grindworks, Our Story, Our People.
grindworks is a Japanese golf brand with a focus on unqiue design, materials and manufacturing and performance, with an emphasis on feel and quality. grindworks was created as a premium brand to rival some of Japan's (and the world's) top established component brands.
Beginning from simple round table discussions back in 2015, to hand drawn designs matched with extensively researched and thought out technical aspects, to 3D CAD drawings and resin samples to multiple revisions and hundreds of hours of meetings, we worked on developing various models which would provide the best in feel and performance for a broad spectrum of golfers. Tooling samples were made and tested and revised and tested and revised until final original molds were created for the finished products.
Special care is taken into materials and manufacturing as these two aspects play a huge role in how a golf club design will feel, look and ultimately perform. Five years later in 2020, our growth and experience helps take our club development to the next level. We strive to create premium performance golf clubs for a wide variety of golfers to help them enjoy the game more.
To summarize: grindworks is created upon a foundation of creative people, quality materials and top notch manufacturing.
Feel the power, experience the performance, grindworks premium Japanese golf clubs.
UNIQUE INDIVIDUALS
While its more common in Japan for a brand to operate and market itself as a collective, we wanted to get more personal about our team as we fully believe that a brand is all about the people behind it.
The grindworks team was put together meshing unparalleled experience in the Japanese and Global golf industry, including, design, manufacturing, sales and marketing.
In 2019, we were also honored to have Masters Champion and perennial contender PGA Tour contender Patrick Reed join our team.
KIYONARI NIIMI
HEAD OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & GLOBAL SALES
Mr. Niimi brings over 40 years of golf industry experience to the table. In 2014 he was admitted to the International Clubmakers Guild (IGC) Hall of Fame. He has advised many Japanese brands over the years on club design and overseas sales strategies and even developed and produced several of his own original brands. As Head of Product Development and Global Sales, Mr. Niimi oversees product development for grindworks and design for our Pro Preference and Phoenix lines as well as Zip Wedge and 86 series wedges. He is in charge of our global sales strategy and is the driving force behind the growth and brand strategy moving forward.
PATRICK REED
2018 MASTERS CHAMPION, 8 TIME PGA TOUR WINNER
Patrick is a top PGA tour pro with 8 victories on the US PGA Tour to his credit. This includes his mesmerizing win at the 2018 Masters in Augusta. Patrick advises and collaborates with grindworks on new product development including models made specifically for him to play on tour. As one of the world's most consistent and talented shot makers, Patrick has a deep understanding of what he wants in a club and how a club should be designed to provide optimal performance. As of July 2020, Patrick has already had a victory and 6 top ten finishes on tour this season.
KENJI KOBAYASHI
LEAD TECHNICAL ADVISOR
Mr. Kobayashi is known to many in Japan's golf industry as the "father of FORGED Titanium drivers". Mr. Kobayashi has spent over 40 years designing and manufacturing premium forged golf clubs. He spent over 30 years working at the world's largest and most premium forging house in Niigata, Japan, and was the President there for over 10 years. He has worked with every major golf brand who has produced forged golf clubs, many of which he played a part in designing. Mr. Kobayashi brings all this experience to grindworks as their Technical Advisor where he oversees technical specs of all clubs.
TARIO CHAM
LEAD DESIGNER, CONCEPT CREATOR
Tario has spent the last 12 years working in the golf industry in Japan. While in a key role at a prominent online retailer of Japanese golf equipment, he worked with many top Japanese golf brands and industry experts. His knack for technical and design aspects of golf clubs gained respect among peers and the golf "maniacs" he interacted with worldwide, many of whom have given him valuable insights to club design from a consumer and manufacturer point of view. Tario is tasked with designing our forged series of clubs including the MB, CB, DP and PCX series irons as well as our Tungsten wedges and majin and Variant 1 and 2 woods. He works with Mr. Niimi and Mr. Kobayashi on developing the technology and manufacturing processes behind all grindworks products.