Equipment
Mizuno: The hottest irons on the PGA Tour for players not under contract
If Tour pros could play any set of irons with no contract restrictions or obligations, what would they use?
In the world of professional golf, which is heavily influenced by profit, we’d usually never get that answer. But this year, due to a number of factors including Nike’s exit from the golf equipment industry, numerous players are left without commitments to a particular brand. That means more golfers than ever are playing irons of their choice.
Based on our photos from the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and recent weeks, it appears many of those players without iron contracts are deciding to play Mizuno irons.
In recent years, there was usually between 1-3 sets of Mizuno irons in the bag at most PGA Tour events. At this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, however, there are 8 players using a set of Mizuno irons. Even more interesting is that 75 percent of them are using or testing the same Mizuno iron model: the JPX-900 Tour
Related: Learn more about the JPX-900 Tour irons
Here’s a list of all the PGA Tour players currently using Mizuno irons at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, as well as links to each player’s full WITBs.
Brooks Koepka
- Mizuno Irons Model: JPX-900 Tour
- Full WITB: Brooks Koepka WITB 2017
Sam Saunders
- Mizuno Iron Model: JPX-900 Tour
- Full WITB: Sam Saunders WITB 2017
Billy Hurley III
- Mizuno Iron Model: JPX-900 Tour
Lucas Glover
- Mizuno Iron Model: JPX-900 Tour
- Full WITB: Lucas Glover WITB 2017
Roberto Castro
- Mizuno Iron Model: JPX-900 Tour
- Full WITB: Roberto Castro WITB 2017
Jim Herman
- Mizuno Iron Model: JPX-900 Tour
- Full WITB: Jim Herman WITB 2017
Kevin Chappell
- Mizuno Iron Model: JPX-900 Tour (built this week), previously MP-5
- Full WITB: Kevin Chappell WITB 2017
Vijay Singh
- Mizuno Iron Model: JPX-900 Tour (built this week), most recently MP-4
- Full WITB: Vijay Singh WITB 2017
We spotted Vijay Singh with Mizuno JPX-900 Tour irons in his bag on Monday. On Wednesday, however, he was bagging Mizuno MP-4 irons. It will be interesting to see what he decides to use going forward, but it’s likely it will be stamped with the Mizuno brand name.
Paul Casey
- Mizuno Iron Model: MP-25
- Full WITB: Paul Casey WITB 2017
See what GolfWRX members are saying about the Mizuno JPX-900 Tour irons in our forums.
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- Kevin Doughtery what’s in the bag accurate as of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship. More photos from the event in the forums.
Driver: TaylorMade SIM2 Max (8 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green 70 6.5
Mini driver: TaylorMade 300 Mini Driver (13.5 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green 80 6.5
Irons: PXG 0311 X Gen2 (3), PXG 0311 ST Gen4 (4-PW)
Shafts: Project X LZ
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM9 (52-12F, 56-14F, 60-04L, 60-12D)
Shafts: Project X LZ 6.5 (52), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (56, 60)
Putter: Scotty Cameron prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align
More photos of Kevin Dougherty’s WITB in the forums.
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The year was 2007. The famous/infamous Nike Sasquatch Sumo2 was released the year prior, ditto the Callaway FT-i. It was a (brief) time when, if you were a driver, it was hip to be square.
Fast forward 16 years. Tour Edge revealed on social media this week that it had plans to add right angles to its Exotics line with an epic #TBT post, writing:
“For this #throwbackthursday we’re going to prove that sometimes a product just wasn’t destined to come out…
“That’s the case with this one-of-a-kind Exotics XSi square driver.
“The XSi stood for XTREME SUPER INERTIA, and we were following the design trend of the day back in good ol’ 2007…
“But [in] the end cooler heads prevailed and this one was left on the shelf.
“Literally, we just found it on a shelf in our “museum” and almost every single person who was here at the time had forgotten about it, or just plain never knew it existed.”
Check out photos of the Tour Edge Exotics XSi, below!
Photo credit: Tour Edge
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- Kevin Tway what’s in the bag accurate as of the Fortinet Championship. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, B2 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, B2 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X
3-wood: Titleist Stealth 2 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 80 TX
5-wood: Titleist Stealth 2 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 90 TX
Irons: Titleist U505 (2), Titleist T100 (4-9)
Shafts: Fujikura Ventus HB 10 TX (2), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (4-9)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM9 (48-10F @47, 52-12F @51, 56-14F, 60-08M)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (48-56), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (60)
Putter: Scotty Cameron T-5 Proto, Scotty Cameron T7
Grip: Scotty Cameron Black Baby T
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Plus4
More photos of Kevin Tway’s WITB in the forums.
