Mike Small Goes Big with Tenth Illinois PGA Championship Win

Small relies on Wilson Staff FG Tour prototype irons to lead him to victory

(CHICAGO) – Wilson Staff Ambassador and University of Illinois head coach Mike Small claimed his tenth Illinois PGA Championship title with new FG Tour prototype irons (3-9) as well as the FG Tour TC 48° and 52° wedges.

First put into play at the PGA Championship major earlier this month, these prototypes have provided Small added confidence: “The new look of the blade encourages positive thoughts and an improved sole design has made it a much more versatile iron for me,” he explained after his win.

His win took place at Olympia Fields where in 2010 he tied the course record (62) with his Wilson Staff FG 62 irons. Small is now exempt to compete in the PGA Professional National Championship which will be held in June 2014.

Small has also brought national recognition to the University of Illinois men’s golf team with a second-place finish in the NCAA National Championship this past June.

He joined the Wilson Staff Advisory Board in 2010 and has since built a strong relationship with the research and development team, providing feedback in the development of new irons – specifically the blades.

“The relationship that myself and Wilson Staff have is really special to me,” Small stated. “The people I team up with are solid individuals, and the products they have in the pipeline are sure to be market-movers in the near future.”

Wilson Golf claims the new FG Tour prototype irons continue to be a product of Small’s feedback: “We’re very excited Small’s game is resurging with a new iron that he helped to develop,” commented Tim Clarke, General Manager of Wilson Golf. “We love his passion for the sport. He embodies the characteristics of a true winner and deserves to be the Illinois PGA Champion…for the tenth time.”
About Wilson Golf

For nearly a century, Wilson Golf has designed, manufactured and distributed premium and recreational golf equipment throughout the world. Since 1914, Wilson Staff irons have won 61 Major championships, more than any other iron manufacturer in history. In 2013, Wilson Staff's D100 irons, driver and hybrid, as well as the DUO golf ball, were all honored with Golf Digest's Hot List awards. Wilson Staff, Profile, Ultra and Hope consumer brands continue that tradition today by delivering the highest quality golf equipment to all golfers to enhance performance on the course and overall enjoyment of the game.

Wilson Golf is a division of Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods Co., one of the world's leading manufacturers of sports equipment by Amer Sports. Consumers can log onto wilsonstaff.com or call 1-800-622-0444 for more information.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com