The popularity of Nippon Shaft on Tour has grown steadily in 2011, as it did in 2010, and the company’s NS Pro Modus3 Tour 120 shaft is finding its way into an increasing number of Tour bags. Launched at the beginning of 2011, the steel Modus3 Tour 120 has seen Nippon’s Tour presence grow to over 50 golfers on the PGA Tour and European Tour, with further golfers playing Nippon Shaft in the seniors and women’s circuits. Just two years ago, the number of men’s Tour golfers using Nippon was in single figures.
It is important to note that none of these golfers are being paid to play Nippon Shaft, but that they are opting to use the shafts simply on performance merits. Among the many golfers who have won with Nippon shafts this year is Russ Cochran, the 52-year-old from Kentucky who won the Senior British Open at Walton Heath in July. Playing with the Modus3 steel shafts in his irons, Cochran shot a brilliant 67, five under par, to hold off former Open champion Mark Calcavecchia by two shots, with two more American past major champs, Tom Watson and Corey Pavin, sharing third place, a further shot behind.
After his Senior Open triumph, Cochran wrote to Nippon’s Tour representative Lee Oyer, saying: “Just wanted to say thank you for your knowledge, professionalism, and most of all your patience. Your help has been invaluable to me. The product is fantastic.”
The Modus3 Tour 120 features a firm tip section to reduce spin, while a softer mid section and butt promotes control and feel. Nippon says that the combination of a unique raw steel, special heat treatment, and exacting manufacturing tolerances ensure the shafts aid consistency of shot distance and dispersion.
“Nippon Shaft is proud that its shafts prove effective across professional tours,” says Hiroyuki Fukuda, head of sales and marketing for Nippon Shaft. “We wish all the players continued success as they compete around the world.
“Nippon Shaft is committed to manufacturing the world’s best shafts for the world’s elite players, as well as for avid amateurs and casual golfers.”
In the pipeline
Looking ahead into 2012, SGB Golf understands that the initial focus for Nippon is to remain on growing the business for its Modus3 Tour 120. Meanwhile, Nippon prototypes are being tested on Tour, with shaft weight as low as 106 grams, and as heavy as 139 grams, being trialled. A new Nippon rep for the European Tour is also due for appointment in the very near future, following the great success of Oyer in the United States.
Nippon Shaft continues to dominate the steel shaft market in its home market, Japan and across Asia, occupying at least 75% of market share, and it is number two worldwide. The company‘s share of the OEM’s custom-build business in Europe stands at around 23%.
While Nippon remains best known for its steel products, which are manufactured with a proprietary material and individual heat treatment, Nippon’s graphite shaft business is now gaining momentum. The company says its N.S. PRO WT series of graphite shafts are manufactured with the same ‘zero defect’ policy as the steel shafts, with WT shafts already in play on the Ladies’ European Tour and LPGA Tour.
