Tag Archives: Mizuno Golf

Drivers, Fairway Woods

Mizuno Golf – New GT180 Series to bolster metal Woods line-up for 2018

February 7, 2018 – Mizuno, the Japanese golf equipment manufacturer, founded in Osaka 1906, has announced the launch of a precision-adjustable GT180 metal wood series to partner its ‘flat out’ low-spinning ST180. Both will be available from February 2018.

The Japanese equipment manufacturer made headlines throughout 2017, with a wave of high-profile tour players returning to, and winning with, its forged irons. Mizuno is now predicting that this trend will follow in metal woods too, a category in which it has a track record of introducing many of the industry’s most influential innovations. Mass production of Titanium (Ti100), the impact of low spin (T-ZOID), lightweight graphite crowns (MP-001) and sliding weight adjustability (MP-600) have all been embraced by other manufacturers.

The new ST180 Series announced in late 2017 is on point for today’s generation of high ball speed players now prevalent on tour. Approaching the science of driving head-on, the ST180 has a simple weight forward, low-spin profile, engineered to reduce spin rates. The new GT180 is a more sophisticated design with an expanded capacity to manipulate weight throughout the head – ideal for fitting studios and players looking to squeeze the last few yards from their swing’s motion.

The GT180 and ST180 both take advantage of a high ball speed, exotic Forged SP700 Ti face and improved shaft offerings – including the Mitsubishi Tensei CK, KURO KAGE Silver Dual-Core TiNi and BASSARA E-SERIES 42 (full list available at golf.mizunoeurope.com). Every shaft in the line is an authentic version available on the custom component market. No shaft within the offering is an exclusive ‘made for’ stripped-down version of the original.

Mizuno engineers are also keen to point out that the brand’s approach to ‘bulge and roll’ is also current, if rarely discussed. R&D Director David Llewellyn puts it simply: “We’ve been compensating for golfers’ regular mishit patterns for years by giving the toe and heel sides of the face a bit more bulge than the centre of the face. This counteracts the greater amount of gear effect that occurs further from the face’s centre, thus giving the ball the appropriate amount of side spin to curve back to the centre. It’s a big topic of conversation now – but not something we’ve advertised. Just one of those design increments that happens over time.”

On the subject of how golfers should choose between GT180 and ST180, Llewellyn points to personality over ability. “Most players like to keep things as uncomplicated as possible – to stand there and give the ball a rip. The ST180 is for them. Then you have players who enjoy the process of dialing in a driver and getting it optimised to the yard – that’s the GT180. Everything else is very similar – playability, ball speed. Chose a model based on your attitude to the game – it’s not about ability.”

GT180 DRIVER

Mizuno’s new GT180 is the ultimate fine tunable driver blessed with the dual ability to help golfers squeeze every last yard out of their drives and evolve with them as their swings evolve. The extreme levels of adjustability on offer mean that the GT180 can help all golfers optimize performance from their existing swings, and then keep pace with swing changes and course conditions as the season unfolds.

The GT180’s high-speed performance platform is built around a Forged SP700 Ti Face, a precise multi-thickness face that promotes accelerated ball speeds. It is this speed, coupled with ultimate adjustability, that allows every golfer to get the very most out of his or her game.

The GT180’s ultimate adjustability paves the way to an expanded range of draw, neutral and fade settings in low, mid and high spin flights. The twin movable 7g weights have a wider span of locations for greater impact on spin rates and fade / draw bias, while the Quick Switch Adjustable Hosel allows 4˚ of loft adjustment and 3˚ of lie adjustment to match every golfer’s unique launch conditions and visual preferences. A Quick Switch adapter offers eight different locations to allow precise customisation of loft and lie and to fine tune ball flight like never before. The finishing touch is an expanded line of high-end shafts that can be fitted at no extra cost.

“With its wider range of settings, the GT180 can hold the key to squeeze out those last few seemingly unobtainable yards,” says Bill Price, Custom Fitting Manager at Mizuno. “Being able to fine tune your launch angle and spin rate is the final element in the equation to find your most efficient flight.”

GT180 FAIRWAY WOODS

Just as with the driver, the GT180 fairway woods promise a new law of gravity on account of the ultimate customisation they offer, providing the scope to vastly reduce or increase spin rates as the situation demands. Evolution of both the Mizuno Wave sole and sliding weight technologies reduces the lower end of spin rates for a more efficient trajectory at higher ball speeds.

