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Wilson Staff FG-59 Iron Review

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By: Brett Bowser GolfWRX.com writer

The opportunity to test drive and old friend, the Wilson Staff FG-59 irons. My initial thrilled reaction was one based on a love for my Wilson FG-17’s that I used through most of the 1970’s and early ‘80’s. Assuming Wilson would have no reason to re-introduce a (small market) players club other than to recapture the days of Sam Snead and Johnny Miller, I was fairly confident that these clubs were engineered to put Wilson back in the hands of better golfers worldwide.

This particular set contained 3 iron through Pitching Wedge and were set up with a Dynamic Gold S300 shaft and Lamkin Grips. Pretty enough for wall hanging, I added them to a bag that was previously filled with Ping Eye 2 irons for the last quarter century. As an accomplished player with a decent golf resume I joined the Ping Eye 2 hype in the early ‘80’s and have played with them ever since. I tinkered with other irons over the years and even had my Wilson FG-17’s “refinished” and spent some “meaningful” time on the range trying to rekindle some sort of lost magic. The Dynamic X300 shafts that were in the FG-17’s were just too much for this old dog so I found myself with a hybrid bag of Ping Eye 2 (2-6 iron) and Wilson FG-17 (7 iron – SW).

3 iron pictures-

 

 

The classic look of this Wilson FG-59 blade is awesome. To most golfers the heads probably seem smaller than the ball they are addressing, but to a ball shaper, they look much like finely tuned symphony instruments. The weight distribution from head to hand appears to be better that the FG-17 generation iron, thus I was able to strike the iron from the rough with the similar authority as a perfect fairway lie. The ability to hit shots from poor lies was the number one reason why those old Pings were in my bag for so long. Now, with the way the weight reacts with my club head speed I am not only able to strike solid irons from a poorer lie, but the distance control is becoming uncanny. Being a “cold state player” (Michigan) I worried in the early 2009 months that cold temperatures, and my winter playing rust, would not allow me to evaluate the FG-59’s fairly. Certainly the ball flew shorter in colder weather, but now that our temperatures have warmed considerably I feel this is the best time to assess the remaining characteristics of these irons. 

I have now been using these irons for the last 3 months which would include about one month thus far of “competitive” golf. At 46 years old much of my competitive golf years are likely behind me, but with these Wilson FG-59’s, I recently qualified for our State Amateur Championship by hitting 13 greens in a row when I needed it most. The confidence grew with each iron shot and the response to distance was fantastic under pressure. The set-up to the eye is great. The top line is thin, yet solid, and this updated sole grind is creating a divot path that makes me wonder if I can shave with them following golf.

I have always been a “feel player” and never let “specs” tell me how a particular club strikes the ball. The weight balance throughout the set is outstanding. The response, or personal feedback, is also excellent. The ability to strike “half swings” like that of a full swing is really the most exciting part of this set. “Punch out shot’s are coming out low with clubs like 4 or 5 iron, but are still being stuck solidly at lesser required distances though design. To me this should be your number one sales point. Chipping with irons like 7, 8, or 9 iron provides a great little “check” and allows for a putter like feel too.

Pitching wedge pictures-


 

No doubt the excellent response comes from the soft characteristic of the steel used. That being said this set has already suffered its share of nicks on dings on the soles from playing, and back face of the clubs are showing dings from “bag rattle”. As a guy who likes the beauty of the club I have figured out how to strategically thread a towel through the set to reduce this unfortunate wear and tear.

The (minimal) offset which is obviously less than my Ping Eye 2 irons, has settled into my mind, and could likely be the reason for my much tighter divots. Considering center of gravity, I can only assume it has been moved for optimum interface with the ground and ball. The ball flight, because of this condition, appears to be more piercing than that of either my Ping irons or even that of the FG-17 model.

As an Automotive Designer when I’m not golfing, I feel qualified to discuss the stampings applied to the club. I love the retro looking stamped W/S logo in scarlet and black. The “tour blade” text does look very sexy and gives you the professional look, but the text “forged”, why? Obviously they are forged, and stating the obvious, is not what I would do to the better players who may consider purchasing this club. I would not have cluttered up the back face surface with that text.

I also know that most manufactures have gone away from a “matching” lofted (sand) wedges, however I would love to see a matching lofted wedge, and even a 2 iron, which one could add to the 3-PW set. With these irons you reduce the need for a hybrid woods anyway. From a guy that still like to hit it, bring back the 2 iron!

Congratulations on producing an iron that delivered enough confidence to replace clubs that many of my friends thought would go in the ground with me.

3,7 and PW pictures-

 

 

 

GolfWRX is the world's largest and best online golf community. Expert editorial reviews, breaking golf tour and industry news, what to play, how to play and where to play. GolfWRX surrounds consumers throughout the buying, learning and enrichment process from original photographic and video content, to peer to peer advice and camaraderie, to technical how-tos, and more. As the largest online golf community we continue to protect the purity of our members opinions and the platform to voice them. We want to protect the interests of golfers by providing an unbiased platform to feel proud to contribute to for years to come. You can follow GolfWRX on Twitter @GolfWRX and on Facebook.

