Japan Open result highlights RR Wedge performance as prototype irons add a top five finish on the Japan Senior Tour
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – PROTOCONCEPT GOLF, a luxury Japanese golf equipment manufacturer, celebrates a runner-up finish for its RR Wedges at the 2026 Japan Open Golf Championship. The result places the award-winning wedges at the center of another strong showing for PROTOCONCEPT in professional competition.
The Japan Open runner-up carried three RR Wedges: 50-degree and 56-degree Neutral Sole models (50NT and 56NT), along with a 60-degree Aggressive Sole model (60AG). A final round 67 secured second place at 11-under-par 269, two strokes behind the winner.
Contested October 15–18 at Tarao Country Club’s West Course in Shiga, Japan, the Japan Open is one of the country’s most prestigious national championships. The event carried added significance, with its champion earning qualification for the Masters Tournament and The Open Championship.
Recognized in the 2026 Golf Digest Hot List, RR Wedges combine soft-forged construction with precision cold-forged grooves and dual laser face milling. Three sole options—Neutral, Aggressive and Sweeper—allow golfers to match their wedges to their swing styles and turf interaction needs.
The designs are engineered to support distance, trajectory and spin control across a range of shots and playing conditions.
PROTOCONCEPT also recorded a tie for fourth at the FANCL Classic on the Japan Senior Tour, where a competitor played a combination of PROTOCONCEPT prototype irons currently under development and being tested on Tour. The player finished at 9-under-par 207.
According to the company’s Japan Tour team, all of the brand’s iron players on the Japan Senior Tour have now switched to the unreleased prototypes. Additional professionals have requested opportunities to test the new designs, with player feedback continuing to inform development.
About PROTOCONCEPT GOLF
Golf manufacturers design and develop golf equipment specifically for golf professionals. These highly specialized golf clubs and concepts are offered as a prototype exclusively for the golf professional and never for the amateur golfer. This was the genesis for PROTOCONCEPT GOLF.
The “PROTO” in PROTOCONCEPT is an abbreviation for “PROTOTYPE.” NOW, amateurs of all levels can play and enjoy the same equipment or prototypes that were once only available for golf professionals.
PROTOCONCEPT GOLF, launched in 2019, is a high-profile luxury Japanese golf club manufacturer that has transitioned its resources and management to North America. Smiling Ducks Inc. will manage the highly sought-after brand.
PROTOCONCEPT GOLF forged irons and wedges have received the coveted Golf Digest “Hot List” award every year since the company’s inception.
Their handcrafted line of forged golf clubs can be purchased at an exclusive PROTOCONCEPT GOLF dealer. PROTOCONCEPT Golf – Store Locator
For more information, visit www.protoconceptgolf.com.
Media Contact:
Vanessa Marie Price, Read the Greens GOLF Media, Inc.
(714) 544-6515 or readthegreens@aol.com
VanessaMarie@readthegreensgolfmedia.net
