Few, if any, golf club designs have the history and pedigree of the Wilson 8802 putter. Used by some of the game's all-time greats, the understated blade design has been holing putts since the 1960s. Now, in 2014, Wilson are bringing it back.
To celebrate the company's 100th anniversary, Wilson Staff are introducing modern versions of two of their most popular club designs: the Dynapower irons in the form of the new FG Tour 100 irons and the iconic 8802 putter.
The original shape was designed and inspired by Arnold Palmer, who was a Wilson player in the early 1960s. When he left the company in 1963, Wilson removed the "Designed By Arnold Palmer" inscription on the sole and replaced it with Wilson 8802, referencing the catalog number of the putter. The 8802 shape and styling has remained largely unchanged for the 50 years since.
Several other top Tour players have trusted the 8802 design. Ben Crenshaw was given one on his 15th birthday in 1967 by his father who paid $15 for a used version. Crenshaw used it for many years, prompting his blade to be nicknamed "Little Ben".
Tim Clarke, General Manager of Wilson Golf, says:
Our main focus this year lies in our new product launches, but there is just too much history to pass through our centenary year without celebrating it. Clubs like the FG Tour 100 blades and 8802 putters will revive a lot of memories, but also show the modern golfer why Wilson Staff has remained such a strong brand in golf for so long.
The 2014 version of the Wilson 8802 putter is milled from 304 stainless steel. Unlike the original's smooth, metal face, Wilson have added a double-milled face to the redesigned model.
With the same, heel-shafted head shape of the original the putter has also been updated with a head weight of 335 grams to match the demands of modern greens and ball construction.
Beyond the head design, the Wilson Staff 8802 putter comes fitted with a stepless, flare-tip shaft and a smooth Lamkin 3GEN Pistol grip. Should you decide to buy the new model, you will receive your new putter with a limited edition headcover and packaging carrying the vintage Wilson Staff shield and script, that will also appear on the bags of Wilson Staff Tour players.
For those interested in owning the redesigned 8802, it will be available from selected golf shops from May 6th.