World No 2 Rose signs multi-year deal with Honma Golf
JUSTIN Rose’s switch to Honma Golf has been confirmed by the Japanese-based company, who added that the world number two had signed multi-year endorsement contract.
The Englishman had been with TaylorMade for 20 years, during which time he won the 2013 US Open, a gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games and the 2018 FedEx Cup, en route to climbing to the world No. 1 spot last season.
Commenting on the move, the 38-year-old Rose said: “I’m extreme- ly excited to be joining Honma.
“Coming off one of my best years professionally, I wanted to make it a point to get better. I believe Honma equipment and the legendary Honma craftsmanship can help make me better.”
For Honma, founded in 1959 in Sakata, Japan, Rose becomes their first marquee golfer to represent the company and follows the trend of other global manufacturers taking on board world-class athletes.
“When we thought about the ideal golfer who aligns with our company values, everything pointed to Justin Rose,” Honma chairman Liu Jian Guo, said.
“Justin is a world-class player and beyond that, a gentleman and family man. We are happy to have him on the Honma team.
“Besides that, we strongly believe with Justin’s local and international influence in the sport, media coverage and social media following, the partnership will create an immediate and positive uplift of Honma’s brand image and product awareness in mature markets, which should in turn accelerate the implementation of Honma’s growth strategies.”
On another note, Mark King, who was TaylorMade chief executive officer from 1999 to 2013, has been hired as a Honma adviser.
Last week Honma announced the launch of their the new TWorld747 range of golf clubs for the 2019 season. A key feature is the new TWorld747 Real Distance technology in the clubs that allows the face and lie to be adjusted without rotating the spine of the shaft.