James Wilson learned clubmaking from the illustrious Hugh Philp, serving as his assistant for twenty-three years. Wilson eventually opened up his own shop in the golfing mecca of St. Andrews, and eventually became friendly business rivals with Robert Forgan. (Forgan was Philp's nephew and began working for Philp just before Wilson left. Forgan took over Philp's business in 1856.)

Wilson's clubs, dating after 1852 when he struck out on his own, were made at the beginning of the gutty ball era. The stylistic changes employed in club construction to accommodate the increased hardness of the gutty ball were only beginning to take shape when Wilson was making his own clubs prior to his death in 1866. Consequently Wilson's clubs continued to be made in the manner of Philp's clubs, which make Wilson's clubs most significant and highly desirable.

Today, clubs bearing Wilson's name are few and far between, but the known examples demonstrate that Wilson was a craftsman of the first order. The lines and stylistic qualities of his clubs are among the best, as this club demonstrates. The 36 1/4" hickory shaft, and sheepskin grip are original.  Head measures 5 3/8" in length, 1 7/8" in width, 15/16" face depth. Head is solid with only a minor crack on the toe of the ram's horn sole insert

This is a not just another great club, it has a direct connection to Philp and reflects his work.

For more on Wilson, see TCA2 V1 p69.