Tag Archives: Wilson Staff

Golf Balls

Wilson Golf – Launch of the new premium Urethane Tour-inspired Staff Model golf balls

November 17, 2020 – Wilson Golf, the pioneering brand in low compression golf ball technology, has expanded its award-winning ball range by launching a new Tour-inspired Staff Model family designed for elite players and golfing purists, featuring the advanced 4-piece Urethane Staff Model and the Staff Model R version.

The Staff Model ball has been developed alongside the brand’s Tour Advisory Staff members to deliver maximum distance, a high-level of spin and exceptional control. It was played recently at the Scottish Open by England’s Craig Lee and will be used on the Tour next season.

Advanced V-COR performance technology magnifies energy around the core composition of the new ball to generate maximum velocity off the clubface for greater distance. The four layers on the ball work together to produce unmatched shot-shaping off the tee, Tour-level workability off the fairways, predictable stability on approach shots and exceptional control around the green. The Urethane cover features a seamless 362-dimple pattern that smooths airflow around the ball for a lower flight trajectory.

“By leveraging our experienced and dynamic Advisory Staff, we were able to design a premier golf ball that provides Tour-level distance, spin and control,” said Frank Simonutti, Global Director of Golf Ball Innovation.

“Featuring a thinner cover and harder core, the Staff Model ball provides higher spin rates on iron shots and holds the maximum allowable initial velocity based on USGA conformance for a more impressive velocity than traditional Urethane covered balls,” he added.

The Staff Model R model is distinguished by its first of its kind raw, unpainted cover, to ensure aerodynamic consistency and pure, precise ball flight to the intended target.

“The automated painting process can sometimes deliver balls with uneven coverage and the pooling of paint in the shallow dimples,” said Frank Simonutti. “This can significantly affect the trajectory and the directional stability of the ball flight. By doing away with the paint finish, we were able to eliminate all the short comings attributed to the paint process and deliver a unique product for the golf purist.

“Given that a glossy paint finish on golf balls is primarily applied for visual appearance, UV stability and stain resistance, the Staff Model R will eventually discolour during play – depending on the turf, weather and course conditions – but the extraordinary performance levels remain the same,” he added.

The 4-piece ball features the same level of spin and control as the Staff Model, plus the advanced V-COR performance technology for greater distance.

RRP: Wilson Staff Model and Staff Model R golf balls, 50€ per dozen.

More information on the whole Wilson Staff golf ball range, as well as clubs, bags and accessories, at www.wilson.com.

Majors, What's in the bag…

Wilson Golf – Padraig Harrington replays his Carboustie playoff holes at The Open 2007

May 10, 2018 – Three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington returned to Carnoustie yesterday to the scene of his dramatic four-hole playoff victory against Sergio Garcia more than a decade ago.

Ahead of golf’s oldest Major championship returning to the Angus links course in July, Padraig replayed one of the toughest stretches in golf – holes 1, 16, 17 & 18 – the playoff holes that witnessed the Irishman win the first of his consecutive Open Championship titles 11 years ago.

Once again, he was playing Wilson Staff irons that gave him a distinct edge over the field in the blustery conditions on the famous links course back then. “If I find myself in a similar position to win on the last hole this year, I’d trust my Wilson Staff clubs to get me over the line again,” said Padraig Harrington.

Back in 2007, it looked as though he had lost his chance of the coveted Claret Jug when he hit his ball into the Barry Burn not once, but twice on the last hole of regulation play – the fearsome 499-yard ‘Home’ hole. But, after wise words from his caddie Ronan Flood, he hit a sensational pitch under pressure to leave a 4-foot putt to salvage a double bogey. Recording an impressive 67 in the final round, he then went into a playoff with Sergio Garcia.

After playing a majestic iron into the 1st green, Padraig then birdied the first playoff hole, while Sergio could only manage a bogey, giving the Irishman a two-shot lead with three holes to play. Both players shared par on holes 16 and 17, so Padraig’s lead was maintained going down the last.

With the earlier nightmare experience on the 18th hole fresh in his mind, Padraig took the safe option off the tee, hitting the green in three shots to avoid the water. With his rival unable to make birdie, Padraig two-putted for a bogey to be crowned the Champion Golfer of 2007.

Over a decade later, the double Open Champion – now in his 20th year using Wilson Staff clubs on the global stage – demonstrated how he still has what it takes to conquer those demanding playoff holes just two months shy of the 147th Open Championship.

Yesterday, Padraig Harrington was playing with the following Wilson Staff clubs: FG Tour V6 irons 6-9; an FG Tour V4 iron; a C300 5 iron; a C300 hybrid 17º; FG Tour PMP 48º, 52º and 56º wedges; and the Infinite Southside putter. 

