CHICAGO -- Two-time British Open champion Padraig Harrington switched to the new Wilson Staff Smooth driver at the 2008 Barclays Championship just a week after winning the PGA Championship, his third Major in 13 months, with his Wilson Staff Dd6+ driver.

In his quest to win the FedEx Cup and finish an historic year, Harrington cited increased ball speed and increased distance in making the switch to the new Wilson Staff Smooth.

The first time that Padraig has started a tournament with the Smooth driver was only recently. The increase in distance is the driving force for Harrington making the switch at such a crucial point during the best season of his career.

The latest in a long line of top quality drivers from Wilson Golf, the Wilson Staff Smooth, has combined sleek lines on the outside with powerful efficient performance on the inside to add between 3-4 mph ball speed off the clubhead. Wilson Staff Smooth will be available in stores late 2008.

Harrington won his third and Wilson's 61st Major title earlier this month using a combination of the Wilson Staff Dd6+ driver, FYbrid 5-wood, prototype TW9 wedges plus Pi and Ci7 irons. For information on these or any other Wilson Golf equipment, please log onto www.wilsonstaff.com.

About Wilson Golf
For more than 90 years, Wilson Golf has designed, manufactured and distributed premium and recreational golf equipment throughout the world. The Wilson Staff, Profile, ProStaff and Hope consumer brands continue that tradition today by delivering the highest quality golf equipment to enhance performance on the golf course and overall enjoyment of the game for all golfers.

Wilson Golf is a division of Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods, one of the world's leading manufacturers of sporting equipment by Amer Sports. Visit www.wilsonstaff.com or call 773.714.6400 for more information.

Contact:
Susie Chang
847.850.2471, susan.chang@kemperlesnik.com
Lisa Gunggoll
847.850.2478, lisa.gunggoll@kemperlesnik.com