CARLSBAD, Calif. (Sept. 7, 2004)--Callaway Golf Company today signed a long-term contract with reigning Masters champion Phil Mickelson to play its golf clubs and golf ball and endorse Callaway Golf on the PGA Tour.
Mickelson, the No. 4-ranked golfer in the world and one of the game's most popular and exciting players, will wear the company's logo on his shirt sleeve, the side of his visor and his golf bag and will wear Callaway Golf footwear and golf glove.
Mickelson, 34, will start this week's Bell Canadian Open by playing a prototype version of Callaway 's popular HX(R) Tour Golf Ball.
He will work with Callaway’s club designer Roger Cleveland to develop the irons, wedges and putter that best suit his game.
"This has been a wonderful year for me," Mickelson said. "I have been able to accomplish a lot. The two areas I have stressed this year have been driving the ball in play and having optimum distance control from 150 yards in. To further my progress in those areas, and to help me achieve my ultimate goal of becoming the No. 1 player in the world, I felt it was necessary to switch to the exciting new driver and golf ball technology from Callaway Golf."
Mickelson, who has 23 career wins, currently is No. 1 in four 2004 PGA Tour statistical categories, including scoring average (actual) at 69.33 and the All-Around category, which measures overall excellence. His 2004 season earnings of more than $5.6 million already are a career best for a single year.
"Phil Mickelson is a world-class player in every respect," said Bill Baker, Chairman and CEO, Callaway. "He has consummate skills as a professional golfer, a wonderful record as a champion and remarkable personal appeal that attracts a huge fan base to our sport. We think he is going to be a tremendous representative of the Callaway Golf family of brands and we could not be happier to have him."
Callaway President and COO Patrice Hutin added, "Phil is the most popular golfer on the planet today. We look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship with him."
Callaway makes and sells variety of drivers, putters and balls like Big Bertha Metal Wood, Irons and Hybrids, Odyssey Putters, Callaway Golf HX Tour balls and HX Blue balls etc.
It also owns and operates The Top-Flite Golf Company, a wholly owned subsidiary that includes the Top-Flite and Ben Hogan brands.
For more information about Callaway Golf Company:
Please visit www.callawaygolf.com, www.topflite.com and www.odysseygolf.com.
