Fred Couples Links Ashworth's Past And Present As Company Unveils 2009 Tour Staff

Sean O’Hair, Charles Howell III, and Ryan Palmer join Couples on Ashworth Tour Staff

CARLSBAD, Calif. (April 6, 2009)– Ashworth Golf, a division of TaylorMade-adidas Golf, today announced its 2009 PGA Tour Staff including long-time Ashworth ambassadors Fred Couples, Chris DiMarco, Steve Flesch, and Carlos Franco, plus newcomers Sean O’Hair, Charles Howell III, and Ryan Palmer.

Ashworth has always sought professional golfers who embody the ‘soul’ of the game, and embrace the lifestyle of golf. All Ashworth ambassadors are individuals who identify themselves first and foremost as "golfers" and possess a passion for the game; its history and heritage, and values and virtues. Unlike other golf manufacturers, the Ashworth Tour Staff was not selected to represent a certain demographic profile as the brand is appealing to an extremely broad and wide range of golfers.

For example, Fred Couples, a 15-time PGA Tour winner, has long been recognized around the world as embodying what it means to be a Tour professional. His natural talent and charisma have made him a fan favorite, both on and off the course, for decades. Charles Howell III, on the other hand, was raised in the shadow of golf’s hallowed ground, Augusta National. From an early age, Howell demonstrated the commitment and passion necessary to become an elite player. Both Sean O’Hair and Ryan Palmer exude youthful confidence, while maintaining an approachable demeanor, and capture the essence of professional golf both today and tomorrow.

"Ashworth has always been, and will always be about authentic golf on-and-off the course," said John Kawaja, Executive Vice President – TaylorMade-adidas Golf. "An Ashworth golfer doesn’t leave his love for the game at the course; it is carried like a badge of honor in every aspect of his life. Wearing our apparel is a statement of commitment to the game and its principles. Each member of our 2009 Tour Staff represents that distinctive, yet indescribable, Ashworth style and live by the game’s core values."

The Ashworth Tour Staff will represent the brand on the worldwide professional tours. Collectively, the group has 90 tour wins worldwide including 32 on the PGA Tour. They will be the face of the brand and appear on in-store point of sale and other promotional marketing plans scheduled for later this year and into 2010.

In November of 2008, Ashworth became a wholly-owned subsidiary of TaylorMade-adidas Golf. TaylorMade-adidas Golf views the acquisition as complimentary to its adidas Golf franchise which features synthetic performance fabrics, as opposed to the natural cottons that have always been a trademark of Ashworth.