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Kevin Doughtery what’s in the bag accurate as of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship. More photos from the event in...
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Kevin Tway what’s in the bag accurate as of the Fortinet Championship. More photos from the event here. Driver: Titleist...
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Preston Summerhays what’s in the bag accurate as of the Fortinet Championship. More photos from the event here. Driver: Ping...
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Stephen Finley
Jan 8, 2018 at 8:14 pm
I’m sure the feel is terrific. I’ve hit and competed with several different Mizuno models over the years, and their rep is well-earned, IMHO. But have you seen the top line on the various versions of the JPX? You could land a plane on it. I really just _hate_ this direction with modern irons.
Emmanuel
Jun 17, 2018 at 9:56 pm
The top line on the jpx hot is large but then again, those were designed for high handicap players. All brands have sets like that.
Vince
Aug 25, 2017 at 6:53 pm
Just bought the JPX 900 forged with XP105 stiff shafts ( what a buttery feeling club ! ) traded an almost new set of Titleist AP 2’s 716’s . I kept my Volkey sand wedges. All of my #’S were off the charts compared to my AP2’s . Very solid club !!! Thanks Mizuno 🙂
Andy
Jul 12, 2017 at 12:49 am
I have mp-14s and 54s funnest even for a 10 hc. Can’t beat the feel and the shots are so satisfying. I have played PRGR, Data 601s, and they are awesome but the there is nothing like an mp-54. Also game Bridgestone j38 double pocket cavities, but they were not as consistent as the 54s. I can’t game the 14s anymore, but they sure were a great iron. I still take them out at times but I cannot weiled them like I used to. I still get a few awesome shots with them and I still say wow.
Panther
Mar 30, 2017 at 4:20 pm
Hard time deciding weather ship my MP-29’s down to the desert, or the 712MB’s. Need to have something down there to fly light and exit the airport quickly, too many Id*ots sucking up oxygen when I travel down to the valley.
James Darnell
Mar 20, 2017 at 9:35 pm
I am going back to my mp54 irons, when I sell these Apex Pro 16 irons. Nothing hits like a Mizuno
tlmck
Mar 19, 2017 at 10:50 pm
I’m sticking with my homemade Maltby TE’s which replaced my MP52’s. Just nothing else on the market like them for size, shape, forgiveness, feel, etc. although Titleist CB would be a close second.
Sully
Mar 19, 2017 at 1:27 pm
Does this surprise anyone? Mizuno makes the best feeling irons and TM makes the best performing woods. That is why if you let a pro choose without endorsement you see Mizzy irons and TM woods in the bag. The funny thing though is that performance wise irons haven’t really changed in years. I played a round recently with my old ’95 King Cobra Oversized irons while my MP-64s were in transit and they may have been 1-2 yards shorter (Same DG S300 shafts in both) and thats it. The feel was the only difference.
Tom
Mar 18, 2017 at 10:53 pm
interesting
Egor
Mar 18, 2017 at 10:57 am
My current set is JPX900 Forged with Project X LZ. Best irons I’ve had out of TMAG RBZ, MP-29, MP-59. I’m a 12HI and play 6-8 times a month. Great irons, great shafts for me.
Ian
Mar 18, 2017 at 12:25 am
You know you’re struggling when you have to list a senior tour player to bolster numbers.
Daniel Lux
Mar 17, 2017 at 7:39 pm
I’m shocked brooks is playing these irons they are as spiny and horrible as titleist I doubt he’ll settle on them.
Steve
Mar 17, 2017 at 11:15 pm
“These irons don’t fit my swing. They’re complete trash.”
Dumbest comment of the thread award goes to you.
S Hitter
Mar 18, 2017 at 7:21 pm
LOL
Dan lux
Mar 18, 2017 at 7:30 pm
http://m.imgur.com/XAo2Tf4
Mizuno irons are right in line with titleist how many hard swinging bombers does titleist have? No matter what shaft you put in them anything over 100mph for a 6 iron produces ballooning amounts of spin. And brooks hasn’t exactly been Lighting it up right now
D-Lux D0ucheb4g
Mar 19, 2017 at 3:18 am
Your shot dispersion is terrible, thank you for letting us know that.
I’m pretty sure Brooks Koepka would greatly benefit from having a highly skilled, highly intelligent and insightful person like you giving advice. 🙂
Lc
Jul 13, 2017 at 1:33 pm
Going back and reading comments and I see this….”Shocked brooks is playing these irons they are as spiny and horrible as titlest I doubt he’ll settle on them.” LMAO!!!! Only won the U.S. Open with them.
Emmanuel
Jun 17, 2018 at 10:00 pm
Shocked? He just won 2 U.S. Opens with them. I’m sure he’s quite happy with them.
