Wilson Golf Product Testing and Fitting Experience @ Pinehurst | Following Along Here

[Orchardist]

2 hours ago, Olson12 said:

Negative.  These are a 1 of 1 bead blasted set for the man, the myth, the legend Harry Nodwell. 

Who?😂😂😂

[thaar]

Congrats guys! To say I'm jealous is a bit of an understatement! Great write-ups so far. They really rolled out the red carpet for you all.

[Ajgaguy83]

1 hour ago, thaar said:

Congrats guys! To say I'm jealous is a bit of an understatement! Great write-ups so far. They really rolled out the red carpet for you all.

 

Agreed, this makes me want to give Wilson gear a shot just for being awesome enough to provide this experience. I wish I had better access to their offerings.

[03trdblack]

16 minutes ago, Ajgaguy83 said:

 

Agreed, this makes me want to give Wilson gear a shot just for being awesome enough to provide this experience. I wish I had better access to their offerings.

 

It actually makes me want to boycott them because I wasn't picked.  😈

[Orchardist]

13 hours ago, ChrisATL said:

Not yet - I’m going to go try them out at a local PGASS. I’ve got my ideal setup built - just want to hit them before I pull the trigger. 

A level of discipline I have yet to achieve.  Enjoy!

[TM golf guy]

I’m working on my recap post, but it’ll probably take a bit as I’m on dad duty for a few more hours. For now, here’s another nice touch that was on a few different screens at The Manor (where we stayed) as well as at The Carolina Inn (where we ate). The little touches like this showed how dedicated the Wilson team and WRX were to make this extra special. 
 

[hammergolf]

3 minutes ago, TM golf guy said:

I’m working on my recap post, but it’ll probably take a bit as I’m on dad duty for a few more hours. For now, here’s another nice touch that was on a few different screens at The Manor (where we stayed) as well as at The Carolina Inn (where we ate). The little touches like this showed how dedicated the Wilson team and WRX were to make this extra special. 
 

Great trip and experience! Thanks so much for sharing.

[TLUBulldogGolf]

I’m going to put together a more full write up of the entire trip but the entire experience was incredible. I came away super impressed with what Wilson is doing and the direction they are taking the brand. I decided to roll with basically the entire setup they put together for me (Dynapower Carbon driver, Staff Model MB irons, and 52/56/60 ZM wedges) and played the Model X ball.

We had 3 sickos (myself included) pushing to play the tips and it was an absolute blast. We got a great day with some breeze and the performance of the ball in the wind really stood out, I had iron shots cut through the wind much easier than I’m used to, I’m excited to do more thorough testing. The MBs flat out perform, if you want that classic look they should be on your short list to try, they nailed the shape and the sole design and turf interaction were just what I expect out of a blade. The options to combo with the CB and new utility should appeal to anyone after that classic look with performance. 

Some photos of No. 10 which was a joy to play:

 

1st tee

 

2 tee

 

6 approach from the fairway (489 par 4)

8 tee (signature hole, two blind shots)

9 tee

 

10 tee (634 where Harry from Wilson knocked it on in two)

12 approach

 

14 green complex, basically a par 3.5 at 264

 

17 tee, par 3 with a multi-tiered green

Edited June 6 by TLUBulldogGolf

[Orchardist]

 I don't want it to end and I wasn't even there. 

[golfnerd91]

1 hour ago, TLUBulldogGolf said:

I’m going to put together a more full write up of the entire trip but the entire experience was incredible. I came away super impressed with what Wilson is doing and the direction they are taking the brand. I decided to roll with basically the entire setup they put together for me (Dynapower Carbon driver, Staff Model MB irons, and 52/56/60 ZM wedges) and played the Model X ball.

We had 3 sickos (myself included) pushing to play the tips and it was an absolute blast. We got a great day with some breeze and the performance of the ball in the wind really stood out, I had iron shots cut through the wind much easier than I’m used to, I’m excited to do more thorough testing. The MBs flat out perform, if you want that classic look they should be on your short list to try, they nailed the shape and the sole design and turf interaction were just what I expect out of a blade. The options to combo with the CB and new utility should appeal to anyone after that classic look with performance. 

