Luke extends Mizuno deal
By Bob Warters
Luke Donald is the highest rated Briton to win The Open, according to bookmakers William Hill. No wonder then that Mizuno have chosen this time to announce that he has been rewarded for his loyalty to the brand with a multi-year contract extension by the Japanese golf manufacturer.
Having established his amateur credentials with Mizuno irons, Donald switched away from the brand for his first year on the US PGA Tour but returned to Mizuno irons as he began his rapid rise up the world professional rankings.
Donald currently plays Mizuno grain flow forged MP-32 irons, MP T-Series wedges and a Mizuno Fli-Hi CLK 17- degree utility club. Under his new contract Donald will also add the new Mizuno Bettinardi putter (first used at the 2006 US Open) to his bag.
The contract also ensures that his caddie - his brother Christian - will continue to carry the blue and white staff bag and the pair will wear the Mizuno visor.
"Luke played Mizuno irons long before he turned professional, so our relationship is a natural one," said Akito Mizuno. "Luke is one of the world's best iron players and a classic feel player who likes to control the golf ball. We fit very well."
He adds: "We believe we can work with Luke to the same level of success that we enjoyed with Nick Faldo when he won majors with us. Luke has the technique and temperament to do the same. He is at an age where he will begin to challenge for many of the major championships - and he has many years to win a number of them."
Donald said this week: "You always want to be armed with the tools that give you the best chance to succeed out on the course, so I couldn't be happier to have my relationship with Mizuno extended."