The amplified first wave in the sole and Internal Waffle Crown combine to push weight low and forwards for a flatter trajectory, while also generating low spin and increased ball speeds. The thinner, more responsive 1770 Maraging Steel Face then boosts ball speeds yet further.

Adjustability comes via 17 grams of sliding weight that create a wider potential span of spin rates to fine tune ball flight, with the Quick Switch Adjustable Hosel allowing 4º of loft adjustment and 3º of lie adjustment to match every golfer’s unique launch conditions and visual preferences. An expanded line of high-end shafts can again be fitted at no extra cost, and the GT180 fairway wood is also available in a TS (tour style) model with a more compact, lower-lofted head.

“We’ve managed to significantly reduce the lower end range of spin rates but keep the overall range of adjustability,” says Bill Price. “Players at the faster end of swing speeds are going to see a much flatter trajectory – but have the possibility of increasing their spin should the conditions dictate.”

ST180 DRIVER

The ST180 is the first Mizuno driver to feature Wave sole technology, with the ST180’s Wave sole committing every available gram of weight low and towards the face – dropping spin rates for even the fastest, downward ball-strikers. The Amplified Wave sole, originally engineered in Mizuno’s fairway woods, contracts and expands to increase the energy imparted to the ball for elevated ball speeds, while also pushing weight forward to vastly reduce spin rates.

A new Forged SP700 Ti multi-thickness face promotes accelerated ball speeds that take the ST180’s performance noticeably past its predecessors, while the striking blue head’s Internal Waffle Crown is a weight-saving design that allows more grams to be relocated low and forward to promote efficient low-spin performance.

“This was the biggest shock we’ve had in testing,” says Jeff Cook, PGA Tour Manager. “The spin rate and ball speed of this driver caught everybody out. The ST180 comes off so fast, with so little spin – it’s going to make a lot of good players question what they really need in a driver.”

The ST180 driver will be available in men’s 9.5º and 12.5º models plus a ladies’ 12.5º model.

ST180 FAIRWAY WOODS

The new ST180 fairway woods share much of the driver’s technology including the hugely amplified Wave sole technology that commits every available gram of weight low and towards the face – dropping spin rates for even the fastest, downward ball strikers. The Internal Waffle Crown’s weight-saving design again allows more grams to be relocated low and forward for efficient low-spin performance.

The Amplified Wave Soleplate features a huge first wave that contracts and expands on impact for increased energy transfer and elevated ball speed, while also pushing weight forward to vastly reduce spin rates. ST180 fairway woods feature a thinner, more responsive, high-energy 1770 Maraging Steel Face to further increase ball speeds and deliver a flatter, more efficient, controlled ball flight. The head’s larger footprint generates a bigger-than-average profile that both looks, and is, highly forgiving.

“If you like a wider, larger-looking profile, but don’t necessarily want a high-spinning flight, the ST180 is a really interesting option,” says Jeff Cook, PGA Tour Manager. “Over the years a lot of our tour players have bucked the trend for smaller fairway woods and this plays nicely into their hands.”

ST180 fairway woods will be available in 15º and 18º models for both men and ladies.

All ST180 metal woods feature a Quick Switch Adjustable Hosel that allows 4 degrees of loft adjustment and 3 degrees of lie adjustment so the clubs can be fine-tuned to the unique launch conditions and visual preferences of all golfers. A new expanded line of high-end shafts can also be fitted at no additional charge.

Mizuno has strived to “create the best products for consumers” for 111 years, and the new ultra-adjustable GT180 drivers and fairway woods, along with the ST180 high-speed, low-spin metal woods, adhere firmly to that original spirit and desire, while offering the best performance benefits that modern technology can bring.

RRP: GT180 Driver, 499€; GT180 Fairway Wood, 369€; ST180 Driver, 459€; ST180 Fairway Wood, 329€.

More information at golf.mizunoeurope.com and www.carsersports.com.

 

Golf Companies, Irons

Mizuno Golf – MP-18 iron launch helps fuel record first half sales figures for Mizuno

November 16, 2017 – Mizuno Golf has reported record sales figures for the half year (April-September 2017) across its golf operation for the EMEA region, with significant year-on-year growth in nearly every product category.

The incredible reaction to the three new MP-18 iron models has helped Mizuno’s EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) golf operation deliver a record first half by volume and margin sales, with nearly all product categories showing significant year-on-year growth. Gross sales we up 26% YOY, while gross margin sales were 21% up YOY.