Some photos of No. 10 which was a joy to play:

 

1st tee

 

2 tee

 

6 approach from the fairway (489 par 4)

8 tee (signature hole, two blind shots)

9 tee

 

10 tee (634 where Harry from Wilson knocked it on in two)

12 approach

 

14 green complex, basically a par 3.5 at 264

 

17 tee, par 3 with a multi-tiered green

 

These views are absolutely phenomenal. Looks like they were taken out of a picture book.

[brew4eagle]

1 hour ago, TLUBulldogGolf said:

I’m going to put together a more full write up of the entire trip but the entire experience was incredible. I came away super impressed with what Wilson is doing and the direction they are taking the brand. I decided to roll with basically the entire setup they put together for me (Dynapower Carbon driver, Staff Model MB irons, and 52/56/60 ZM wedges) and played the Model X ball.

We had 3 sickos (myself included) pushing to play the tips and it was an absolute blast. We got a great day with some breeze and the performance of the ball in the wind really stood out, I had iron shots cut through the wind much easier than I’m used to, I’m excited to do more thorough testing. The MBs flat out perform, if you want that classic look they should be on your short list to try, they nailed the shape and the sole design and turf interaction were just what I expect out of a blade. The options to combo with the CB and new utility should appeal to anyone after that classic look with performance. 

Some photos of No. 10 which was a joy to play:

 

1st tee

 

2 tee

 

6 approach from the fairway (489 par 4)

8 tee (signature hole, two blind shots)

9 tee

 

10 tee (634 where Harry from Wilson knocked it on in two)

12 approach

 

14 green complex, basically a par 3.5 at 264

 

17 tee, par 3 with a multi-tiered green

634 yard par 5, hahaha.  I'd be pushing to play the reds.

[TiScape]

9 minutes ago, brew4eagle said:

634 yard par 5, hahaha.  I'd be pushing to play the reds.

Pfft, 350 yard drive, 284 yard 3 wood. Eagle, next… 🥱 

[Olson12]

5 minutes ago, TiScape said:

Pfft, 350 yard drive, 284 yard 3 wood. Eagle, next… 🥱 

Funny you mention that.  Harry did just that....  Almost

 

Hit a HUGE tee shot.  280 left and stuck a 3 wood to like 10 feet.  Lipped it out 😞

[TiScape]

1 minute ago, Olson12 said:

Funny you mention that.  Harry did just that....  Almost

 

Hit a HUGE tee shot.  280 left and stuck a 3 wood to like 10 feet.  Lipped it out 😞

He’s a legend!

 

*so I’ve heard 😊

[Carolina Golfer 2]

22 hours ago, Olson12 said:

I was forced against my will to tip it out 😜.  No. 10 is 7040 yards from the Tips & a par 70. 
 

I’ll have full write up at some point in the next day but I shot 41-43. Only one birdie and 4 doubles on the back I think.  The back 9 was SOOOOO LONG.

 

Harry from Wilson Golf shot an effortless 69 and missed 2 putts inside 6 ft. 

Harry is a legit stick.  I know him from his previous gig 🙂

 

 

 

2 hours ago, TLUBulldogGolf said:

I’m going to put together a more full write up of the entire trip but the entire experience was incredible. I came away super impressed with what Wilson is doing and the direction they are taking the brand. I decided to roll with basically the entire setup they put together for me (Dynapower Carbon driver, Staff Model MB irons, and 52/56/60 ZM wedges) and played the Model X ball.

We had 3 sickos (myself included) pushing to play the tips and it was an absolute blast. We got a great day with some breeze and the performance of the ball in the wind really stood out, I had iron shots cut through the wind much easier than I’m used to, I’m excited to do more thorough testing. The MBs flat out perform, if you want that classic look they should be on your short list to try, they nailed the shape and the sole design and turf interaction were just what I expect out of a blade. The options to combo with the CB and new utility should appeal to anyone after that classic look with performance. 

