Honma’s TW-S ball
At Kaufman GC in Wyoming, Mich, there is a golfer named Hiro O’Neill. He’s affectionately called (by me, at least) “The Commish” for his unpaid duties of booking weekly tee times for our golfers. Born and raised in Japan, O’Neill came to the U.S. when he was 21 and spent most of his career at the General Motors plant in Grand Rapids, where he retired after 30 years. A good golfer who plays at a brisk pace and with a deft-putting touch, Hiro is my go-to person when it comes to all things Japanese.
Recently, after using some new Honma (pronounced “hone-mah”) golf balls, I asked Hiro what he knew about Honma, a Japanese golf company whose clubs, I recall, Justin Rose once used and endorsed.
“Honma is well-known in Japan for making quality golf clubs, especially irons,” said Hiro. “I didn’t know they made golf balls.”
Neither did I until an industry friend sent me some Honma balls to try out.
Given Honma’s reputation for craftsmanship, I shouldn’t have been surprised by how well they performed. I tried the TW-X and TW-S models during the winter at a Trackman simulator and later on the course this spring. It was a toss-up about whether I preferred either. Both worked well in varied weather and course conditions.
The TW-X is touted as providing “Improved initial velocity and spin performance,” while the TW-S provides “evolved spin performance and feel.” At my reduced senior swing speed, I was pleased with both.
Lauded for its product research, Honma spent three years studying and vetting its “326 Dimple” design. The 326 dimples are specially designed and constructed to withstand strong winds with mid/high trajectories. So, if you’re playing in windy conditions, this ball fits the bill.
Another positive about Honma is its price point. While most high-end balls are now $55 per dozen, Honma’s offerings are a more reasonable $36 per dozen. And you can buy directly from Honma.
Incidentally, there’s a little creature seen as the logo on the golf ball (inside the O of HONMA). It’s “the mole in the hole,” adopted for “its spirit of perseverance and uncompromising nature as well as its being at home on golf courses.” Okay, maybe don’t mention this fact to your course superintendent.
One more thing: If I were the Director of U.S. Marketing for Homma golf balls, I would try to sign a proven PGA Tour star to represent the brand.
I can hear him saying, “This is Max Homa, and I only play Honma golf balls.”
My second choice would be Hiro “Honma” O’Neill.
For more information on Honma golf, visit https://us.honmagolf.com/
To order golf balls directly, visit https://us.honmagolf.com/collections/golf-balls
images courtesy of Honma Golf
