,Norton, Massachusetts, August 29, 2025
News Summary
A new prototype driver from Mizuno has captured the attention of golf enthusiasts at the FM Championship held in Norton, Massachusetts. With minimal branding, the driver features an innovative adjustable weight system aimed at enhancing performance. As the tournament, which boasts a $4.1 million purse, unfolds, speculation arises regarding whether this prototype will transition into a retail model or remain an exclusive tour item. Players at the championship will be testing various setups, adding to the intrigue surrounding this mysterious new driver.
Norton, Massachusetts — Big clubs, bigger questions: Mizuno’s mystery driver steals the show at the FM Championship
Quick read for golf fans who love gear gossip and tournament drama
There was a hush and then a buzz when a fresh-looking driver showed up on the LPGA range at TPC Boston. It didn’t scream branding or bling. Instead, it looked like something a company wants to keep close to the chest — the kind of tool that makes equipment nerds lean in and the rest of us curious.
Jiwon Jeon rolled out a new prototype driver from Mizuno at the second-year FM Championship and it’s already causing speculation. The head is almost bare — minimal markings, with only the word prototype near the front weight. That clean look from address, without alignment aids or flashy crowns, is getting a lot of attention for being deliberately low-key.
What’s under the hood?
The head hides an adjustable layout you can tinker with. There are three weights on the sole, each placed to affect ball flight in different ways:
- Front weight near the face — designed to reduce spin when the heavier option is used.
- Rear weight far back — when shifted back, it looks intended to boost launch, increase spin a bit, and add forgiveness.
- Hosel-side weight — placed to help the head close the face at impact, which can help players square the club or add controlled draw bias.
The hosel itself is adjustable and carries the marking D131, which could be a version number or a loft-related spec. The sole also shows an extension at the rear of the head — likely an aerodynamic tweak meant to improve stability through the swing and reduce drag at speed. The overall shape is more tapered and traditional than Mizuno’s current ST models, which have a rounder silhouette.
Mizuno has stayed quiet about specifics, so all of this is reading between the lines. That silence is fueling talk about whether this prototype points to a new family direction or a one-off experiment for a tour-only model.
Why this matters at the FM Championship
The event itself is punching above its weight. In only its second year, the FM Championship offers a hefty $4.1 million purse — the seventh-largest on this LPGA season — and top players are showing up. The field is stacked with an expected 36 of the top 40 players, including the world’s leading names. Defending champion Haeran Ryu and last year’s runner-up Jin Young Ko return to defend their claims, and the leaderboard is set to have plenty of star power.
Local interest is strong, too. Massachusetts favorites like Megan Khang, Brittany Altomare, and Alexa Pano bring hometown energy and will likely help push the crowd numbers. After last year’s turnout of over 25,000 fans, organizers and spectators are expecting even larger crowds as the championship grows.
When and where
The FM Championship runs from August 28 to 31, 2025, at TPC Boston in Norton, Massachusetts. Broadcast windows will air daily from 3 PM to 6 PM, making those afternoon hours the go-to for live play and any further gear sightings.
What to watch for on the course and in the bag
- Players testing loft and weight setups: with that three-weight system, look for players adjusting for different course conditions.
- Launch and spin trends: the front weight is all about lowering spin; the rear weight talks higher launch & forgiveness.
- Shape and profile preference: the tapered silhouette may appeal to players who want a classic look over a rounder modern head.
- Local heroes and big names clashing on a tough TPC Boston layout, where shot-shaping and course management will be vital.
This week’s showcase is part gear theater, part elite competition, and all about the growth of women’s professional golf. Fans who follow equipment will be watching closely to see whether this prototype becomes a production model or remains a tour-only curiosity. Either way, the FM Championship promises drama on the leaderboard and whispers in the gear tents.
Bottom line
If you’re into gear, the Mizuno prototype is a neat mystery with practical tech — adjustable weights, an aero-minded sole extension, and a traditional shape that departs from Mizuno’s recent offerings. If you’re into golf as a sport, the FM Championship has the players, purse, and crowds to keep things electric at TPC Boston from August 28–31. Bring your binoculars and your club knowledge; it’s shaping up to be a week of big swings and bigger questions.
FAQ
What is the Mizuno prototype driver seen at the FM Championship?
The prototype is a minimally marked driver with three adjustable weights on the head, a rear sole extension for aerodynamics, and an adjustable hosel marked D131. Its shape is more tapered and traditional compared to recent rounder Mizuno models.
How do the three weights change performance?
The front weight reduces spin when heavier, the rear weight increases launch, spin and forgiveness when shifted back, and the weight near the hosel helps the face rotate closed at impact for a draw bias or squaring the face.
When and where is the FM Championship?
The FM Championship is scheduled for August 28–31, 2025, at TPC Boston in Norton, Massachusetts.
Who is playing?
The field includes about 36 of the top 40 players, with top-ranked stars and returning contenders like the defending champion and last year’s runner-up. Local players such as Megan Khang, Brittany Altomare, and Alexa Pano are also in the mix.
How can I watch?
Daily coverage is scheduled to air from 3 PM to 6 PM during the tournament.
Will Mizuno release this driver to the public?
There is no official word yet. Mizuno has not provided detailed information, so whether this prototype becomes a retail product remains speculative.
Event & Gear at-a-glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | FM Championship |
| Dates | August 28–31, 2025 |
| Location | TPC Boston, Norton, Massachusetts |
| Purse | $4.1 million (7th-largest on LPGA season) |
| Top players expected | About 36 of the top 40, including top-ranked stars and returning finalists |
| Prototype driver highlights | Three adjustable weights, adjustable hosel marked D131, rear sole extension for aerodynamics, tapered traditional shape |
| Daily coverage | 3 PM – 6 PM |
| Local players to watch | Megan Khang, Brittany Altomare, Alexa Pano |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- GolfWRX: Mizuno Prototype Driver
- ESPN: Golf Leaderboard
- The Insurer: LPGA Tour Investment
- Boston.com: LPGA TPC Boston
- MSN: Allisen Corpuz Boston Lead
- Wikipedia: Ladies Professional Golf Association
- Google Search: Mizuno driver LPGA tour
- Google Scholar: LPGA Championship 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ladies Professional Golf Association
- Google News: LPGA FM Championship 2025
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
