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Mizuno MP-600 Driver Review
Mizuno has long been known as one of the better iron manufacturers in the world. They are also innovators in the industry they have been a major part of.
There are a few little known facts about the manufacturer that include being the first company to offer a mobile workshop for the PGA Tour in 1984, and they were also the first company in the world to launch a titanium driver, the Mizuno Pro Ti-110/120. Although Mizuno offers many selections in the game improvement arena, they are known for their equipment in the low handicap area of the market. Their forged irons have been played on all of the tours and have won many majors and even more golf championships.
Their latest offering in the driver market is the MP-600 driver with Fast Track technology. Is this just another driver geared toward the better player or is it a driver that can benefit both the better player and the high handicapper? How does it compare with the other offerings that are currently out in the market right now?
Technology
The MP-600 with Fast Track technology is teeming with up to date modern advances. The CNC milled, plasma welded CORTECH™ face insert will deliver the maximum USGA allowable ball speed across the entire area of the face for explosive distance, according to Mizuno. The size of the club head is 460cc, the largest allowable volume by the USGA. This driver also possesses the classic, traditional head shape which is rare in comparison to some of the other high tech drivers that are out in the market today.
The Fast Track technology has to be the coolest feature of this driver. This 460cc Titanium driver will allow players to quickly tweak their ball flight through the use of the revolutionary Fast Track. It has two adjustable eight gram weights that the player can easily move into 15 ball flight settings to fine tune the center of gravity and achieve their ideal ball flight and shape, for maximum control. This is a twist to the moveable weight technology that is offered by other manufacturers and allows for easier and faster movement of the weight around the perimeter of the golf club.
The stock shaft that is offered with the driver is the Exsar DS3 Driver shaft. It is only offered in stiff, regular, lite, and ladies. There are custom shaft options available and they include Fujikura Fit on 360, Aldila NV and NVS, Graffalloy Pro Launch Blue and Red, UST Proforce V2, Harrison Mugen, and the Tava for the ladies. Despite not being the largest selection offered by a manufacturer today, it covers most of the neccesary bases.
The driver is offered in three lofts, 8.5, 9.5, and 10.5. It is not offered in a left handed version.
Aesthetics
Mizuno has had a history of making aesthetically pleasing golf clubs, and this one is certainly no different. The classic shape of this driver is visually appealing to the discerning golfer. If you appreciate the look of a traditional driver this will be one driver that you should try. At address it sets very square and tall. The face is normal height but appears to be deeper than it actually is. This is a classic, traditional, good looking golf club at address, something that you would come to expect from a company like Mizuno.
The deep black paint on the driver goes perfectly with the traditional shape of the head. The omission of an alignment aide was a plus for me. Just a clean, classic looking head, that sits perfectly behind the golf ball.
Performance
The driver that I received to test was the 9.5 version with the stock Exsar DS3, stiff flex shaft. The shaft weighed in at 59 grams, and had a torque rating of 3.7. This is a mid flight shaft. I was actually quite surprised by this shaft, as it performed better than expected. I am leery about some of the stock shaft offerings from manufacturers, as sometimes they are not exactly what they advertise to be. But this one felt right on. Was not overly stiff, yet not to whippy either. Just a nice comfortable flex, that if need be I could go after on and not feel like the shaft would over-flex and I was going to snipe hook it.
The sound of the driver was great. Unlike many of the offerings today, this driver does not sound like an aluminum baseball bat; it has a more muted sound to it. It took me a few balls to get used to it, as my current driver is quite loud, and ear piercing at times.
Distance from this driver was impressive. The ball flight with this set up was mid to high with fairly low spin. So I was getting a great launch angle, with a good spin rate, and apparently (according to most fitters) this is an ideal combination for maximum distance. Even on the miss hits I had, the results were very good and fairly good distance wise. I would say that it is on par with most of the better drivers on the market today with regard to the potential distance of the driver.
After changing the weights on the fast track to get my desired set up and preferred ball shape, I then started to mess around with the settings to see if I could create some different ball flights and such. This was actually the fun part of the review as I got to mess around a little bit and try and hit some different shots. This did manipulate the spin of the ball a little bit and if you are looking for a driver that will allow you to fine tune your spin rate or desired shot shape, this could be one to check out.
Conclusion
Should you buy this driver or not? That is not really for me to tell you, all I can do is give you my opinion on the driver and hope that helps or answers some of the questions you might have had about it.
