Crazy rumor of the day: Justin Rose to Honma?

[miboy]

If they are trying to break into the US market should be a good move.

Honman has some players in the LPGA under contract.

[DavePelz4]

I heard that Drudersh to whatever catches his eye on the BST that week. Heard it from a friend who is 32% reliable.

[Holy Moses]

Full bag switch?

[Drudersh]

I heard that Drudersh to whatever catches his eye on the BST that week. Heard it from a friend who is 32% reliable.

 

I’m 67% sure this is true.

 

I also heard TheBoomer is being woo’d by an exotic Japanese clubmaker who’s clubs both look amazing and are out of our price range.

[jcorna01]

I like that their staff player bios list their blood type.

[TollBros]

After playing one brand for so long, if he makes a change at this stage of his career I hope it doesn't work out like Sergio where I have to see his face on MISSING posters to remember what he looks like.

[hardcaliber]

Seems like if this is true it would be irons only. Can’t imagine him playing Honma woods. I can’t imagine it would have that much impact on his game if he just switched his irons and bag. I think most would argue that honma irons would be a step up from taylormade. Talking about the serious players irons, not the bejeweled nonsense. He could stick with Taylormade woods.

[Jacked_Loft]

I'd believe a change on his irons, as it would make everyone happy.

 

TM could save some cash on JR, and Honma could get a foot in the mainstream door both in Europe and the US.

[sos7]

Risky. He’s so good with TM equipment

[GolfChannel]

Risky. He’s so good with TM equipment

 

I was under the impression, from second hand sources, that he was this generations Retief Goosen for TM in terms of not only being a brand ambassador but the chief source of quality feedback on their club offerings so they would be losing a lot more than just a staffer.

[the bishop]

Seems like if this is true it would be irons only. Can't imagine him playing Honma woods. I can't imagine it would have that much impact on his game if he just switched his irons and bag. I think most would argue that honma irons would be a step up from taylormade. Talking about the serious players irons, not the bejeweled nonsense. He could stick with Taylormade woods.

Well I'm far from a TM honk - I have only 1 in the bag - That comment feels like a cheap shot to me. In terms of name prestige I would agree with you but as far as serious players irons I don't agree that Honma is necessarily better. TM is and probably always will be thought of as a woods company but IMO their better players iron offerings have been and continue to be strong. And isn't Rose playing the P730's (or Rose Proto's)?. Nothing very bejeweled about those. I would say TM has come as far as any company in recent memory to improving their "full bag" solution. I see more TM staffers bagging their putters and wedges than ever before. Anyway all that said I think you are right that he would probably stick with TM woods.

[Jagpilotohio]

Seems like if this is true it would be irons only. Can't imagine him playing Honma woods. I can't imagine it would have that much impact on his game if he just switched his irons and bag. I think most would argue that honma irons would be a step up from taylormade. Talking about the serious players irons, not the bejeweled nonsense. He could stick with Taylormade woods.

Well I'm far from a TM honk - I have only 1 in the bag - That comment feels like a cheap shot to me. In terms of name prestige I would agree with you but as far as serious players irons I don't agree that Honma is necessarily better. TM is and probably always will be thought of as a woods company but IMO their better players iron offerings have been and continue to be strong. And isn't Rose playing the P730's (or Rose Proto's)?. Nothing very bejeweled about those. I would say TM has come as far as any company in recent memory to improving their "full bag" solution. I see more TM staffers bagging their putters and wedges than ever before. Anyway all that said I think you are right that he would probably stick with TM woods.

 

 

Agreed.

 

A blade is a blade is a blade. Honma certainly isn’t any “bettter” performing than a p730 Customized lightly to the players specs.

 

If you like the size, shape, sole grind, and bounce, a blade player can play any blade.

 

This site always blows me away when people think irons in the same “family type” are really that different from maker to maker.

[Hot Rod 71]

The switch from Titleist to Nike worked for Rory......Justin will be fine.

