Ohio Golf Journal February 2020

The XXIO Eleven is available for both men and women and targeted for players with moderate swing speeds, typically ladies and senior men. “We’ve been developing lightweight equipment for nearly two decades now,” Thiry said. “That kind of experience gives you a real understanding of, not only the benefits of lightweight, but also the benefits of accompanying technologies that you can pair with lightweight to make the products perform even better. With our new Weight Plus counterbalancing technology, we are further pushing the limits of high balance point. It’s the combination of lightweight and high balance point that makes XXIO Eleven a game changer for moderate swing speed players.” XXIO X are premium category clubs for better golfers looking to take advantage of lower weight and high balance point design. “X takes the same XXIO philosophy – lightweight and easy to swing – but is designed for better players” said Jeff Brunski, Vice President of Research and Development. “We’re targeting golfers who have typically played ‘players’ golf equipment but are starting to see distance declines in their game. X allows a wider audience to experience the difference of XXIO,” Brunski said. “It’s easy distance and easy forgiveness, built without sacrifices.” Honma Continues to Grow in the United States HonmaGolf ismakingasignificant effort to capture a bigger portion of the golf equipment business in the United States and the newest line built for the better player is the TR20 family. Two driver models, 440cc and 460cc, both have a titanium frame with extensive areas of the body constructed with a strong, but lightweight carbon fiber. The adjustable hosel is interesting. Rather than the entire head, or shaft turning as loft or face angles are changed, Honma uses an inner hosel ring so the head and shaft orientation remain constant. The TR20V irons are forged from soft carbon steel in a cavity back design and the TR20P are forged from S35C steel with an L-cup face. Honma tells me they are similar enough in design to make a combination set helpful to players wanting a more forgiving long iron in the bag. “TR20 drivers are a feat of engineering craftsmanship from our incredibly talented teams in Sakata and Carlsbad. Combining innovative carbon construction with the legendary shaping of our takumis in Japan is something we’re very excited for golfers to experience,” said Honma President John Kawaja. Honma’s Vice President of Global Product ChrisMcGinley said about the two iron models, “The combination of Honma hand-crafted looks with tour level performance, modern constructions and expert designs provide a blend of looks, sound and feel that golfers will love.” On the PGATour the number nine player in the Official World Golf Rankings, Justin Rose, is playing a prototype TR20B that is expected to be available this summer.