He is the second Wilson Staff player to win in an Open Championship playoff at Carnoustie, following Scot Paul Lawrie winning on home soil in 1999 with another supreme performance with his irons over the challenging closing holes.

More information at www.wilsongolf.com.

Wedges

Wilson Golf – New PMP-RAW Wilson Staff wedge added to Oil Can and Tour Frosted models

February 3, 2018 – Wilson Golf, the brand with more Major wins with its wedges than any other (82), has added a ‘rusty’ model to its latest line-up of wedges based on the soft 8620 Carbon Steel used on its popular FG Tour V6 irons.

The Wilson Staff FG Tour PMP – RAW finish wedge incorporates the same head shape as the existing Oil Can and Tour Frosted PMP models, but since the RAW version is not plated it will rust over a period of time for a classic look.

More than 18 players had a PMP wedge in the bag on the PGA and European Tours this season. Following extensive feedback from these Wilson Advisory Staff members, the same 8620 Carbon Steel has been used in the RAW finish, producing a softer feel and more spin, while reducing any glare.

“Even though it’s been 25-years since the first ‘rusty’ wedge, we see an exciting future mixing classic looks with modern technology,” said Jon Pergande, Global Innovation Manager at Wilson Golf. “Wilson Staff has great heritage in wedges in general, not only with its record number of Major wins, but working with Gene Sarazen back in 1933, the man known as the inventor of the modern sand wedge.”

“Our latest research on Tour has convinced us to use the RAW material as it produces excellent performance and creates the vintage look,” he added.

The PMP (Precision Milled Performance) – wedges include maximum volume HM grooves for spin on full shots, laser etched Micro Spin Lines for increased spin and control on partial shots plus a perfectly flat, milled face for greater consistency.

Three sole designs – Traditional, Tour Grind and Wide – offer golfers numerous loft, lie and bounce variables, with as many as 97 unrivalled playability options available through custom fitting.

The wedges come fitted with a KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 wedge shaft that features an active tip section for a higher ball flight, plus more spin for added stopping power and accuracy.

A Lamkin Performance Plus 3Gen grip with imprinted dots helps players grip the club appropriately for different shot lengths.

In striking Oil Can, Tour Frosted and the new RAW (RRP: 155€) finishes, the FG Tour PMP wedges are available since January 2018.

DP World Tour, Golf Companies, What's in the bag…

Wilson Golf – Paul Lawrie renews to continue using trusting Wilson Staff clubs

January 5, 2018 – Paul Lawrie, the last Scotsman to win The Open Championship, has renewed his long association with Wilson Golf to play the brand’s signature irons, fairway woods and wedges during the 2018 season.

Lawrie, who famously won the 1999 Open title with Wilson Staff irons in a dramatic play-off, will return to Carnoustie this July playing the latest V6 FG Tour irons; new fairway and hybrid C300 clubs (20º & 23º); plus a FG Tour PMP-RAW wedge (54º). He will also sport Wilson Staff branding on his cap and Tour bag.

The 49-year-old from Aberdeen first signed with Wilson Staff in 1993 and has come to trust the brand that has won more Majors with its irons (61) than any other club manufacturer.

“When it comes to the clubs I use most out on the golf course there is something special about Wilson Staff irons that gives me confidence from the very start of every round,” said Paul Lawrie. “I believe the brand produces some of the best equipment in the game and I’m delighted to continue the relationship that has brought me so much success over the years.”

Since joining the European Tour 25 years ago, many of Lawrie’s greatest accomplishments have been with Wilson Staff clubs, including six European Tour victories. He has also appeared in the Ryder Cup twice, most recently in 2012 when his spectacular 5&3 victory over Brandt Snedeker helped Europe secure a memorable victory at Medinah.

“The V6 FG Tour irons are the perfect irons for me,” said Paul Lawrie. “They look fantastic and provide great feel, allowing me to shot-shape to precise distances. I can also generate a tremendous flight trajectory from the fairways with the new C300 clubs, while the FG Tour PMP-RAW wedge gives me the chance to score well from around the green thanks to its softer feel and more spin,” he added.

Recently awarded a lifetime achievement award at the Scottish Sports Awards, he has also hosted the Paul Lawrie Match Play event on the European Tour for the past two seasons.

Doug Wright, Global Commercial Director at Wilson Golf, commented: “It’s great to have Paul sign with us again. Not only is he a fantastic player who has achieved some incredible things in the game with Wilson Staff clubs, but he’s a brilliant ambassador for the brand and a perfect role model for the younger generation of Tour professionals.”

