Justin Rose signs with Honma Golf, reportedly a 10-club deal
England's Rose signs multi-year golf equipment deal with Japanese brand Honma Golf.
Justin Rose confirmed his new golf equipment deal with luxury Japanese brand Honma Golf on social media today.
Rose ended months of speculation and rumour by taking to his official social media channels to reveal the news that he was leaving TaylorMade for Honma Golf.
It is anticipated the World No.2 and reigning FedEx Cup champion will play 10 Honma Golf clubs, comprising T/World TW747 driver, a prototype version of the forged cavity back T/World TW747 V in 4, 5 and 6-irons, a prototype T/World 747 'Justin Rose' forged muscle back in 7, 8 and 9-irons, as well as custom prototype versions of the T/World TW forged wedges in 47, 56 and 60 degrees.
While yet to be confirmed, Rose is likely to continue using his TaylorMade TP5 golf ball. It’s also possible he could use TaylorMade product early on in the season, due to his familiarity with the equipment.
Rose told GolfMagic this morning: 'It's awesome news, I can't wait to get started.'
The announcement referenced “a multi-year partnership in which Rose would lead Honma’s worldwide Tour presence, to which the board sees this as an important milestone in Honma’s efforts in global professional golf.”
The T//World TW747 driver that debuted in Asia late last year reportedly features “the world’s lightest” carbon crown, tungsten in the sole for a low center of gravity and a unique adjustable hosel system that changes loft, lie and face angle while maintaining the same position for the spine of the shaft.
Rose will carry a Honma bag and have the Honma logo on both sides of his hat, which now features his sponsor Morgan Stanley at the front.
With Rose now in the fold, Honma has an immediate presence on the PGA Tour, something former TaylorMade CEO Mark King has been working towards since he was hired by the equipment manufacturer in August as a strategic advisor.
King, who spent 34 years with TaylorMade and held the CEO position from 1999-2013, is believed to be running Honma’s North American operation with the hiring of former executives who previously worked alongside him during his time in Carlsbad.
According to rumours, Honma is working on signing at least one other non-Asian player based on the PGA Tour.
Rose, 38, is scheduled to start his year at the Desert Classic in Palm Springs, from January 17 to 20.
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