Shingo Plays Daiwa
Well I was as shocked as anyone when I was watching The Masters this week when I saw Ken Brown being nosey around the players’ bags. It was one of those TV moments that make you throw you head into your hands in absolute horror! As you brave to open your eyes you realise that yes, Ken has actually thrown Ben Crenshaw’s priceless putter into the bag - surely leaving a serious mark or two.
Can you imagine the horror on the poor caddy’s face as he pulls it out on the putting green as Crenshaw goes to warm up. How did that mark get there? I don’t remember doing that! Ben’s going to kill me!
As usual The Masters is a stage for manufacturers showing off their latest new toys along with suitable slogans aimed to target us mere club golfers as we come out of hibernation. But every now and again something slips through the net which raises a few eyebrows.
This year Shingo Katayama made his mark on the tournament with an outstanding 4th place finish, which is the highest ranking for a Japanese player at The Masters.
Shingo Katayama is playing a brand which very few people outside of Japan will recognise; they may however recognise its former glory. Remember what Ian Baker Finch played when he won The Open in ’91 before he switched to Callaway?
During the early 90s, Daiwa were renowned for their ability to produce equipment that had a certain something. Made in Japan, its products were regarded as some of the best. There was something about their golf clubs. In fact, rumour has it that they were the iron of choice for a little know junior called Tiger Woods.
Daiwa is still making awesome golf equipment. This year Shingo was seen playing their ONOFF brand which is produced Japan. He was also sporting a Daiwa shaft, Roddio, a product which is new to the European shaft market but has some of the most positive feedback I have seen in a shaft.
Daiwa is one of the only “traditional” manufacturers left in the golf industry. Japan is a sanctuary for exotic high quality golf equipment and it was really great to see them have such success at The Masters with Shingo.
