The No. 2-ranked golfer in the world switched to them, and not surprisingly, Japan’s Honma brand is starting to turn heads. Justin Rose, who played TaylorMade clubs for more than a decade was announced as a staff player for Honma in January. In recent months, Honma has retained the services of former TaylorMade executives Mark King and Canadian John Kawaja, who is a consultant to the company. A North American push is clearly in the offing for the Japanese company.

Rumours had circulated for months that Rose would be departing from TaylorMade, and he debuted new irons and a new driver in January—both of which are now available in select Golf Town stores and online.

“When we thought about the ideal golfer that aligns with our company values, everything pointed to Justin Rose,” said Liu Jianguo, chairman of Honma Golf, in a press statement. “Justin is a world-class player, and beyond that, a gentleman and family man. We are ecstatic to have him on the Honma team.”

Rose tested Honma gear in the Bahamas with Canadian clubfitter Laird White last fall before determining which clubs he’d use.

T//World 747 Club Lineup

Out of the gate, Honma has aimed its latest driver/iron combos at better golfers who demand a high level of sophistication and feel from their clubs. If you’re a great ballstriker who wants a soft feel and incredible look, the company’s driver and iron combo might be right for you. 

Honma 747 Driver

When Rose left TaylorMade for Honma, some expected he’d also continue to play a TaylorMade driver. That turned out not to be the case, as he had the T//World 747 driver in his this year.

Technology:

• Honma’s driver has a ribbed design, allowing the company to offer one of the thinnest crowns in the business. The company says the crown is 50% lighter, but maintains its strength.
• 4-Fang Face: With four support “fangs” increasing the rigidity of the head, the face has room to flex over a wider area. That means more ball speed on off-centre strikes.
• Forgiving: The lightweight crown allowed Honma to position the centre of gravity to make the driver more forgiving.
• Adjustable: The driver can be adjusted for loft, lie and face angle without rotating the shaft. 

Available online here or select Golf Town stores.

T//World 747 P Iron

With an elegant topline, these irons provide speed and distance in a confidence inspiring mid-size profile.

Technology:

• Strong lofts and thin, fast face increase ball speed for distance
• Tungsten sole weight and pocket cavity design position the CG low and deep for launch, forgiveness and playability.
• Carbon embossed cavity inset for solid feel.

Available online here or select Golf Town stores.

T//World 747 V Iron

This pure cavity back forged blade iron provides distance with solid feel and controlled ball flight.

Technology:

• Loft, offset and precisely positioned CG location delivers distance with shot and trajectory control.
• Forged S20C steel: Precision forged to the highest standards
• Sexy: Japanese forged irons are known for their sleek look, and the T//World 747 V irons are no different, especially with the mix of satin front and mirror back finishing.

Available online here or select Golf Town stores.

Coming Soon: TW 747 Rose Proto MB Irons

Announced in the middle of April, these are irons based on the prototype Rose has played since switching to the brand. Honma says the irons were designed with direct input from Rose, one of the best ball strikers on tour.

Technology:

• Not surprisingly, given Japan’s history of creating incredible forged irons, the 747 irons are crafted out of S20C steel, with aggressive styling. The process took several months of testing, though Rose put the prototypes in play in January.
• A muscleback iron that looks like a blade, the construction allows better golfers to carefully control the trajectory of their shots. Precise center of gravity and distance from the hosel allows the best players to have complete command over their game.