6 Comments

6 Comments

  1. Maw

    Sep 29, 2009 at 5:41 am

    Just bought myself a almost perfect set of FG-17s. Every golfer should try these wonderfull irons out. They are just soo nice and soft. Feling is just suberb. I used to play the Fi5s and before that The Staff Progressive.

    The FG-17s are just the best set I havew ever had. If the FG-59s is just half what my olf FG-17 is ….. Well I better try the 59s out 😀

    //Maw

  2. Robert Bernard

    Aug 20, 2009 at 12:26 pm

    As a Mizuno MP14, Snake Eyes Tour Blades, Wilson Bullet Bullet Back, Ben Hogan Medalion, Max Fli Australian Blade, player I thought these clubs were not only “sexy as hell” but felt incredible. In a world where buying a game has become expected, I am proud Wilson has represented the “Player” so well. These will be in my bag. Thank you Wilson!

  3. Craig A. W

    Jul 31, 2009 at 9:04 pm

    I have played with the Fg-17’s for over twenty years, but not on a regular basis. When I have used oversized heads and cavity backed irons I have never played well. I want to purchase the Fg-59’s since i am so use to them. Good choice for a 18 hadicapper?

  4. J.Jarwurst

    Jul 24, 2009 at 2:36 am

    Hi

    I have a set of those clubs also. WS fg 59 is my first set Blades. I made the decision to buy them after trying them once on the driving range. I wonder why people say that blades are too hard to hit and nowadays none should play with such oldish and nonforgiving clubs. Maby that is because they have never tried these clubs. After all jet the most of tour players still plays with blades.

  5. blafayette

    Jul 22, 2009 at 5:30 pm

    Those are so nice. I have been looking forward to a review on these irons for quite a while now.

  6. Yoshiod9

    Jul 22, 2009 at 12:55 am

    those are gorgeous!

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Photos from the 2026 Memorial Tournament

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GolfWRX is on site this week at the Memorial Tournament, with both Alistair Cameron and Tour Photographer Greg Moore on the ground in Dublin, Ohio, where a strong field is assembled to pay homage to the Golden Bear.

In addition to WITB galleries, we’ve already been treated to an in-hand look at Tommy Fleetwood’s new TaylorMade Spider putters.

Check out links to all our photos below.

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

 

 

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Tour Tech Rundown: Heroic Henley

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Around the world, the golf wheel spun this final week in May of 2026. From New Jersey to Austria, with stops in Korea, Texas, and North Carolina (don’t let me route your next trip) the world’s finest put their golf games on display. There were three playoffs, some known commodities and some new talent. It was the sort of week that we hope to have at this point in the seasons. June and July afford double-digit major events, and perhaps, one of this week’s champions will use this success as a springboard to new heights. Time to run it all down, tech style, in this week’s Tour Tech Rundown.

Thanks to WITBHub, Today’s Golfer, GolfWRX, and Inside Tour Golf for initial research into equipment.

PGA Tour @ Charles Schwab Challenge: Heroic Henley denies Cole

Eric Cole did nearly everything that a fellow can do, to secure a first PGA Tour title. He stayed one shot clear of Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin. He kept US Open champion Gary Woodland and wunderkind Michael Brennan two shots distant. He posted 70 on day four to reach twelve under par. And then, Russell Henley revealed his Dr. Strange cloak. Henley made 47 feet of birdie putts on holes 16, 17, and 18, to jump from minus-nine to twelve-deep, and secured a spot in a playoff with Cole. The duo returned to the final tee, and put on a stripe show.

Both golfers found the fairway off the tee, and Henley improved on his regulation play with an approach to four feet. Cole did himself proud, tucking an iron to a dozen feet, but he was unable to convert the putt for three. Henley is one of the best putters on tour, and he proved it once more by draining a putt for a fourth consecutive birdie, and a sixth PGA Tour title. For Eric Cole, that first victory should come, and soon. He has done everything necessary to earn the chalice lift.

Henley’s Suitcase

  • Driver: Titleist TSi3 at 10 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70g 6.5 TX
  • Metal: Titleist TS3 at 16.5 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX
  • Hybrid: Titleist TSi2 at 21 degrees. Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT hybrid 100 TX
  • Iron: Titleist T250 4-iron. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
  • Irons: Titleist T100 5-6 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
  • Irons: Titleist T100 7-9 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
  • Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 48 and 50 degrees. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100
  • Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 54 and 60 degrees. Shaft: rue Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue S400
  • Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron T5 Tour Prototype

LPGA @ Shoprite LPGA: Welcome back, Celine!

