Iconic 8802 returns as part of new Wilson Staff Model putters range

The new Wilson Staff Model putters include a new version of the iconic 8802.

Wilson Golf’s 8802 is one of the most famous and successful putters in the game’s history and now, as part of the brand’s new range of Staff Model flatsticks, it is back.

The 8802 is joined by the TM22 (Tech Mallet), MT22 (mallet) and BL22 (blade) in the new line-up, with each of the four models 100% precision milled from exclusive 304 Stainless Steel with exceptionally tight tolerances. As well as helping to deliver exceptional feel and performance-balanced weighting, Wilson say the milling process provides the perfect combination of stability and forgiveness.

The Staff Model name will be familiar to Wilson fans and equipment aficionados and is the brand’s premium franchise. The new putters join the Staff Model blade, CB and utility irons, Staff Model wedge and Staff Model ball, which grabbed headlines thanks to its R (raw) model, which is unpainted.

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“The Staff Model franchise has been one of the most successful in the history of the Wilson Golf brand in recent years and any products carrying the name must be premium standard as these four new putter models are,” said Jon Pergande, Manager of Golf Club Innovation.

“The designs of the new range reflect the putter styles that golfers favour the most and all four of the new models incorporate incredible attention to detail that will make them stand out and perform well on the greens.”

The original 8802’s shape was designed and used by Arnold Palmer in the early 1960s during his time as a Wilson player. When Palmer left the brand in 1963 they removed “designed by Arnold Palmer” from its sole and renamed the putter 8802, after its catalogue number.

Ben Crenshaw was another star name to use the model having been given a used version by his father as a gift for his 15th birthday. He used it for many years and famously referred to the blade as “Little Ben”.

The 2022 version is inspired by the original, with a shaft over hosel design for smooth, seamless transition from shaft-to-head at address. The putter face features horizontal flywheels to help contact with the ball, supported by a skimmed milled surface on the back.

Elsewhere in the range, the TM22 is a popular double-fang mallet with a slant neck design for maximum forgiveness and stability. It also features a high MOI with a three-quarter shaft offset and moderate toe hang.

The elegantly simple MT22 is a half-round mallet with a short slant neck design and medium toe hang. Along with the TM22 and BL22, the MT22 offers two weight finishes of either a machine finished outer edge, or a machine-watched bezel edge around the 10-gram weight at the toe and heel.

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The BL22 is a Tour-proven blade style putter with a plumber’s neck hosel design for a clean set up and alignment to the ball, plus a medium toe hang and a full shaft offset at address.

Each Staff Model putter comes in a 3.0-degree loft, 71-degree lie angle and a choice of three lengths – 33”, 34” and 35”.

The new Staff Model putters are added to the popular Wilson INFINITE putter line-up that provides golfers of all abilities with an extensive choice of high-performance putters.

There are a total of nine INFINITE models – each one named after landmarks and neighbourhoods in the brand’s home city of Chicago. They incorporate Counterbalance Technology that combines a heavier head and grip weights to move the balance point closer to the hands for a smoother and more controlled putting stroke.

The grip on INFINITE putters includes an oversize design construction to provide a stable feel and limit rotation during stroke. They also feature a black anti-glare finish to accentuate the sight lines that have been stripped back to improve alignment at address.

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“The Staff Model range sits perfectly alongside the existing INFINITE range to provide golfers with a greater choice of Wilson putters, all featuring different characteristics, looks and performance to suit their game,” added Pergande.

The Staff Model putters feature a KBS Tour 120 shaft and a Lamkin Deep Etch grip which features a softer-feeling Genesis Material. Available in black, red, blue, or grey, its prominent horizontal etched pattern, traditional paddle, and smaller profile provide maximum responsiveness, while its Deep-Etch design is ideal for golfers with an arc, or arc-to-straight putting style when using a traditional, reverse overlap, or cross-handed grip style.

Custom-fit loft, lie and length options are also available, along with SuperStroke grips. The TM22 and BL22 models are available in left-handed.

The new Staff Model putters cost £370 and are available to buy here.

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