Richard Helmstetter, the inventor of Callaway Golf’s iconic Big Bertha driver and many other ground-breaking golf clubs, passed away in California last week at the age of 82.
Helmstetter joined Callaway Golf in 1986 and spent the next three decades at the company as senior executive vice president and the principal architect of innovation, creating many of the brand’s most successful clubs.
His earliest ideas included the weight-redistributing short-hosel designs that were fundamental to first the S2H2 woods and irons and subsequent clubs across future wood and iron ranges.
He led the development of the Great Big Bertha, Callaway’s first titanium model and the most dominant driver of its time. It sold 1.8 million units worldwide and ushered in the era of not only super-sized drivers but driver faces that deflected at impact, propelling balls with a new velocity that came to be known as ‘spring-like effect’.
He also served in a number of leadership roles, including Chief of New Products and director of Callaway’s international operations, before moving to a consultancy role in 2005.
During his extensive career, he was granted more than 700 patents worldwide for designs he created.
“Richard Helmstetter was a legend and a true innovator in the golf industry,” said Chip Brewer, president and CEO at Topgolf Callaway Brands. “He was so passionate about his work, and for making the game more enjoyable for golfers. More importantly, he was a great man; he cared deeply about the next generation of club designers, mentored so many colleagues, and treated everyone warmly and with respect.”
