Tokyo, Japan: Katsuhiro Miura, Founder of Miura Golf and a master craftsman of hand-forged irons known worldwide for their quality and performance, has passed away at the age of 82.

Miura (pictured left) was born on October 24, 1942 in Himeji, Japan. He began his career as a golf club craftsman when aged 16.

It was in February 1977 that he founded Miura Manufacturing Co Ltd. Over the ensuing 48 years, Miura and his company earned respect from professional and amateur golfers around the world.

With innovative techniques adapting the ‘art of steel’ from his historic surroundings, Miura became known for his exceptional mastery of forged irons, wedges and putters.

Under the supervision of his sons, Shinei and Yoshitaka, Miura clubs are still designed and forged in the company’s factory in Himeji.

Miura’s sons were recently joined by the founder’s grandson Kokuse, all of whom are committed to preserving the legacy and commitment to excellence of Katsuhiro Miura for generations to come.

Howard Milstein, who in 2017 partnered with Katsuhiro Miura in Miura Golf, said: “Katsuhiro Miura’s hands shaped some of the highest quality irons the world has known.

“A humble yet driven artist devoted to his craft, he treated his work and all around him with honour, warmth and integrity. Those qualities show through in each hand-forged iron he created. He will be greatly missed, and we are humbled and honoured to work closely with the Miura family in fostering his legacy.”

Miura Golf is now part of the 8AM Golf family of companies.

Hoyt McGarity, CEO of 8AM Golf and Miura Golf, said: “I bought my first set of Miura irons in high school, and I’m proud to say they remain the finest forged irons in the world.

“Katsuhiro Miura was an artist, a craftsman and a perfectionist. He will be missed and his leadership and vision will remain embedded in our company, in our culture, and in every club we make.”

Bill Holowaty, COO of Miura Golf, added: “The pathway to creating a legacy is loving what you do. Miura-san never sought the spotlight – his passion was the quiet, relentless pursuit of perfection.

“For over 30 years, he was a guiding presence in my life, both personally and professionally. What mattered most to him was not recognition but knowing that the legacy he built was in the trusted hands of his sons, Yoshitaka and Shinei, and now his grandson, Kokuse. We remain deeply honoured to be the guardians of his brand and his life’s work.”