CARLSBAD, Calif. -- Ashworth, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASHW), a leading designer of golf-inspired lifestyle sportswear, announced the wrap-up of another successful year working with various junior golf associations throughout the United States. In the 2005 season, Ashworth has had junior golf representation in 41 out of the 50 states. Ashworth is the sole sponsor for the AJGA Ashworth Preseason/Postseason Series and provides the official sportswear of The Plantations Tour and The Southeastern Junior Golf Tour.
Ashworth's Preseason/Postseason Juniors events are specially designed to provide a "first-come, first-served" opportunity to first-time members or those members who have not previously participated in an AJGA event.
The Plantations Junior Golf Tour allows both boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 19 the unique opportunity to play junior golf at some of the country's best golf courses and clubs during the same time period when college golf is played. During this time, juniors are learning how to play competitive golf while managing their time for homework, travel, new courses and new competitors.
The Southeastern Junior Golf Tour (SJGT) allows junior golfers a chance to play competitive golf while building their resumes for potential collegiate golf careers. The SJGT has 39 scheduled events throughout the summer months and boasts over 1,200 members.
"The Ashworth Preseason/Postseason series has provided over 3,000 talented junior golfers the opportunity to play in a national event and gain a college golf scholarship," commented Jason Etzen, Executive V.P. of Development for the AJGA. "Many talented juniors have received their starts participating in an Ashworth event."
"We are extremely proud of our relationships with the various junior golf organizations," commented Chris Demirjian, director of sports marketing for Ashworth, Inc. "The demographics of players and parents associated with the junior tours are the very same demographics of our Ashworth brand, and we are pleased to support the efforts of over 11,000 junior golfers across the United States."
Ashworth, Inc. is a designer of men's and women's golf-inspired lifestyle sportswear distributed domestically and internationally in golf pro shops, resorts, upscale department and specialty stores and to corporate customers. Ashworth products include three main brand extensions: Ashworth Collection(TM) is a range of upscale sportswear designed to be worn on and off course; Ashworth Authentics(TM) showcases popular items from the Ashworth line; and Ashworth Weather Systems(R) utilizes technology to create a balance between fashion and function in a variety of climatic conditions.
Callaway Golf is a trademark of Callaway Golf Company. Ashworth, Inc., 2765 Loker Avenue West, Carlsbad, CA 92008, is an Official Licensee of Callaway Golf Company.
In July 2004, Ashworth, Inc. acquired Gekko Brands, LLC ("Gekko"), a leading designer, producer and distributor of headwear and apparel under The Game(R) and Kudzu(R) brands. This strategic acquisition provides opportunity for additional growth in three new, quality channels of distribution for the Ashworth(R) and Callaway Golf apparel brands as well as further growth from The Game(R) and Kudzu(R) brands' sales into the Company's three current distribution channels. The Game(R) brand products are marketed primarily under licenses to over 1,000 colleges and universities, as well as to the PGA TOUR, resorts, entertainment complexes and sporting goods dealers that serve the high school and college markets. The Game(R) brand is one of the leading headwear brands in the College/Bookstore distribution channel. The Kudzu(R) brand products are sold into the NASCAR/racing markets and through outdoor sports distribution channels, including fishing and hunting.
To learn more, please visit the web site at www.ashworthinc.com.
Contact information:
Ashworth, Inc.
Randall L. Herrel, 760-929-6142
Chris Demirjian, 760-438-6610
or
CCG Investor Relations and Strategic Communications
Sean Collins, 310-477-9800, ext. 202
Valerie Bent, 702-270-9696