Some photos of No. 10 which was a joy to play:

 

1st tee

 

2 tee

 

6 approach from the fairway (489 par 4)

8 tee (signature hole, two blind shots)

9 tee

 

10 tee (634 where Harry from Wilson knocked it on in two)

12 approach

 

14 green complex, basically a par 3.5 at 264

 

17 tee, par 3 with a multi-tiered green

That course looks stunning,  great pics and recap guys.

 

Such an awesome experience. 

[TM golf guy]

Here’s some of the other goodies Wilson/WRX had for us. The No. 10 bag tag has our name on the back. They’re still working on their golf apparel, and the sweater and shirt seem like a great start. (I promise I’m still going to post a recap 😅)

 

 

Edit: Almost forgot this cool yardage book/scorecard holder and valuables pouch as well. The yardage book has the Wilson W dancing around on the back. The pouch is made by Seamus Golf in Oregon and is really nice and soft. 
 

Edited June 6 by TM golf guy

[QuigleyDU]

7 hours ago, TLUBulldogGolf said:

I’m going to put together a more full write up of the entire trip but the entire experience was incredible. I came away super impressed with what Wilson is doing and the direction they are taking the brand. I decided to roll with basically the entire setup they put together for me (Dynapower Carbon driver, Staff Model MB irons, and 52/56/60 ZM wedges) and played the Model X ball.

We had 3 sickos (myself included) pushing to play the tips and it was an absolute blast. We got a great day with some breeze and the performance of the ball in the wind really stood out, I had iron shots cut through the wind much easier than I’m used to, I’m excited to do more thorough testing. The MBs flat out perform, if you want that classic look they should be on your short list to try, they nailed the shape and the sole design and turf interaction were just what I expect out of a blade. The options to combo with the CB and new utility should appeal to anyone after that classic look with performance. 

Some photos of No. 10 which was a joy to play:

 

1st tee

 

2 tee

 

6 approach from the fairway (489 par 4)

8 tee (signature hole, two blind shots)

9 tee

 

10 tee (634 where Harry from Wilson knocked it on in two)

12 approach

 

14 green complex, basically a par 3.5 at 264

 

17 tee, par 3 with a multi-tiered green

Awesome course!! 

[ChrisATL]

1 hour ago, TM golf guy said:

Here’s some of the other goodies Wilson/WRX had for us. The No. 10 bag tag has our name on the back. They’re still working on their golf apparel, and the sweater and shirt seem like a great start. (I promise I’m still going to post a recap 😅)

 

 

Edit: Almost forgot this cool yardage book/scorecard holder and valuables pouch as well. The yardage book has the Wilson W dancing around on the back. The pouch is made by Seamus Golf in Oregon and is really nice and soft. 
 

Absolutely love these gifts - Wilson has such a classic logo and I’m really digging the whole aesthetic of their apparel. Thanks for sharing - so incredibly jealous!  Hats off to the entire WRX crew for this opportunity!

Edited June 7 by ChrisATL

[ChrisATL]

10 minutes ago, QuigleyDU said:

Awesome course!! 

Agreed - I need to get back out to Pinehurst! 

[golfnerd91]

1 hour ago, TM golf guy said:

Here’s some of the other goodies Wilson/WRX had for us. The No. 10 bag tag has our name on the back. They’re still working on their golf apparel, and the sweater and shirt seem like a great start. (I promise I’m still going to post a recap 😅)

 

 

Edit: Almost forgot this cool yardage book/scorecard holder and valuables pouch as well. The yardage book has the Wilson W dancing around on the back. The pouch is made by Seamus Golf in Oregon and is really nice and soft. 
 

[Steve o]

I've been a Wilson fan my entire sports life. First ball glove. First basketball. First set of clubs. I am so happy to see and read all of this. This is the Wilson Golf I envisioned. Glad everyone enjoyed NC. 

