Equipment

Q&A: What makes Miura clubs different?

Published

8 years ago

Dec 26, 2015

If you’re a serious golfer, chances are you’ve heard of Miura Golf. Maybe you’ve even hit one of the company’s clubs. But do you really know what makes Miura’s clubs different?

Even for the biggest Miura Golf fans, there’s something to learn about the company and its products in our Q&A below with GolfWRX Editor Zak Kozuchowski and Bill Holowaty, Executive Vice President of Product Strategies for Miura.

ZK: Miura offers a full line of golf equipment, but the company is primarily known for its forged irons. How did Miura earn its reputation as one of the premier forged iron manufacturers?

BH: Mr. Miura (and I love to remind people that there is a Mr. Miura) began his career in the golf industry in 1957. It wasn’t until he started his own company, Miura Giken, that Miura-san was able to address what he believed was a fundamental flaw in the forging process. His insight and innovation led to a proprietary forging process and the ability to produce a forged iron that was arguably the best in the industry.

Miura’s CB-57 are the company’s newest forged irons.

Although the Miura family gained a reputation within Japan for premium forged irons, it wasn’t until Miura-san began to produce limited production models for the top OEM companies in golf that his reputation and that of his irons truly emerged. It wasn’t long before the most recognized names in the industry were having limited production runs of their forged irons done at the Miura factory, and what followed were numerous tournament wins (including majors), but under the names of equipment companies other than Miura. However, Mr. Miura quickly gained special status among industry insiders and one Japanese Golf Magazine referred to him as having “the hands of God.”

ZK: What was the fundamental flaw in the forging process?

BH: First, let me make certain that when Miura-san believed the forging process was fundamentally flawed, he was in no way passing judgement on what was the philosophy at the time. He simply believed there was a better way.

Carbon steel “billets.”

Traditional forging meant that the club head was formed with the hosel and club head together. This meant that from the first strike, the iron had its basic shape. But Mr. Miura believe that he needed to create a grain structure within the club head that was as “dense” or “tight” as possible. This would mean heating the billet of soft carbon steel to a specific temperature and then striking the die with a precise amount of force. Unfortunately, the need to protect the hosel (which was the most delicate part of the club head) would not and did not permit the necessary manipulation of the grain structure within the club head. Mr. Miura believed if he could somehow separate the club head and hosel manufacturing, he would be able to deliver a grain structure within the club head that would be beyond anything else being produced. In addition, by separating the manufacturing of the head, he could also deliver a “perfect” hosel, milled and pre-drilled to exact specification. The result of this proprietary process was a club head that delivered exceptional feel and performance.

Note: Watch a video of Miura’s forging process from start to finish below.

ZK: We’re always talking to top custom club fitters at GolfWRX, and when they talk about Miura clubs they often mention how tight the tolerances are, which they love for building purposes. What makes Miura’s tolerances so tight?

BH: We have been asked this question before and it always gives me such a feeling of pride when describing the manufacturing process. The ability to attain such tight tolerances is not a by product of the finished club heads, but rather the attention to detail throughout the entire 14-step manufacturing process. It starts with the initial billets of soft carbon steel. Each 5 iron billet for example, begins the 14 step manufacturing process at the same weight. Then, at each step along the way, heads weights must achieve the same attention to detail. A tray of 100 heads awaiting grooves being pressed will meet the same weight tolerances as another tray further down the manufacturing process. The attentional to detail is embraced by the entire Miura family, including the dedicated employees.

ZK: Mr. Miura has referred to certain golf equipment trends such as oversize irons as “fads.” To him, what are the viable technologies in the industry and how is Miura putting them to use in its clubs?

BH: I don’t recall Miura-san ever referring to equipment trends or oversize irons as “fads.” I can say that Mr. Miura and his sons focus on discussing what Miura Golf does and not on what others do. Mid-sized and over-sized irons absolutely have a place in today’s equipment purchasing decisions. Our mid-sized head, the PP-9003 is one of our best sellers and relatively new to our product line. The size of the PP-9003 head is appealing to many golfers looking for more forgiveness without sacrificing the renowned Miura feel and performance. There are limitations on design with respect to forged clubs. Certainly what can be accomplished with cast technology differs from forged technology. But ultimately, a forged iron allows the golfer more feedback in terms of what a good shot feels like. And the design, allowing the club head to get to “square” at impact is something all levels of golfer can benefit from.

