Ashworth, Inc. Launches Fall 2005 Callaway Golf Apparel Product Line Innovations at PGA Merchandise Show

Business Wire, Feb 3, 2005

CARLSBAD, Calif. -- Ashworth, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASHW), a leading designer of golf-inspired lifestyle sportswear and golf apparel, today announced details of the product innovations that it showcased in its Callaway Golf apparel booth during the 2005 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, FL and at a reception for customers and trade journalists held on Thursday, January 27 at the Golf Digest hospitality Suite at Orlando's Orange County Convention Center.

The PGA Show opening night reception for Callaway Golf apparel met with great success, with over 160 Callaway Golf apparel customers and 25 media representatives in attendance. Randy Herrel, Chairman and CEO of Ashworth, Inc. opened the event with introductions and insight into the newest Callaway Golf apparel product innovations, followed by an in-depth interview with Callaway Golf apparel management as they described the new product lines presented on live models throughout the evening.

Featured at the reception and presented on the PGA Show floor throughout the week were the Callaway Golf apparel men's X-Series, Collection and Sport lines and the new Callaway Golf apparel Women's Collection. Building upon the Callaway Golf Pro-Series, the Men's X-Series makes extensive use of the Company's expertise in technical fabrics, with hydrophilic breathable laminates, stretch and thermal regulator fabrications. All aspects of the X-Series line combine performance, fit and style.

Similarly, the Callaway Golf apparel Women's Collection includes items that are moisture wicking, breathable and water- and wind-resistant, combining the latest fabric technologies, easy care and a superior drape for a fresh, forward fashion appeal that creates a balance between fashion and function.

"The X-Series is a perfect marriage of technology and style," said Marty Hackel, Fashion Director of the Golf Digest Companies. "The women's Callaway Golf apparel Collection is spectacular, showing versatility in its assortment and workability and wearability in its color palette. This is just outstanding sportswear that adapts itself to the new, contemporary lifestyle."

The Callaway Golf Big Bertha Pique Polo in the Men's line is the industry's first 100% Pima Cotton knit that resists wrinkling, shrinking, facing and pilling. A national coordinated launch of the Big Bertha Pique Polo begins February 1 throughout the U.S. market, including a print advertising campaign and a Callaway Golf ball gift-with-purchase promotion.

"We are proud to introduce this season's new and exciting product innovations to the PGA Merchandise Show," commented Mr. Herrel. "Our team has worked long and hard to bring functionality and freshness to the Fall '05 lines, and we were pleased by the enthusiastic reactions we received at the Callaway Golf apparel reception and throughout the PGA Merchandise Show weekend."

"We are excited to share our latest innovations with the PGA Merchandise Show attendees, including intelligent fabrics that adjust to changes in both temperature and moisture," said Senior Vice President of Sales Gary Sims. "Callaway Golf hard goods set a very high standard in terms of cutting-edge technology, and we believe we have met our goal of measuring up to that standard on the apparel side."

The PGA Merchandise Show is the premier marketplace for golf manufacturers, course management, apparel, and other golf related products and services. By providing both attendees and exhibitors with the forum to network and further develop their careers through Educational Conferences, as well as the opportunity to test products first hand through interactive events, The PGA Merchandise Show is unmatched within the industry.

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.