[HenryReardon]

Seems like an awesome trip for you guys. Definitely peaks my interest in Wilson!

[TLUBulldogGolf]

43 minutes ago, ChrisATL said:

Agreed - I need to get back out to Pinehurst! 

No. 10 I already a must on the course alone but especially seeing what was still being built (clubhouse, really nice looking halfway house) and future plans.

Edited June 7 by TLUBulldogGolf

[TLUBulldogGolf]

44 minutes ago, ChrisATL said:

Absolutely love these gifts - Wilson has such a classic logo and I’m really digging the whole aesthetic of their apparel. Thanks for sharing - so incredibly jealous!  Hats off to the entire WRX crew for this opportunity!

They want to get everything on the golf side right.

[MFBach]

Awesome experience for everybody! Loved following along. It’s a bit of a whirlwind between the travel and eventful days crammed into these trips, but truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for anybody that’s selected. Pinehurst is an awesome venue too. It’s hard to soak everything in while you’re there and nice to have a few days home to unwind and reflect, plus get some playing time with the new sticks. 
 

The irons and wedges look great! Always thought Wilson did a nice job keeping the classic styling in those departments. Interested in the ball now as well. Glad you guys had a good trip and brought home plenty of swag. 

 

Especially jealous of the custom Vessel bags since I had to buy my own a few years back… Hard to complain about a full bag of freebies, but still. Super cool that they got most of the new stuff to you for the round as well. That’s some serious dedication from Wilson on this one. Great job, as always, to the participants and WRX. Best equipment site in the biz (and it’s not really that close). 

[TM golf guy]

I'm going to try to not type a 10,000 word essay on my experience, but forgive me in advance if I fail. I'm going to break down the action day by day, and toss in some photos as well. I plan to make more posts in this thread over the next few weeks to share updates on how the Wilson clubs compare to my current gamers, so consider this post my initial review/trip recap.

 

Pre-trip:

We were asked about our current irons, driver, and wedges, including specs for all of those clubs. We were also asked for glove sizes and shirt sizes, and I think my previous post explains why. One thing I'll mention here is that I said I had been interested in hitting some heavier weight graphite iron shafts after previously trying a set of MMTs in a PXG set.

 

Monday: 

Monday was a travel day for all of us. The Texas crew rolled up to Pinehurst at around 8:30 PM local time. The Wilson team, and the rest of the WRX folks were there waiting for us at the Pinehurst Brewing Company with BBQ and cold beer. It was nice to sit down and meet everyone and break the ice for the events that were going to unfold over the next two days. My biggest takeaway here was that the team was really excited for what they had in store, and they kept it mysterious for the time being.

 

Tuesday:
 

 

We kicked Tuesday off by heading to the famous Carolina Hotel to take part in their breakfast buffet, and it didn't disappoint. From there, we headed out to No. 8 to start the fitting and golf. Waiting for us on the range was the Wilson team. In this photo, they were getting ready to start filming the intro to the video being made for the event. Here you see Bob Thurman, their VP of Golf, getting mic'd up, and on the left is Ed Garland, their master fitter who fits all of their tour pros, and us!

 

 

On the range were two separate stations, one for the AI fitting with irons, and one for the driver and the new utility you've seen posted a few times. Coming in to this event, the woods were by far the thing I was most skeptical about. I had honestly never seen or hit one in person. I wasn't swinging the driver particularly well that day, but hit a few good ones out there to get a decent feel for it. The sound and feel of the driver are very nice. Definitely walked away with a different opinion of the driver after getting to hit it. I wound up being fit for a 10.5° with their stock Ventus Blue 6-S. The utility iron is a rocket launcher. Again, I wasn't swinging particularly well at this point, but I got a few out there to where I could tell it's a real winner. Looking forward to getting a 3/4 to put in the bag, and I have no doubt one will kick my old Srixon. 