If was going to purchase a new driver, this driver would be on, or right near the top of my list. It accomplishes everything that I look for in a driver. It has the adjustability aspect, great distance, appearance, and quality, that as a former professional, I expect from my current golf clubs. This is a forgiving driver, but definitely is a better player’s driver, in my opinion. I am not sure that a higher handicap player would reap the benefits of a driver like this. But if you are a mid to low handicap golfer looking for a quality driver at a reasonable price, this might be the ticket.
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- James Nicholas – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Kevin Streelman – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rasmus Hojgaard – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Tom Whitney – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- SangMoon Bae – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rory McIlroy – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Russ Cochrane – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Aldrich Potgieter – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Steve Stricker WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Drew Brees WITB (Legendary New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Thriston Lawrence WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Patrick Cantlay spotted testing a Scotty Cameron blade putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
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News
Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board
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News
Tour Rundown: Six-pack of tourneys follows Masters
Brazil and Texas were kindred souls this week, at least when it came to weather. Both regions experienced torrential delays, and three tournaments were held up. The LPGA, PGA Tour Americas, and PGA Tour Champions were compelled to reduce play or work extra holes into Sunday. As if that weren’t enough, South Carolina and the PGA Tour fell victim to nature’s wrath, with lightning postponing the conclusion of the event to Monday.
The year’s first women’s major championship was celebrated in Texas. The Chevron is gaining a bit of tradition in its second year after relocation. This year’s event culminated in the continued coronation of the game’s current best. The Korn Ferry Tour saw a top-twenty performance from a 15-year old amateur, while the second event of the week on the big tour found a winner in the Dominican Republic. Six events is more than a handful, so let’s get right to it, with this week’s (delayed) Tour Rundown.
LPGA @ Chevron Championship: Korda corrals second major title
The winter of 2022-2023 seems so distant for current Nelly Korda. A mysterious ailment sapped all of her energy, just as the world appeared to have finally emerged from the pandemic. We never quite secured the complete information that we desired, but no one can say that any of us deserved to know more than Nelly wished to share. One thing is for certain: Nelly Korda has returned to top form, and the world number one golfer is at least one level above anyone else on tour.
Korda began her 2024 campaign with a January victory in the Drive One Championship. In her next start, in March, she continued her assault on the record books, with a win at the Se Ri Pak. She won again the following week, at the Ford, then defeated Leona Maguire in the final match at the T-Mobile Match Play, for a fourth consecutive victory. Would the increased hype around a major championship have an impact on her game? Well, no.
Korda began play at the Chevron Championship with a score of 68. She trailed Lauren Coughlin by two after 18 holes, but caught her with a second-round 69. Coughlin would ultimately tie for third spot with Brooke Henderson. Henderson played with Korda on day four, but the middle third of the round was her undoing. Making a late move was Maja Stark. House Stark closed with birdies at 17 and 18 to reach 11 under par. Both Korda and Strak played the final three days in identical numbers: 69 each day.
Korda held a firm hand on the tournament over the course of the final day. She stood minus-four for the round through ten holes, before a bit of sloppy play made things competitive again. Bogeys at 11 and 15 opened the door a wee bit for Stark. Korda was equal to the test, however, and closed stylishly with birdie at 18.
Safely around the green on the 72nd hole
Watch @NellyKorda‘s historic finish now on NBC! pic.twitter.com/1zaAYtbaCz
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour 1 @ RBC: Scottie, so hottie!
Nelly isn’t the only golfer on fire, although Scottie Scheffler still has a ways to go to match her. Scheffler proved this week that he has a game for all courses. After winning comfortably at lengthy Augusta National, Scheffler shifted gears and game to the wee Sea Pines course, and won again. That’s two weeks in a row for the man from New Jersey/Texas, so let’s learn how he did it.
Scheffler totaled 69 on day one, and found himself six shots behind leader J.T. Poston. Scheffler revealed that his teacher, Randy Smith, would tell him that he didn’t need to be the best 15 year-old; just the best 25 year-old. It was easy, then, to play the long game and consider all 72 holes, instead of just 18. Scheffler improved to 65 on Friday, and then went even lower on Saturday. His 63 moved him to the top of the board, and caused the golfverse to wonder if Scheffler would win for a second consecutive week.
