Byrd enters 2011 in grand fashion with victory at season opening Hyundai Tournament of Champions; follows strong finish in 2010 using Mizuno Grain Flow Forged MP irons
Norcross, GA (January XX, 2011) -Mizuno USA, Inc., announced the extension of its long-standing equipment partnership with Jonathan Byrd, agreeing to a multi-year contract extension with the now five-time PGA Tour winner. The announcement comes in the wake of Byrd’s victory at the 2011 season-opening Hyundai Tournament of Champions at Kapalua Resort in Maui, HI. Byrd has been with Mizuno since 2006 and will continue to play Mizuno equipment, use the Mizuno staff bag, and sport the company’s headwear.
Byrd, one of the Tour’s most consistent iron players, entered the 2011 season with a dramatic victory over Robert Garrigus on the 2nd playoff hole at Kapalua in the season-opening event that annually pits the PGA Tour’s 2010 tournament winners against each other. The victory leaves no doubt that Byrd is building on his strong 2010 PGA Tour finish where he posted three top-10 finishes in his last seven starts. His successful finish in 2010 was capped off in grand fashion at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas. Using his Mizuno MP 6-iron, Byrd registered the PGA Tour’s first-ever playoff hole-in-one to secure the victory.
“We are truly excited to continue our affiliation with Jonathan Byrd, an exciting player and rising star on the Tour, whose performance and steadfast work ethic truly embody that quality and performance that Mizuno is all about,” said Dick Lyons, Vice President and General Manager of the Golf Division, Mizuno USA. “His victory this weekend at Kapalua and incredible finish in 2010, including the historic hole-in-one, exemplify Byrd’s continued rise as one of the Tour’s bright young players and a brand ambassador in which Mizuno can take great pride.”
Byrd has previously recorded victories at the Buick Challenge, B.C. Open, and John Deere Classic. Throughout 2010, Byrd’s elite iron play was on display, ranking in the top 20 of greens in regulation using Mizuno’s line of Grain Flow Forged MP Irons.
“This weekend’s victory and last season’s strong finish are examples that hard work and dedication can truly pay off,” said Byrd. “Based on my personal commitment to improve every facet of my game, and backed by Mizuno’s commitment to producing the highest quality irons in golf, I’m confident I have the tools necessary to elevate my game even further heading into the 2011 season.”
About Mizuno USA
Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes golf, baseball, softball, running, track & field, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America. Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross, Georgia.
Contact:
Eric Hills
Mizuno USA, Inc.
770-453-7853
eric.hills@mizunousa.com
