Wilson uses generative design process to create new distance club range

22 January 2021

Wilson Golf, the brand with more Major victories (62) than any other with its irons, invested heavily in a generative computer design process to produce its new range of D9 irons and woods for players looking for the ultimate in distance, performance and control.

The innovative design process uses computer modelling software to evolve a design by simulating several club head variations to produce the most effective design possible comparing data across hundreds of versions.

“The process we used required over 100 processor cores of computing power and it helped us as an engineering team get to a final design quicker than ever before,” said Jon Pergande, Manager of Wilson Golf Club Innovation. “We had 120 computers running for seven days a week to create the overall design and we’re delighted with the result in creating an aesthetically-pleasing range with more distance and control than ever before,” he added.

D9 irons

Following on from the successful D7 irons, the new D9 range features Wilson proprietary Power Hole 2.0 Technology. The Urethane-filled pocket arrangements increase deflection and allows even more energy to transfer to the ball across the entire face for effortless higher balls speeds and increased distance. This is supported by a new ultra-thin face structure – the largest, thinnest and unsupported face in the history of Wilson irons. The responsive face also incorporates a larger sweet spot for off-centre hits.

The generative design process also created the lowest-ever centre of gravity on a Wilson iron, improving both launch and spin characteristics for increased workability around the course.

“The D9 irons represent a technological advancement showcasing Wilson’s future approach to iron design and development,” said Jon Pergande, Manager of Wilson Golf Club Innovation. “The aim was to create a distance iron which generated a higher ball flight and landed softer onto greens. With straighter lines, a cleaner top line and an ultra-thin face, the D9 irons combine the look of a player’s iron with the benefits of super game improvement distance technology,” he added.

The new Wilson Staff D9 Irons come as standard with an 80g KBS UltraLite steel shaft – the lightest shaft in the KBS line-up and created especially for the D9 range – featuring a longer tip section to promote a higher ball flight. The graphite iron features the MRC Tensei AV Silver shaft in A(55g), R(60g), S(70g) options. Both shaft options come with the new Lamkin Genesis Crossline grip.

Available from mid-January 2021, the Wilson Staff D9 irons (5-PW) have an RRP of £499/€590 (steel) and £579/€680 (graphite).

D9 Woods

The Wilson Staff D9 wood range uses the same generative design process as the irons offering incredible distance, sound and performance.

Featuring a peak kinetic response club face (PKR), which divides the face into a series of fractural zones, fine-tuning every millimetre of the surface to deliver explosive distance and performance, the PKR Face is the most technologically advanced face that Wilson has ever produced. This face design has been tested on the PGA Tour in 2020 by Gary Woodland and Brendan Steele.

The forgiving D9 driver features a three-layer composite crown to both neutralise vibration and reduce weight, ensuring a lower centre of gravity for improved ball flight. Golfers can choose between a standard 10-gram or super lightweight 3-gram weight configuration to fine tune moment of inertia (MOI) and forgiveness.

“Utilizing our proprietary software, alongside Wilson Labs and our Wilson Advisory Staff members, the D9 driver is our best driver offering yet”, said Pergande. “The face construction, head-shape, crown technology and PKR face all received Tour player feedback and allowed us to improve the performance at every stage and the end product is perfect for players looking for extra yards and forgiveness off the tee,” he added.

The new Wilson Staff D9 Driver is completed with the MRC Tensei CK Blue shaft in stock A(50g), R(50g), S(60g) flex options and the new Lamkin Genesis Crossline grip. Available from mid-January, at an RRP of £299 (€355). The 10.5o loft offering also comes in left hand.

For the first time ever, the Wilson Staff D9 fairway woods and hybrid feature Variable Face Technology, which delivers high ball speeds and high launch angles, regardless of where the ball makes contact on the club face. Both clubs feature a premium maraging steel insert to provide a thin, hot face for more speed, feel and distance performance.

The D9 fairway woods are available in three loft options – 15˚ (3-wood); 18˚ (5-wood); and 21˚ (7-wood) – with the same MRC Tensei CK Blue shaft in A-, R- & S- flexes, plus Lamkin Genesis Crossline grips as used on the driver. Left hand models are available in 15° and 18° loft options. Available from mid-January at an RRP of £179 (€215).

The D9 hybrid is available in four progressive loft options (19˚, 22˚, 25˚ & 28˚) with the MRC Tensei AV Silver shaft in A(55g), R(60g), S(70g) flexes and Lamkin Genesis Crossline grip. Left-handed versions are available in 19°, 22˚ & 25° loft options. On-sale from mid-January at an RRP of £159 (€190).

For more information on all Wilson Staff products, including woods, irons, wedges, putters, balls, bags and accessories, visit www.wilson.com