Sunday saw all the chasers fall away. Scores between 70 and 72 from Patrick Rodgers, Collin Morikawa, and Sepp Straka meant that others would need to seize the day, if Scheffler were to do more than coast. Wyndham Clark and Justin Thomas each moved inside the top five with fourth-round 65s, but no one ever got close enough to the world number one. The win was Scheffler’s 10th on tour, and made him the betting favorite for next month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Scottie Scheffler can save par from just about anywhere.
Including the water ?
(Presented by @CDWCorp) pic.twitter.com/RUqL2sBrr9
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 22, 2024
PGA Tour 2 @ Corales Puntacana: Baton Boy claims 8th Tour triumph
If you’ve ever seen Billy Horschel toss a club, you know that he doesn’t do so in anger. More likely is a calculated, soaring arc, paired with a look of fractured disbelief, followed by a quick catch of the cudgel. Ergo, Baton Boy. This week on the island of Hispaniola, the native of Grant, Florida, outworked and outhustled everyone else on Sunday. Horschel gathered seven birdies and an eagle, on the way to a 63 and a 23-under par total.
The former Florida Gator zipped past the four golfers in front of him, and left the remaining field in the rear-view mirror. Horschel’s round was two shots better than anyone else, and moved him two shots ahead of third-round leader Wesley Bryan. One of the famed Bryan Brothers, Wes closed with birdie at the last to post a 68 that would have won the week on any other day.
Walking it in with a fist pump ?@BillyHo_Golf is 9-under on the day and leads by two @CoralesChamp. pic.twitter.com/N6rjL1GGGA
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 21, 2024
Korn Ferry Tour @ LeCom Suncoast: It’s Widing in extra holes
Miles Russell probably won’t have to serve detention for ditching class on Thursday and Friday. The high school freshman made his KFT debut, survived the 36-hole cut, and toyed with a top-ten finish. He ultimately tied for 20th at 14-under par, six shots behind the three co-leaders. My guess is that Epstein’s Mom will write him a note, and he’ll get a pass. By finishing top-25, Russell earned a spot in next week’s event. Yikes!
Back to the top of the board. Patrick Cover, Steven Fisk, and Tim Widing all found their way to the magic number of -20. Fisk made birdie at the last, after bogeys at 16 and 17. Cover had three bogeys on the back nine, but a birdie at 14 was enough to get him to overtime. Widing was plus-one on the day through four, but played interstellar golf over the final 14. Six birdies moved him from Russell-ville to extra time.
The trio scurried to the 18th tee, where Cover drove into a fairway bunker. He was unable to reach the green with his approach, made bogey, and exited the overtime session. Widing and Fisk returned to the final deck once more, and matters were resolved. Fisk was unable to convert a long par putt, and Widing (pronounced VEE-ding) tapped in for his first KFT title.
The feeling of relief when you know you won. ???
Tim Widing is now a champion on the #KornFerryTour. pic.twitter.com/K0vgiZ21UG
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Americas @ Brasil Open: Mr. Anderson finds a way
Golf is a funny game. Matthew Anderson held a lead with one round to play. He made six pars on Sunday, and sprinkled the rest of his card with birdies and bogeys. In complete contrast, Ollie Osborne played consistently on the day, posting four birdies and zero bogeys. Connor Godsey was not far off Osborne’s pace, with seven birdies and but two bogeys on the scorecard. So, of course, Matthew Anderson won by a stroke over Osborne and Godsey.
Not how, but how many, is another one of those platitudes that we all learn early on. Despite five bogeys through his first 14 holes, Anderson summoned the defiant grit to make birdie at the 71st and 72nd holes. After making deuce at the penultimat hole, Anderson’s swerving effort at the last looked as if it should miss low, but it had enough pace to stay inside the hole and fall for a closing four at the par-five finisher.
Birdie-birdie finish to secure the ?
Mississauga-native Matthew Anderson is your 69th ECP Brazil Open Champion. pic.twitter.com/ONE8hIUjeS
— PGA TOUR Americas (@PGATOURAmericas) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Champions @ Invited Celebrity: Broadhurst stands tall
What do you call a tournament that begins on Friday, takes Saturday off, and finishes on Sunday? Fortunate is one adjective to use. A weather system moved through Texas this weekend, and made a mess of things in Irving. After Thomas Bjorn signed for 64 on day one, rain and all things counter-productive moved through the Las Colinas resort, ensuring that Saturday would be nothing more than a rest day. When Sunday arrived, conditions had improved, and the game was on. Bjorn was unable to preserve his Friday magic, although he did record a 70 for -8. He finished in a third-place tie with Y.E. Yang.
