Award marks Harrington's 10th year with Wilson Golf
CHICAGO, October 15, 2008 – Wilson Staff Advisory Member Padraig Harrington this week was named 2008 PGA Player of the Year, becoming the first Irishman and only the second European to achieve this honor. The award also caps a milestone year as Harrington marks a decade-long partnership as a Wilson Staff Advisory Member.
The award, bestowed by The PGA of America every year since 1948, is based on a mathematical formula that weighs tournament wins, official money standing and scoring average. Buoyed by wins at this year's British Open and PGA Championship, Harrington had accrued 116 points, which will comfortably outpace the closest challengers heading into the final four events of the season, which officially ends November 9. Harrington currently shares the top spot on the leaderboard at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Bermuda, an event exclusive to only Major winners.
This week's honor is well deserved based on Harrington's performance in 2008, during which he successfully defended his British Open title at Royal Birkdale in July before clinching the PGA Championship at Oakland Hills the following month by two shots. Throughout the season, Wilson Staff equipment dominated Harrington’s bag, during which he put into play the following Wilson Staff clubs: the new Smooth Driver, FYbrid 5-wood, Wilson Staff Hybrid 19°, Ci7 3 and 4-irons, Pi series 5-iron through pitching wedge, and the new Tw9 Tour Milled wedges (54° and 60°).
"We are proud that this year's PGA Player of the Year is a longstanding member of the Wilson Staff team," said Tim Clarke, General Manager, Wilson Golf. "Padraig's outstanding performance has earned him this honor and we couldn't be happier that our equipment has played such an important role in his ongoing success over the past 10 years."
Harrington, who first signed a 2 year contract as a Wilson Staff professional in 1998 followed it with a 3 year agreement, and is now completing his second consecutive five-year contract. Harrington is instrumental in every development of the new Wilson Staff irons, driver and wedges. For information on these or any other Wilson Golf equipment, please log onto www.wilsonstaff.com.
About Wilson Golf
For more than 90 years, Wilson Golf has designed, manufactured and distributed premium and recreational golf equipment throughout the world. The Wilson Staff, Profile, ProStaff and Hope consumer brands continue that tradition today by delivering the highest quality golf equipment to enhance performance on the golf course and overall enjoyment of the game for all golfers.