HONOLULU – The year’s first full-field PGA Tour event is normally a time to assess the annual free-agent signings with players trotting out new equipment deals. But compared to previous years, this offseason proved to be relatively quiet.
The highlight of the new signings is Justin Rose’s move from TaylorMade to Honma, a Hong Kong-based equipment manufacturer. The deal requires Rose, who moved back to No. 1 in the World Golf Ranking this week, to play 10 of the company’s clubs, including the driver, but the reigning FedExCup champion will continue to use the TaylorMade TP5 golf ball.