Mizuno Freshens its Tour Team for 2019 Push at PGA Show
Chris Kirk joins professional golf roster and Eddie Pepperell, Luke Donald, Lucas Glover and Oliver Fisher extend Mizuno deals
NORCROSS, Ga. – Mizuno, the global specialty sporting goods company, today announced the next chapter of its quiet revolution on tour with the signing of current PGA Tour player, Chris Kirk along with contract extensions for Eddie Pepperell, Luke Donald, Lucas Glover and Oliver Fisher.
Despite reaping a number of non-contracted tour wins and majors by players using Mizuno irons in 2017 and 2018, Mizuno is keen to balance that in 2019 with an official pool of players. Chris Kirk, an established four-time PGA Tour winner gives more U.S. orientation to a PGA Tour staff that has often had a strong U.K. influence. Having played with Mizuno equipment in 2018, Kirk also represents Mizuno’s standards in regards to the authenticity within its ambassadors.
“We approach our sponsorships from a slightly different angle – rather than equipment usage, we’re looking to build some longevity and authenticity in everything that we do,” said Jeremy Galbreth, Director of Golf at Mizuno USA. “We’re very fortunate in that we have tour players using Mizuno equipment by choice, which enables us e to recruit ambassadors who have a connection to our clubs first. Chris Kirk is a great example of that – he’s comfortable playing Mizuno already, the deal allows us to have that conversation in the open.”
Mizuno is also ready to accelerate its professional golf profile within the metal wood market – another area where its golf ambassadors will have a huge role to play.
“Chris Kirk is from the Atlanta area, where Mizuno USA is based, which makes him a great sounding board for new product ideas, prototypes and especially woods,” said Chris Voshall, Golf Marketing Manager at Mizuno USA. “With the ST190 series, Mizuno has already taken its first steps back to the pinnacle of the metal wood game and we’re recruiting the players who can help us build that legacy.”
Pepperell, Donald and Glover gave proof of that change early in 2019 – all showing up with Mizuno’s new drivers in play. Add to that Keith Mitchell who had the ST190 in his bag by October 2018 and there is compelling evidence.
“We’re making plans for the long term. Mizuno has been manufacturing and selling golf equipment since 1933 – staggering longevity for a manufacturer that’s so relevant today,” said Galbreth. “That means working with the right group of players who value working with us and can add something to the development process. Signing big checks to players who have never touched one of our clubs before – is a short-term play that doesn’t work at Mizuno.”
Other professional golfers currently on the Mizuno golf roster include Adam Schenk and Jhonattan Vegas.
For more information about Mizuno golf and the ST190 or other golf products, visit MizunoUSA.com. Follow @MizunoGolfNorthAmerica for product updates, athlete stories and brand news.
###
Media Contacts:
Harper Cornell, 770.453.7853.
harper.cornell@mizunousa.com
Kaitlin Jarvis
770.649.0880, ext. 317
kjarvis@brandware.com
