CARLSBAD, Calif. -- Ashworth, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASHW), a leading designer of golf-inspired lifestyle sportswear and golf apparel, announced that it has again been ranked by the prestigious Darrell Survey as the number one brand in shirt usage among golf consumers.
This is the tenth consecutive year that the Company has received the number one ranking.
The prestigious Darrell Consumer survey is conducted annually, and this year ranked Ashworth #1 in total shirt usage over all top competitors surveyed in 2005. Additionally, Ashworth captured the largest market share among players in the 0-5 handicap bracket.
"Ashworth is very proud of the fact that golf's core consumers remain loyal to the brand and have continued to elevate Ashworth to the prestigious #1 position for the past decade," commented Randall L. Herrel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ashworth, Inc. "The past 19 years have proven to be very successful for our brand on and off the course, leading the way in fashionable performance sportswear. Ashworth has remained a favorite among golfers, recognized as the one true authentic golf apparel brand and designed with the true golf enthusiast in mind, as proven by our showing among zero-to-five handicap golfers in the Darrell Survey. We anticipate a very successful 2006 with our launch of men's and women's exciting performance wear AWS (Ashworth Weather Systems), which is making its in-store debut in spring of 2006. This unique 3-layer performance system utilizes highly innovative technical fabrications and treatments specifically designed to enhance play in any climatic condition. In addition, Ashworth's complete line of EZ-Tech(TM) products will be among our leading new offerings in 2006 as we continue to offer the highest quality in this 100% cotton easy-care product."
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. 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 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 our Web site at www.ashworthinc.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements related to the Company's market position, finances, operating results, marketing plans and strategies. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no responsibility to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may arise from changing circumstances or unanticipated events. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks include the timely development and acceptance of new products, as well as strategic alliances, the integration of the Company's recent acquisition, the impact of competitive products and pricing, the success of the Callaway Golf apparel product line, the preliminary nature of bookings information, the ongoing risk of excess or obsolete inventory, the potential inadequacy of booked reserves, the timely completion and successful operation of the new distribution facility in Oceanside, CA, and other risks described in Ashworth, Inc.'s SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2004 and Form 10-Q's filed thereafter.
Contacts
Ashworth, Inc.
Randall L. Herrel, Sr., 760-929-6142
Peter Case, 760-929-4640
Gary Sims, 760-929-4514
or
CCG Investor Relations and Strategic Communications
Investor Relations: Sean Collins, 310-477-9800, ext. 202
Media Relations: Saskia Sidenfaden, 310-477-9800
