Nippon Shaft Wins 2016 Open Championship
The 2016 “Champion Golfer of the Year” played Nippon Shaft’s N.S. PRO MODUS³ Tour 120 steel shafts in his irons and wedges en route to an epic victory in cold and windy conditions at the 145th Open Championship at Royal Troon.
The 40-year-old Swede, who began playing the N.S. PRO MODUS³ Tour 120 X flex from May 2011, became the first male in his country’s history to win one of golf’s Grand Slam titles, shooting a historic final-round 8-under par 63. The round included 10 birdies and is considered one of best final rounds in major championship history.
The Champion shot a 20-under-par total of 264 with rounds of 68-65-68-63, the lowest 72-hole score in major championship history. His final round 63 equaled the best round of the week, matched by his final round playing partner in the opening round, and is the second player to shoot 63 in the final round of a major and win.
For the week, the Champion – regarded by many of his peers as one of the game’s best ball strikers – hit an average of 78 percent of his greens in regulation, hitting 83 percent in Round 1, 89 percent in Round 2, 50 percent in Round 3, and 89 percent in Round 4, according to tournament statistics.
“Nippon Shaft couldn’t be more proud and happy for this year’s Champion Golfer of the Year! We are extremely pleased that he will now get the recognition he deserves,” said Hiro Fukuda, Sales and Marketing for Nippon Shaft.
It’s the second time in two weeks that Nippon Shaft products were used to win a major championship. The winner of the U.S. Women’s Open used Nippon Shaft N.S. PRO 950GH steel shafts in her irons and wedges to win the biggest championship in the women’s game.
“Nippon Shaft is proud and gratified that the world’s best golfers continue to experience meaningful results year after year on the world’s major golf tours,” continued Fukuda.
Based in Yokohama, Japan, Nippon Shaft is the No. 1-selling steel shaft in Asia. Nippon Shaft is a privately-held subsidiary of NHK Spring Co. LTD, a Japanese automobile parts manufacturer. Nippon Shaft’s North American headquarters is in Carlsbad.