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The Loop

Adjustability is the watch word with Mizuno prototype driver

When it comes to the driver category, Mizuno isn't one of the first brands that comes to mind. That not to say, however, the company doesn't make an earnest effort with its big sticks.

Mizuno's latest, now only in the prototype stage, is the JPX 850, a club that wasn't added to the USGA's list of conforming driver heads until May 5. The first public look at the club came when Luke Donald tested it on the range at TPC Sawgrass during last week's Players Championship, then put it in play during the tournament. Donald finished T-38 while ranking T-34 in driving accuracy, slightly better than his year-to-date rank of 58th in that stat.

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Photos of the club reveal it to have a blue-colored crown with multiple adjustable elements. The hosel allows for loft adjustments in 1-degree increments while heel and toe weight ports are designed to affect directional ball flight (Leaving little room for confusion, the word "fade" is on the toe area of the club and the word "draw" is on the heel portion, indicating where the heavier weight should be placed for the desired trait).

Still, the most intriguing aspect of the club is its "Fast Track Technology" channel, where a pair of weights can slide forward, middle and back -- or be taken out altogether -- to alter the club's center of gravity.

Although the company is mum on details of the official launch, it is reasonable to expect the club to be among its driver offerings for 2015.

Photo: Greg Moore/GolfWRX

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