Japanese consumers are known for their willingness to spend, with club prices often triple or quadruple those in other markets. They are discerning customers who demand the best for their yen. The fierce competition among brands ensures that no expense is spared in design, materials, and manufacturing, which is reflected in the prices. This commitment to excellence gives rise to premium lines and brands in Japan. One such premium brand, which many outside of Japan may not yet know, is PROTOCONCEPT GOLF.
Top US manufacturers like Taylormade, Titleist, Callaway, and others recognize the buying power of Japanese consumers and continue to produce high-end, Japan-exclusive products that compete with local brands. This results in a vast array of choices for consumers, evidenced by over 100 driver models from more than 40 brands.
Golf manufacturers traditionally create and develop equipment tailored for golf professionals. These specialized clubs and designs, initially offered as prototypes solely for professionals, are not available to amateur golfers. This exclusivity led to the creation of PROTOCONCEPT GOLF.
PROTOCONCEPT GOLF is not designed to operate in a mass market. PROTOCONCEPT’s idea of “incorporating all possible functions, materials, and techniques” in low-volume production is their mantra.
PROTOCONCEPT GOLF produces golf equipment that features classic, artistic, and timeless designs with premium materials and are finished with the highest level of craftsmanship possible. Their TOUR inspired line of golf equipment helps golfers to improve at any level.
The term “PROTO” in PROTOCONCEPT stands for “PROTOTYPE.” Now, amateurs at all skill levels can play with the same equipment or prototypes previously reserved for golf professionals.
Launched in 2019, PROTOCONCEPT GOLF is a prestigious luxury Japanese golf club designer and manufacturer that has shifted its resources and management to North America, under the stewardship of Smiling Ducks, Inc.
Their USP (Unique Sales Proposition) is their clubs utilize the golfer’s sensibilities and provide them an edge in the game of golf. And PROTOCONCEPT GOLF prioritizes quality over price. When you require advanced designs, precise specifications, and high-grade materials from one of the industry’s top forging houses, price becomes a secondary concern, not a competitive advantage.
Aside from their stunning irons ($419.99 per club) and driver ($1200+), their wedges are high-performance dart throwers. They offer exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and specification tolerances typically reserved for Tour players.
Beyond the basic shaping and purported benefits, there are two distinct features. The first is Face Dot Milling. According to PROTOCONCEPT GOLF, their precision face score line forging process is more accurate than machining. Additionally, a series of mini-dots is milled into the horizontal areas between the grooves to help produce more consistent launch and spin in various lies and weather conditions.
One more important feature is that there are three different grinds available: Standard, Wide Sole, and Cut Down. What makes them even better is that these options are available for all lofts. This detail is important for a variety of reasons, but mainly because of what they offer to diverse player types. It essentially allows for a difference of attacking the turf with the way the club is set up and is swung.
The “Standard” sole provides the optimal amount of bounce. Usually, falling within the “middle ground” of the three sole categories, mainline grinds are designed to serve as satisfactory all-around performers. That mid-bounce category encompasses the workhorse of the three groups.
PROTOCONCEPT GOLF’s moderate sole grind, the Wide Sole, might be somewhat perplexing to some consumers. Usually, a wide sole protrudes much further from the leading to the trailing edge of the clubface and is typically found in conjunction with either very little or a whole lot of bounce. In the case of this wedge, it has a medium sole thickness, around 13 millimeters at its thickest point. This makes it good for an average angle of attack.
The most limited rebound sole configuration is called the Cut Down Sole. This designation reflects the design of this particular wedge, which has portions of the sole ground away to allow for a kind of artistic shot-making. In particular, the heel of the Cut Down sole is ground away. This enables a golfer to “stitch” an up-and-down shot by just easing up on the cock of the wrist.
Our testing group was wholly enamored with the feel and accuracy of the wedges. PROTOCONCEPT GOLF uses the Endo forging house, the industry benchmark, that many manufacturers such as Callaway, Titleist, Srixon, Yamaha, Mizuno, Honma, Bridgestone (Tourstage-Japan), S-Yard Golf, Daiwa, have all, at times, relied on Endo forging house to forge their premium lines of golf irons and wedges.
PROTOCONCEPT GOLF’s forged irons have earned the esteemed Golf Digest “Hot List” award annually since the brand’s establishment. The PROTOCONCEPT GOLF professional team includes Haeji Kang, Ryuji Imada, Lydia Ko, and Chia Cheng.
Their artisanal range of forged golf clubs can be found at all True Spec Golf Stores, the premier chain of fitting stores, True Spec Golf – Golf Fitting Locations | Worldwide, as well at select retailers such as Cool Clubs, Urban Golf Performance, and online through Fairway Jockey.
Lofts: 48/50/52/54/56/58/60 with varying bounce options in all 3 models.
$399.99 per wedge
For more information, visit www.protoconceptgolf.com