Padraig Harrington’s dramatic win at the Open Championship at Carnoustie has given Wilson Golf a major lift at retail level – with sales of Wilson Staff Dd6+ drivers, Wilson Staff hybrids and Wilson Staff irons reported to be more than 50% up on previous week’s sales at one of the UK’s biggest golf outlets.
Wilson has also seen a significant increase in traffic on its website, where news of what Harrington used to win one of the greatest finishes in Open history is set out together with his contribution to the development of the clubs.
What has been described in the national press as ‘the Harrington feel good factor’ has led to a boost in demand for the clubs that helped Padraig win his first major title and Wilson’s 59th. It was Wilson clubs that won the last Open staged at Carnoustie eight years ago, the last time that a European won the title.
An estimated BBC TV audience of six million together with more than five million radio listeners in Britain alone contributed to a high profile for the Wilson Staff brand as Harrington captured the title of Open Champion in an exciting 4-hole play-off – his third play-off victory this year. It followed wins in the Irish Open and the Irish PGA events this year, taking him to world No.6 and top of the European Tour Order of Merit, a title he won last year.
“Padraig has played Wilson clubs since 1998 and been a regular fixture in the world’s top 10 since 2001, but this win has lifted his profile and the Wilson Staff brand to another level,” said Doug Wright, director of Wilson Golf in Europe. “The early knock-on effect on sales of Wilson Staff clubs has already been felt across the UK and abroad.”
Harrington used the Wilson Staff Dd6+ driver, a Wilson Staff hybrid, a Wilson Staff fairway wood (#5 wood), Pi irons (4-iron – PW) and Wilson StaffTw7 wedges to capture the Open title. He was wearing Wilson Staff headwear and carried the new Wilson Staff Tour bag, along with fellow Wilson Staff players Anthony Wall and Markus Brier. Markus finished in 12th spot in the Open and moved up within the top 20 on the European Order of Merit.
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