Over the last couple of weeks I have been sharing a variety of press releases from Miura Golf. Mary Beth Lacy of golf public relations firm Mary Beth Lacy Inc has been kind enough to share this information with me. Thus far I have talked about the Passing Point Neo Genesis irons which I have made swings with already this year. In January, I saw and felt first hand the new Hayate driver and metalwoods and they are more stunning than pictures give them credit for. Most recently, I divulged information about a forged Miura iron for golfers of all skill levels… the CB-2008.

Yesterday marked a big day for the newest reincarnation of the Miura Golf brand. On June 20th Miura Golf launched its MG Collection (Miura Giken) in North America. It’s the day before the Summer Solstice and with this release it will mark a slightly “hotter” golf season in North America. I first heard of the Miura Giken irons several years ago but it was in February at the Niagara Golf Show where I talked to Brian Morrissey of Power Golf who happens to be a dealer of many upscale brands such as Miura. He told me to keep my eyes open because what Miura Golf was bringing to market over here was eyebrow-raising.

With this most recent press release Miura has announced the rest of the exotic line that has just been launched. There is an old adage which is “save the best for last” and this just might be the case. With the launch of the CB-1008 and MB-5005 Miura Golf has introduced two new exquisite player’s irons. Below is the press release from the company.

Miura Debuts Two New Players’ Irons

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA — Miura Golf has introduced two new irons to their MG Collection– the CB-1008 cavityback and the MB-5005 muscleback — for better players. CB-1008 The CB-1008 player’s cavityback is forged from a billet of soft carbon steel. It features awider sole (19mm on the 7-iron) that significantly contributes to the iron’s playability and forgiveness. That weight distribution in the sole, combined with a lower center of gravity, delivers forgiveness and increased launch angles — especially in the mid- and long irons.  “Being able to deliver the feel and performance generally only associated with a Blade iron makes the CB-1008 a naturally choice in the players’ iron category,” says Bill Holowaty, COO of Miura Golf.  “A wider sole and a precise distribution of weight are design characteristics which enhance the playability of this iron.”  Each CB-1008 iron has a $279 MAP price. MB-5005 By redistributing approximately 15 grams of weight from the muscleback part of the iron, we modified the design of a typical blade iron — resulting in the MB-5005. Thus, this iron looks like a blade but plays like a cavityback. It incorporates one of Miura’s key design principles, “There exist subtleties with the design of the MB-5005 which have enabled the Miura family to deliver a Blade iron that plays like a Cavity Back,” said Holowaty. “The redistribution of weight in the head allows for an expanded sweet spot and lower center of gravity.  The MB-5005 is also slightly longer from heel to toe, delivering a feeling of confidence to the golfer at address.” The MB-5005 is a limited edition product line in North America. Each MB-5005 iron has a $329 MAP price. About Miura Golf Miura Golf makes the world’s finest forged golf clubs, which are designed and manufactured by the Miura family in their factory in Himeji, Japan. The entire family works hands-on in the factory and continues to carry on the Miura legacy. World-renowned craftsman Katsuhiro Miura began hand-crafting and grinding irons in 1957, and has created one of the most-respected brands in the golf industry. Miura’s endless quest for the perfect club has brought to the world over 10 product series, a number that grows as the next generation of the Miura family – led by sons Shinei and Yoshitaka – continue their meticulous refinement and evolution of product lines. Each club is individually hand-crafted and will never be mass produced, as generations of steel-making skill and passion brings to us the world’s finest golf clubs. This attention to detail will be demonstrated in the new Miura branding, which now reflects the clean and sleek lines of a Miura club. The rebrand also reflects the new partnership between the Miura and Milstein families, and also reflects a broader reach with their products that display the same exquisite quality but with the ability to serve golfers of all skill levels. With the release of more forgiving clubs, Miura is reaching deeper into the golf community and exposing more golfers to its legendary feel and craftsmanship.

Until The Next Tee!

Before I really get into this piece I need to clarify that I am not writing this particular piece looking for a pity party. I’ve never been that guy and never will be. But I also happen to be the kind of guy that wears my heart on sleeve. Anybody that really knows me would agree and say that I’m really easy to read.

In the past I have documented my 18 year fight with various health issues. I know that I don’t have a terminal illness or need to be in palliative care but I have been plagued with battle after battle and it really does seems never-ending. The past 18 years has seen me go through numerous Transient Ischemic Attacks, a scare that saw me go ever so close to renal failure, a near amputation of my right leg and numerous cardiac issues not to mention Diabetes. Most of these issues have really come within the last six years. Ironically enough, this is the period of time when I decided to try this golf thing as a professional. The results never came and I am not the least bit ashamed of it… if anything I would have regrets if I never tried.

