Lee Westwood Plays a Little Golf With a 3D Printed Putter and Balls at The UPS Store

When it comes to running a small business, 3D printing is a technology which which can save time and expand a business’s horizons. This is why we have been seeing several companies begin to offer 3D printing services within their stores. The UPS Store was one of the very first companies to offer these services within a select number of locations. Staples soon followed their lead, as the applicable uses of the technology are certainly on the rise. Why buy a $50,000 professional grade 3D printer when you can drive to your local office supply store and have the project fabricated for a small fee? That’s at least how both Staples and The UPS Store see things, as they roll out 3D printing services in several key markets.

This week The UPS Store had a little fun with their 3D printers. In a bit of a promotional event, which seems to have garnered at least “some” media attention (3DPrint.com), The UPS Store had their Global Brand Ambassador and professional golfer Lee Westwood visit the store’s New York City location. He was there to check out the 3D printing services offered by the company, as well as have a little golfing fun.

Yes, you heard right, he was golfing in The UPS Store, and not with a set of typical golf clubs or balls. His equipment was 3D printed. In fact the main golf club which was printed on a Stratasys uPrint SE Plus machine, was a replica of his PING putter which he uses in all of his tournaments.

“There’s a tremendous amount of innovation in the golf industry today, especially on the course,” said Westwood. “It’s amazing to see how The UPS Store’s 3D printing services can help small businesses bring their innovative ideas to life.”

With his new 3D printed putter in hand, Westwood didn’t simply stare at it. He played some golf, right in the middle of The UPS Store. Those at the store pulled out a little miniature putting green, as well as a 3D printed golf ball and challenged Westwood to a bit of a contest. Needless to say, Westwood ended up being the victor.

As for UPS, their services are allowing small businesses to print out promotional materials, high quality prototypes, artistic renderings, and more, while saving them the money that would have been needed for a quality printer like the Stratasys uPrint SE Plus, as well as the time it takes to learn to use such a machine.

Comparing the real PING putter to the 3D printed version

“We’re constantly looking at ways to meet the demands of small businesses and provide them with the latest technology offerings,” said Daniel Remba, small business technology leader at The UPS Store. “Our stores are able to handle a wide range of 3D printing requests. We look forward to expanding our services later this fall.”

Westwood was given his 3D printed putter to take home. I doubt that he will be using it on the real course, as the item is printed with ABSplus thermoplastic. Perhaps one day golfers will be 3D printing their own custom putters. When that will be? Who knows. Let’s hear you opinion in the 3D printed golf putter forum thread on 3DPB.com.