Norcross, Ga. (Sept. 16, 2014) – Edmonton, AB-resident Tim Buckland capped off six months of “playing famously” by capturing the 2014 Mizuno JPX Invitational Championship title. The tournament marked the culmination of the second year of Mizuno’s “Play Famously” campaign at Country Club of the South in Johns Creek, Georgia. Highlighted by a back-nine run that featured back-to-back birdies on 13 and 14, Buckland netted an impressive 68 (gross 82) for an eight-shot victory.
Although it was his first “pro” tournament, Buckland displayed the poise and shot-making skills of a tested PGA Tour professional. Playing the JPX-EZ irons, JPX Series Wedges, and JPX-EZ Woods, Buckland’s accuracy off the tee allowed him to attack the course’s plush greens with consistent iron play. Buckland’s strongest competition came from Joe Bracamonte, a middle-school principal and 16-handicapper from Fresno, California and Opera singer and 17-handicapper Eric Berry of New Haven, Connecticut Both finished the tournament at net 4-over 76.
“What an incredible end to an amazing experience with an amazing group of people. Being treated like a pro by Mizuno for the past six months has been something I’ll never forget,” said Buckland. “I definitely came determined to play well, but to get the win is something really special. It’s been an honor to be among so many people who love the game of golf like I do and have made it through so many incredible and unique challenges.”
This season, Mizuno took a slightly different turn with its popular “Play Famously” campaign, focusing on everyday amateur golfers who credited golf as a critical element to overcoming unique and significant life challenges. Twelve inspiring stories were selected from thousands of entries, including Buckland, a former low single-digit handicap who’s golf aspirations where side-tracked by a battle against cancer. Buckland, and his 11 teammates where outfitted like Tour pros, receiving custom-fit sets of Mizuno’s award-winning JPX-EZ game-improvement irons, JPX wedges, driver, fairway woods and hybrids, along with a full-supply of Mizuno Golf apparel and accessories. The group also received personalized Mizuno staff bags and one-on-one instruction from PGA Master Instructor and golf historian, Dr. Gary Wiren.
“Giving amateur golfers across the country a platform to tell their story is something Mizuno has been proud and honored to do,” said Iver Maple, Division Brand Marketing Manager, Golf, Mizuno USA. “The power of golf has been on display in the lives of the 2014 members of Team JPX, and we’ve been fortunate to associate our brand with such a wonderful group of people.”
About Mizuno USA, Inc.
Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes golf, baseball, softball, running, track & field, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America. Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross, Georgia.