Harrington and Wilson extend deal
Padraig Harrington has extended his deal with Wilson Golf. Picture Stuart Adams /www.golffile.ie Padraig Harrington has re-signed with Wilson Golf but given the economic climate and his dip in form it appears unlikely that three-time major winner has retained the same $10m, three-year deal he landed at the end of his stunning 2008 season.
The 40-year old Dubliner, who has been with the US company since 1998, has slipped from third to 78th in the world and won just once on tour since he extended his club deal in the wake of back-to-back major wins in the Open and the US PGA.
It also remains to be seen if Harrington is about to renew his reputed $12m, three-year deal with FTI Consulting when it runs out next month.
“Wilson Golf has been with me since day one when I turned professional,” Harrington said in a statement issued on Wilson’s website. “I work very closely with the Wilson R&D team and count on them to continue to put out great products that can win Majors. Wilson is a brand I can trust.”
Since joining the Wilson Staff team in 1998, Harrington has been passionately involved in the development of Wilson Staff equipment. Alongside fellow Wilson Staff Advisory members, such as Ricky Barnes and Kevin Streelman, Harrington will continue to provide invaluable feedback to the Wilson Staff R&D team to enhance the design and development of Wilson Staff golf equipment.
“Wilson Golf is excited about continuing its relationship with Padraig Harrington,” said Tim Clarke, general manager of Wilson Golf. “Harrington has been the face of Wilson Golf for many years during his successful career and we hope to see him in the winner’s circle in 2012.”
Harrington’s best finishes in 2011 include a T8 at the Shell Houston Open at Redstone Golf Club, a T9 at the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club, and a T10 at the WGC-Cadillac Championship at TPC Blue Monster at Doral.
Harrington has become a household name in golf by winning three Major championships and 26 other tournaments (on the PGA Tour and European Tour) since turning professional in 1995. After winning The Open Championship and PGA Championship in 2008, Padraig was honored as the European Tour Player of the Year, PGA Player of the Year and PGA Tour Player of the Year.
When contacted for comment, Harrington’s agent at IMG, Adrian Mitchell said: “It is an ongoing extension to the contract.”