There is no question that all equipment manufacturers (including Miura) are constantly looking to improve their product line. We believe recent changes in leading edge and sole design have made the way for better turf interaction and thus better ball on face contact. But we are also aware of advancements in all manufacturing including cast clubs. The next generations of Miura forged irons will not be limited by forging process, but rather will be enhanced by any and all technological advancements in golf club manufacturing, both forged and cast. The exciting part for Miura is that the mind and vision of Mr. Miura and his sons will continue to seek to produce the best forged irons. The good golfer will find [Miura].

ZK: Last question, Bill. Miura is a frequent topic of conversation in our forums, and many questions often arise about the company and its products. What do you most want to tell our readers about Miura Golf that they might not know?

BH: I really like this question as it allows me to talk about what is unique about our company.

First, that there is a Mr. Miura and there is a MIURA factory. I don’t believe this can be overstated; The Miura family oversees the entire manufacturing process, start to finish.

Secondly, the proprietary nature of our forging process. The Miura way does not lend itself to mass production. And with this, the knowledge that a forged club is in essence a hand-made club. The last two chairs on the grinding line belong to Mr. Miura and his son Yoshitaka. The odds are very good that one of the Miura’s did the grinding on each set of irons or wedges. You can imagine that if you are producing a product that bears your name or signature that you would make sure that product would be the best possible. It’s this attention to detail that fuels the culture with which Miura operates and allows us to say with confidence that the good golfer will find us.

Finally, I would like to invite golfers to visit a Miura dealer or contact us directly to discuss why Miura should be part of their next equipment purchase decision. What you might find is that Miura irons or wedges are within your reach. Whether you dip your toe in the Miura waters with a single wedge or choose to reward yourself with a complete set, we’re sure that you’ll #discoverpefection.

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34 Comments

Tom A.

Jan 15, 2017 at 1:11 pm

I heard that Kinda actually made irons for Tiger Woods and Nike struck a deal to put their logo on the TW blades.

Reply Report comment
jasonc

Jan 6, 2016 at 10:49 pm

Sorry, but if they were money more pros would rely on them to make $$$.

Reply Report comment
- Jay Golf
  
  Jan 21, 2016 at 7:39 pm
  
  That’s no longer true. Pros don’t use what brand they think is best. They use what brands contract pay them the most. Even if pros might think mizuno or Miura were better, those companies are not paying lots of pros to use their goods. Taylormade is.
  
  Reply Report comment
Wayne

Jan 6, 2016 at 2:34 pm

I have three sets of Miura’s – 2 sets CB202 and a set of blades – MB-001. I have so many clubs and have to say the only other iron set that is close in terms of feel are the Chikara irons (CB1 / MB1 – I have a mixed set), but these pail in comparison to the Miura MB-001’s. The pure strike from centered shots is magic and the way they cut through the turf gives you complete confidence when standing over them at address. Did I mention the looks, thin top line, upright – sheer beauty! I would say to anyone – just go to a fitter and try them – the best golf decision you’ll ever make!

Reply Report comment
Jim H

Jan 5, 2016 at 1:51 pm

My Mizuno MP-32 forged blades were the best irons I ever played. Age, illness and loss of strength now has me in cast Titleist AP1 irons. I can’t “feel” the shots the way I used to but I’m beginning to like the AP1 irons. While the Miura irons may be pricey, if they improve your game more than less expensive Mizuno or Titleist forged irons – buy them. You only live once.

Reply Report comment
KJ

Jan 1, 2016 at 1:18 pm

I’m sure these are very nice, but honestly they probably only appeal to maybe 5% of the entire market. The average player needs the forgiveness of an investment cast/cavity back club with as large a sweet spot as possible.

Reply Report comment
Hhhhh

Jan 1, 2016 at 12:56 am

Ridiculous just play titleist mizuno or Nike.

Reply Report comment
- Jay Golf
  
  Jan 21, 2016 at 7:44 pm
  
  Nike… Lol. Nike is Kmart junk. “Let’s put a big swoosh on top of the crown amd some clown colors on it”….. If Tiger and Rory weren’t getting paid $100 million to play them, Nike would have zero people playing them….
  
  Reply Report comment
cody

Dec 30, 2015 at 3:15 pm

I had a friend that played a set of baby blades. I was not a fan of the look of them. I think the price brings in the curious with money. i was very “meh” when i tried them. although, they have remained relevant for a long time so there may be something more there that I am missing.