I guess the point that I’m trying to make is that in life you have a choice. Quit and feel sorry for yourself or you can fight and grind and make the most of life. I’m definitely in the latter category and I think this is why I get “pissed” at guys when they withdraw from tournaments because they’re playing bad. I remember my first event… I was stressed out or at least I think that I was. I cold-topped my first ever tee shot as a professional which unceremoniously never made it past the forward tees. Then I topped my recovery shot as well out of the lush rough. By the time I was walking up the third hole at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ontario I was having an angina episode. I never withdrew then and played out the tournament. I was playing okay in a U.S. Open Local Qualifier one year at Mendon Country Club in Victor, NY. On the 8th hole I suffered a real “doozer” of an angina attack. Maybe I should have applied for a cart but I didn’t want to be “that guy”. This one was so bad that I couldn’t really lift my arm over my head because of weakness. I played that one out too and got the “letter of death”. In fact, I had one withdrawal from a tournament when I was carted off of the course and taken by ambulance from Tarandowah Golfer’s Club in Avon, Ontario. This was also on the Great Lakes Tour like the FireRock event. I didn’t want to quit but I had no choice. Flee or fight right?

Over the last few months I’ve been fighting some issues that have gotten worse than I’ve ever had. Weakness, chest palpitations and light-headedness. I’ve gone through a battery of tests recently and an Ultrasound (Doppler) of my lower body revealed that I have severe blockages of the Iliac, Renal ,Femoral and Tibial arteries. It explains a lot like the strain and pain that I feel in my legs all too often. Also, I had a Carotid Doppler (Ultrasound) last week and I found out that I have a moderate to severe blockage of my Right Innominate Artery which comes off of the Carotid Artery. This also explains a lot of things like the light-headedness. In the next two weeks I have more tests like a Holter Monitor for a few days, an exercise stress test and an Echocardiogram. Hopefully, we can get all of our ducks in a row and start making me feel at least a little better.

In the meantime I have a choice to make. Fight or feel sorry for myself. Of course in typical fashion I choose to fight and grind. I’ve been trying to get to the range to practice but I haven’t been able to go because I’ve had a ton of bad days recently. Today I had a good day and felt good enough to go. So off to the range I went at Legends On The Niagara and spent three hours working on short game, putting and full swing taking full advantage of my good day. While I was at it I was testing products from VICE Golf, Loudmouth Golf, Skechers and SwingOil for upcoming reviews. It was an okay session that ended real strong. I had some rust and I made some horrible passes where I was topping my 7-iron. It drove me nuts and then I realized the problem. Here’s a little tip kids…

Check your grip pressure and arm tightness. If it’s too tight a lot of bad will come of it. No wrist hinging and you’ll likely stand up during the backswing. A loss of spine angle and a flip later and you’re cold-topping 7-irons. Loose hands and spaghetti arms.

It was so nice being out there today. I just sat out there on a bench on the range and took it all in. The sounds, the sights and the smells. All of these things are the reason why I love this game. If you’re down… #fightandgrind

Until The Next Tee!

It’s that time again. The time has come to be an old crotchety, cantankerous old man. This week there have been a few things in the golf world that have really ground my gears. So without further delay it’s time to get it off of my chest.

As we approach Father’s Day weekend that means only one thing and one thing only. It’s time for the second Major of the year… The U.S. Open. I wanted to touch on this because there are a few things that are bugging me. The first thing is Phil Mickelson and his electing to not play in the championship this year. The reason? Well, his daughter Amanda is graduating from high school and just happens to be the senior class president. As the story goes a PGA Professional from the Tucson, AZ area petitioned the high school requesting that the school should change the date of commencement so “Lefty” could play in the U.S. Open. Furthermore, he took it upon himself to speak for “millions of golf fans” to write this petition stating that it was taking away from Mickelson’s chance to win the career Grand Slam. Thanks Mr. PGA Professional you don’t need to speak for me. I don’t know anything about you or whether or not you have family. I know one thing for certain. If it were me with the career Grand Slam being a possibility… I would never EVER miss my child’s graduation or be so consumed to take it upon myself to write a high school asking them to alter their plans. Personally, I think you would have had better luck writing the USGA to get them to change their ways and date. I love and am passionate about golf and that’s abundantly clear but golf simply is not bigger than life nor does it circumvent life.