Bert
Mar 17, 2017 at 7:38 pm
Used to play MP14’s and then MP37’s. Sure wish I could play them again. 72 and RA makes you play graphite and something more forgiving. Don’t like any of the new so called forgiving irons, still play the 2008 TM Tour Burners. Maybe I’ll try the JPX900’s.
Prime21
Mar 17, 2017 at 6:26 pm
Mizuno has always made GREAT irons. Hopefully they can stay afloat.
Tom
Mar 17, 2017 at 8:12 pm
I donno…. the MX series was a bust
cgasucks
Mar 18, 2017 at 9:39 am
They’ll be fine…you do know they make other sports stuff as well. From what I know, they have a strong foothold in baseball equipment.
Tom
Mar 18, 2017 at 1:04 pm
^ this
Acemandrake
Mar 17, 2017 at 6:12 pm
Miura fanatics: Where are the Miura users on tour?
Dan
Mar 17, 2017 at 5:41 pm
Like Mizuno a lot and went in expecting to buy the JPX Hot Metal irons. I ended up buying the Srixon Z565. Always remember to get a fitting before buying!
Daryll
Mar 17, 2017 at 5:35 pm
I have played all types of irons and no other surpasses Mizuno. Have 4 different sets in my golf room. Have a set of Callaway CF16 and they are long and go high and that is good for me. Also tried the Titleist MB-T and they fly high and feel good. I was using the Nippon 880 AMC shaft. I do like the Nippon family of shafts. Have tried almost every shaft I could get my hands on. For a heaver shaft the the modus tour 130 has a great feel. Any questions or comments just email me.
Respectfully,
Daryll
Michael
Mar 18, 2017 at 10:09 am
With all respect Daryll, why can’t you settle on what works best for you or is it a little OCD stuff with golf equipment? I can get that way about my cars so I understand.
Miuralovechild
Mar 17, 2017 at 4:10 pm
Not surprised really. Mizzy was #1 on the PGA tour for 12 years in a row. Some guy came along and wanted to get paid; everyone else wanted to get paid also. Their reign was over!! Probably the safest choice for anyone looking for a great forged iron. No gimmicks, and their heads seem to keep the same size, shape, and weight. I’ll take them any day over the bigger OEM’s in the industry.
John Ineson
Mar 17, 2017 at 2:59 pm
Been a forged Mizzy guy for a very long time, so no surprises in your report. But I have Miura cavity backs as my scoring irons (CB201s, 7-9), and, when you hit ’em right, there’s something about the sound of that Miura click that says, “You don’t have to look up. It went where you wanted it to.”
Jason
Mar 17, 2017 at 12:19 pm
Just got a set of of the JPX 900 Hot Metals. Price wasn’t an issue and hit all three and with the hot metals the ball was just flying off the face. The forged felt a bit clunky and the tour was nice but maybe a little too much for my 12 handicap. Paired them with the Modus 105s (LOVE THEM!) and some MCC plus 4’s and i’m itching for the courses to open
Cory
Mar 21, 2017 at 10:51 pm
Almost got the same setup as you bro! Instead of the Modus 105’s, I got the KBS C Taper Lites 110 grams. Same grip as well!
Dat
Mar 17, 2017 at 12:02 pm
If I was going to buy a set of irons this year, it would be the 900 tours.
Dan Weitzel
Mar 17, 2017 at 11:34 am
I have built multiple sets this year with the 900 Forged long irons and the Tour short irons. A little different feel with the Forged (Boron) version but they are much more forgiving for the average player in the longer clubs. See your custom guy and try this route rather than the Tour irons all the way.
golfraven
Mar 17, 2017 at 11:31 am
Was looking at the MP-25s but let see what Titleist comes up next with.
The Anti-Smiz
Mar 17, 2017 at 1:28 pm
The 918 AP2s?
Sam
Mar 17, 2017 at 11:20 am
I play two year old forged 850’s and the 4 some I play with have all hit them and ask me to leave them to them when I pass. We play two sums for lunch once a week and my partner plays out of my bag because no matter what shot he hits he just flat love’s the feel.
Mike
Mar 19, 2017 at 10:39 am
Ebay is your friend’s friend.
cgasucks
Mar 24, 2017 at 10:10 am
Craigslist is even a better friend…no shipping or customs, or foreign exchange BS.
Mark
Mar 17, 2017 at 10:42 am
Quality clubs for quality players. Simple as that.
Peter
Mar 17, 2017 at 10:38 am
Great news for Mizuno. Probably not that surprising for the better amateur golfers around the world who already know that Mizuno make the best irons.
