Mizuno Announces Next Gen Series of Events

Offering 25 UK events with a total prize fund of £700,000 and Challenge Tour, DP World Tour and LET invites up for grabs, the Clutch Pro Tour has been renamed 'The Mizuno Next Gen Series' after the signing of a multi-year title sponsorship.

Tom Hayward, the founder of the Clutch Pro Tour believes that Mizuno’s involvement will provide a platform to increase the number and quality of events.

“Our goal was always to make the Tour sustainable. Young players need opportunities to play in a real tournament environment at quality venues. With practice balls, food and a prize fund to make it worth their while. So many talented players are forced to give up before finding out if they have what it takes. With Mizuno on board, we’re more secure, able to keep broadening those opportunities and extending the player’s limits.”

Mizuno’s Tour Operations Manager, Alex Thorne recognised that Mizuno’s renewed focus on emerging talent was closely aligned with the Clutch Pro Tour.

“This is a huge move for Mizuno and reflects how much the professional game is changing. Players at the elite end are now so well looked after - we’ve realised that Mizuno’s resources aren’t needed there from a financial perspective. The other end of the professional game is where the real challenges exist. Younger players need support with equipment, quality events to play in, and prize funds that enable them to make a living, as well as a route to the next level of the game. We’ve been so impressed with what The Clutch Pro Tour has given the game - this was a natural progression for both sides.”

In addition to increasing funding and becoming title sponsor, Mizuno will also look to recruit several younger players coming through the Tour. In 2022 Mizuno announced its youngest ever tour team with 2-time Clutch Pro Tour winner OJ Farrell and 2020 British Amateur Champion Joe Long joining its ranks. Through association with the Tour, Mizuno expects to deepen its recruitment of young talent. Alex Thorne continued;

“There’s a legacy of world #1s and major winners to have played Mizuno equipment - and it’s our responsibility to make sure that continues. We believe the most meaningful way to do that is to work with young talented players and help them make those strides to the game’s elite level.”

Summary of Mizuno Next Gen Series for 2022

• 25 event UK Pro Series (Mixed gender).
• 12 event amateur schedule including official WAGR event The Tillman Trophy.
• 12 event Junior schedule.
• 1 x Full Ranked UK Challenge Tour event.
• Gloria Golf Overseas Pro-Am (Nov 27-December 2nd).
• Gloria Super Series February 2023.

For further information on Mizuno’s full range of golf equipment, apparel and accessories visit: mizunogolf.com or follow the latest Mizuno Next Gen Tour news on Instagram @mizunogolfeurope, @clutchprotour and twitter @MizunoGolfEU and @clutchprotour.