Although bags, balls, apparel and gloves in particular (up 112% YOY for gross sales) have all shown significant growth, the key performer for Mizuno has been custom clubs, which delivered 41% YOY growth in gross sales and 31% YOY growth in gross margin sales.

“There is some real momentum behind the Mizuno brand at the moment,” said Rob Jackson, Head of Golf EMEA. “With this year being an MP iron launch as opposed to JPX Series with its wider appeal, these sales figures have surpassed all our expectations. We have picked up some real momentum and traction on tour and that has fed all the way through to retail. It goes to show what can be achieved with great product when all elements of the marketing mix come together.”

Mizuno, founded in Osaka, Japan, in 1906, has long held an enviable industry- and tour-wide reputation for crafting the very finest irons on the market, whether the more widely playable JPX Series or the fabled MP players’ models in recent years.

The arrival of the new MP-18 Series irons has undoubtedly helped the brand’s EMEA Golf operation achieve this excellent first half performance, during a year in which Mizuno has also enjoyed incredible success on tour, with more and more top professionals switching to Mizuno irons out of choice.

Mizuno’s amazing run of success on tour in 2017 has seen its irons being played by the winner of the US Open, then by three separate winners, including staff players Mi Hyang Lee and Jhonattan Vegas, across the world’s Major tours the same week in late July, and then by the winner of the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Kingsbarns.

At the recent Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Mizuno irons were played by five of the Top-7 finishers and were also used to make history at the Home of Golf, helping to set a new course record of 61 at the Old Course, St Andrews.

The trend follows a recent survey of tour players by renowned publication Golf World, which revealed that 36% would play Mizuno irons if there were no sponsorship money involved – far higher than any other manufacturer.

“These continue to be extremely exciting times for the Mizuno brand,” concluded Rob Jackson.

The launch of the new MP-18s has heralded a new era in players’ irons. With three distinct models and head types, there is greater scope than ever before for better players to mix and match models to create the perfect set for their needs. Grain Flow Forged in the brand’s exclusive Hiroshima plant and refined by Mizuno’s renowned master craftsmen in YORO Japan – including the legendary Turbo – the MP-18s are ‘irons to touch the soul’ and have been designed to find the artist in every player.

With a fast turnaround on all new custom clubs, Mizuno has strived to “create the best products for consumers” for 111 years, and the new MP-18 Series irons adhere firmly to that original spirit and desire, while offering the best performance benefits that modern technology can bring.

More information at golf.mizunoeurope.com.

Drivers, Fairway Woods

Mizuno Golf – New ST180 Series of drivers and fairway woods, unveiled

November 6, 2017 – Mizuno has announced the launch of its new ST180 Series metal woods, designed for high-speed, low-spin performance.

Mizuno has been making headlines this year with countless wins across the world’s tours and many players switching to its world-renowned forged irons. But the brand’s metal woods have been helping golfers find extra yards from the tee for many years too, from the Ti100 – golf’s first mass-production titanium driver – through to T-ZOID, MP-001, MP-600 and last year’s highly successful JPX900 Series metal woods that were engineered to optimise launch angle and spin rates to help every golfer convert mph into added yards via ingenious design features and maximum adjustability. Now Mizuno is taking speed to a whole new level with its revolutionary new ST180 drivers and fairway woods.

MIZUNO ST180 DRIVER

The first Mizuno driver to feature Wave sole technology, with the ST180’s Wave sole committing every available gram of weight low and towards the face – dropping spin rates for even the fastest, downward ball-strikers. The Amplified Wave sole, originally engineered in Mizuno’s fairway woods, contracts and expands to increase the energy imparted to the ball for elevated ball speeds, while also pushing weight forward to vastly reduce spin rates.

A new Forged SP700 Ti multi-thickness face promotes accelerated ball speeds that take the ST180’s performance noticeably past its predecessors, while the striking blue head’s Internal Waffle Crown is a weight-saving design that allows more grams to be relocated low and forward to promote efficient low-spin performance.

“This was the biggest shock we’ve had in testing,” said Jeff Cook, PGA Tour Manager. “The spin rate and ball speed of this driver caught everybody out. The ST180 comes off so fast, with so little spin – it’s going to make a lot of good players question what they really need in a driver.”

The ST180 driver will be available in men’s 9.5º and 12.5º models plus a ladies’ 12.5º model.

