Wilson 8802 putter is ranked among the top five putters that have sent ripples across the golf community. This putter was manufactured by Ashland Manufacturing Company in 1914. It was soon renamed as Thomas Wilson & Co. and then began the pursuit of developing the best kind of putters which revolutionized the game of golf. The design is known for its modest simplicity and has no head or toe weights. Its design is supposed to be an inspiration from Calamity Jane model of putter which has bagged several trophies in the hands of Bobby Jones. Wilson 8802 putter was extensively used by Gene Sarazen who began the honeymoon with it in 1922. He won 39 PGAs using this classic putter.
All about Wilson 8802 putter
How this putter got its name and place in the golf bag of Arnold Palmer makes interesting reading. It is believed that one of the best putters of the time, Ben Crenshaw was interested to try this new putter at Harvey Penick’s shop. He held it in his hands and felt immensely confident of putting fairly well using this putter. A replica of the original Wilson 8802 putter was made and won major tournaments in 1995. At the time when the original Wilson 8802 putter was bought, it cost Ben Crenshaw’s father as less as $20! His putter became hugely famous and was given the nick name “Little Ben”.
The place of this putter in the golf all of fame in putting became indisputable when Arnold Palmer also won major tournaments using it. He also putted with a slight variation of the original Wilson 8802 putter, the 8813. Another professional golfer Phil Mickelson who is known to be fond of Wilson 8802 putter. He has got a remake version of this putter that has been developed and designed by his sponsor company Callaway.
Wilson 8802 putter is considered a true classic with the prefect feedback delivered to the player every time he/she delivers a stroke. The only drawback in Wilson 8802 putter is the glare that emanates from the surface of the putter. Golfers must be cautious while using this putter, hence.
The general price ranges where Wilson 8802 putters can be obtained are $80-$100. It is widely sold online and can be obtained at competitive prices. One must however, ensure that the quality of the putter is what has been claimed in the specifications. The general length of the shaft of the putter is about 34 inches. It is often observed that online sale of Wilson 8802 putters involve addition of newer features in the vintage properties of the original 8802 putter. The added unique features enhance the putting qualities of the putter.