Reply Report comment
Benny

Dec 28, 2015 at 12:49 pm

You buy Porsche for performance and looks even though 99% of the owners will never push that Porsche to its limits or capabilities. Same goes for Miura, Epon and other high end Japan forgings. People shoot low scores every day with crappy retail sets. Miura will not improve your game, they will just make you look, feel and play with more confidence. Sure this could result in better scores just like the Tour Scotty might help, unfortunately not all of us have the luxery to spend that kind of coin. If you want to find soft irons for cheaper costs get a set of raw forged irons. They will be pretty darn close in feeling to Miura and with a quick balance and spine you will have a set really close at 1/3 the price tag. Or if you are rich and like the fine things in life get Miura and laugh at the retail dorks. Even if they shoot lower than you! 🙂

Reply Report comment
Jeff

Dec 27, 2015 at 5:47 pm

I have the mb001 irons. They are Pin seekers with the best distance control I’ve seen in irons. Unfortunately my driver is not a fairway seeker.

Reply Report comment
- Jayden Lawson
  
  Dec 27, 2015 at 7:47 pm
  
  Same! Just love my mb001’s, and wish my driver was as pure 🙂
  
  Reply Report comment
Mat

Dec 27, 2015 at 3:00 pm

Solid product at a premium price.

Look, there’s nothing terribly special about it outwardly. I’ve played the 501, and didn’t like it. I actually assume it had everything to do with the shafts I was playing, but nonetheless I ditched them.

The real “beauty” if you will, with Miura, is that the heads are properly weighted every time. There’s no 10-gram tolerance in what they put out. It’s on the number, every time. That’s good, because it’s a stamped head. It’s probably best to not load up a luxury head with lead tape, right?

Good heads, great quality control from the factory. If you want a luxury brand, it’s a great step up. It has almost zero tech, so if you’re a blade player, it’s great. If you’re a 26, understand that you’re taking a step back in forgiveness.

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Golden

Dec 27, 2015 at 10:57 am

They’re just fashion clubs like you have designed in clothing and watches, it’s just for show. If you have money and need to spend it, there’ll always be things like this. Miuras aren’t that expensive actually, you could buy others like Honma with the 5 stars or Maruman that are even more expensive with all the real gold emblems and paint

Reply Report comment
Mark

Dec 27, 2015 at 5:24 am

The price and nothing else. I have hit Miura wedges…very nice feel but poor spin and both their blades and cavities. Feel is almost too soft, little forgiveness and absolutely no performance benefit whatsoever. In truth they don’t even look that good. Save your money and buy Mizuno, Titleist or TM forgings.

Reply Report comment
- B.Goodman
  
  Dec 30, 2015 at 9:16 pm
  
  Titlelist (Volkey) wedges are not FORGED!
  Surprise Surprise!
  TMTC
  
  Reply Report comment
BIG STU

Dec 27, 2015 at 3:58 am

To add to the saga . Miura just does not let any Tom Dick or Harry that thinks they are a fitter fit and build their clubs. They are real picky ( rightfully so) about who they select as a dealer. As far as the tours go you would be surprised who and what companies use Miura forgings for their tour players with their own company markings on them. And like the article said they are not mass produced. You have to have a game and feel to begin with to begin to appreciate them. In a nutshell better feeling clubs for better golfers

Reply Report comment
GMQinney

Dec 27, 2015 at 1:59 am

Doesn’t matter how or who the clubs were designed by, built, how much they cost or what kind of steel was used.

If you can not make a consistent repeating strike of the ball none of the above makes a difference except to ones ego and possibly wallet.

Many egos here and other on line equipment forums won’t admit it and will ultimately blame it one something else instead of themselves instead of the clubs much money was wasted on.

Think of how many custom built, custom ground, fitted clubs people have purchased here and other places but don’t have the game they think they do to play them that end up for sale.

Signed…..

– A realistic mid teens capper not trying to be a poseur. Flame on.

Reply Report comment
Chuck D

Dec 27, 2015 at 1:54 am

And they’re not even in the 2015 Golfwrx shootout! How could that be? Not even considered in the

a blade shootout? What’s so special about ’em? Softness, that’s it? I need more evidence before I

fork over 2 g’s, or whatever the amount is.