MIZUNO ST180 FAIRWAY WOODS

The new ST180 fairway woods share much of the driver’s technology including the hugely amplified Wave sole technology that commits every available gram of weight low and towards the face – dropping spin rates for even the fastest, downward ball strikers. The Internal Waffle Crown’s weight-saving design again allows more grams to be relocated low and forward for efficient low-spin performance.

The Amplified Wave Soleplate features a huge first wave that contracts and expands on impact for increased energy transfer and elevated ball speed, while also pushing weight forward to vastly reduce spin rates. ST180 fairway woods feature a thinner, more responsive, high-energy 1770 Maraging Steel Face to further increase ball speeds and deliver a flatter, more efficient, controlled ball flight. The head’s larger footprint generates a bigger-than-average profile that both looks, and is, highly forgiving.

“If you like a wider, larger-looking profile, but don’t necessarily want a high-spinning flight, the ST180 is a really interesting option,” says Jeff Cook. “Over the years a lot of our tour players have bucked the trend for smaller fairway woods and this plays nicely into their hands.”

ST180 fairway woods will be available in 15º and 18º models for both men and ladies.

All ST180 metal woods feature a Quick Switch Adjustable Hosel that allows 4 degrees of loft adjustment and 3 degrees of lie adjustment so the clubs can be fine-tuned to the unique launch conditions and visual preferences of all golfers. A new expanded line of high-end shafts can also be fitted at no additional charge.

Mizuno has strived to “create the best products for consumers” for 111 years, and the new high-speed ST180 drivers and fairway woods adhere firmly to that original spirit and desire, while offering the best performance benefits that modern technology can bring.

ST180 woods will be available at retail in Europe from February 2018.

RRP: ST180 Driver, 459 €; ST180 Fairway Wood, 329 €.

More information at golf.mizunoeurope.com.

DP World Tour, Irons, What's in the bag…

European Tour – Mizuno irons help make history at St Andrews with the 61 of Ross Fisher

October 10, 2017 – For Mizuno Golf, the Japanese equipment manufacturer long renowned for its beautiful, industry-leading forged irons, 2017 just keeps getting better and better, with the latest accolade a major role in a momentous course record 61 around the Old Course at St Andrews in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, achieved by the English player Ross Fisher.

Founded in Osaka, Japan, in 1906, Mizuno has long held an enviable industry- and tour-wide reputation for crafting the very finest forged ‘players’ irons’ in the game at its exclusive facility in Hiroshima Japan, offering golfers the ultimate blend of looks, feel and workability.

Now the brand’s JPX900 Tour irons have helped Ross Fisher to break the course record on one of the most famous and historic links of all – The Old Course at St Andrews – in this year’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

The closest challenger to the eventual champion, Tyrrell Hatton, started the final round eight shots adrift, but raced to the turn in just 29 following four birdies in a row from the 2nd and another three to close out the front nine. Not content with that, Fisher then went on another four-birdie blitz from the 12th to record an -11 under par round of 61 and eclipse the previous best score ever returned on these hallowed golfing links by a stroke.

Mizuno also dominated the iron count at the top end of the leaderboard, with five of the top seven finishers playing various models from its latest ranges, proving that when precision, accuracy and feel are required, more and more top professionals are turning to Mizuno through choice.

More information at golf.mizunoeurope.com.

Golf Balls

Mizuno Golf – New softer JPX ball with micro dimples for better all-round performance

October 6, 2017 – Following the success of its golf ball range over recent years, Mizuno is launching a new, softer, next-generation two-piece JPX golf ball that promises excellent all-round performance at a great price.

Mizuno has long held an enviable industry- and tour-wide reputation for its golf clubs. In recent years that reputation has extended into the golf ball world too, with first the tour-proven MP-S and MP-X models, then the JPX range, including the JPX-S model and the high-tech JPX Platinum five-piece ball.

Now the brand is introducing a next-generation, micro-dimple JPX ball that features a larger soft-compression core – Mizuno’s softest to date in a two-piece golf ball. The new, low-compression core design means there’s no compromise in the age-old quest for greenside feel and explosive tee-shot distance, with a durable multi-blend polymer cover working with the core to provide the soft feel required on those delicate touch shots around the green. This unexpectedly smooth feel combines with elevated ball speeds at low-to-mid swing speeds courtesy of the large, soft-compression core.

Mizuno’s unique micro-dimple cover, featuring 512 dimples in total, generates a mid-to-high trajectory and boosts the JPX ball’s aerodynamics, sustaining hang-time long into the ball’s descent for longer, more stable tee shots.