 

 

 

After the driver fitting it was my turn to go chat with Ed. I am currently playing i230s, and am generally happy with the performance. I had a feeling I would wind up with the Dynapower Forged, but I went in with an open mind to see what was suggested. After getting my numbers, Ed put together a Dynapower Forged with the UST Recoil Dart 105 F4 (stiff). It didn't take me more than a few swings to know this was the set for me. I'll do a formal review with side by side with my i230s later after I get them back and get more time with them, but I think these are going to be gamers. I was able to move them either direction, and they felt better than the i230 based on my limited experience so far. 

 

I hope you're not tired of reading yet, because now it's time to move on to the short game/ball fitting portion. The Staff ZM wedges were something I was really interested in as I loved the head shape, and the feel and performance didn't disappoint. They have a really nice shape to them, and the sound and feel is also excellent. I'm a big fan of the 60° that I got. The grind really allows for a lot of versatility around the greens as well. My only regret here is that I didn't get the Staff gap wedge instead of the Dynapower one. 

 

The golf balls were probably the biggest surprise to me. I really like the action of the Staff Model X around the greens. It's a firmer ball, similar to a Pro V1X, but by no means is it clicky off my putter. You could really see difference in spin between the two. I think this is a ball I could easily put in to play full time.

 

After the wedges we went and hit some putts with their cast and milled putters. The cast putters have a variety of head shapes and felt pretty good. For $130, I think they're probably one of the better values out there. I didn't snap any putter pics, but they were all nice looking in person. I think the milled line looks a little safe with the branding, but it did feel good. 

 

After a day of golf, it was back to the rooms to get cleaned up and prepare for a nice dinner at the Carolina Inn. It was a great meal, and it was great spending time with the Wilson folks (who I will talk more about later).

 

Wednesday:

Wednesday was set up for an early start (after maybe too late of a night before), with us slated to be at No. 10 at 7:00 AM to hit the range before we teed off. Walking up to the range was honestly one of the coolest experiences I've had. We were greeted with Vessel VLX 2.0 bags with our name and the Wilson logo embroidered on the pocket. Additionally, there was a full bag (minus the putter) of clubs built to our specs. They even had fairway woods, despite us not seeing or hitting them the day before. I'm sure there was a ton of planning that went in to making this happen, because Wilson is located in Chicago and had to assemble all of the clubs with less than 24 hours to work with. It was really a testament to their commitment to make this trip something extra special, and they certainly delivered. 

 

 

We warmed up and then it was off to the course with our new clubs. I'll just say this, Pinehurst No. 10 is something else. The imagination required to make something as magical as this place is something I'll always be jealous of. There was very clearly a lot of thought that went into this place, and I can't wait to take a trip back to play it again. I won't post a ton of pictures of the course, but here are a couple from Number 8, which was just a really unique hole with potential double blind shots.

 

From the tee:

 

There's a flag in this picture. Depending on where you hit your tee shot, you might not see anything other than hills:

 

Parting thoughts:

What an experience. I will certainly not forget this, and can't express enough gratitude to @GolfWRX_Official and @Wilson_Golf for selecting me. I want to take a moment to talk about the Wilson team. They are a group of super passionate people who absolutely love what they do, really have a lot of great ideas, and are a really cool group of people to talk to (they also know their way around a golf course!). They were incredibly open to feedback, and were also very candid about their thoughts on things as well. The people a company chooses to represent them says a lot about the company, and Wilson has picked an incredible group. I think Wilson has an extremely bright future ahead of them, and they've certainly made a fan out of me. Happy to answer any questions people might have, as well as share more equipment pictures (I'll post more when I get my clubs shipped back so folks can have side by sides). 

 

 

[Birdyjuice]

Good on Wilson for making an exceptionally good-looking iron that performs well and choosing to showcase them (and other offerings) through this experience with GolfWRX members! I've thoroughly enjoyed reading about everyone's experience and am pleased that Wilson is getting some well-deserved recognition for their efforts.

 

I hit the Staff MBs at the PGATSS a few weeks ago but wasn't quite ready to pull the trigger and part ways with my 718 AP2s but this thread is giving me major FOMO.

