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After recently reviewing Mizuno, Top Flite, and PXG, we were tasked with the question, Are Wilson Golf Clubs Good? In this article, our golf expert provides key details before you buy.
Wilson Staff is among the oldest existing golf club manufacturers in the game, founded in 1914. I have played a variety of Wilson products in my career for their affordability, forgiveness, and durability.
So, are Wilson golf clubs good? In this post, I will share my experience with the brand and explain whether it suits your golf game.
After reading the review on Wilson clubs you will possess extensive knowledge on their history, the pros who swing their golf gear, and their value proposition. I shall end off by listing the best Wilson golf clubs from driver to putter.
The Wilson Golf Story
The Foundation
According to the National Golf Foundation, Wilson commenced golf club production in 1914 with unorthodox beginnings. It initially operated under the banner of Ashland Manufacturing Company, created by the Schwartzschild and Sulzberger (S.S) meat packing plant.
Schwartzschild and Sulzberger looked to produce sports equipment and musical instruments using animal by-products. Trouble arose for the outfit as World War I broke out, and with the eldest Sulzberger son accused of trading and sympathizing with the German enemy, the outlook was bleak.
However, New York bankers holding bonds in the company sprung into action, and appointed Thomas Edward Wilson as president. Wilson was president of rival meat packers Morris and Co, and is credited with evolving the business operations into a dynamic sports manufacturer.
Name Change
A stroke of marketing genius saw the company rebranded itself in 1916 to Wilson & Co, but continued to manufacture out of the S.S meat packing location until 1951. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the same New York bankers recommended Wilson for the popularity of then United States president Woodrow Wilson.
The branding overhaul helped remove the idea that the company was associated with an enemy nation, and instead highlighted their allegiance to the United States.
Gene Sarazen
While taking flying lessons in Florida, Eugenio “Gene Sarazen” Saraceni was amazed at the positioning of the tail at the aircraft and how it impacted its ascent. He felt if the same logic is applied to a wedge it would deliver the optimal glide and bounce to get the clubface under the ball to escape the bunker easily.
Wilson sent Sarazen a few wedges to tinker with and he got to work before the 1932 Open Championship. The seven time major winner added assorted mass to the soles of the wedges until he found the optimal performer.
Sarazen traveled to Kent, England with his secret weapon in toe, and obliterated the field by 5 strokes. The 58.5 degree wedge was sort after by golfers and set the bar for other manufacturers to reach.
Wilson Acquiring Hagen Golf Products (1944)
Towards the back end of world war II, Wilson made another genius move by acquiring the L.A Young Golf company in Grand Rapids Michigan. The upper midwest outfit manufactured Walter Hagen golf clubs, which would now fall under the Wilson Sports brand.
At the time Hagen had won more majors than any golfer, and was held in high esteem by the golfing fraternity at large. Wilson felt that his name would allow the brand to reach a growing amateur market, spurred on by the desire for outdoor activities by fit service men and women seeking to enjoy their spare time.
Do Any Pros Play Wilson?
Wilson Golf currently has 21 professional golfers using their golf clubs on the PGA Tour Champions, PGA Tour, Korn Ferry, DP World Tour, and European Challenge Tour. Former U.S. Open victor Gary Woodland is the most notable omission from the Wilson staff list after switching allegiances to Cobra in early 2023.
It is interesting to note that they do not have any LPGA or LET players on their books. Their most notable professional golfers are:
3 Reasons Wilson Is a Great Golf Club Manufacturer
1. Extensive Experience
Wilson are among the longest existing golf club manufacturers around with over 100 years experience in the industry. They have built up a wealth of intellectual property which allows them to continue innovating to produce more consistent, long and forgiving golf clubs to reach a broader audience.
The company has survived two world wars, multiple pandemics and stock market crashes and still they thrive. They are also credited with revolutionizing sand wedges and distance golf balls to simplify the game for all skill levels.
2. Value For Money
You may find some Wilson products like their new Dynapower Driver priced a premium, but on the whole they manufacture excellent value for money golf clubs.
For example, the Wilson Harmonized Wedges run for less than $40 per unit, and they perform consistently for the price.
Besides the cost of their clubs I find they are durable for the price and you at least get some mileage on their equipment.
