Industry veteran Chris Cooper has been Honma’s Sales Representative and Key Account Manager in Florida and Georgia since 2020. We recently caught up with him to learn more about his background and why he thinks Honma has a powerful lineup.
How did you first get into the golf business?
I began in the golf business as a 1st assistant golf professional at Ventura Country Club in Orlando, FL. I took the job after three years of playing as a professional.
What's one of the greatest lessons you've learned during your time in the industry?
The industry is cyclical. There will be highs and lows, but the consistent theme is to make sure that you establish great relationships. These relationships will allow you to survive even in the low years in the industry and ensure that you flourish when the business is at its peak.
Who's been your mentor in the golf business, and why?
I’ve had several, so it’s hard to single out one person. As each job title has changed, I’ve relied on the same close circle of peers for advice and guidance. I’ll always reach out to those who have done it before me and rely on their insight to gain an advantage in expediting the learning curve.
If you could have an all-expenses-paid golf vacation to any destination, where would you go?
I’ve been blessed to play golf all over the world, and have checked off a lot of places from the bucket list. The one I will always chase though is Augusta National – it’s the course every golfer wants to play at least once. It for sure is the highest on my list and will remain that way until I’m fortunate enough to get the invite.
What stands out to you about Honma’s BERES and T//World 757 lines, and makes you most proud to rep the brand?
The craftsmanship of the brand is the most outstanding part of both lines. There’s no club on the market today that compares to the standard of the BERES line. Honma makes the greatest premium golf club in the world, hands down. I’m proud to represent a brand that takes such pride in the way it makes clubs and the thought process that goes into each and every step. I know that what I’m selling will be of the highest quality to the end user. They’re getting a genuinely unique product that’s truly timeless, something they’ll be proud to own.
What sets Honma's club designs and products apart from the competition?
Its attention to detail and the nature in which the clubs are built. Each shaft is hand-rolled and has the highest-grade materials in the industry. Nobody in the world builds clubs the way Honma does. Our team in Sakata has been perfecting this craft for more than seven decades.
Which club stands out to you as the star attraction (performance-wise) in the current Honma club family?
The star of the show is our ladies BERES clubs – they’re such unique products to the fast-growing sector of women golfers. With BERES, women get the upgraded shafts and customization only available to low-handicap male golfers offered by other OEM’s. We provide a distinct look and playable experience that are unique to Honma.
What's the go-to club in your bag and why?
The driver. When you hit a lot of fairways, you’re going to get the chances you need to have a great round.
What would you like to see Honma offer that currently is not in the line?
I think our current lineup is all I could hope for. But if I had to be selfish, I’d love to see a player's BERES iron that takes advantage of our Armrq shaft technology for higher swing speeds.
