Company Overview
Mizuno USA has established itself as a premier sports equipment manufacturer with a rich heritage dating back to 1906 when brothers Rihachi and Rizo Mizuno opened their first shop in Osaka, Japan. While the company began by selling western sports equipment, particularly baseball gear, Mizuno’s golf division emerged in 1933 with its first products under the Starline brand. Today, Mizuno USA, headquartered in Peachtree Corners, GA, continues to manufacture and distribute high-quality golf equipment alongside its other sports divisions.
“Contributing to society through the advancement of sporting goods and the promotion of sports” remains the company’s guiding philosophy, demonstrating a commitment that has spanned over a century. This dedication to quality and innovation is particularly evident in Mizuno’s golf division, which has maintained its reputation for producing some of the finest forged irons in the industry.
Business Innovation
Mizuno’s commitment to manufacturing excellence is exemplified by its decision in the 1990s to invest in its patented Grain Flow Forging process while other manufacturers moved to casting. This strategic choice, coupled with the company’s dedication to precision manufacturing, has made Mizuno irons a preferred choice among many tour professionals.
“When we do sign players to represent us, the key is the same authenticity and consistency Mizuno applies to everything else,” notes Alex Thorne, Mizuno Tour Manager and Product Manager Golf Clubs. “The heads they play come from the same production line that supplies our customers — so they could walk to their local pro shop and order an identical set. That’s what sets Mizuno apart from everyone else.”
Custom Fitting Innovation
The company’s commitment to innovation is particularly evident in its custom fitting program, centered around the Mizuno Swing DNA system. Since its introduction in 2010, the Mizuno Shaft Optimizer has collected data from over 500,000 unique golf swings, allowing for continuous refinement of the fitting process.
“The Swing DNA process makes fitting simpler — a fun start to any session. It produces an incredibly accurate, data-driven recommendation to test. Add a launch monitor and you have everything. Why start with a guess?” said Bill Price, Director of Custom Fitting.
Professional Partnerships
Team Mizuno maintains a strong presence on professional tours worldwide, with notable players including PGA Tour members Ben Griffin, Greyson Sigg, Keith Mitchell, and Luke Donald, and LPGA Tour players Stacy Lewis and Bailey Tardy.
Product Portfolio
Mizuno’s golf equipment lineup encompasses a complete range of products including:
- Woods, irons, and wedges
- Putters and hybrid clubs
- Golf bags and accessories
- Custom fitting services
- Golf balls and gloves
KEY TAKEAWAYS
While Mizuno is primarily recognized for its superior iron manufacturing, the company has been at the forefront of several significant innovations in golf equipment technology. Notable achievements include introducing the first golf clubs with carbon heads (Vanguard drivers) in 1982 and the first clubs to incorporate pure titanium (Ti-110 and Ti-120) in 1990. The company’s commitment to precise manufacturing and custom fitting continues to earn it recognition among both tour professionals and amateur players, with Mizuno irons being the most widely adopted among PGA TOUR players who are not under contract to play particular equipment.