David Toms, the 2001 PGA Championship victor, presented Sunday’s low round, and moved to 10-under par. Toms made one mistake on the day. He lived in the rough on the 9th hole, ultimately making bogey. The rest of the day was immaculate, as seven birdies came his way, resulting in a six-under par 65. Only one golfer was able to surpass Toms, and that was Paul Broadhurst.
Broadhurst nearly matched Toms for daily honors. His mistake came early, with bogey at the second. He bounced back with eagle at the third, and added three more birdies for 66 and 11-under par. Over his first three seasons on the Tour Champions, Broadhurst won five times, including two major titles. His fifth win came in 2018, making this win his first in six years. A long time coming, for sure, but well earned.
Looking at the hole is working for @PBroadhurstGolf ?
He leads by one after a clutch birdie on 15 @InvitedCC. pic.twitter.com/S0rhcVwaeE
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) April 21, 2024
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norberto bajandi
Jun 17, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I have in me Mizuno Ti-110 and I have read it’s the first Titanium Driver ever made.Am I lucky?.Yes sure I am.
Charlie
Dec 22, 2008 at 10:11 pm
It’s helpful when reviewers and especially commenters mention their SS and/or typical driving distance, along with the shaft they choose. I know that custom fitting is ideal, but for most of us it’s nice to know what shaft MIGHT work better for us. Thanks.
Al
Jan 29, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Just got back from the range with the new 10.5. Perfect ball flight for me and very easy to hit. I like the set up and the sound.
Al
Jan 28, 2008 at 7:04 pm
I received my 10.5 today and will be at the range tomorrow. I have hit the 9.5, so I will report on the 10.5 and see how they compare.
Dan G
Jan 24, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I think you will be very pleased with your purchase. Very solid driver.
Dan
Al
Jan 24, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Hit this club today and was very impressed. Great look, sound, and control. I moved the weights and it did have a significant impact on ball flight. I’m buying this one.
james
Jan 22, 2008 at 12:40 pm
i’ve just brought this club and its a fantastic club
RJ
Jan 15, 2008 at 10:05 am
Also thanks for the review, it is very helpful
RJ
Jan 15, 2008 at 10:05 am
I thought that the stock shaft was the Fit-On 360
Dan
Jan 14, 2008 at 2:10 pm
In comparing this driver to other drivers in the similar market, such as the superquad, I feel that it is on par if not better than those drivers. The spin rate was better for me with the MP-600 than the superquad, and the TP460. Very similar spin rates to my tour issued TP 425 that was made for me by the Tour Dept. at TM. So in seeing that the MP-600 is basically off the rack, to have similar spin rates is outstanding.
This driver is geared toward the lower to mid handicap player. It is not a forgiving high MOI driver like the sumo sqaured or the Titleist D1. Those drivers are geared toward the higher handicap player and are much easier to hit and gain better performance results than the MP-600. I am not saying that no high handicapper will enjoy this driver, all I was saying is that they could be better off with something that is designed to help a non-repetitive swing and off center hits (which is what alot of the square and high MOI drivers are aimed at doing).
The weight system is good and one of the neat things about the driver. IF you are looking for the 8 gram weights to massively change your ballflight it is not going to happen. But if you want to slightly modify some spin (reduce a hook, enhance a slight fade…etc.) then they will help. These weights will not dramatically change the ballflight, which is true for most all of the moveable weight technology drivers.
Hope that helps……
ColinMB
Jan 14, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Nice review, I only wish you could have compared it to something else…. anything like perhaps a superquad which is aimed at a similar market.
One thing I like about this driver that I don’t think you mentioned is the standard shaft length! In an age where OEM’s are pushing harder to handle, longer shafts, this one is the standard 45″, is it not?
I’m curious for what reasons did you find the club to not be a higher handicapper’s type of driver. Do the weights not compensate well for a slicer? Or is it simply punishing on misshits?
Also I’ve heard the weighting system might be too insignificant to truly adjust ball flight. You mentioned ‘spin’ adjustments, but did -you- find the weighting system move your ball from draw to fade adequately?
Thanks again for the review.