Nike Golf's TA2 Named Official Ball of the American Amateur Golf Tour for 2003

BEAVERTON, Ore. - Nike Golf's new TA2 golf ball, now played by more than 70 Tour professionals throughout the world, has been named the Official Golf Ball of the American Amateur Golf Tour (AAGT).

Nike Golf will also provide promotional support for the AAGT and its more than 520 annual tournament events, reaching more than 4,500 golfers.

The TA2 (SRP: $40), which debuted in February 2003, is the result of more than three years of testing Nike Golf's Tour Accuracy line; feedback from hundreds of golfers after thousands of rounds played; scores of professional tour victories including seven Major Championships; and the magic of the most talented golf ball engineer in the golf industry, Rock Ishii.

Available in two versions to match a player's launch angle and course conditions, both feature a new cover from Nike Golf, its most-durable ever:

TA2 LNG - Designed for players who prefer a distance ball with a higher trajectory, the TA2 LNG's higher compression and slightly harder cover make it the right distance ball for players with a low-to-mid launch angle.

TA2 SPN - Designed for players who prefer a mid-trajectory, wind-boring distance ball with a slightly softer feel and increased responsiveness, the TA2 SPN's lower compression, softer cover and higher dimple pattern make it the right distance ball for golfers with a mid-to-high launch angle.

"With a presence in more than 45 markets around the country, the AAGT is a great fit with Nike Golf's efforts to grow the game of golf," said Nike Golf General Manager, Chris Zimmerman.

The AAGT now reaches more than 45 markets around the country and has plans for continued growth in the coming years. The Tour provides six handicap levels for men and women so that players of all ages and skill levels can experience tournament competition. Players have the ability to compete locally, regionally, and if they qualify, nationally and internationally.

As part of the relationship, golfers will have an opportunity to demo Nike Golf equipment at AAGT events and practice rounds around the country. The AAGT will promote Nike Golf and the TA2 golf balls in all advertising and promotional materials. The two entities will also develop co-branded golf apparel.

"This is a great chance for our players to benefit from the tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm that Nike Golf puts into all its endeavors, said Larry Dolan, president of the AAGT. "The Nike Golf name provides increased awareness that will allow us to grow the tour to the benefit of players at all handicap levels who seek a competitive golf experience."

"Putting golf's fastest-growing equipment manufacturer, Nike Golf, together with the largest and fastest growing amateur tour in the country, the AAGT, good things will happen," added Don Ratliff, CEO of Synergy Sports Marketing USA, the sports management company for the AAGT.

February 24, 2003