From Nick Faldo to Garrett Clark...

How Mizuno changed its sponsorship strategy

- MICHAEL WESTON

Ask a hundred golfers to name a player associated with Mizuno and you're going to get a lot of Nick Faldo coming back at you. Britain's most successful ever golfer spent much of his peak with the Japanese brand, and collected all six of his Major titles playing its clubs.

Former World No.1 Luke Donald who, in 2011, became the first ever player to clinch both the US and European money lists in the same year - is another high-profile name that springs to mind, and countless others have enjoyed great success with a manufacturer renowned for its legendary craftsmanship.

There was a time when Mizuno irons were the most played on both the PGA Tour and European Tour – they dominated for a good decade. Although Mizuno is still a desirable brand, the counts look a lot different now. But in 2018, when 30 leading pros were asked in an anonymous survey which equipment brand they would play if there were no sponsorship money, 36 per cent nominated Mizuno (the top choice).

It probably explains why so many non-contracted players choose to play Mizuno when they have the freedom. Brooks Koepka is one example. When Nike left the hardware scene at the end of 2016, the American became a free agent – and he chose Mizuno. Despite not being paid, all four of his Major titles were won with Mizuno irons. More recently, Justin Rose and Paul Casey have chosen to play Mizuno, which speaks volumes.