3. Golf Clubs For Every Skill Level
Wilson develops golf clubs for all skill levels, which make them an attractive option for budget seekers. However, I do find they stock a wider selection of game improvement golf clubs which suit mid and high handicappers seeking forgiveness.
The Best Wilson Golf Clubs in 2023
Wilson Dynapower Driver
Updated on 2024-04-26
Wilson Driver
The Dynapower Driver is the latest edition from the Wilson stable and earns our respect for its consistent speed, low spin and maximum forgiveness. It further impressed with its adjustable hosel and slight draw bias which combatted slices to induce straighter flight.
I felt the Dynapower A.I. face structure was the star performer thanks to consistent ball velocity it delivered across the surface. Variable face thickness expanded the sweet spot, to lower spin and preserve ball pace for a powerful launching drive.
Wilson engineers set the center of gravity (CG) deep and in the back of the clubhead, which promote an elevated launch. I welcomed the feature as I found it easy to get the ball airborne. Slower swing speeds will benefit from the ease of launch and generate consistent carry distance.
The low and deep CG boosted the stability of the clubface at impact, helping me resist ball speed loss and spin gain. I also noticed the club was marginally offset as a result of the weight structure, creating a slight draw bias to fight slices.
Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 13°
⛳️ Related: Best Drivers for More Distance
PROS
- Wide sweet spot
- Maintains ball speed on mishits
- Lowers spin
- Combats slices
- Adjustable hosel
CONS
- Expensive for a Wilson driver
- Not the longest driver I have hit
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Wilson Fairway Wood
Wilson Launch Pad 2 Fairway Wood
Updated on 2024-04-26
Wilson Fairway Wood
The Wilson Staff Launch Pad 2 is our top fairway wood pick from the brand for its turf interaction, launch and clubhead speed. These features combined to deliver a hassle free lift off for optimal carry and total distance.
I was initially impressed with the lightweight build of the clubhead and Evenflow shaft. I found it easier to unload the club from the top and accelerate down towards impact transferring optimal speed and low spin to the golf ball.
The Staff Launch Pad also glided cleanly through the turf limiting its interaction with the grass to preserve clubhead velocity. Wilson created a draw bias profile, which simplified the task of squaring my clubface at contact for straighter golf shots, and fewer lost golf balls.
My main gripe with the Wilson Launch Pad is the lack of wood options for players who prefer hitting fairway woods over Wilson long irons.
Lofts: 16°, 19°, 22°
PROS
- Exceptional forgiveness
- Clean turf interaction
- Produces rapid speed
- Draw bias profile combats slices
- Glare resistant finish
CONS
- Limited fairway wood options
- The draw bias design hampered my ability to effectively fade my shots
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Wilson Hybrid
Wilson Dynapower Hybrid
Updated on 2024-04-26
Wilson Hybrids
The Dynapower Hybrid stood out as Wilson’s top rescue club for its towering launch, straight flight and impressive distance. I also appreciated its stylish, glare resistant black and red finish, which kept me focused at address.
The Dynapower AI helped engineers expand the sweet spot using variable face thickness across the surface. I managed to impart sufficient speed on the ball even on heel and toe mishits to get the ball into the air and traveling.
I felt the high MOI clubhead was brilliant for forgiveness and boosting my moment of inertia (MOI). The added stability of the clubface aided me in keeping it square and preventing a loss of speed.
Lofts: 19°, 22°, 25°, 28°
⛳️ Related: Top Golf Hybrids for Game Improvement in 2023
PROS
- High launching
- Clean turf interaction
- Fast, forgiving clubface
- Encourages straighter ball flight
- Glare resistant finish
CONS
- Expensive compared to other Wilson hybrids
- The oversized profile will not appeal to some experienced golfers
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Best Wilson Irons
Wilson D9 Golf Irons Set
Updated on 2024-04-26
Wilson Irons
Wilson released their D9 Game Improvement Irons in 2021 but I still prefer them over newer releases given their affordability, fast forgiving face and effortless launch. The wider sole glided swiftly through the turf and prevented digging, and its lighter swing weight was a breeze to unload from the top of my swing.
The Power Hole Technology was my star feature on these Wilson irons, as it increased the clubface flex leading into contact. I managed to maintain energy transfer and pass constant speed onto the ball for satisfactory results on off-center strikes.
