Mizuno Pro – Best of the Rest (c. 1985-1995)

This part of the blog is not meant to be exhaustive in its reach. It is a list of interest from Mizuno’s Golden Era (c.1985-1995) of some of the best iron sets (in the author’s opinion) that are neither “MS” or “TP” (covered previously).

Aside from the slight cavity of TN-93, only genuine (Pro Model) blade sets were under consideration for inclusion. Given the sheer number, many great sets (particularly non-Pro models) will have been deliberately, or accidentally, overlooked.

TN Sets

It’s Tommy time…

TN-87

In many ways, THE Mizuno blade. Japan only from 1988 and hugely popular in that market. Has subsequently gained a cult following in N. America and elsewhere.

“TN” is of course Tsuneyuki “Tommy” Nakajima, the leading Japanese player in the 1980’s, who had top-10 finishes in all four majors towards the end of the decade.

TN-87 was played round the world, and Nick Faldo won his two majors in 1990 with them in the bag. Other notable players include Sandy Lyle and Frank Nobilo. The same heads were put out in Europe as a limited edition TP-2000 set and the very popular MP-29 in N. America. Someone called Eldrick had the 2-4 MP-29 irons in his bag at Augusta in 1997.

TN-87 sets were also re-released twice in Japan in limited numbers – the Millennial 2000 set and as recently as 2014. The additional TN grind 52* gap wedge was pretty special too.

One of the reasons for the cult following was the copper underlay in the plating process – which was absent in the MP-29 heads. Strange, since many sets that pre-date the TN-87 also have a copper layer. This certainly added to the mystique of this iconic set though, and Mizuno have recently exploited this fact with the launch of the MP-20, inspired by TN-87, and marketed with the promise of “layers of feel”.

TN-91

Following the huge success of the 87, TN-91 was designed in 1991 and launched the following year. Very expensive in the Japanese market and put together in a lovely package – including double nickel plating, bespoke shaft bands and the new TN logo. A milled putter was also available – again, at a price!

TN-93

The third and final instalment of the TN sets, released in 1994. Stunning set, with a small cavity back. An odd (high toe and huge offset) S wedge was available (and a rounded normal S2), as was a dedicated driving 1-iron. Metal TN-93 woods were also on offer.

Tommy Nakajima signature

Beauties. Appear to be re-stamped MS-2 heads. Date unknown.

TT Sets

I am not certain what “TT” signifies, but this series contained some rare, short-lived gems. All Japan-only.

TT-89

Assume designed in ‘89 and launched in ‘90, this is the most popular of the TT sets, but is still fairly rare. Square-toed blade with a razor-thin top-line, distinctive leading edge grind and a beautiful finish.

TT-91

The younger brother of TT-89, very similar-looking set with the later Mizuno Pro script.

TT-987

Rarest of the three, a different look but the characteristic square-toe. Simplistic elegance.

SS Sets

SS-151

The Japanese version of the well-known TP-18, which was a popular model on the European tour. The SS refers to the unusual hosel grind, which makes the heel of the blade more visible at address. 1991 launch.

SS-1

A UK/Europe set and a rare one. I believe it’s basically a (European) MS-5 head with the SS hosel grind. Matching persimmon woods were available. Mid-80’s.

Craft Models

Borne out of a special project in Japan to design classic models without compromise, the Craft Models represent the absolute pinnacle in Mizuno clubs from their golden era. Two iron sets were produced alongside several persimmon sets, some of which were reserved for the European tour van.

Craft Model 893

A clean and compact blade with rounded toe and minimal offset. The slightly earlier and rarer of the two blades with original Mizuno Pro script. Simplistic beauty.

Craft Model 911

Classic muscle back with sharpened top line akin to MS-11. TN-87 toe-shape, numbered P and F wedges, newer Mizuno Pro script. Tough to beat.

Super-11

Marketed as an evolution of one of their most popular models in Japan, the MS-11, this set was launched in ~1992, and it was indeed Super.

