Honma’s TR20 Brings Japan & America’s Top Club Designers Together

Outside of Mizuno and Srixon, a lot of Japanese golf brands, unfortunately, don’t get the attention and credit that they deserve. Although there is nothing wrong with the major OEMs, like TaylorMade and Callaway, there is something clearly very different about the equipment that comes from the lesser-known, premium Japanese brands, such as Miura, Epon and Honma.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Honma Golf (@honmagolf) on Apr 27, 2020 at 6:37pm PDT

Founded in 1958, Honma Golf has since established itself as a manufacturer of “golf clubs that combine exceptional functionality and refined sensibilities” in the Asian market. But the brand has recently decided that it’s time to expand and share its high quality products with the American market.

The TR20 (short for “Tour Release 2020”) clubs combine 60 years of expert craftsmanship with cutting-edge design and construction from a uniquely structured team of industry-leading engineers, but, simultaneously, also represent a first for the company. To explain, the TR20 line is the Honma’s first-ever North American-led product line, a collaboration between its Sakata, Japan-based takumi (craftsmen) and the brand’s team of U.S. engineers that delivers golfers the best of two masterfully talented worlds.

“When you combine the attention to detail and finely crafted performance upheld by the takumi with our expert Carlsbad R&D team, every phase of the clubmaking process becomes a finely engineered work of art,” says John Kawaja, president of Honma Golf. “In the hands of golfers, the TR20 family of clubs inspires confidence and the pride that they’re using equipment that’s been meticulously created by two expert teams. When Japan’s finest club designers’ team up with America’s most accomplished club designers, the clear winner is the golfer who values inspired quality and performance.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Classically cutting edge. | Introducing the all-new TR20 P and V irons: designed to deliver incredibly precise feel, distance and control. Hit the link in bio to get fit for TR20 at a Honma Experience near you. #HonmaTR20

A post shared by Honma Golf (@honmagolf) on Feb 10, 2020 at 5:06pm PST

The TR20 440 and 460 drivers, along with the TR20 P and V irons, provide fast, tour-level performance with uncompromising Honma artisanship for low, mid- and high handicaps in the North American market.

Starting with the driver, the creation process started with a hand-shaped and finely detailed Mississippi persimmon block and, ultimately, was transformed into one of the most technologically advanced drivers on the market.

“Like a race car, these drivers are built for speed,” says Chris McGinley, VP of Global Product. “They have a minimum lightweight TiCarbon Fast Frame with a maximum amount of carbon body area. It’s a carbon clamshell – the entire outer crown and sole are made of carbon, while the underside of the crown is ribbed to reduce weight and increase strength – that sits on top of a very thin titanium frame eliminating vibration and the variable face thickness increasing face repulsion and COR for more initial ball speed.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The TR20 drivers, available in 440cc and 460cc, are available in 8.5°, 9.5° and 10.5° lofts and are adjustable using the three-weight triangle system and patented non-rotating hosel system for additional lie and loft adjustments.

As for irons, there’s the TR20 P and TR20 V. Both the TR20 P and V irons showcase gorgeous player-preferred profiles with sleek lines and shaping and are built to be fast and forgiving, even on misses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The TR20P is a player’s distance iron that incorporates game improvement-like playability. Founded around a forged steel body, a thin L-cup face helps generate ball speed while a co-forged tungsten piece in the cavity lends forgiveness, which is further assisted by a slightly wider sole.

The low center of gravity promotes higher launch and longer carry distance, which will really help sticking the greens on those approach shots and Par 3s. “The blade length is small enough to be accepted by a tour pro, but big enough to be market playable,” says McGinley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Honma Golf (@honmagolf) on May 5, 2020 at 2:54pm PDT

Alternatively, the TR20V is a true player’s iron that’s long. A traditional one-piece cavity back iron that’s been forged from soft carbon steel helps launch shots quick and high, but with plenty control. Adhering to the player design focus, the TR20Vs feature a slightly shorter blade length, thinner topline and sole, and reduced offset.

As seen above, the TR20P and V irons are very similar in appearance, which allows golfers to consider combo sets (perhaps with TR20 Ps in long irons and transitioning to the TR20 Vs for your scoring clubs). Additionally, a TR20 B (blade) iron is set to join the iron family during this summer, which means you could further customize your bag for that ideal setup.

And if you’re looking to fill the gap between the TR20 drivers and irons, the all new TR21 fairway woods and hybrids will be coming to market in Fall 2020.

The TR20 lineup is currently available in stores, online, and by fitting appointment at one of the Honma Experience locations, which include Reunion Resort and Golf Club (Kissimmee, FL), Ko Olina Golf Club (Kapolei, HI), and the Honma House (Carlsbad, CA). And if one of those aren’t nearby, reservations are also available for custom fitting sessions at one of the Honma Mobile Experiences, currently available in California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida.

Honma is certainly a premium product, and the TR20 family is priced according, with the drivers retailing at $650 and irons at $200 per club with graphite or $175 with graphite.

Hopefully Golficity can bring you a fitting experience and first-hand review of the TR20 products in the near future.