Another Wilson Staff player who will tee up at The Open Championship at Carnoustie this year is Padraig Harrington, who won his second Major title there in 2008 and has been a brand ambassador since 1998.

The latest signing comes as two-time PGA Tour champion Kevin Streelman has also re-signed with Wilson Staff to use the FG Tour V6 irons, having first signed with the brand in 2011. He is joined on the PGA Tour by three-time champion Brendan Steele and fellow Americans Troy Merritt and Rickie Barnes.

More information at www.wilsongolf.com.

Drivers, Equipment, Fairway Woods, Hybrids / Rescues

Wilson Golf – New D300 Woods with Micro Vortex generators to create greater speed and distance

January 16, 2017 – Proven technology blended with cutting-edge design come together to create the new Wilson Staff D300 family of super game improvement clubs. Following the release of the award-winning D200 family, the next generation of Wilson Staff distance clubs feature an all new driver, fairway woods, and hybrid using Right Light Technology, aimed at players looking for maximum distance and forgiveness.

“Innovation is at the core of all we do, and elevating distance is something we take seriously,” said Michael Vrska, Global Innovation Director of Wilson Golf. “Micro Vortex Generators and Right Light are technologies that players can see and feel. The speed and distance benefits will be obvious from the first swing.”

WILSON STAFF D300 DRIVER

Incorporating proprietary SuperLight technology, the D300 driver is one of the lightest and fastest adjustable drivers on the market. A new aerodynamically designed head shape, coupled with visible Micro Vortex Generators, reduces drag force to increase club head speed and deliver enhanced distance.

The Green Means GO! Fast Fit technology enables players to make quick adjustments by eliminating the need to remove the club head from the shaft, while Right Light Technology, with an interchangeable weight, permits golfers to adjust swing speed. The Fast Fit six-way adjustable hosel includes 1º strong, standard, and 1° weak loft settings, plus three lofts in a draw option. Loft options are available in 9.0º, 10.5º & 13.0º.

KEY FEATURES

  • Lofts: 9.0º, 10.5º and 13.0º (6 hosel settings). Men (RH and LH) and Ladies (HL, RH).
  • Swing weight: D2. Length: 46”.
  • Aerodynamic Design: Micro Vortex Generators reduce the drag forces on the head, leading to increased club head speed and greater distance.
  • Fast Fit Technology: Green Means Go! One of the lightest, smallest, fastest and easiest to use adjustable hosel systems featuring six settings, including three draw options.
  • Right Light Technology: The lightest adjustable driver on the market now with an interchangeable weight. Allowing players to swing faster with the same effort resulting in more distance.
  • Shaft: Matrix Speed Rulz A-Type 44 and 45.
  • Grip: Golf Pride Tour 25.
  • RRP: D300 Driver, 389€.

WILSON STAFF D300 FAIRWAY WOODS

The D300 fairway woods also feature the new aerodynamically designed head with Micro Vortex Generators, along with a Carpenter Custom 455 maraging stainless steel face insert creating a thin, flexible, and responsive face for increased ball speeds and longer distances. Available in three loft models (3 wood at 
15º loft, 5 at 18º and 7 at 21º), blending the proprietary Right Light Technology.

KEY FEATURES

  • Lofts: 3 (15º), 5 (18º) and 7 (21º). Men (RH and LH) and Ladies (RH).
  • Swing weight: D3.
  • Aerodynamic Design: Micro Vortex Generators reduce the drag forces on the head, leading to increased club head speed and greater distance.
  • Carpenter Custom 455 Face Insert: Increased ball speeds and maximum distances are created by the premium maraging steel insert that produce a thin, high CT face.
  • Right Light Technology: The ideal combination of weights and balance points allow players to swing faster with the same effort resulting in more distance.
  • Shaft: Matrix Speed Rulz A-Type 49.
  • Grip: Golf Pride Tour 25.
  • RRP: D300 Fairway Wood, 239€.

WILSON STAFF D300 HYBRIDS

The D300 hybrid features a progressive head design offering increased volume on stronger lofts for more forgiveness on longer shots. The D300 hybrid also features the Micro Vortex Generators to create faster movement through the air and the same a Carpenter Custom 455 maraging stainless steel face insert found of the fairway woods. Loft options are available in 2 to 7-hyrbid (ranging from 17º-31º lofts) and 3 to 5-hyrbid (ranging from 19º-25º lofts).