Soo Bin Joo had her eyes on a maiden LPGA title. She held the lead after two rounds, then hit a red light at the intersection of can-I and how-To. Joo posted plus-two on day three in New Jersey, and dropped to a T4 finish, which was still a career-best for the young Korean golfer. Instead of a new face, a familiar face returned to the top of the podium.

Celine Boutier was the It Girl in 2023. She collected four victories, including a major title at Evian. Boutier reached world number one status, then simply faded into the background. No wins came her way over the next 30 months. On Sunday, she collected LPGA victory number seven, at the same trace as LPGA victory number two.

Day three saw Boutier manage the windswept Seaview Bay course with six birdies and a bogey. She was challenged in the end by Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol, who signed for a 66 of her own. Yubol came up one shot shy of the top ladder rung. Finishing in third place at -7, two back of the winner, was Ireland’s Lauren Walsh.

Celine’s Suitcase

  • Driver: PXG 0311 Black Ops Tour-1 at 9 degrees. Shaft: Graphite Design AD IZ-5
  • Hybrid: PXG 0311 Black Ops at 19 and 22 degrees. Shaft: KBS Hybrid Prototype
  • Hybrid: PXG 0311 Gen5.
  • Iron: PXG 0311 P Gen 4 5-9 irons
  • Wedge: PXG 0311 T Gen 4 PW
  • Wedges: PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II at 50, 54, 58 degrees
  • Putter: Bettinardi Studio Stock 3 DASS

DP World Tour @ Austrian Alpine: KK? KK!

Kota Kaneko has a rhythmic name. It has strong vowels and a run of voiceless stops in its crunchy K sounds. On Sunday in Austria, Kaneko put a stop to a challenge from Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and everyone else, and claimed a first-ever title on the DP World Tour. Gouveia did well to reach 16-under par over four days, but Kaneko held firm, two shots in the clear.

Davis Bryant of the USA also forged a strong challenge for the win. He ended in a tie with Gouveia for second place. Kaneko began and finished his final round in a bit of a malaise, but he caught fire midway through. Birdies at 10, 12, and 13 provided the necessary cushion to cruise to the finish line without breaking a serious sweat.

Kaneko’s Suitcase

  • Driver: Ping Max G440
  • Metals: TaylorMade Qi4D at 15, 16.5, 21, and 24 degrees
  • Irons: TaylorMade P760 5 and 6 irons
  • Irons: TaylorMade P7TW 7-9 irons
  • Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design at 46, 52, 56, and 60 degrees
  • Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Arm Lock #7

Korn Ferry Tour @ UNC Health Championship: Improbably Alvaro

Alvaro Ortiz may have had a bit of scare on the outward nine on Sunday, but he came through in clutch fashion in the end. Ortiz began the day bogey-double, and added another double bogey at the 11th hole. He was mired in a downward trend, spiraling away from the top of the leader’s board. Ortiz found hope at the 14th, where his first birdie of the day tumbled home. Inspired, he closed with birdies and 17 and 18 to catch Ross Steelman at 10-under par, and the duo returned to the 18th deck for overtime.

The extra session concluded in brief time. Ortiz, buoyed by his newly-retrieved confidence, hit the fairway with driver, then approached to six feet and drained the putt. Gobsmacked, Steelman could do little more than smile and applaud, as his run at the top came to a close. The victory was the first for Ortiz on the KFT, and will implant him squarely in the chase for a PGA Tour promotion.

Alvaro’s Suitcase

  • Driver: Ping G430 MAX driver at 9 degrees loft
  • Metal: Ping G430 MAX 3W
  • Iron: Ping iDi Driving Iron
  • Irons: Ping Blueprint S irons
  • Wedges
  • Putter: Scottsdale TR Piper C

LIV @ Korea: Me llamo Joaquin

Chile’s Joaquin Niemann had been away from the LIV winner’s circle throughout all of 2026. This week in Korea, he reminded us that he is still a force to consider. Niemann chased down Taylor Gooch over the closing holes at Asiad Country Club, then claimed victory with a hole-one birdie in extra time. Bryson DeChambeau claimed solo third, one shot in arrears at minus-eleven. Dustin Johnson finished on fourth, one putt farther back.

Niemann’s Suitcase

  • Driver: Ping 440 LST
  • Metal: Ping G440 Max at 15 degrees
  • Metal: Ping G425 Max at 21 degrees
  • Hybrid: Ping G430 at 25 degrees
  • Irons: Ping Blueprint S 5 through PW
  • Wedges: Ping S159 at 52, 56, and 60 degrees
  • Putter: Ping PLD Anser

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Russell Henley’s winning WITB: 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge

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Driver: Titleist TSi3 (10 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70 6.5 TX

3-wood: Titleist TS3 (16.5 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX

7-wood: Titleist GTS3 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Project X Denali Black 80 TX

Irons: Titleist T250 (4), Titleist T100 (5-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold AMT (4-6), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (7-9)

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 (48-10F @47, 50-08F @51, 54-10S @55, 60-04T)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (48), S400 (47)

Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X5 Tour Prototype

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

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