Round toe pointed to one of the thinnest top-lines you can find. Double-nickel, satin finish with a gold hue, rounded sole grind, thick muscle, and a smidge of offset.
I hate to pick favourites, but this is the best set I have ever hit.

Directed by T.Ohara

Toshiyuki Ohara model. Very similar to Craft 911 and limited to 100 sets. Gems.

Masters Sets

Mizuno have had sales rights for Masters/Augusta brands in Japan for many years. All sorts of equipment have been sold – several blade sets (even though not technically Mizuno Pro) are collectible and worthy of mention here.

A.G. Model

A mid-priced blade with higher trajectory shaft. A.G. = Augusta, Georgia.

Tournament Blades

Higher quality offerings.

Mizuno did several Seve Ballesteros sets during his contract for Japanese market. These were the only ones under the Mizuno Pro script. Whether he played them, who knows, but the design matched his preferred criteria at the time. Lovely set.

SPL

MS-5 (EU) heads with progressive swingweight. UK market 1984.

Tour Styling

Nice limited edition Japan set from late 80’s based on TP-9/MS-7 heads.

TH-22

Early 80’s Japan rarity.

TH-202

Closely related set. Also Japan only.

Mizuno Pro Originals

Here’s where it gets a little messy. There are many many sets stamped “Mizuno Pro” and “Original”.

Some also have a model number. Some don’t. Some are Yoro custom order. Most are derivative heads (originally a different model), some are not. Most are Japan only, many are limited editions. Several were never listed in catalogues and sold through only one or more retailers. ALL are GREAT.

Send me some pics of ones I have missed. I imagine there are plenty.

“Standard” Mizuno Pro Original

This is the standard set, sold in all three major markets. Became TP Original in Europe. A classic muscle-back. Same heads, different stamps. Mid-80’s.

Custom order sets Japan

Several high profile pros were linked to Yoro custom order Pro Original sets in Japan from the mid-80’s (including Tommy N). These distinctive chrome heads (with ring detailing on ferrules) were available for quite a while. Many are distinguished by the cool number stamp fonts.

Limited derivative heads

Several of these were made I believe, often sold through a single retailer in very limited numbers. All Japan only, and mostly in the early 90’s.

Many had their own model numbers, but some didn’t. The “blanks” could therefore easily be confused for Yoro custom orders. A couple of lovely examples below from major-winning TP-9 heads and Japanese MS-5’s.

HS-92

Beautiful set from TP-11/MS-9 mould.

J-92

This 1992 Original set is based on the reverse muscle MS-2 heads. Limited retail offering.

HG-01

Another limited set worthy of a look.

JP-901

Possibly my favourite of the Originals. Elegant.

Identifying some of these sets correctly isn’t easy. Other Yoro custom orders were popular at the time – almost any combination of heads and stamps could be ordered. Example below of MS-11 heads dressed up as TN-87.

Good luck in your searches. It often doesn’t matter how they look, because nothing feels like a Mizuno!

Mizuno MS iron sets

This blog post gives details of the iron models with “MS” stamps. MS started in Japan in 1980 as an abbreviation for “Mizuno Staff” and quickly became established in the three major market (Japan, Europe and N. America). It always represented top-level equipment marketed for better golfers and professionals.

The earliest models were stamped “Mizuno Staff”, but that was quickly replaced with the famous “Mizuno Pro” script – later abbreviated to the now ubiquitous MP. Perhaps there was some conflict with Wilson? Anyway, “MS” remained in use for model naming for almost two decades in Japan, only a few short years in Europe (replaced by “Tour Proven” and “TP”), and up until 1990 in USA (replaced by “MP”).

The MS sets were in many ways the foundation for Mizuno’s global success and growth in the three major golf markets and some of the models remain coveted decades on. They represent some of the best sets produced by the company and in some cases, arguably all-time greats in forged irons. Enjoy!