“The low compression core in combination with our micro-dimples means that you’ve got an excellent combination of feel, ball speed and aerodynamics,” says Tomo Aoki, Product Development. “Our two-piece ball has evolved to the point that the majority of players now couldn’t tell the difference between this and a tour type ball.”

Mizuno’s new JPX golf ball is primarily geared towards mid-to-lower swing speeds in dry conditions, but can deliver perfect all-round performance for all swing speeds in cold or wet conditions.

The new soft-compression JPX completes the Mizuno golf ball line-up for 2017/2018, which also includes the tour-proven performance of the MP-S and MP-X models as well as the revolutionary distance-enhancing micro-dimples in the covers of the JPX models, including the three-piece JPX-s designed for an ultra-soft feel.

RRP: £25 per dozen.

More information at golf.mizunoeurope.com.

LPGA Tour, What's in the bag…

Mizuno Golf – Houston resident Stacy Lewis lands emotional victory playing JPX900 Tour irons

September 4, 2017 – Mizuno, the Japanese equipment manufacturer long renowned for its beautiful, industry-leading forged irons is celebrating yet more success in 2017 following an emotional win for staff player and Houston resident, Stacy Lewis, in the LPGA’s Cambia Portland Classic. The brand ambassador has claimed first win in three years and has donated entire prize to Houston relief efforts.

Mizuno has been enjoying an incredible run of success on tour in recent weeks, with its irons being played by the winner of the US Open, then by three separate winners, including staff players Mi Hyang Lee and Jhonattan Vegas, across the world’s Major tours the same week in late July, and then by the winner of the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Kingsbarns.

Now, that enviable Mizuno winning streak has been extended further by longtime ambassador, Stacy Lewis, who recorded her first LPGA Tour victory for over three years in early September’s Cambia Portland Classic presented by JTBC playing the brand’s JPX900 Tour irons.

It was a particularly poignant and emotional victory for Lewis, who has been with the brand for many years, as she is a resident of flood-hit Houston and had pledged whatever prize cheque she won that week to the Houston relief efforts as the city strives to recover from the disastrous effects of Hurricane Harvey that hit during late August and early September. Those relief efforts will now benefit to the tune of $195,000 as a result of Lewis’ success.

Lewis was both emotional and ecstatic after sealing the win with a great up and down on 17 and a superb approach from the sand on 18: “It has been so hard being away from my home and my family the last week. It’s been even harder watching what my home town is going through. My home and family have been extremely lucky, but many others have not been so lucky. What we’re going to be able to do, we’re going to be able to help people rebuild houses and get their homes back. That’s more important than any win. I can’t wait to get home to Houston and help my hometown recover.”

Stacy Lewis has relied on her JPX900 Tour irons to hit nearly 75% of the greens in regulation during her 2017 season to date, and this latest victory is the 12th of her LPGA Tour career, including two Majors.

Grain Flow Forging its iron heads at its exclusive Hiroshima plant for 49 years, Mizuno has become recognised the world over as the clear leader in forged golf clubs. The JPX900 family is about to be joined by the new MP-18 iron models that are set to enhance the brand’s reputation yet further when they arrive at retail later this month.

More information at golf.mizunoeurope.com and www.carsersports.com.

Hybrids / Rescues, Wedges

Mizuno Golf – New S18 wedges and CLK hybrids, unveiled

August 2, 2017 – Mizuno, the Japanese golf equipment manufacturer founded in Osaka in 1906, which has been at the forefront of golf equipment design for 111 years, has announced the launch of its new S18 wedges and CLK hybrids.

Beautifully engineered to enhance any golfer’s scoring potential at either end of the bag, the S18 wedges and CLK hybrids will both be available at retail from September 2017.

S18 WEDGES WITH ‘LOFT SPECIFIC DESIGN’

While all new S18 wedges share a rounded silhouette shape, which allows the blade to open easily without impacting alignment, each individual wedge – from the 46º pitching wedge replacement to the 62º lob wedge – benefits from Mizuno’s most refined ‘Loft Specific Design’. For the ultimate short game performance, each wedge loft has its own unique profile, sole grind and groove depth, engineered to be most effective for its intended use.

The ‘Loft Specific’ groove design on the S18 wedges incorporates narrower and deeper Quad Cut Grooves in the stronger lofts, which are more beneficial on full shots, while wider and shallower grooves are utilised in the higher lofts to maximise performance on partial shots.