My forgiveness received a further boost with the significantly low CG which hoisted my ball high off the deck. The towering ball flight led to sharp descent angles on approach which enhanced my ball’s bite.
Wilson D9 opted for strong lofts on these irons, which tricks us into believing we have gained distance. However, its the lower spin, and higher ball speed of the stronger lofts working, and it had nothing to do with my hard work at the range.
⛳️ Related: Best Senior Golf Irons on the Market
PROS
- Affordable golf irons
- Optimizes energy transfer on all shots
- Wide soles produce clean turf interaction
- Low CG prompts a hefty launch
- The Wilson D9 Irons set includes 7 clubs
CONS
- The oversize design may not appeal to lower handicappers
- Seniors with slow swing speeds might find strong lofted long irons difficult to launch
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Wilson Golf Wedges
Wilson Staff Model Wedge
Updated on 2024-04-26
Wilson Golf Wedges
The Wilson Staff Model Golf Wedges appeal to experienced golfers who demand a soft feel, maximum spin and optimal greenside control. Compared to other tour inspired wedges the Staff Model is relatively affordable, making it accessible to a wider range of golfers.
I delivered an impressive spin rate with the 50, 54 and 60° wedges, owing to the Advanced Spin Scorelines and Precision Milled Face. The milled face boosted my friction with the golf ball, while the Spin Scorelines increased revolutions for greater greenside control.
My feel and feedback on each wedge shot received an injection from the 8620 Carbon Steel, which is also durable and will stand the test of time. The controlled ball flight on full wedge shots was also appreciated as it increased my ability to generate hop and stop and stop landings.
Lofts: 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°,58°,60°
PROS
- Generates outstanding spin
- Soft feel
- Controlled flight
- Affordable for a tour inspired wedge
- Promotes constant contact
CONS
- Less forgiving than other Wilson wedges
- Limited alternative grind options
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Wilson Putters
Wilson Infinite Putter [Buckingham]
Updated on
Wilson Putter
![Wilson Infinite Putter [Buckingham]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/717H5Yt4EnL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
The Wilson Infinite Buckingham putter beat its compatriots for its affordability, feel, topspin control and forgiveness. I also enjoyed the glare resistant PVD finish and the enlarged sight lines made it a pleasure to line up each putt.
I was impressed that Wilson managed to mill the putter face, a surface I far prefer to inserts. The feel, contact and feedback you receive off a milled face enhances the putting experience. Thanks to the material I generated consistent topspin and a clean roll with limited skidding.
The Counterbalanced Technology and high MOI profile of the putter helped me stabilize the head at contact to prevent ball speed and top spin loss.
⛳️ Related: Top Picks for Senior Putters
PROS
- Produces consistent topspin
- Stabilizes the putter head at contact
- Affordable
- Enhanced alignment aids
- Glare resistant finish
CONS
- Not suited to golfers with arched strokes
- The oversized winged mallet head is not the prettiest putter
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wilson Golf located?
Wilson Company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. In 2003, they announced they would start manufacturing golf clubs in Asia to remain competitive with the biggest players in the golf industry.
What is the difference between Wilson and Wilson Staff?
Wilson incorporates entry-level golf clubs, as well as Wilson Staff golf clubs which include premium irons, wedges, and putters. Golf clubs like the Harmonized Wedges and Infinite Putters are Wilson clubs. However, high-end Wilson Staff Model wedges and putters are high-caliber clubs suited to low handicappers and tour golfers.
Do any pros use Wilson staff blades?
Yes, Brendan Steele, Kevin Streelman, Ricky Barnes and Trey Mullinax use Wilson Staff blades. There are other pros swinging the soft feeling, compact irons, but the four golfers above are their highest profile users.
Final Thoughts: Are Wilson Golf Clubs Good?
I set out to determine are Wilson golf clubs good or not, along with who they suit best. Given their history, experience, innovation, affordability, and stamina, it is hard to dispute the quality of Wilson golf clubs.
The brand has stood firm for over 100 years and continues to compete with the biggest brands in golf. Although they stock golf clubs for all skill levels, I find their equipment best suited to amateurs seeking value for money, forgiveness and consistency.
Their game improvement golf clubs are fast and optimize energy transfer for an easy launch, ideal for senior golfer and slow swinging beginners.