MS-1 (Japan and Europe)

The first and longest-running of the MS models. Reverse muscle with many stamping iterations over its 10+ year sales stretch. Scotch blade square-toe design with zero bounce and offset, it was a classic blade for the purist. 1980 initial launch.

MS-2 (Japan)

Rare and short-lived, predominantly in Japan, with subtle variations from MS-1 and MS-3. Most Mizuno “Pro”, occasionally stamped “Staff”. Rounder toe and more compact. ~1981.

Identical heads were also sold in USA briefly, but with different paint fill and no model stamp.

MS-3 (Japan and Europe)

Very popular reverse muscle model which was sold for more than a decade. Many stamping variations through the years. Longer blade than MS-1 with some offset and some camber on sole to prevent digging. A classic. ~1981 launch in Japan. Became TP-3 in Europe.

MS-3 (N. America)

Confusingly, a completely different muscle-back head was sold as MS-3 in N. American market. Lots of weight low for a higher ball flight. 1983-84 in USA.

MS-4 (N. America)

The pick of the N. American models, an elegant muscle back with satin finish. Etched in history as the set Payne Stewart picked up searching for something classic-looking before winning the 1999 US Open. 1985 launch.

MS-5 (Japan)

Popular square-toe model, which ran for many years. Muscle-back long irons; reverse-muscle in short irons. Scotch blade style with no offset. ~1984.

MS-5 (Europe & N. America)

Muscle-back model that was short-lived in Europe due to TP launch the following year. Became TP-5 in 1986, although was relegated to custom order only after a year. Chrome and satin examples were sold. 1985. Also MP-5 later.

MS-7 (Europe)

Reverse muscle, compact head, square toe. Quite rare as didn’t last long before being stamped TP-7 in 1986 (even rarer). 1985.

MS-7 (N. America)

The satin, wing-back brother (same heads) of the more famous and more popular (European) TP-9. A beauty, and a double-major winner (Faldo 87 Open and 89 Masters). Became MP-7 briefly before it’s run was over. Very popular on tour. 1987 launch.

MS-8 (N. America)

Similar to TP-10 and MS-10, a game-improvement blade offering. Not the prettiest. 1988?

MS-9 (N. America)

Another gem, slightly overshadowed by its European counterpart (TP-11 – Sandy Lyle 88 Masters), although did bag the Wanamaker with Wayne Grady in 1990, possibly as (later) MP-9. 1988 launch.

MS-10 (Japan)

Game-improvement features with flanged sole to get ball airborne. Sold as TP-10 in Europe and marketed towards seniors and “strong ladies”! 1986.

MS-30 (Japan)

No real idea about these, except they look like the MS-10 and are rare! Earlier version of Mizuno Pro script suggests they may have been an earlier prototype of the same set?

MS-11 (Japan and N. America)

A legend in Japan, one of the most popular models ever made. Distinctive top-line, but otherwise a classic muscle-back in every sense, with some offset. Inspired the Super-11, which are my favourite ever set. Also MP-11 in USA. 1989.

MS-701 (Japan)

Short premium release, similar to Europe/N.America MS-5 mould. ~1985.

MS-702 (Japan)

Short premium release, similar shape to Japan MS-5 but reverse-muscle throughout set. ~1986.

MS-801 (Japan)

Scotch blade model, low bounce but some offset. Full face, square-toe. ~1989-1992.

MS-700 (Japan)

Very rare set, significant step in reverse muscle. Date unknown.

MS-201 (Japan)

Stunning satin finish and the traditional black/gold Mizuno Pro colours. Known as the Ryoken Kawagishi model, a prominent JPGA player at the time. 1992 release.

MS-203 (Japan)

Same finish as the 201 and one of the most famous MS models. Sold as the Faldo model in Japan, due to Sir Nick’s input into the design. His sets were mainly finished in chrome TP-19 guise in Europe. Major wins at ‘92 Open and ‘96 Masters. 1992 launch initially.

