Wilson re-signs Padraig Harrington
BY iseekgolf.com | 24 Oct 2008
With this pedigree, Padraig Harrington had become a marked man. In the 10 years that he’d been playing Wilson golf equipment, Padraig had risen from 78th in the world to 4th. Speculation suggested that it was time for Padraig to move on to a more lucrative contractwith a more “obvious” brand; certainly, he could get a bigger endorsement deal from a larger equipment manufacturer.
As E. Michael Johnson wrote in GolfWorld magazine back on August 29, “The game is littered with players who have been successful, chased equipment dollars and then fought to rediscover their games with unfamiliar bats and balls.”
We’re big fans of Mr. Johnson’s prose.
At Wilson, we understand the importance of Padraig and his role in our resurgence over the past five years. We’re proud that Padraig understands the importance that Wilson equipment has played in his success. It’s with great satisfaction that we announce a new, multi-year partnership between the hardest working player in the game of golf and his trusted equipment brand, Wilson.
I’m absolutely delighted to have finalized an agreement with Wilson for a third time in my career and have great confidence that my Wilson Staff clubs can help me achieve more success in the years ahead,” said Harrington.
“Wilson is more than just a brand name – it’s a unique mixture of golfing heritage and modern R&D expertise. I love being part of a tradition that includes the likes of Snead and Sarazen. There’s no doubt in my mind that Wilson Staff clubs give me a genuine edge over my rivals for the top prizes in the game.”
The terms of the new contract set a record for Wilson Golf and ensure that the popular Irishman will carry the distinctive red and white Wilson Staff bag as he seeks to complete a Grand Slam of Majors in 2009, starting with the US Masters next April.
“This is a great day for Wilson Golf,” said Tim Clarke, General Manager of Wilson Golf.
“Padraig is a tremendous competitor who works harder than anyone to accomplish his goals. To retain Padraig, in light of the many competitive options that came his way after this past year, gives everyone associated with the company as well as our customers a tremendous boost and confidence in the future.”
“We’re very proud that Padraig is a part of the Wilson portfolio of professional athletes,” said Chris Considine, President of Wilson Sporting Goods. “We partner with athletes that embody the same competitive spirit and determination as exemplified in the Wilson brand, and we’ve found these qualities in global players like Roger Federer, Venus and Serena Williams and Tom Brady. Padraig showed this past year that he more than belongs in this elite company.”
Currently, 12 of the 14 clubs in Padraig’s bag are Wilson clubs. These include the new Smooth Driver, FYbrid 5-wood, Wilson Staff Hybrid 19º, Ci7 3 and 4-irons, Pi series 5-iron through pitching wedge, and the new Tw9 Tour Milled wedges (54º and 60º).
