FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – Nov. 2, 2004 – To combat ever-growing incidences of golf equipment theft, legendary golf bag manufacturer, Burton Golf, introduces a new and revolutionary golf club and bag theft prevention system called Club-Lok.

Drawing inspiration from the company's nearly century-long pedigree of high quality and innovation in premium golf bags, Club-Lok is a complete, state-of-the-art golf club and bag theft deterrent. Fully integrated with Burton's functional and fashionable Sherpa bag, Club-Lok is simple to use. An easy-to-operate, lever-based locking system requires only seconds to simultaneously lock all 14 clubs. A rugged, retractable steel cable allows the bag to be secured to bag-drop racks, golf carts and automobile trunks and hatches. A convenient, keyless combination lock on the bag's upper-front side anchors the entire system.

In addition to protecting up to 14 clubs and the entire bag from theft, Club-Lok's graphite-friendly club organizing system guards against scratches and damage that occur with everyday use and transportation. Club-Lok doesn't sacrifice style for security, as the bag's attractive color schemes, hand-stitched embroidery and sleek, innovative design lines appeal to the most discerning consumers.

Golfers benefit from Club-Lok providing peace of mind for little more than the cost of an average golf bag. From oversized, titanium drivers to cutting-edge putters, the latest generation of clubs are big-ticket items. Total bag replacement can range between $1,000 to upward of $3,000 for golfers with top-of-the-line shafts and other specialty equipment.

"Club and bag theft is rampant at golf courses and elsewhere in the U.S., as golf equipment black markets have emerged in different regions of the world," says Terry Andre, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Burton Golf. "The Club-Lok bag is a problem-solution product designed to protect golfers' significant investments."

Club-Lok is specifically designed to reduce the number of golf-club and bag thefts at bag drops, cart staging areas and residential garages, as well as smash-and-grab thefts in parking lots and retail shops. Traveling golfers greatly benefit, as Transportation Security Administration rules do not allow passengers to lock their travel covers. With Club-Lok, individual clubs won't disappear from check-in at the ticket counter to retrieval at baggage claim.

"Items in a golf bag, including high-investment drivers, favorite putters, jackets, fancy head covers and collectible ball markers, are all precious," Andre says. "There is a monetary attachment to these goods, but there is also a strong emotional attachment. Unfortunately, most golfers have an 'it can't happen to me' attitude when it comes to club and bag theft."

The Insurance Institute of America estimates that more than $120 million in claims are made against stolen golf equipment annually. According to several insurance adjustors, they usually receive about two or three reports of stolen golf equipment a week over the course of a year. Come golf season, it becomes two or three a day. Moreover, recent surveys show that seven of 10 golfers either have had their clubs stolen or know of someone who has experienced club theft. Yet, industry executives estimate that less than one percent of golf bags employ a locking device.

"The problem-solution reaction has not prevailed itself yet upon the industry or the golfing public," Andre says. "We intend to change that through education and offering a product that addresses the issue." Focus groups of golfers indicate a significant need for Club-Lok, and project that more than 50 percent of all golfers will have security devices for their golf clubs and bags by 2008. Through Club-Lok, Burton will lead the demand curve and differentiate itself in the highly competitive golf-bag industry.

With an MSRP of $189 plus shipping and handling, Club-Lok is being rolled out via 60-second commercial spots on The Golf Channel, with availability in green-grass and off-course golf shops to follow.

Established in 1907 by T.C. Burton, Burton crafts one of the widest varieties of golf bags on the market. Offerings include stand, cart and Tour-staff bags, as well as travel covers, custom bags and bag accessories. Burton bags are golfer-friendly, fashionable for men, women and children of all ages, and are designed for optimal functionality and minimal weight for walkers and cart riders. All bags are hand-stitched and constructed of durable materials, available in classic and contemporary styles, and offered in a wide range of color palettes and custom options.

The Fort Walton, Fla.-based company's brand leadership is known throughout the world, evidenced by the company's presence as the team bag for the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, Solheim Cup and Walker Cup. Most bags carried by Tour professionals are made by Burton. Of utmost importance to all golfers, Burton bags are the only in the industry to carry a lifetime warranty.

For more information about Club-Lok, call 800.633.4630 or visit www.clublok.com or www.burtongolf.com.