Did I just say something about the USGA changing their ways? This year the U.S. Open is being contested up at Erin Hills in Erin, Wisconsin. Thousands of golfers have played in Local Qualifiers and those fortunate to advance have either or will be playing in Sectional Qualifiers. Recently, players to have advanced through Sectional Qualifying to get into the field include Kyle Thompson, Jason Kokrak, Bryson DeChambeau, Keegan Bradley and veteran Steve Stricker. Many congratulations goes out to those players and the rest that have made it through qualifying. Unfortunately with those accolades comes a bit of negativity. This week Adam Scott was quoted as saying hopefully the USGA “gets it right this time” as far as making the venue fair. Scott feels (as do many others) that the USGA is too concerned with protecting a golf course against par. Define “fair”? No rough.. maybe an inch? A course that players see week in and week out on every stop on tour. Fairways and greens so meticulous where nothing is out of place?  Only The Masters thanks. I like the USGA for setting up the courses tough. I might be in the minority but I hate when tournaments have winning score of -15 or better. It’s not right. I hope the greens are firm, the rough lush and the fairways tight. In no way am I suggesting the “Carnage at Chambers Bay” or “The Farce at Shinnecock” repeat themselves. But keep the players… “honest”! It’s the same course for the same field. That said, if the USGA gets a couple of things right please let it be no outside interference from viewers, let the players govern themselves and please for the love of all things right if a Rules Official is brought in. Please make the right call and get through a championship minus egg on your collective faces.

Lastly, the handling of Tiger Woods. I won’t shy away from the fact that I wrote about it (This And That) and I stand by everything that I said and I won’t retract anything. I too have had my transgressions although none of those put my family or others at risk or in harm’s way. However, the way the man has been dragged through the mud by the City of Jupiter is appalling. Yes, I posted the mug shot as did many other writers and if he was you or I would there have been a mug shot posted of us? Likely not. But they had a celebrity in a vulnerable place and situation and I wouldn’t be the least surprised if somebody got paid a decent amount for the leaked picture. Instead of leaving it at that one mug shot out comes dash cam footage and even footage from when Tiger was in the holding area. Jupiter, Florida that was bush league. I don’t condone DUI in any way shape or form nor have I operated a vehicle while being on heavy pain killers but before you shared that footage with millions of people think to yourself… would I do that to MY family member? Was it some sort of example setting? Either way… get a grip and grow up. Whatever happened to some semblance of privacy?

Until The Next Tee!

The other day I wrote about some new products being released by Miura Golf. A company that exudes pride, quality and class. Thus far, I have talked about the Hayate (Hi-yah-tay) driver and fairway woods which I first saw at the PGA Show back in January. I’ve also talked about the Passing Point Neo Genesis PP 2005 G irons as well which I have already made swings with. An iron that has the Miura feel yet one that feels “distinctive” at impact.

Mary Beth Lacy of Mary Beth Lacy Inc shared the most recent press release with me from Miura Golf. Following closely on the heels of the Hayate debut is the next part of the “MG Collection”. Miura is very proud to introduce the CB 2008 an iron “for all skill levels”. With the CB 2008 Miura Golf introduces an iron with a mid-sized head  that features a soft carbon steel face and neck while the cavity back is constructed from a composite material. Thus allowing a wider sole (which may not appeal to all skill levels) which allows for a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness while keeping the centre of gravity low. Going back to my remarks about the wider sole.. I am in no way insinuating that the soles are shovel like because quite frankly that is not Miura.

While there is more technical information I will let Miura Golf explain the iron more in-depth. Below is the press release.

Miura Golf Debuts CB 2008 Irons For All Skill Levels HIMEJI, JAPAN — Miura Golf has introduced its new CB 2008 irons, which dispel the notion that forged irons are only for better players. “The CB 2008 epitomizes how advancements in technology can be delivered to golfers of all skill levels,” says Bill Holowaty, COO of Miura Golf. “The midsize clubhead combines a soft carbon forged face and neck with a composite, pocket cavityback. This design allows for a wider sole, lower center of gravity, larger sweet spot and more forgiveness. Meaning that regardless of your ability, a Miura forged iron is waiting for you.” CB 2008 The CB 2008 begins with a single billet of soft carbon steel. The mid-sized head is the first composite body iron produced exclusively at Miura’s Himeji, Japan factory. Technological advancements have enabled the factory to integrate a forged face (just 4mm thick) with a SUS composite pocket cavityback. The result is an iron that delivers a performance previously unseen in any Miura iron. The evolution of the sweet spot power bridge is integral to this process. In the 5-through-8-iron, this unique design allows the pocket cavity to perform consistently throughout the entire set while delivering the renowned Miura feel. The 9-iron and PW are one-piece forged. The CB 2008 boasts a deeper center of gravity, adding a level of forgiveness that will appeal to all golfers — regardless of playing index or experience. Enhancing the playability is Miura’s widest iron sole ever — it’s 20mm in the 7-iron, for example — allowing for more solid contact on shots from all types of lies and conditions. “The most important aspect of the design and development process is delivering the feel and performance that have long been the DNA of Miura forged irons,” says Holowaty. “Golfers are going to love the CB 2008.”  Each iron carries a $339 MAP price.

 

Even if the sole is on the wider side the CB 2008 iron looks to have an appealing topline. Miura feel in an easier to swing chassis making for more forgiveness and a larger sweet spot? This one I am excited about. The first chance that I get to swing these irons I will let you (my readers) know how they perform.

Until The Next Tee!