NORCROSS, Ga., April 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mizuno USA, Inc., announced today the launch of their JPX-800 Swing To Win Challenge, a national contest allowing consumers to put their current irons to the test and experience the significant distance gains that can be realized through their new JPX-800 line of game-improvement irons.  To validate its claims, Mizuno Golf recently had 100 consumers take the challenge with 99 of them hitting the JPX-800 6-iron further than their current 6-iron, with the collective group averaging a 12.48 yard increase in distance.  Mizuno is now offering golfers across the country the ability to see for themselves at local golf retailers and Mizuno demo events, and the chance to win one of 800 prizes, including a Dream Round of golf with Mizuno PGA Tour stars Luke Donald and Charles Howell III.

"There are a lot of companies making distance claims these days, and we felt that cutting to the chase and truly demonstrating distance gains through a fun challenge would allow golfers to see for themselves that the JPX-800 can give them the extra distance that their game has been missing," said Dick Lyons, Vice President and General Manager, Golf Division Mizuno USA, Inc. "Mizuno's brand mantra, "Be Yourself. Only Better" reflects the commitment we place behind the performance of our products for the consumer, and this program allows us to literally demonstrate this commitment to the consumer, one golfer at a time."  

From now until June 30th, 2011, consumers can visit participating golf retailers or one of Mizuno's demo events at local golf courses across the country, and take the challenge, comparing the performance of their current 6-iron against a JPX-800 6-iron.  The distance gain results and a variety of "swing DNA" metrics are then provided to each consumer, along with a special entry code, for entry at the Mizuno Swing to Win Challenge microsite (www.mizunochallenge.com). Upon entering their Swing to Win Challenge data, each consumer will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of 800 prizes, including the grand prize – an ultimate golf prize package, including an all-expense-paid trip to Atlanta for a Dream Round of golf with a guest and Mizuno PGA stars Luke Donald and Charles Howell III. Other prizes include Mizuno golf equipment and accessories.

Upon arrival to Mizunochallenge.com, consumers may be surprised to see a brand new twist to the notion of added distance and "hitting the long ball." A special section of the site features a lineup of pro baseball's top stars and Mizuno Brand Ambassadors, including Matt Cain, Todd Helton, Corey Hart, Juan Pierre and more, showcasing their own golf games, and discussing the unique relationship between baseball and golf in a series of video features. The site will also offer analysis of the baseball stars' golf swings and related game-improvement tips from Mizuno Golf Master Instructor Dr. Gary Wiren.

"Mizuno wanted to do something unique to not only demonstrate our claims in action, but also showcase distance benefits for golfers in a totally different way," said Lyons.  "Golfers are also passionate fans of our American pastime of baseball, and we believe this microsite will be very entertaining, and a breath of fresh air for golf fanatics."

Consumers participating in the JPX-800 Swing to Win Challenge will also be able to experience Mizuno's innovative Performance Fitting System (PFS), featuring Mizuno's exclusive Shaft Optimizer technology. The Shaft Optimizer takes the guess work out of the custom-fitting experience and offers the most-efficient custom-fitting experience available today.

Mizuno's JPX-800 irons were designed to be its most forgiving and explosively long irons to date, and the first model to bring Mizuno's global JPX technology platform to the United States. The significant distance benefits of the JPX-800 irons are achieved by combining MAX COR Technology, Hot Metal™ Face construction, and an exotic pocket cavity to hit the maximum allowable limits for energy transfer.  Simply put, the JPX-800 irons utilize the world's most advanced game improvement technologies to help the mid to high-handicap players score better than ever before.

For more information on the JPX-800 Swing to Win Challenge please visit www.mizunochallenge.com to find a participating golf retailer or Mizuno demo day near you.

About Mizuno USA

Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes golf, baseball, softball, running, track & field, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America.  Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross, Georgia.

SOURCE Mizuno USA, Inc.