Mizuno Golf Treats Average Joes Like Pros in New JPX-825 Campaign

Amateur golfers invited to join exclusive team of 'game-improvement professionals'

(Norcross, Ga.) - Mizuno, the global leader in golf technology and innovation, is helping golfers nationwide improve their game while offering the opportunity to be treated like a pro as an exclusive member of "Team JPX." Play Famously will champion the cause and determination of the "everyman" golfer using Mizuno's JPX-825 line of game-improvement irons. Pittsburgh, Penn. native Lee Baughman was selected as the first of a 12-member team of Mizuno "game-improvement professionals."

Baughman was selected as the face of Team JPX through a separate "casting call" process lead by Golf Digest through its popular GolfWRX online forum. As the official spokesman for Team JPX, Baughman participated in his first "tour" experience in South Florida with fellow Mizuno professional staff members Luke Donald, Charles Howell III, Jonathan Byrd and Stacy Lewis.

"It's pretty awesome that Mizuno would give a national spotlight to a bunch of everyday amateurs and let us experience what it's like to be treated like a pro," said Baughman. "I never thought in a million years I'd be hitting range balls with one of the best players in the world Luke Donald, but Mizuno made that possible with a campaign for the 'everyman,' like me."

The remaining 11 members of Team JPX will be selected through an online contest at www.playfamously.com where golfers are encouraged to try the new JPX-825 irons at a participating retailer, and provide their feedback on the high performance game-improvement irons through a brief essay, photos and/or videos demonstrating their passion for the game and why they deserve to be on Team JPX. Winners receive a complete JPX-825 golf package including custom fit JPX-825 irons, JPX-825 woods, JPX wedges, a Mizuno staff bag personalized with their name, a season's worth of Mizuno apparel and accessories and customized instruction from Team JPX's "Swing Coach" and PGA Master Teacher, Dr. Gary Wiren. The Team JPX season will culminate with the ultimate tour experience at the JPX Invitational, the first "tour level" event for amateurs at the home of Mizuno's R&D Center, the Country Club of the South in Atlanta.

"The passion of amateur golfers is at the heart of our sport. It's what drives our sport and it's really special that Mizuno is going to these lengths to celebrate them with this campaign," said Donald. "Let's be honest, I don't think any of us pros are at risk of losing our jobs. For guys like Lee, consistently breaking 90 can be life-changing, and the right equipment makes all the difference."

At the heart of the Play Famously campaign is the newest addition to the JPX line of game-improvement irons, the JPX-825. The JPX-825s utilize an ultra-thin, Hot Metal face which delivers an enhanced 'trampoline effect' for the extra distance that all players desire. But because distance is nothing without forgiveness, the JPX-825s also feature an enormous sweet area, providing players with more consistent results that will leave even their mis-hits closer to the pin.

"A lot of people still view Mizuno as a brand for only elite players, but that's a misconception," said Dick Lyons, Vice President and General Manager, Golf Division for Mizuno USA. "We know that we have the longest and most forgiving irons on the market in the JPX-825s, but we're not asking golfers to take our word for it. We challenge any mid to high handicap players to put the JPX-825s up against anything they are playing now, and they will see for themselves."

Applications for a coveted spot on Team JPX will be accepted during select periods from March to May 2013. To see how the JPX-825 irons stack up against the competition and learn more about the campaign, visit www.playfamously.com.

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