Worldwide Golf Shops Insider Podcast

Podcast Episode #428 – Chris Voshall | Mizuno Golf


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It’s not often you get to trace a conversation back more than a decade, but that’s exactly what made this latest Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast episode so special. Host Tom Brassell welcomed back Mizuno Golf’s Chris Voshall—now Director of Golf for Mizuno USA—for a wide-ranging discussion that highlighted just how far the brand has come.
From forged blades to cutting-edge, tech-infused equipment across the entire bag, Mizuno is no longer just “that iron company.” It’s a full-fledged performance brand—and Voshall made that clear.
A Career Built Alongside Mizuno’s Evolution
Voshall’s journey mirrors Mizuno’s transformation. Starting more than 20 years ago as a test engineer fresh out of college, he’s had his hands on nearly every aspect of product development—from cutting apart competitor clubs for analysis to designing irons, wedges, and woods.
Now leading product direction across major global markets, Voshall sees Mizuno’s current era as just the beginning.
“It feels like the beginning is just happening, even though I’m 22 years in.”
That perspective helps explain the brand’s current momentum—rooted in tradition, but driven by innovation.
Mizuno Pro M-Series: Classic Looks, Modern Firepower
At the heart of Mizuno’s latest release is the new Mizuno Pro M-Series irons—the M13 and M15. While they maintain the sleek, compact look Mizuno is known for, the technology inside tells a very different story.
The M13 is a multi-construction masterpiece:
Long irons feature a forged face with high ball speed technology
Mid irons incorporate a milled slot for added flexibility
Short irons return to a one-piece forging for precision and control
The M15, on the other hand, leans into a hollow-body design with tungsten weighting for higher launch and increased forgiveness—all while maintaining a blade-like profile.
The real story? These sets are built for customization.
“Between the two families, you’ve got five different constructions you can mix and match.”
That flexibility reflects a broader trend in golf—combo sets tailored to individual performance needs.
Why Fitting Matters More Than Ever
One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation was the importance of club fitting.
Golfers used to focus primarily on distance and spin. Today, it’s about:
Launch windows
Peak height
Descent angle
Stopping power
Without proper fitting, those variables can work against you.
“If you’ve got a club that goes far but gets there through roll, you’ve got no chance at a front pin.”
Modern equipment is more powerful than ever—but unlocking that performance requires dialing in the right combination of head, shaft, and even golf ball.
JPX 1 Driver: Rethinking Face Technology
Mizuno’s innovation doesn’t stop with irons. The new JPX 1 driver introduces a groundbreaking nano-alloy face technology that changes how the ball interacts with the clubface.
The concept is simple but powerful:
The material stiffens at rest
Becomes more flexible at impact
Enhances energy transfer and ball speed
The result? Faster ball speeds and improved performance across a larger portion of the face—especially on off-center hits.
Combined with two distinct models (standard and Select), the JPX 1 line offers options for a wide range of players.
Putters and Golf Balls: The Complete Bag
Mizuno has quietly built out a full equipment ecosystem.
M-Craft Putters
The new M-Craft City Series blends craftsmanship with versatility:
Forged in Japan for soft, consistent feel
Classic designs across blade and mallet options
Premium materials like copper underlay for enhanced feedback
For golfers seeking adjustability, the M-Craft X line allows interchangeable components to fine-tune performance.
Mizuno Pro Golf Balls
Since entering the golf ball market in 2020, Mizuno has made rapid improvements. The latest Pro S and Pro X models deliver:
Soft feel across both options
Strong performance with urethane covers
A compelling value proposition with multi-dozen pricing
Even more impressive, Mizuno’s fitting system can recommend the ideal ball based on your swing data—bringing a new level of personalization to an often-overlooked part of the game.
A New Identity for Mizuno
For years, Mizuno was synonymous with elite forged irons. While that heritage remains, it no longer defines the brand entirely.
Today’s Mizuno lineup spans:
Players irons and game-improvement models
Drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids
Wedges, putters, and golf balls
All infused with modern technology and built for performance.
“Take a look at us again. We’ve got a lot more going on than just that.”
Final Thoughts
If there’s one takeaway from this conversation, it’s this: golf equipment has evolved—and Mizuno is right at the forefront of that evolution.
But technology alone isn’t enough.
To truly benefit, golfers need to experience it firsthand:
Get properly fit
Test different combinations
Explore options across the bag
Because in today’s game, the right setup doesn’t just improve performance—it transforms it.
And as Brassell put it, you might just be surprised by what you find when you give it a swing.
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Worldwide Golf Shops Insider PodcastBy Tom Brassell

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