The mid-size heads on the S18 wedges feature a ‘Loft Specific’ Centre of Gravity throughout the lofts in which weight is shifted progressively higher up the blade in the more lofted wedges via a visibly thicker beveled topline, to create more consistent spin rates on strikes from high in the clubface that become more common in the highest lofts.

“One of the keys to a good wedge game is controlling your spin rates,” says Chris Voshall, Senior Engineer. “There’s no gain in making one pitch stop dead if the next one rolls out. On the shorter shots, we’re more likely to miss the sweet spot high on the face – which is a cause of inconsistent spin. The S18 is thicker higher into the blade, which evens out the spin rates on those common mishits.”  

Grain Flow Forged at Mizuno’s exclusive Hiroshima plant from a single billet of 1025 steel for incredible feel, distance control and short-game performance, the S18 wedges also benefit from enhanced groove durability thanks to the use of Boron-infused steel. Spin control is further enhanced by the most exacting precision face milling, taking tolerances even tighter, and ensuring Mizuno’s Quad Cut grooves are as close to the absolute USGA / R&A limitations as possible. 

The S18 wedges will be available from 46º to 62º in Black IP or Chrome finishes (LH in Chrome only), with the former wearing away gently over time to reveal the durable chrome beneath. Each wedge can also be custom stamped with up to six characters in one of 12 colours for that true tour touch.

CLK WITH SHOCKWAVE HYBRIDS

The new CLK Hybrid features an eight-way adjustable hosel, allowing it to be precisely tuned to fill the distance gap between the longest iron and shortest fairway wood. Its amplified Shockwave Sole not only delivers more energy for faster balls speeds, but also pushes weight lower and forward for a high, low-spinning flight. The ultra-thin, durable 1770 Maraging steel face further promotes faster ball speeds while also granting Mizuno’s engineers the freedom to create a more stable clubhead. The club’s versatile playing profile means the CLK is equally at home from the fairway or tee.

“We all play our CLKs a little differently,” says Bill Price, Custom Fit Manager Mizuno. “With faster ball speeds, we’ll tend to slot them in before a 3- or 4-iron. For mid and slow swing speeds, having two, three or even four CLKs in the bag becomes a great way to maintain some yardage gaps.”

CLK hybrids are available in four RH models (#2 – 16º, #3 – 19º, #4 – 22º, #5 – 25º) with the eight-way adjustable hosel paving the way for up to 32 set-up possibilities, including +/- 2 degrees with upright options so there’s scope for every golfer to create their ideal CLK line-up, ball flight and address look. There are also two LH CLK models (#3, #4).

RRP: S18 wedge, €165; CLK Hybrid €299.

More information at golf.mizunoeurope.com.

 

Irons

Mizuno Golf – The new MP-18 family, three new irons to hail new era in better player’s irons

August 1, 2017 – Mizuno, the Japanese equipment manufacturer long renowned for its beautiful, industry-leading forged irons, has announced the launch of three new MP-18 iron models, designed to help find the artist in every player.

Mizuno, founded in Osaka, Japan in 1906, has long held an enviable industry- and tour-wide reputation for crafting the finest forged ‘players’ irons’ on the market, bringing golfers the ultimate blend of looks, feel, playability and workability. For years, the brand’s highly acclaimed MP Series, and more recently JPX irons, have been the choice for many of the world’s greatest players, and the best players at club level too.

The launch of the new MP-18s heralds a new era in players’ irons, and is set to enhance Mizuno’s reputation even further when they arrive at retail in September 2017. With three distinct models and head types there is greater scope than ever before for better players to mix and match models to create the perfect set for their needs.

Grain Flow Forged in the brand’s exclusive Hiroshima plant and refined by Mizuno’s renowned master craftsmen in YORO Japan – including the legendary Turbo – the MP-18s have been inspired by every great player to ‘pure’ a Mizuno iron since 1933.

MP-18 / THE CRAFTASMEN’S MUSCLEBACK

Sculpted by the brand’s YORO master craftsmen, the MP-18 is a throwback to the muscle-backs of Mizuno’s past. A shorter blade length, cambered top line and steep progression into sharp, compact wedges are all hallmarks of Mizuno’s master clubmakers, who have honed their skills on the irons of countless Major winners over the years.

