A Perfect Match: Wilson Golf Signs Gary Woodland to 10 Club Endorsement Deal

Whether you like it or not, whether you want to admit it or not, Tour validation is brand validation.  And so when Wilson Golf officially announced it signed Gary Woodland to a 10 club endorsement deal today, that immediately shot Wilson's reputation skyrocketing into another stratosphere of greatness. 

 

Now this is not to say Wilson didn't make great clubs before.  You already know my opinion about their equipment.  From their irons (FG Tour V2, FG Tour 100, and C300 irons) to their wedges (FG Tour and PMP) and drivers (FG Tour F5 and C300), I think Wilson has made some of the best equipment in the industry for every skill level for many years. 

However, it's a completely new ball game when we see Woodland firing at pins with his Wilson prototype irons as he grinds his way into contention on Sundays.  The playbook changes when Woodland's wearing a cap proudly displaying the Wilson name and shield as he battles in major championships - and maybe even wins them, and then thanks Wilson as he accepts the trophies. 

Quite frankly, this is one of the best moves Wilson has ever made to grow their brand awareness.  And I for one am thrilled to see this - it's seriously a whole new level of awesome for Wilson. 

 

Woodland's deal with Wilson is for 10 clubs and will include irons and wedges.  Perhaps later on down the road once Woodland's more comfortable with his new equipment, he could even play a Wilson golf ball.  The only real question about his deal that no one seems to know at the moment is if he'll play the new Wilson Cortex driver. 

I for one believe it's not a matter of if, but of when.  I know as a club tester that changing drivers is one of the most difficult equipment changes you can make.  The adjustment is significant, and Wilson's not going to press Woodland on the new driver until he's ready to figure it out on his own terms. 

 

In the meantime, the bigger picture is that Wilson signing Woodland is a perfect marriage.  A strong company with great equipment and history (and equally great people) that hasn't gotten the recognition it deserves in recent years.  Paired with a player who's an excellent ball-striker, possesses a complete game, and is as good a guy as you'll ever find on Tour - but also underappreciated. 

Together Wilson and Gary Woodland are about to prove that nice guys really do finish first.  And I've got my popcorn ready to watch it all unfold.