 

Congrats to everyone that got to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity and kudos to Wilson Golf for producing an extremely compelling product lineup! 

[Orchardist]

Wilson with the best chrome in the business!  Always beautiful Wilson. Congrats TM (now Wilson) golf guy!

[Shilgy]

10 hours ago, TLUBulldogGolf said:

I’m going to put together a more full write up of the entire trip but the entire experience was incredible. I came away super impressed with what Wilson is doing and the direction they are taking the brand. I decided to roll with basically the entire setup they put together for me (Dynapower Carbon driver, Staff Model MB irons, and 52/56/60 ZM wedges) and played the Model X ball.

We had 3 sickos (myself included) pushing to play the tips and it was an absolute blast. We got a great day with some breeze and the performance of the ball in the wind really stood out, I had iron shots cut through the wind much easier than I’m used to, I’m excited to do more thorough testing. The MBs flat out perform, if you want that classic look they should be on your short list to try, they nailed the shape and the sole design and turf interaction were just what I expect out of a blade. The options to combo with the CB and new utility should appeal to anyone after that classic look with performance. 

Some photos of No. 10 which was a joy to play:

 

1st tee

 

2 tee

 

6 approach from the fairway (489 par 4)

8 tee (signature hole, two blind shots)

9 tee

 

10 tee (634 where Harry from Wilson knocked it on in two)

12 approach

 

14 green complex, basically a par 3.5 at 264

 

17 tee, par 3 with a multi-tiered green

#14 green complex needs some explaining….insane green for a 260 yard par 3.  Us short knockers played whites…6400 and change with a 71.5/137 rating and slope on a par 70.  Even from there it was 220 into the breeze and you’d have to see that day's pin position to believe it.

 

#8 is a short par 4, but as @TLUBulldogGolf mentioned both shots are blind to another steeply tiered green on the pin was an “easy” middle pin tucked into a corner of the top tier.  The slopes in the fairway were nuts.  It’s on the site of the former sand pit and that one hole looks like the sand .works left and they just sprinkled some grass seed onto the contours.

 

Suggestion for @knudson81 🙄 There should be a members event played at Pinehurst.  That would be an awesome place to get some folks together.  You could make it an annual event and flight winners could get invited to the following years event.

 

That would be exciting!

 

Somehow the above reply to @TLUBulldogGolf didn’t post and there are a few things I need to add after seeing some more recent posts.

 

1) As has been repeatedly said by all of us….kudos to @knudson81 @Wilson_Golf and their entire staff and crew. They certainly went all out in making this a memorable experience for all of us.

 

2) He’s too modest to mention this but a big round of applause to @TM golf guy as well.  He pulled his left hamstring a couple weeks before the event but was , understandably, not giving up this chance of a lifetime.  He was able to gut out the entire fitting process but walking the hills on #10 proved to be too much for the hammy and he, with much persuasion,  had to rest a hole or two or he’d still be out there trying to get through it.

 

3) as mentioned above by @TM golf guy a big shout out to the master fitter for Wilson….Mr Ed Garland.  I was in communication with him today and my final set should be assembled and shipped next week.  They needed to order the Nippon Modus 115’s for the irons and I get to be the guinea pig play testing that shaft for them.  On a funny side note Ed and the course superintendent at my home club are close friends and I got some nice “laa dee da” "comments from him today as Ed had already told him about our experiences this week. 😂

 

4) Between the four of us @Olson12 @TLUBulldogGolf and @TM golf guy we just cannot say enough about the professionalism AND friendliness exhibited by the entire Wilson crew.  From the fitters and event organizers to the camera crew we immediately were treated like family.

So a very big THANK YOU to all of you.  Hilgy

 

 

Edited June 7 by Shilgy

[Ajgaguy83]

So Wilson……. How about you set this up at Pinehurst as a regular offering? I bet you’d have plenty who were willing to come to be fit (and pay) for a similar experience.