MS-205 (Japan)

Nice cavity back model stamped “Power Blade”, which continued into T-Zoid era. Sold as TP-21 with a dark green colour scheme in Europe. Larger than standard Pro clubs. ~1995.

MS-207 (Japan)

The “Incliner Cavity” model, which was progressively friendlier in the longer irons. Nice dark bronze finish but not the biggest seller. ~1997.

MS-211 (Japan)

Popular model featuring a wing-back within a cavity back. There was no sequential MS-209 due to Japanese superstition of #9. Available in left-hand and a LH MP-19 version of these heads was also available in N. America. 1995.

MSX (N. America)

Needs inclusion sadly for completeness. Average cast cavity back. The X (for Extreme) is the pre-cursor to MX line, which later became the popular JPX (Japan Performance Extreme). Matching woods were available. Mid-90’s.

Hope you enjoyed the post. Sure I have missed a couple of rare ones along the way. Some sensational sets in there. 4, 201, 203 and 11 the pick of the bunch for me!

History of Mizuno TP

Mizuno Tour Proven

This blog charters the history of “Mizuno TP” – how the brand came into being, the characteristics and significance of its various clubs and their derivation from Japanese parent models.

Background

Mizuno had been present in the UK golf market in the early 80’s, but a defining moment came when Neil Coles (high-profile player on European tour) and Barry Willett (leading club-maker based at St. George’s Hill GC in Surrey) came together to offer a “tour van” at the 1984 Open at St. Andrews. Its success, and the subsequent decision to seek support from Mizuno, brought the company to the forefront for many top players in Europe.

The support the tour van offered meant Mizuno clubs received extensive play on the European tour from 1985/86 onwards, which provided a perfect marketing platform for Mizuno to launch a range of clubs “used by the Pro’s.”

Before 1986, Mizuno had sold “Mizuno Pro” and “Mizuno Pro MS” in the UK/Europe, but a decision was made to try something different for the UK/European market.

TP was originally launched as “Tour Pro”. The above 1986 advert lists a range of models – TP-3, TP-5, TP-7, TP-9 and TP Original irons as well as persimmon woods, which I assume refer to TP-5.

“Tour Pro” continued into 1987 as this cool advert for TP-9’s from the Open programme at Muirfield shows. The change to the famous “Tour Proven” seems to have taken place in ‘87/‘88.

Hopefully the following covers the vast majority of TP-branded clubs. I suspect there are one or two tour-only models missing, but hope the retail options are covered.

Irons

TP-9

Most famous of the TP models, TP-9 ran from 1986 into mid-90’s. Had a lot of tour play including Faldo’s ‘87 Open win at Muirfield (blank set, sometimes known as “TP-P”) and his first Green Jacket in ‘89. José-Maria Olazábal another notable admirer.

“Blanks” were also released in USA in LH, but strangely an equivalent Japan model was absent I believe in terms of a wide release. A similar winged-back satin club was produced for USA market though, named Mizuno MS-7.

TP Original

These heads were also used in Japanese market, and were very successful in TP branding. Lasted on tour well into 90’s.

TP-3; TP-5 & TP-7

TP-9 and TP Original quickly became the preferred models on tour and in retail, and the 3,5&7 models were essentially only available as custom orders. The original Tour Pro line-up in the 1986 catalogue was as follows:

The 3,5&7 models were in fact re-stamped heads from the previous MS Pro line – such as this #7 model.

TP-7 seems to have been quickly discontinued (rare pic below), but TP-3 and TP-5 at least lived to see the change to Tour Proven, as this excerpt from a 1989 magazine shows:

TP-10

1990, originally marketed for seniors and strong ladies, the model was a “game improvement blade” with wider sole and plenty of weight low in the head. Equivalent model in Japan was Pro MS-10.