The dude
Mar 17, 2017 at 12:14 pm
Miura…..(mic drop)
Tom
Mar 18, 2017 at 1:12 pm
Peters passive brag. Mizzy’s are good, did ya try Srixon?
Zach
Mar 17, 2017 at 10:33 am
I absolutely love my JPX 900 Forged irons. Nothing felt anywhere close to the soft buttery feel. I will upgrade to the Tours when I wear out my current set.
cgasucks
Mar 17, 2017 at 10:15 am
Not surprised..when I started golf in 2000, Mizuno has stated at the time that they’re the #1 irons on the tour…then one day, TM started to give tee up money to non-staff players to use their irons and drivers and has been that way for a long time. I hope Mizuno goes back to being the #1 irons on tour again.
Tom54
Mar 17, 2017 at 9:38 am
Loved the mp-29s back in the 90s and thought they were best out there. Have not tried Mizuno irons for a while. My quirk with them is I wish they would have stuck with the old “M” as their logo. Don’t know what the new one means at all. Looked much more classy with old logo that’s just me
Steve
Mar 17, 2017 at 5:34 pm
“For many years, Mizuno had used a distinctive large “M” logo. This logo was integrated into the stripes on the sidewall of many of its baseball and running shoes, but due to a trademark issue and the feeling that the Mizuno “M” was deemed too similar to the Adidas three stripes, a more modern Mizuno logo was needed that would also signify the company’s expansive views.”
“The Runbird—a beautiful, free-flowing, graphic emblem of the Mizuno brand—is more than just a logo, adorning shoes, clothes and gear. Instead, the Runbird symbolizes Mizuno’s roots in the Japanese concept of its universal approach to sports with unlimited space and energy.”
There ya go.
rogerinnz
Mar 17, 2017 at 9:26 am
So no real suprises that it;s Mizuno !!
In the 1990’s it was the same!!
Tom54
Mar 17, 2017 at 9:26 am
I played mizuno mp-29s back in the 90s and thought they were awesome clubs. I’m sure today’s models are nice too. Just wish they wouldn’t have switched the “M” logo to that strange looking thing they use now I know it’s just a quirk but I wish they went back to old logo
Brian
Mar 20, 2017 at 9:35 am
I personally like the contemporary Running Bird logo more
Tom
Mar 17, 2017 at 9:14 am
so no contract = Mizuno JPX 900 irons for 8 players. I hope players mentioned above have a good season with these irons in their bag.
PK
Mar 17, 2017 at 8:55 am
Interesting regarding the Mizuno irons but just as interesting is the fact that all these players on this list are using M1/M2 drivers.
bob
Mar 17, 2017 at 9:14 am
they are getting paid a driver contract.
Feel the Bern
Mar 17, 2017 at 8:47 am
Don’t expect to see any left handers on this list. For shame, Mizuno. For Shame.
Wizardofflatstickmountain
Mar 17, 2017 at 9:36 am
Lefties make up between 5-7% of golfers in the IS.do not know what percentage of lefties there are in Japan.
It’s reasonable that a company would fish where the fish are, wouldn’t you say?
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2003-04-18/features/0304180048_1_lefty-golfers-left-handed-judi-pavon
joro
Mar 17, 2017 at 10:35 am
I just got a set of Leftie MP900 Hot Metal Irons and they are amazing. I have 5 thru lob with an M2 Driver, no contract,lol. As club maker and repairman Mizuno has always been the top quality in my opinion and when you are working on clubs you find out what is quality and what is not. I have Callaways, TMs, and other “top of the lines”,,, no comparison.
joro
Mar 17, 2017 at 10:37 am
Duh, Sorry, they are JPX900 Hot Metal.
JThunder
Mar 17, 2017 at 5:40 pm
I feel your pain, lefties. My mom makes up one of your sinistro numbers.
In an era when golf companies are wailing and gnashing their teeth about “decline” in right handed golfers, you can surely understand how the capitalist solution is to disenfranchise the 5%. Corporate America tends to dump products that “only” sell at a 10% level, etc.
There is no easy solution. You could find a way to surgically implant the long-lost heart (or conscience) into capitalism. You could try to find a way to make left-handed clubs more profitable. This might involve drafting masses of lefties into golf, or long-term breeding of the recessive gene (which is 50/50 right-left). Or find someone to pull a Ned Flanders and create a Left Hand Golf club OEM and Superstore. My first suggestion is preferred since it might improve more things too.
Marc Anderson
Mar 18, 2017 at 8:16 am
JPX900 Hot Metal, JPX900 Forged &
MP25 irons are available in LH.
mr b
Mar 17, 2017 at 8:47 am
900 Tours are the best iron i’ve hit. waiting on my tax refund to get a set and upgrade my 63’s. stoked!