Big Bertha. The name Big Bertha is synonymous with forgiveness and feel in golf. The Big Bertha Irons, introduced by Callaway Golf 1994, was a revolutionary iron that would push the weight of the golf club to its limits. Callaway Golf would improve upon this unique design, surprising us each time they released a new model. Callaway introduced a new version of Big Bertha Irons, with some modifications. To push the weight out of the clubhead’s edges, the designers adjusted the size and volume of both the clubhead cavity and club head to create the new model. The Bore-through Hosel, which extends into the shaft of the club shaft provides more stability. This is the same feel as all Callaway products. To allow the club to travel through low lying areas with less friction, the Sole has been slightly modified.
Callaway created the Big Bertha Gold Series Iron iron in 1996. The original Big Bertha Iron was used as a prototype. Designers repositioned and shaped the sweet spot. A new sole was added to the foot, while the body weight was redistributed. Big Bertha Gold Series shafts are RCH Series 96 and made of an aluminum bronze alloy. This gives them a soft feel. Gold Series Iron retains the original’s 360-degree undercut channel, and the thinned face. In 1997 the Great Big Bertha Tungsten Titanium Iron was introduced to the course. Callaway combined Titanium and a Tungsten insert in this club head design that is suitable for almost all weather conditions. While the Insert makes up just 15% of club head volume, the Insert accounts for 40% of its weight. The result is a perfect size with the center gravity right where it should be.
1998 saw the release of Big Bertha X-12 Irons, and X-12 Pro Series Irons. The X-12 irons have a lower center-of gravity than the Big Bertha Irons and are designed to assist golfers in getting the ball up. The X-12 retains the 360-degree channel and Callaway’s patented Tru-Bore Technologies. Pro-Series was made for golfers with lower handicaps and included the Less-Offset design, which allows more skilled golfers to use the ball better. Tru-Bore Technologies, S2H2 (360-degree undercut), and Tru-Bore Technologies are also included. Callaway’s first Stainless Steel Irons, the X-12 Irons, were introduced in 2000. Many believe that this iron set the bar for other high-performance irons. After the X-12, Steelhead X-14 Irons became the most popular iron in Callaway history. The X-14 also came in a Pro-Series version. This iron featured a stainless-steel construction with Callaway’s Variable Face Thinness (VFT), Technology which ensured a perfect center of gravity. The Face Thickness was optimised for both the long and mid irons. The Pro-Series designed for the advanced golfer was designed with Less-Offset than the regular X-14
Callaway’s original Big Bertha Irons were upgraded once more in 2002. Callaway included all the latest technology in this set of irons, while keeping the iconic shape and appearance that Big Bertha Irons are known for. They brought golfers a new level of forgiveness and performance. The Hawk Eye VFT Irons were also introduced in 2002. Callaway just used all their design skills to add the titanium package to this set. The Hawk Eye VFT Irons’ most popular element was their internal weight pocket. This allowed the designers to distribute the mass evenly across the course. The result is an unbeatable trajectory that doesn’t compromise forgiveness and feel. Callaway went back on the drawing boards the next year and created the Steelhead X-16 Pro-Series. Callaway’s latest technology called Notch Weighting, was used to make the blade shorter and more streamlined. The X-16’s features include a low center-of gravity, a cambered sole, and a satin finished. Pro-Series models were given a less blade-like look, with a lower center of gravity, a narrower topline, narrower sole and straighter leading edges.
Callaway also introduced 2 more Big Bertha Irons models in 2004, 2006 and 2007. They included the X-18 Pro-Series (X-18 Pro-Series), the X-Tour Irons (X-Tour Irons) and Big Bertha Fusion Irons. Their achievements prove that Callaway Golf isn’t content with its accomplishments. Callaway Golf, a global leader and trendsetter in the field of game improvement is still doing its best to help us improve on the greens.