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Q&A: What makes Miura clubs different?

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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.

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.

Miura_carbon_steel_start

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

34 Comments

  1. 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.

  2. jasonc

    Jan 6, 2016 at 10:49 pm

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

    • 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.

  3. 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!

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Hhhhh

    Jan 1, 2016 at 12:56 am

    Ridiculous just play titleist mizuno or Nike.

    • 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….

  7. 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.

  8. 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! 🙂

  9. 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.

    • Jayden Lawson

      Dec 27, 2015 at 7:47 pm

      Same! Just love my mb001’s, and wish my driver was as pure 🙂

  10. 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.

  11. 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

  12. 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.

    • B.Goodman

      Dec 30, 2015 at 9:16 pm

      Titlelist (Volkey) wedges are not FORGED!
      Surprise Surprise!
      TMTC

  13. 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

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. toyzrx

    Dec 26, 2015 at 5:12 pm

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

  21. Chuck D

    Dec 26, 2015 at 5:00 pm

    Anyone on the professional golf world stages playing them?

  22. Average Golfer

    Dec 26, 2015 at 4:41 pm

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

    • 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.

      • 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?

        • 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?

          • Tom

            Dec 29, 2015 at 1:36 pm

            spot on. Niche market for golf aficionados whom prefer quality over mass produced imperfections.

      • 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).

  23. 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

Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (4/18/24): Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made

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At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made.

From the seller: (@DLong72): “Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made. ?: $1150. ?? 100% milled collectors item from the limited releases commemorating when Ping putters won every major in 1988 (88 putters made). This was the model Seve Ballesteros used to win the 1988 Open Championship. Condition is brand new, never gamed, everything is in the original packaging as it came. Putter features the iconic sound slot.

Specs/ Additional Details

-100% Milled, Aluminum/Bronze Alloy (310g)

-Original Anser Design

-PING PP58 Grip

-Putter is built to standard specs.”

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made

This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules

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Inside Collin Morikawa’s recent golf ball, driver, 3-wood, and “Proto” iron changes

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As you probably know by now, Collin Morikawa switched putters after the first round of The Masters, and he ultimately went on to finish T3.

The putter was far from the only change he made last week, however, and his bag is continuing to change this week at the 2024 RBC Heritage.

On the range of The Masters, Morikawa worked closely with Adrian Reitveld, TaylorMade’s Senior Manager of Tour at TaylorMade, to find the perfect driver and 3-wood setups.

Morikawa started off 2024 by switching into TaylorMade’s Qi10 Max driver, but since went back to his faithful TaylorMade SIM – yes, the original SIM from 2020. Somehow, some way, it seems Morikawa always ends up back in that driver, which he used to win the 2020 PGA Championship, and the 2021 Open Championship.

At The Masters, however, Rietveld said the duo found the driver head that allowed “zero compromise” on Morikawa’s preferred fade flight and spin. To match his preferences, they landed on a TaylorMade Qi10 LS 9-degree head, and the lie angle is a touch flatter than his former SIM.

“It’s faster than his gamer, and I think what we found is it fits his desired shot shape, with zero compromise” Rietveld told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday at the RBC Heritage.

Then, to replace his former SIM rocket 3-wood, Morikawa decided to switch into the TaylorMade Qi10 core model 13.5-degree rocket head, with an adjustable hosel.

“He likes the spin characteristics of that head,” Rietveld said. “Now he’s interesting because with Collin, you can turn up at a tournament, and you look at his 3-wood, and he’s changed the setting. One day there’s more loft on it, one day there’s less loft on it. He’s that type of guy. He’s not scared to use the adjustability of the club.

“And I think he felt our titanium head didn’t spin as low as his original SIM. So we did some work with the other head, just because he liked the feel of it. It was a little high launching, so we fit him into something with less loft. It’s a naughty little piece of equipment.” 

In addition to the driver and fairway wood changes, Morikawa also debuted his new “MySymbol” jersey No. 5 TP5x golf ball at The Masters. Morikawa’s choice of symbols is likely tied to his love of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.

Not enough changes for you? There’s one more.

On Wednesday at the 2024 RBC Heritage, Morikawa was spotted with a new TaylorMade “Proto” 4-iron in the bag. If you recall, it’s the same model that Rory McIlroy debuted at the 2024 Valero Texas Open.

According to Morikawa, the new Proto 4-iron will replace his old P-770 hollow-bodied 4-iron.

“I used to hit my P-770 on a string, but sometimes the distance would be a little unpredictable,” Morikawa told GolfWRX.com. “This one launches a touch higher, and I feel I can predict the distance better. I know Rory replaced his P-760 with it. I’m liking it so far.” 

See Morikawa’s full WITB from the 2024 RBC Heritage here. 

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Why Rory McIlroy will likely use the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper at the RBC Heritage

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Although we spotted Rory McIlroy testing the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper last week during practice rounds at the Masters, he ultimately didn’t decide to use the club in competition.

It seems that will change this week at the 2024 RBC Heritage, played at the short-and-tight Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head.

When asked on Wednesday following his morning Pro-Am if he’d be using the new, nostalgic BRNR Copper this week, McIlroy said, “I think so.”

“I like it,” McIlroy told GolfWRX.com on Tuesday regarding the BRNR. “This would be a good week for it.”

 

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According to Adrian Rietveld, the Senior Manager of Tour at TaylorMade, the BRNR Mini Driver can help McIlroy position himself properly off the tee at the tight layout.

Here’s what Rietveld told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday:

“For someone like Rory, who’s that long at the top end of the bag, and then you put him on a course like Harbour Town, it’s tough off the tee. It’s tight into the greens, and you have to put yourself in position off the tee to have a shot into the green. It kind of reminds me of Valderrama in Spain, where you can be in the fairway and have no shot into the green.

“I’m caddying for Tommy [Fleetwood] this week, so I was walking the course last night and looking at a few things. There’s just such a small margin for error. You can be standing in the fairway at 300 yards and have a shot, but at 320 you don’t. So if you don’t hit a perfect shot, you could be stuck behind a tree. And then if you’re back at 280, it might be a really tough shot into the small greens.

“So for Rory [with the BRNR], it’s a nice course-specific golf club for him. He’s got both shots with it; he can move it right-to-left or left-to-right. And the main thing about this club has been the accuracy and the dispersion with it. I mean, it’s been amazing for Tommy.

“This was the first event Tommy used a BRNR last year, and I remember talking to him about it, and he said he couldn’t wait to play it at Augusta next year. And he just never took it out of the bag because he’s so comfortable with it, and hitting it off the deck.

“So you look at Rory, and you want to have the tools working to your advantage out here, and the driver could hand-cuff him a bit with all of the shots you’d have to manufacture.”

So, although McIlroy might not be making a permanent switch into the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper, he’s likely to switch into it this week.

His version is lofted at 13.5 degrees, and equipped with a Fujikura Ventus Black 7X shaft.

See more photos of Rory testing the BRNR Mini here

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