[hardcaliber]

Seems like if this is true it would be irons only. Can't imagine him playing Honma woods. I can't imagine it would have that much impact on his game if he just switched his irons and bag. I think most would argue that honma irons would be a step up from taylormade. Talking about the serious players irons, not the bejeweled nonsense. He could stick with Taylormade woods.

Well I'm far from a TM honk - I have only 1 in the bag - That comment feels like a cheap shot to me. In terms of name prestige I would agree with you but as far as serious players irons I don't agree that Honma is necessarily better. TM is and probably always will be thought of as a woods company but IMO their better players iron offerings have been and continue to be strong. And isn't Rose playing the P730's (or Rose Proto's)?. Nothing very bejeweled about those. I would say TM has come as far as any company in recent memory to improving their "full bag" solution. I see more TM staffers bagging their putters and wedges than ever before. Anyway all that said I think you are right that he would probably stick with TM woods.

 

 

Agreed.

 

A blade is a blade is a blade. Honma certainly isn't any "bettter" performing than a p730 Customized lightly to the players specs.

 

If you like the size, shape, sole grind, and bounce, a blade player can play any blade.

 

This site always blows me away when people think irons in the same "family type" are really that different from maker to maker.

 

Hit a nerve I guess. Would like to clarify my comments.

 

1st, the "bejeweled nonsense" is a dig at Honma, not TM. Not sure if you are aware but some of their JDM offerrings are gold plated and diamond encrusted. Basically bling for rich old guys who can't play a lick.

 

2nd, I absolutely agree that its debatable whether anyone's forged blade is better than anyone else's. That's why I don't think it would be a big deal for Rose to switch irons. I'm sure TM blades are just fine, but there is an extra prestige factor around japanese forged irons such as Epon, Miura, etc. I would throw Honma in that category. Not sure how much of that is simply voodoo marketing. But most people on WRX I believe would perceive a Honma forged iron as equal if not superior to a Taylormade forged iron. Whether that’s true or not is another question. They may all come from the same Chinese blanks for all I know.

[rockinar]

What the hell is a Honma?

[kylesilk]

What the hell is a Honma?

[Dsk321]

I seen this guy with Honma clubs once at the Chelsea Piers.

 

They were all gold and the guy was smoking and talking on the phone a lot in Japanese.

 

He couldnt really play golf but

 

He was kinda scary, actually.

 

Rightfully afraid, he's probably ruthlessly business savvy.

[iBanesto]

Rose to rock this hat and a 10 iron would be cool.

 

 

[Jagpilotohio]

Seems like if this is true it would be irons only. Can't imagine him playing Honma woods. I can't imagine it would have that much impact on his game if he just switched his irons and bag. I think most would argue that honma irons would be a step up from taylormade. Talking about the serious players irons, not the bejeweled nonsense. He could stick with Taylormade woods.

Well I'm far from a TM honk - I have only 1 in the bag - That comment feels like a cheap shot to me. In terms of name prestige I would agree with you but as far as serious players irons I don't agree that Honma is necessarily better. TM is and probably always will be thought of as a woods company but IMO their better players iron offerings have been and continue to be strong. And isn't Rose playing the P730's (or Rose Proto's)?. Nothing very bejeweled about those. I would say TM has come as far as any company in recent memory to improving their "full bag" solution. I see more TM staffers bagging their putters and wedges than ever before. Anyway all that said I think you are right that he would probably stick with TM woods.

 

 

Agreed.

 

A blade is a blade is a blade. Honma certainly isn't any "bettter" performing than a p730 Customized lightly to the players specs.

 

If you like the size, shape, sole grind, and bounce, a blade player can play any blade.

 

This site always blows me away when people think irons in the same "family type" are really that different from maker to maker.

 

Hit a nerve I guess. Would like to clarify my comments.

 

1st, the "bejeweled nonsense" is a dig at Honma, not TM. Not sure if you are aware but some of their JDM offerrings are gold plated and diamond encrusted. Basically bling for rich old guys who can't play a lick.