“We significantly shifted the balance of science and art with the MP-18s,” says Chris Voshall, Senior Club Engineer. “You can instantly notice a greater input from the master craftsmen in that the MP-18 is more like the blades that made Mizuno famous – just more precise in its flow and manufacturing. At impact, this is just about perfection.”

Mizuno’s most experienced, skilled craftsmen have put their finishing grinds and touches to every iron from 3-PW. Grain Flow Forged from a single billet of 1025 E Pure Select mild carbon steel, MP-18 irons have an even softer feel thanks to an evolved Grain Flow Forged HD (High Density) process that concentrates the grain in those billets more tightly for incredible, precise feedback.

The shorter blade length and low heel profile carry over from previous Major-winning iron models, while the ultra-thin topline has been further refined with an additional camber. The scoring clubs from #7 to pitching wedge then boast a progressively smaller, more sharply refined head.

“You can sense Turbo’s signature on the MP-18s,” says Nick Faldo, Mizuno staff player and six-time Major winner. “They remind me of the blades we worked on together all those years ago.”

MP-18 SC / THE PLAYERS’S CAVITY BACK

The SC (Split Cavity) model is a compact cavity back. The slightly wider, cambered sole brings a greater degree of playability than the muscle-back, although thin, tapered top lines, short head lengths and smaller wedges mean this is still very much a tour-ready iron.

MP-18 SC irons are again the handiwork of Mizuno’s most experienced, skilled YORO craftsmen and are Grain Flow Forged from a single billet of 1025 E Pure Select mild carbon steel via the same HD process as the muscle-back for the same incredible, precise feedback.

Compared to the MP-18 muscle-back, the heads are just 0.5mm taller – with the YORO signature low heel design – and the top lines just 1mm thicker, again with a refined camber. The pitching wedge is also smaller than the other irons in the set.

“The MP-18 SC is an iron that combines a lot of practical needs – stability, workability and softness at impact – with our craftsmen’s desire for immaculate looks over the ball,” says Chris Voshall. “Although the sole is a little wider than the muscle-back, from every playing position, the two models blend beautifully as a mixed set. The MP-18 SC wedges don’t taper off as dramatically in size as the muscle-back, so between the two models better players will find something that suits their eye.” 

MP-18 MMC / MULTI-MATERIAL CONSTRUCTION

The final member of the new MP-18 iron family is the MMC, the fruits of a three-year project lead by Mizuno’s YORO master craftsmen to develop a highly stable, forgiving multi-metal construction iron, which also satisfied their aesthetic desires and demands at address. Even with both lightweight titanium and heavier tungsten components sealed within its 1025E mild carbon steel head, the MP-18 MMC maintains a similar ‘tour ready’ profile and size to the MP-18 SC.

The MMC’s multi-material stability design uses lightweight Titanium (8g) and heavier Tungsten (20g) to deliver surprising off-centre performance, with the same High Density (HD) feel as the other two models. The short irons feature a dual-metal design, with the absence of the tungsten toe weight found in the longer irons keeping the scoring irons more workable. The MP-18 MMC model features a players’ compact profile, which is similar in size to the MP-18 SC but with the added forgiveness of multi-material construction.

“The MP-18 MMC is the first multi-material MP iron built in the vision of our master clubmakers, which sets standards for looks and aesthetics that this kind of multi-metal construction typically prohibits,” says Chris Voshall. “It extended our normal two-year development cycle by a full year – but raising the bar that little bit higher delivered a landmark iron.”

The MMC model will flow beautifully into any MP-18 split set, with the degree of offset carefully calculated to work equally well with a custom-built mixed set of either MP-18 and MP-18 SC, once lofts have been weakened to match either set.

MP-18 MMC Fli-Hi / THE PLAYER’S LONG IRON

The MP-18 MMC Fli-Hi is the finishing touch to the new MP-18 family – the long iron replacement now used by every Mizuno tour player that offers a higher-flying option from long range with steeper landing angles. The latest Fli-Hi’s sleek new profile now envelopes a Maraging steel face, a Tungsten toe weight and an internal pocket for enhanced ball speed and ease of use.

The Fli-Hi’s Multi-Material stability design uses that Lightweight Maraging steel face and Tungsten toe weight (20g) to generate a high, stable ball flight, with the topline again a mere 1mm thicker than in the corresponding MP-18 muscle-back.

