and manufactured the first one-piece technology putter, cementing his legendary status in the golf industry. Since then, he has built his Bettinardi Golf company into a putter powerhouse. In addition to his signature one-piece technology, Mr. Bettinardi also developed a patented Honeycomb Finish, which ensures perfect flatness across the putter face. In 2006, Mr. Bettinardi partnered with Mizuno Golf to produce a signature line of putters under the Mizuno banner. As expected, these putters showcase the beautiful craftsmanship for which Bettinardi putters are renowned. Bettinardi Golf also offers custom fitting at Studio B inside the company’s headquarters just south of Chicago. Every Bettinardi putter is CNC milled in the United States.

PutterZone.com is grateful to Mr. Bettinardi for participating in our Expert Interviews series. Following is the transcript of our exclusive interview:

When and how did you get into crafting putters?
It all started in 1990 when I saw a poster in a pro shop that stated a milled putter (Callaway, Bobby Jones Series) was made on a Bridgeport milling machine. My reaction was why make a precision instrument on an old outdated piece of equipment? Why not instead make a milled putter on a CNC (Computer Numeric Controlled) Machine?

What was your first big break in making a name for yourself?
My first big break came when Tour professional Shigeki Maruyama won a Skins Game in Japan (1998) using a custom made Bettinardi Putter.

If you were to specify one thing that sets your putters apart, what would it be?
What sets Bettinardi Putters apart from all the others is the quality. We are fanatical when it comes to our process. I personally oversee all design, prototype and production here in our manufacturing facility near Chicago, Illinois.

Last year, you launched an exclusive line of putters in partnership with Mizuno. How did that happen, and how is it going?
Our partnership with Mizuno represents two like minds. Both companies represent the highest quality in golf equipment. Both companies also have expert engineering. Lastly, both companies have the knowledge and experience in the manufacturing process. We truly are thrilled with the partnership and are excited for what the future holds.

Your Studio B creates custom-fitted putters. How does this work, and what are the advantages?
Studio B was a vision that became a reality last year. Allowing the golfing public access to a Studio, where only the PGA Tour professionals had been able to utilize such a luxury before. This truly is a dream come true! Fitting a putter to an individual is an absolute must for the golf aficionado. The golfer first calls in for an appointment (allowing for exclusive attention and the best customer satisfaction). Once in the Studio they first sample all the different styles of Bettinardi putters that interest them. We suggest choosing a putter that not only looks great but feels great too. From there the golfer then is put through a Vision system. Four cameras and a laser system are used to measure the lie, loft and length (providing the ultimate fit). The advantages are that you now have a putter that is fit to the individual golfer.

A lot is made of technology in today’s putters, in terms of custom weighting, face inserts, face finishes (such as your patented Honeycomb Finish), special grooves, etc. Where do you think artistry fits into this equation?
I believe you can incorporate technology with artistry. For example, consider the commemorative putter I made for the 2006 Ryder Cup. This putter has a balance of technology, such as CNC machining, with nano engraving for beauty and artistry. It has been said by the putting experts that it may be the finest putter ever made.

Do you have a favorite or most exciting moment in your career as a putter maker?
I think the most exciting moment in Bettinardi Golf was the 2003 U.S. Open won by Jim Furyk. It was our first “Major” win and it was played 20 minutes from our facility. I walked all four rounds with Jim’s dad, Mike Furyk.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I think the enjoyment from my work comes from being able to cast a vision and see it become a reality. Working with my employees has also been lots of fun. I do have to say that I am blessed.

Thank you, Mr. Bettinardi! For more information, please visit www.bettinardi.com.

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