KEY FEATURES

  • Lofts: 2 (17º), 3 (19º), 4 (22º), 5 (25º), 6 (28º) and 7 (31º). Men (Rh and LH) and Ladies (3, 5, 7 RH).
  • Swing weight: D1.
  • Aerodynamic Design: Micro Vortex Generators reduce the drag forces on the head, leading to increased club head speed and greater distance.
  • Carpenter Custom 455 Face Insert: Increased ball speeds and maximum distances are created by the premium maraging steel insert that produce a thin, high CT face.
  • Progressive Head Design: Increased volume on stronger lofted heads for more forgiveness on longer shots. Increased face curvature on stronger lofted heads for consistent impact and accuracy.
  • Shaft: Matrix Speed Rulz A-Type 54.
  • Grip: Wilson Staff Tour Traction.
  • RRP: D300 Hybrid, 199€ with Matrix Speed Rulz A-Type 54 graphite shaft with a Wilson Staff Tour Traction grip.
PGA Tour, What's in the bag…

Wilson Golf – Steel wins first PGA Tour 2017 FedEX Cup event for irons and wedges

Brendan-Steele-wins-Safeway-Open-2016

October 18, 2016 – Brendan Steele won the opening event of the 2017 PGA Tour FedEx Cup season at the Safeway Open in California yesterday using Wilson Staff FG Tour clubs to outscore the field with a blistering run of birdies over the closing holes.

Three consecutive birdies at 16, 17 and 18 – including two par fives – saw him shoot an impressive 7-under par final round of 65 to win his second PGA Tour title by a shot and secure a place at The Masters in April.

The win in his home State was all the sweeter as he had led the same event last year over 54 holes, only to fall back in the final round. “This was a little bit of redemption from last year…and it’s nice to close it off this way,” he said.

Steele joined the Wilson Advisory Staff in January 2015, when he switched to playing with FG Tour irons and the FG Tour PMP wedge and went on to record four top ten finishes during the year.

Hierros-Wilson-Brendan-Steele

“I am very pleased with my performance over the past year with the FG Tour irons,” he commented. “It’s been a great experience playing a role on the Wilson Advisory Staff, helping to develop the ‘Feel player’ clubs, and I’m really excited about the FG Tour V6 irons.”

The new Wilson Staff FG Tour V6 irons have been designed for the golfer who values ultimate feel, precision shot-shaping and feedback, while the PMP wedges feature Precision Milled Performance technology which widens the grooves for maximum spin on full shots.

More information at www.wilson.com.

DP World Tour, What's in the bag…

Wilson Golf – Padraig Harrington signs to continue playing Wilson Staff clubs

Wilson-Resigns-Harrington

January 13, 2016 – Eighteen years since he first signed with the brand, three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington has again pledged his allegiance to Wilson Golf in a deal that will see him continue to play Wilson Staff clubs on a global stage.

The evergreen Irishman, who won on the PGA Tour last year and finished T6 as the leading European at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Hawaii last weekend, will be joined in using Wilson Staff equipment at leading tournaments by Marcel Siem from Germany and Englishman Anthony Wall. These three widely-respected players have spent a total of 32 years playing with Wilson Staff clubs and amassed 30 Tour victories between them in the process. They feature in a 2016 Wilson Staff Advisory group that also includes Troy Merritt, Kevin Streelman and Brendan Steele.

In winning three Majors in 13 months with Wilson Staff clubs, Harrington became the first European player to win back-to-back Open Championships and the first to defend his title since James Braid in 1906. Wall has been a Wilson Staff player since 2004 and returned to form last year with a strong performance at The Open, while Marcel won the BMW Masters in China and enjoyed his best season on Tour after signing with the brand in 2014.

Padraig Harrington will continue to play with the Wilson Staff FG Tour irons that helped him last February to win his second Honda Classic title in a decade. Alongside them in his Wilson Staff Pro Tour bag are FG Tour wedges, the latest hybrids and the Infinite South Side putter. The Wilson Staff brand logo also features prominently on his headwear. Both Wall and Siem play the same irons, hybrids and wedges and wear similar headwear branding.

“My association with Wilson Staff clubs is one of the longest and most successful in the game and I’m delighted to see it continue,” said Padraig Harrington. “I can always rely on Wilson Staff clubs when I get into contention and the support I get out on the Tour is second to none.”

In his role as a Wilson Staff Advisory Member, Harrington will continue to play a part in developing new clubs for the brand that has delivered an unrivalled number of Major wins with its irons (61) and wedges (82).

Commenting on the retention of the three European stars for the 2016 season, Doug Wright, Global Commercial Director of Wilson Golf said: “Padraig, Marcel and Anthony are genuine brand ambassadors who contribute a great deal both on and off the course to the progress of the Wilson Staff equipment on offer to golfers of all abilities.”