TP-11

Very popular and long-running model from 1988-1994. Sandy Lyle’s green-jacket winning 7-iron from fairway bunker at 18th on Augusta Sunday certainly helped.

MS-9/MP-9 in USA and Pro MS-11 in Japan were very similar. Wayne Grady won his USPGA with MS-9.

TP-Z

Progressive forged cavity and blade set. Very popular in USA as “Grad MP” and in Japan with another stamping variation. Underrated set in TP form. 1990-1993.

TP-18

Playable blade that got a lot of tour play – cited as most popular at 1993 Open Championship. 1991 launch. Unusual and innovative hosel design. Barry Willett was a big fan. Sold as Mizuno Pro SS-151 in Japan.

TP-19

The “Faldo model”, designed with Sir Nick’s input. Bagged for his final Open in ‘92 and last Green Jacket in ‘96. Retail launched in ‘93 and ran until the end of TP. Classic muscle-back with high pointed toe. A very similar (arguably better-looking) model MS-203 is still highly coveted in Japan.

TP-2000

Limited edition model in 1993 to commemorate Mizuno receiving the Tournament Quality Award from the European Tour. 1000 sets. Based on the famous TN-87 set from Japan but forged with ceramic chrome and “champagne” finish. Blank TN-87s were bagged for Faldo’s two majors in ’90. Some tour sets were also stamped with TP branding – Frank Nobilo was a fan. TP-2000s didn’t get the adulation they perhaps deserved.

TP-Z Forged

Forged cavity back with the later TP logo. 1994. Solid set that replaced the progressive TP-Z.

TP-Z Oversized

Cast anomaly for TP range. 1995 launch alongside forged cavity set. Presumably responding to market trends for oversized irons at time.

TP-21

The final flourish for TP in 1996. Nice set with dark green colour in the small cavity. Same head sold as MS-205 “power blade” in Japan. T-Zoid ranges followed and MP in all markets after that. 1998 marked the end of an era for TP.

TP-21 Prototype

Not released, but I have seen sets of a prototype blade from early 90’s, stamped TP-21 on the hosel. Looks a great blade!

TP-15

Bit of a mystery this one. I believe released very briefly in limited numbers in 1990, but never made catalogues or a full retail launch. Probably categorises as a prototype. Really nice set with thick muscle, thin top-line and minimal consistent offset.

TP-X

Japanese sister set to TP-Z. Progressive cavity/blade design. Cast heads. Early 90’s.

TP-3 (Japan)

Similar branding to the TP-X on this Japan model – very different to the European Custom TP-3 heads.

Other Japan Models

Some re-print models of classics stamped “Original” were designated TP in Japan. I own a very rare (limited to one retailer in Japan) Mizuno Pro set with a TP stamp and have seen pics of some other TP sets from Japan. The TP-15 (originally 60’s Grand Monarch) are from 1992.

Woods

TP-5

Superb quality persimmon offering, first launched in 1986 and continued for several years. Early examples were branded “Tour Pro” and had a stained face, later replaced by “Tour Proven”and plain wood around the insert.

Black versions of the TP-5 and some with firing pins were also around from the tour van.

LH TP Original

Lefties had a different offering to the TP-5. Inserts were black/white/black (not red/white/red as TP-5) and the older “Mizuno Pro” soleplate was used (stamped TP though) presumably to save costs.

World Master TP Models

The absolute gold standard for Mizuno persimmon, the World Master woods were very popular on the tour van. Faldo dabbled with these to replace his famous ‘50’s MacGregor M85.

Two limited runs were made available for retail market with a TP toe decal.

1994 saw 300 steel-shafted rose-wood heads with a sensational Bakelite and graphite insert. 1995 had a orange oak release (300 steel; 100 graphite). Both clubs came with bespoke shaft-bands and grips. Stunning!

TPAW

1991 persimmon release that had a later soleplate and an unusual white/cream/white insert. Relatively few sold due to the increasing popularity of metal woods.

