Justin Rose And Honma Can't Thank Each Other Enough After Quick End To High Profile Partnership

The signs were increasingly there last fall and this winter that Justin Rose was breaking away from Honma a year after then-world No. 1 was signing with the company for big money.

Rose had been with TaylorMade for two decades but was lured away by former CEO Mark King, who has since been lured away from Honma to Taco Bell.

But in issuing dueling Friday afternoon statements, the hard sell was all a bit excessive.

From Golf.com’s Andrew Tursky on the breakup and what Honma had to plug…err…say.

“Honma Golf Limited (“Honma”) announces that, following a successful partnership with the former No. 1 player in the world, Honma and Justin Rose have agreed that Justin will no longer be one of Honma’s brand ambassadors. We are proud to have been a key part of Justin’s journey to regain his position as World Number 1 in early 2019, including a win at the Farmers Insurance Open in his second event with Honma equipment in play.

And now the journey has its left turn blinker on but is probably making a U-turn.

“For over a year, Justin worked closely with our team to help develop innovative and top­ performing lines of Honma woods and irons. His pursuit of perfection, approach to product testing and feedback has produced great value to Honma. Justin’s expert input and desire for maximum ball speed inspired our team to make the Honma TR20 460 and 440 drivers among the fastest drivers in the game. Consistently, and excitingly, our nationwide team of fitters are seeing the new TR20 460 and TR20 440 drivers produce some of the fastest speeds on the market. We wish him the very best in his pursuit of more majors and career success,” said John Kawaja, president of Honma Golf North America.”

He just couldn’t play it to his standards. But it’ll look great in your hands!

Rose, meanwhile, hopes he left behind good ideas as he chucks his Honmas and, undoubtedly, a lot of guaranteed money.

“I have enjoyed working with the Honma team and collaborating closely with them to design and develop excellent golf equipment. I was able to see firsthand the innovations that the craftsmen at Honma bring to their clubs. I am hopeful that during our time of partnership, we have laid the groundwork for Honma to continue to expand their brand. We both feel it is the right time to pursue our own paths.”

A tighter statement next time? “It happens.” More than it should.