 

2nd, I absolutely agree that its debatable whether anyone's forged blade is better than anyone else's. That's why I don't think it would be a big deal for Rose to switch irons. I'm sure TM blades are just fine, but there is an extra prestige factor around japanese forged irons such as Epon, Miura, etc. I would throw Honma in that category. Not sure how much of that is simply voodoo marketing. But most people on WRX I believe would perceive a Honma forged iron as equal if not superior to a Taylormade forged iron. Whether that’s true or not is another question. They may all come from the same Chinese blanks for all I know.

 

Come on now. Everyone knows that Honma, Epon and Miura use that special “magic” Japanese steel like in the old Samurai swords. It’s ten times better than everyone else’s.....right?

 

....I better watch out. The JDM devotees May attack me if I joke around too much.

[Rustynuts]

Rose can go to Honma and they can pay him x amount of millions but it won’t make a single golfer in this country play Honma. They may as well flush the cash down the toilet

[cliche]

have you guys seen what some of those clubs cost? recently there was a honma demo at the range. the most exensive club costs 6'000$

for that 6'000 you wont get a set.

one fri..n iron for 6'000!!!

they must be mad

[Jacked_Loft]

Rose can go to Honma and they can pay him x amount of millions but it won’t make a single golfer in this country play Honma. They may as well flush the cash down the toilet

 

I would have agreed with you before Mark King got on board, but now I'm not so sure.

 

PXG's success shows that the premium segment is far from being oversaturated, so why should Honma not try to expand thier market depth? Some of thier irons not only look great but they feel beautiful when struck well, even those without the bling.

 

Honma has recently centralized thier European distribution operations which normally means either they're getting ready to shrink or expand. With King now moving pieces around the board I would guess the latter of the two, and here is where a signing of a high echelon PGA tour player becomes plausible.

 

It doesn't have to be Rose but he would be a great fit for Honma's European sales culture, and depending what they have in the pipeline an expansion of thier US footprint is 100% viable.

[marmooskapaul]

Wow, I think I'm fairly tuned into the golf world, and this is the first time I've ever heard of Honma Golf.

 

I'm no equipment geek...but I'm with you. Never remember hearing or seeing that brand??

 

As far as any pro changing brands for "big" money...got to get the contracts before your game goes down hill...for whatever reason..age..injury,,Rose is at the age and still has the game to get the big money.

[Holy Moses]

Rose can go to Honma and they can pay him x amount of millions but it won’t make a single golfer in this country play Honma. They may as well flush the cash down the toilet

 

Whether or not they will have a larger net profit after signing Rose remains to be seen, but yes they will sell more clubs if they sign Rose and start a huge marketing push in the US. They don’t market clubs here much at all. If PXG can get a foothold, why not Honma?

[joj]

The switch from Titleist to Nike worked for Rory......Justin will be fine.

 

It’s working well for Sergio too...

[aliikane]

I heard several players are going to be bagging "The Hammer". Booooommm!!!

[andrieddle]

Honma Tour World lines are for the serious players, their BERES lines are the blinged up, gold plated, diamond encrusted clubs are the ones for the rich guys who can't play but love to gamble their money out.

 

I hope he signs with Honma for irons and wedges and stick to TM for woods and get a custom putter from somebody....

[the bishop]

Honma Tour World lines are for the serious players, their BERES lines are the blinged up, gold plated, diamond encrusted clubs are the ones for the rich guys who can't play but love to gamble their money out.

 

I hope he signs with Honma for irons and wedges and stick to TM for woods and get a custom putter from somebody....

I can see it making sense signing Rose. He’s highly ranked and he doesn’t have his own bag design advertising any of his other sponsors. He’s using a basic TM staff bag. And the most important thing for Honma staff players in helping build brand awareness is getting their players in deals that involve the bag and hardcovers if possible. SO if look for minimal deals. Irons, bag, and headcovers. Wedges would be desirable. Getting a player tobag the woods would be a bonus but the headcovers are more important.

[Holy Moses]

Zurich doesn’t have anything on his bag?

[Ferguson]

I thought his preferred car brand was Range Rover?