TP-11

A prevalent and popular tour-only head, stained or painted black with a cool aluminium firing-pin insert. An early version was in the bag of Sandy Lyle at Augusta ‘88, which I suspect was Mizuno’s first major driver victory.

I have seen both the standard TP soleplate and “Craft Model” soleplates (with two stampings) from Japan used on these heads and even seen some of these stamped “TP-5”.

TP-12

Very rare and tour-only model. Black head with white insert and red bullseye – the Japanese flag?!

Tour Van TP Woods

Several other combinations of stain, paint and inserts were available to tour players, made up to specification. Some stamped as “Custom #”, others with no stampings. The TP soleplate was their defining characteristic of relevance to this blog.

Sadly the numbers of persimmon players were dwindling by the late 80’s and Mizuno were quick to act with premium metal TP heads. Faldo had a prototype Hot Metal in play during his record-breaking 1990 St. Andrews Open win. TP metals were also notable for continuing the success of the Exsar Gold graphite shaft.

TP/15 Hot Metal

First appeared in 1989 following a non-TP branded Hot Metal the year before. Thru-bore heads in multiple lofts and a standard 7-wood with sole rails.

TP-17

Short-lived (1989/90) and rare, a mid-sized club (driver only) made from magnesium alloy.

TPW 18

Came along in 1992 with thru-bore design and deeper face. Three driver lofts; 3W and 5W offered with and without sole rails and a railed 7W.

TPW BIG

10.5* driver to replace TP-17 – launched in 1992 as a matching alternative to TPW 18.

TPW 19 Hot Metal

Last TPW model in 1993. 9.5*, 11* drivers; 1.5W; 3,5,7 with single sole rail. Super Exsar Gold a nice shaft option.

Japan Models

Some metal woods bearing TP stamps were sold in Japan. Example of a Mizuno Pro TP-93 Original shown here.

Wedges

TP-9 BeCu

“Tour Pro” dates this rare club to 1986/87. Was subsequently marketed as “RF-60” in the RSF Rough, Sand & Fairway 1988 range with other heads, lofts and grinds.

TP Aluminium Bronze

1989 release. These were cool. Available as TP-9 shape and three different bladed heads and two lofts, although the sole was stamped with just “P” or “S” (lofts were on the neck). The TP522 was known as the “Nakajima wedge”. Everyone was doing beryllium copper, Mizuno went aluminium bronze. So soft.

TP Chrome

A more modern head-shape and again a good range of loft options. One or more were in the bag for the final four of Faldo’s Majors. Appeared first in 1991 for retail. Later models received a sole stamp; U, S or L.

TP Faldo

The only TP clubs to get the Faldo branding. Popular range of (cast) wedges that were also sold in Mizuno Pro script in USA and Japan. 1995.

Putters

TP-P9001 & TP-P9002

Very high quality forged blade putters, first released in 1991. Superb leather grips. 9001 is 8802/Napa shape; 9002 boxier. Also sold in Japan under Mizuno Pro branding. Beauties.

TP P100 series

I have a few of these putters, but don’t remember them first time round and suspect they were tour-only? They are the same (cast) heads as the Japan “RH005X” Models. There was a full range of putters in Japan with several designs – blades, mallets etc. The swan-necked RH0051 was popular enough to have two re-launches.

I don’t believe the full range was available in TP-branding, but I have models P 101,2&3 and have seen the P 104.

Conclusion

Tour Proven clubs were among the best ever produced by Mizuno and ahead of their time in UK and Europe. It’s a shame in some ways that globalisation and marketing dictated that Mizuno Pro (MP) would soon take over where TP left. Gone were the days when Europe got to savour some classics for themselves. Legendary sets such as MP-33 quickly softened the blow though. I hope this trip down memory lane has been enjoyable and helps to ignite some interest in the TP vintage. NOTHING feels like a Mizuno.

TP set-ups

World Master TP 1995 Driver