Reply Report comment
Paul trevino

Dec 26, 2015 at 11:39 pm

I had the privalage of winning a set of forged blades last year, 3- 9 PW sw great irons loved them as I’m a 2 handicap ,then I went to los Angeles to play in a 4 man scramble at montebello golf course..after the tournament and won with 14 under. And since everyone left their bags in a safe spot ,well I did too…and when I went to leave and grab my bag …it wasn’t there, turns out they had stolen about 5 bags and mine were missing… I’ll never be able to afford those same irons but I really loved the feel…. Thank you. Paul

Reply Report comment
- Scooter McGavin
  
  Dec 30, 2015 at 12:29 pm
  
  K…
  
  Reply Report comment
Taylor

Dec 26, 2015 at 9:16 pm

9 handi, went from T CB to MB then hit these…what a difference. I chose the 501, butter knife look with a small cavity. When you hit them for the first time you’ll understand the difference if you are a good ball striker. Actually found these to be a touch longer than the Titleist as well. The thing I like the most is the lower irons, very compact and square look, they look like specialized wedges. I bought mine off ebay slightly used and saved about 40%. Its hard to choose another iron in terms of feel after hitting these. Will they make you better, no, but if you love feel you cannot find a better iron.

Reply Report comment
Taylor

Dec 26, 2015 at 8:42 pm

9 index, picked up a set of the 501’s after gaming the Titleist CB then MB. The thing I find critical about my irons in the thinnest top line. I understand this aspect will draw away a lot of players for confidence issues, but I love that butter knife look. The 501’s have a cavity back design with literally the thinnest top line I have ever seen. When you hit one you immediately notice how solid the feel is when stuck properly. I was sold after 5 hits. I bought my pair used on ebay for almost half the price and they were very slightly used. The biggest appeal to these is the very square design the lower irons have, especially the 9 and PW which I hit a lot. Miura’s have a higher toe than normal clubs and it takes a second to get used to, but after that, you can’t imagine hitting anything else.

Reply Report comment
David

Dec 26, 2015 at 7:20 pm

Donald I am average golfer who plays 4 to 6 times a year. Since switching to Miura I have notice a great increase in playability compared to other irons and the wedges are better than anything I have ever used. They give you so much confidence I haven’t hit the ball like I do now for 15 years and they are the first set of blades I have ever owned. Everyone should try a set at least once.

Reply Report comment
toyzrx

Dec 26, 2015 at 5:12 pm

Novelty item like jewelry items, but that means a lot for some folks.

Reply Report comment
Chuck D

Dec 26, 2015 at 5:00 pm

Anyone on the professional golf world stages playing them?

Reply Report comment
Average Golfer

Dec 26, 2015 at 4:41 pm

The high price tag. That’s the only thing that’s different.

Reply Report comment
- Rich
  
  Dec 26, 2015 at 6:57 pm
  
  If you’ve hit a Miura iron and can’t tell the difference in quality, keep buying your clubs from the bargain bin.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Herb Montgomery
    
    Dec 26, 2015 at 8:19 pm
    
    Ha! Typical holier-than-thou reply. Great product I’m sure, just not a replacement for range balls and a good instructor. BTW, which pros use and endorse them?
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Jayden Lawson
      
      Dec 27, 2015 at 7:49 pm
      
      As a small company I imagine they would struggle to blow millions on endorsements. Do you see Phil Knight sitting at the end of the Nike QC line?
      
      Reply Report comment
      - Tom
        
        Dec 29, 2015 at 1:36 pm
        
        spot on. Niche market for golf aficionados whom prefer quality over mass produced imperfections.
        
        Reply Report comment
  - Lee
    
    Dec 30, 2015 at 5:26 pm
    
    That’s why they are played by the best on tour (obviously with a swoosh or two).
    
    Reply Report comment
Donald Madden

Dec 26, 2015 at 3:13 pm

Be good to see how they perform with the average golfer

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Equipment

A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic

Published

4 hours ago

Apr 25, 2024

Andrew Tursky

Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.

Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.

We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.

Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).

See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here

Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge

Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.

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A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.

See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here

Turning Back the clock

Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.

But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.

For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.

Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.

The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.

The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.

Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter

Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.

Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.

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It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.

If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.

Brilliant.

See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here

Stricker’s unrecognizable putter

Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.

Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.

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Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates

Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.

Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.

It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.

Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines

Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.

Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.

FitzMagic teams back up

Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.

See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here

And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.

We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!

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