KAPALUA, Hawaii – Jan. 12, 2005 – PGA Tour star Stuart Appleby, using Bridgestone equipments, overcame a slow start in Hawaii to become the first person in history to defend his title at the Mercedes Championships on the Plantation Course at Kapalua.

Appleby's down-to-the-wire win (the first ever at Kapalua after an over par opening round) gives him golf's first title of the 2005 season and Bridgestone Golf's first ever PGA Tour victory.

Appleby relied on the new Bridgestone Tour B330 ball, Bridgestone J33P driver, J33B Blade irons and J33 AirMuscle utility clubs on his way to rounds of 74-64-66-67, in his season opening one-shot victory in Hawaii. The Bridgestone Tour B330 features a Speed Elasticity Core for increased initial velocity at impact, delivering increased distance off the tee. This was never more evident than on the hole, which started Appleby's final round charge, the Par 4, 6th. Appleby boomed an almost inhuman 389-yard drive to reach the green and leave himself with a 12-footer for eagle. Appleby made good on the eagle attempt and continued to roll from there.

"The new ball is just awesome," said Appleby. "I've picked up an additional 15 yards off the tee, and when you see this thing perform in the wind, you really know it's something special."

Appleby finished 5th in the field in driving distance for the week with an average of 287.1 yards per drive. Appleby also counted on the new Bridgestone gear to gain a top 5 finish in six other statistical categories, including such telling statistics as, birdies, eagles, putts per green and greens in regulation.

"We knew Stuart was going to have a great season when we first witnessed the way he performed with the new clubs and balls during testing sessions," said Dan Murphy, Director of Marketing, Bridgestone Golf. "What a great way to begin the new season, the stars are really beginning to align for us and for Stuart."

The Bridgestone Tour B330 ball is already available at retail in select locations in the US and the clubs Appleby relied on will be available March 1st, in the US.

Source: Bridgestone