“The Fli-Hi is very much a fixture now on tour,” says Chris Voshall. “Even the most classically minded players have converted to the #2 and #3 iron replacements. These are worlds away from heavily offset ‘game improvement’ hybrids – but much easier than a traditional long iron to flight and land in firm conditions.”

Grain Flow Forging its iron heads at its exclusive Hiroshima plant for 49 years, Mizuno has become recognised the world over as the clear leader in forged golf clubs. The new MP-18 iron models are set to enhance that reputation yet further.

RRP: MP-18 €175 per iron, available: #3-PW, Right Hand only; MP-18 SC €175 per iron, available: #3-PW, Left and Right Hand; MP-18 MMC €195 per iron, available: #4-PW, Right Hand Only; MP18 MMC Fli-Hi €195 per iron, available: #2, #3, #4, #5, Right Hand only.

More information at golf.mizunoeurope.com.

LPGA Tour, What's in the bag…

Mizuno Golf – Multi-year partnership contract renewal with Stacy Lewis

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February 28, 2015 – Mizuno, global leader in golf technology and innovation, has announced a multi-year, global contract extension with Stacy Lewis, current No. 3 in the Rolex Rankings. The JPX-850 Driver will see some action at the hands of Lewis, as she added the new 2015 Mizuno Driver to her bag at the Honda LPGA Thailand.

Stacy Lewis is the first American in twenty-one years to bring home all three prestigious LPGA season honors – LPGA Rolex Player of the Year, Vare Trophy and Money List Title -, and will continue playing the award-winning Mizuno equipment, JPX-850 Forged Irons, JPX-850 Driver, JPX-850 Fairway Woods (3 & 5) and JPX-850 Hybrid (19.0) and MP-T5 wedges, extending her pursuit of excellence with Mizuno.

“After a productive year on tour in 2014, I’m excited to start the 2015 campaign on the right foot by re-signing with Mizuno,” said Stacy Lewis. “Throughout my professional career, Mizuno has been my incredibly supportive partner as I have pursued my career goals. 2014 was a very special year but as we begin 2015, I am excited to know that our successful partnership will continue for another 4 years!”



Lewis is poised to build on a banner 2014 LPGA campaign that resulted in wins at the North Texas LPGA Shootout, Shoprite LPGA Classic and the Wal-Mart NW Arkansas Championship. Lewis secured her spot atop the podium at the season-ending Rolex Award reception by earning three wins, eighteen top-10 finishes and led the LPGA in rounds under par. Stacy finished the year No. 3 in the world, No.1 on Tour in birdies, and second in Greens in Regulation.

“Stacy has been an incredible ambassador for our brand, and we are thrilled to see the relationship continue,” said Chuck Couch, Vice President of Product Development, Golf Division, Mizuno USA. “Stacy’s tireless commitment to her craft is an inspiration to us and many young, aspiring female golfers. Her ability to overcome adversity embodies what Mizuno looks for in a brand ambassador.”



Lewis re-joins Mizuno’s elite stable of players including Luke Donald and Charles Howell III.

LPGA Tour, What's in the bag…

Mizuno Golf – Stacy Lewis sweeps LPGA Tour postseason honors

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November 26, 2014 – Mizuno Golf brand Ambassador Stacy Lewis capped off her most successful season on the LPGA Tour by capturing all three LPGA Tour Awards – the Rolex Player of The Year, Vare Trophy, and for the first time her in her career, the money list honors.

Utilizing Mizuno’s JPX-825 Pro Irons, a JPX-850 Hybrid, JPX-850 3 wood and MP- T11 wedges, Lewis shot 4-under in the CME Group Tour Championship finishing in a tie for ninth place to finish off the best season for an American golfer since Betsy King in 1993.

Lewis, earning three victories on the LPGA Tour in 2014, defended the Vare Trophy by finishing the season with a scoring average of 69.32. It was the closest competition ever on Tour for the season’s lowest scoring average with four players finishing with a sub-70 average, including Inbee Park (69.59), Michelle Wie (69.71) and So Yeon Ryu (69.95).

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“Stacy had an awesome season this year, and we would not have expected any less,” said Chuck Couch, Vice President of Product Management, Golf Division for Mizuno USA, Inc. “Stacy is an amazing player who continues to demonstrate all the qualities of a world-class golfer and someone we’re very proud to support. We congratulate Stacy on the most successful year of her career.”

2014 marked the first time in Lewis’ career she earned the money title, earning $2,539,039, more than $300,000 above Inbee Park, and won the Rolex Player of the Year for the second time in three years.