Ben Kottmeyer of Lincoln, our 2025 Boys 16+ POY, took advantage of this reward and provided some insight on his trip! Read more below.
"The first thing I noticed at The Foundry and seeing Mizuno’s Research and Performance Center was the focus on detail and performance. It immediately felt like I was walking into a special place where performance and innovation are a priority. The process that stood out to me the most was being able to see and experience the detailed custom fitting process. The Shaft Optimizer was especially impressive because it took objective swing data and matched it to equipment that fit me specifically.
It showed me how much of club fitting is science, not just preference. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the fitting and technology behind the golf clubs. I knew fitting was important but seeing the data, testing, and craftmanship within the Mizuno clubs really allowed me to see how much they emphasize small details building into performance optimization. Seeing the process firsthand helped me understand why small adjustments can make such a big difference in performance.
Being named Nebraska Junior Golf Player of the Year was already a tremendous honor, but being able to visit Mizuno and experience everything firsthand made it even more meaningful. It was a reminder that hard work and dedication can create opportunities that you never expect, and it motivated me to keep pursuing my goals both on and off the course.
I would tell other NJG players that if you earn the opportunity, definitely make the time for it. It is a once in a lifetime experience and really gives you perspective not only on your own game but the game of golf as a whole. You gain insight into the game, the technology behind it, and the people who help make elite performance possible.
I would absolutely recommend this opportunity even to someone who currently plays another golf brand. Prior to the Mizuno visit, I had hit Mizuno clubs a couple of times but never had my own. Getting this high-level of specialization personalized to who you are as a player is definitely going to enhance your game from top to bottom. The Mizuno Foundry experience was an awesome opportunity to learn how Mizuno uses specific technology to make their clubs and then understand how I can use that technology to benefit my golf game."
