CARLSBAD, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2005) -- Ashworth, Inc., a leading designer of golf-inspired lifestyle sportswear and golf apparel, today announced that it has signed a long-term contract with the United States Golf Association to serve as lead apparel vendor for the U.S. Open for the 2006 through 2009 seasons.

This achievement represents an unprecedented second term agreement following the initial four-year term, in which Ashworth captured lead apparel vendor status for the U.S. Open in the years 2001 through 2004. Mary Lopuszynski, Director of Licensing & US Open Merchandising, commented, "Our initial four-year agreement with the Ashworth brand proved to be a very successful partnership as evidenced by our decision to continue the relationship for another four years. The US Open merchandise pavilion provides our attendees with an opportunity to see a broad selection of golf's greatest brands."

In total, as of the end of 2009, Ashworth will have retained prestigious U.S. Open lead apparel vendor status for nine years running, (Ashworth was also named lead apparel vendor for the 2005 U.S. Open through a one-year contract with the Pinehurst Resort), an honor never bestowed on any apparel company in the history of the U.S. Open. Kate Cunningham, Ashworth's Senior Director of Global Tournaments, commented, "It has been an incredible experience and partnership with the USGA over these last five years. We have worked closely together to take event merchandising to the next level. Working with the USGA has been a privilege and has provided me with invaluable and unforgettable insights. I am looking forward to the next four years."

Under its agreement with the USGA, for each event, Ashworth will provide merchandise tent fixtures for the merchandise pavilion spanning 36,000-plus square feet, and official volunteer uniforms for over 5,000 volunteers. Ashworth will also showcase a complete range of its products in premier locations inside the merchandise tent. The merchandise pavilion will feature professionally designed interiors and amenities such as air conditioning, carpeting, video displays, music and luxurious wood fixtures to rival upscale department store settings.

The close of 2005 marks a banner year for the brand. Highlights for Ashworth in 2005 include:

-- Ashworth posted a complete sweep as lead vendor for the merchandise tent fixture programs -- and as lead merchandise vendor -- for the U.S. Open, The U.S. Women's Open, the U.S. Senior Open and the Walker Cup, all of which are USGA-sanctioned championships

-- For the 2005 U.S. Open at the Pinehurst Resort, Ashworth and the Pinehurst Resort team fielded the largest merchandise pavilion in the 105-year history of the U.S. Open, at 38,000 square feet

-- With Ashworth serving as lead apparel vendor for the 2005 U.S. Women's Open held at Cherry Hills Country Club, merchandise tent sales for this prestigious event reached an all-time high

Randall L. Herrel, Chairman and CEO of Ashworth, Inc., commented, "In recent years, Ashworth's tournament division has gained great momentum, with the result that Ashworth has become the vendor of choice for many major tournaments. The newest agreement with the USGA represents a great honor and a significant opportunity for Ashworth, Inc. It testifies to our heritage as a company authentically rooted in the game of golf. We plan to continue setting the very highest standards in providing vendor services for the next four men's U.S. Open championships."

The 2006 U.S. Open is scheduled for Wingedfoot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, NY; in 2007 the event will take place at the Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, PA; Torrey Pines South Course in La Jolla, CA will host the 2008 Open and in 2009, it will return to Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, NY.

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(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 our Web site at www.ashworthinc.com.