Mizuno irons have long been synonymous with "Nothing Feels Like a Mizuno," thanks to their patented Grain Flow Forging process at the Hiroshima plant—a tradition spanning over 50 years. From early musclebacks that powered Nick Faldo's six majors to modern JPX game-improvers blending speed and forgiveness, Mizuno's timeline showcases relentless innovation. Whether you're a low-handicapper chasing blades or a mid-hander seeking distance, their history offers timeless options.
If you're hunting pre-owned Mizuno irons—especially Japanese market gems like JPX or MP series—at unbeatable value, head to Rising Sun Clubs. Specializing in handpicked used clubs from Japan (brands like Mizuno, Honma, Miura), we stock forgiving iron sets ready to elevate your game. Can't find your dream set? Use our Club Sourcing page to request specifics—we source rare models like JPX 921 Forged or MP-20 combos fast, with 50% gross margins ensuring premium quality at clearance prices. Shop our iron sets collection now!
Early Foundations: 1933–1980s (Forging a Legacy)
Mizuno entered golf in 1933 with the Star Line—Japan's first forged irons from persimmon-era tech. By the 1960s–70s, MS series (e.g., MS-1 in 1984) laid the pro groundwork.
- 1980s Breakthrough: Grain Flow Forging debuted. MP-9 (1988) and TP-9/TP-11 (1986–1989) won majors—Faldo's 1987 Open/1989 Masters (TP-9), Sandy Lyle's 1988 Masters bunker heroics (TP-11). MS-9 (Payne Stewart's 1999 US Open). These musclebacks prioritized feel/consistency over forgiveness.
1990s Golden Era: MP & TP Dominance
CAD pushed casting, but Mizuno doubled down on forging. 1992 MP-29 (Tiger Woods' 1997 Masters combo). 1993 TP-19 (Faldo's last two majors).
| Decade | Key Models | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | MP-29, TP-19, MP-33, TN-87 | Blades/Muscleback | Faldo/Tiger wins; Grain Flow perfected for soft feel. |
2000s: MX/JPX Rise, MP Refinement
MX series added cavity forgiveness (e.g., 2001 MX-20). MP evolved: MP-30/32/33/37/57/58/59/60/62/64/67/69.
- JPX Debut (~2010): "Japan Performance Extreme"—Hot Metal faces for distance. JPX-800/825 (2010–2012).
2010s: JPX Explosion & MP Hybrids
JPX boomed: 2015 JPX 850 (Hot Metal speed); 2017 JPX 900 (Forged/Tour/Hot Metal—Brooks Koepka's 4 majors with 900 Tour). 2019 JPX 919. MP-20 HMB/MMC (2019) blended forgiveness.
| JPX Series Timeline | Release Year | Models | Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPX 800/825 | 2010–12 | Hot Metal, Pro, HD | Game-improvement distance. |
| JPX 850/900 | 2015–17 | Forged, Tour, Hot Metal | Mid-handicaps; Koepka validation. |
| JPX 919/921 | 2019–20 | Hot Metal/Pro, Forged, Tour | Chromoly faces; fastest forged speeds. |
2020s: Pro Revival & JPX Perfection
2020 MP-20 return; 2021 Pro 221/223/225 (hollow blades). 2023 JPX 923 (Hot Metal HL/Pro, Forged, Tour—Nickel Chromoly, 35% stronger). 2024 Pro 241/243/245 (tungsten launch). 2025 JPX 925 (Hot Metal family, Forged Black). 2026 Pro M-13/15/S-1/S-3 (thinner faces, Microslots).
Modern standouts:
- JPX 921/923: Hot Metal for max forgiveness/speed (mid-high handicaps).
- Pro 225/241/243/245: Players distance—hollow/forged with blade looks (low-mids).
Why Mizuno Endures: Forging > Casting
Hiroshima's 1,000-ton hammers align steel grains for unmatched purity/feel. Copper underlays dampen vibes; Chromoly/Nickel variants add 20–35% strength for thinner faces (e.g., 1.37mm in Pro 243). Pros like Koepka/Faldo prove longevity—20-year-old MP-37s still compete.
Ready to own a piece of history? Rising Sun Clubs delivers pre-owned Mizuno irons (e.g., JPX 9xx, MP-20s) sourced from Japan—clean, fitted, affordable. Tell us your fave (e.g., "JPX 921 Forged 5-PW") via Club Sourcing; we'll hunt it down. Check iron sets for current stock.
What's your Mizuno story—MP-29 nostalgia or JPX 923 bomber? Comment below!