Team Ashworth Member Stuart Appleby Comes from behind to Win Third Consecutive Mercedes Championship

Press Release

Posted 2006-01-20

Ashworth, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASHW), a leading designer of golf-inspired lifestyle sportswear and golf apparel, today announced that Team Ashworth member Stuart Appleby shot an 8-under-par 284 on the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort in Hawaii for a one-shot, $1.08 million victory over Vijay Singh in Appleby's third consecutive win in the winners-only, PGA season-opening Mercedes Championship.

Appleby, 34, is a member of Team Ashworth, a roster of tour pros led by Team Captain and CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz and including Fred Couples, Chris DiMarco, Rich Beem, and Steve Flesch. Team Ashworth pros wear Ashworth(R) brand apparel.

The Australian had to go an extra hole in a sudden-death playoff with Vijay Singh to make it three in a row Sunday at the Mercedes Championship, equaling the record of three-time winner Gene Littler from 1955-1957. Stuart made a critical birdie on the 18th hole to force the playoff, then came back to win on the 18th with a spectacular sand-save that stopped inches from the cup.

"I had to do something special coming in. I didn't do it, so I had to do it in a playoff," Appleby said. "Winning the Mercedes is awesome. Winning three times is a dream come true."

Randall L. Herrel, Sr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Congratulations to Stuart from everyone at Ashworth on this spectacular victory. This is a particularly meaningful win for the brand, as 2006 marks the launch of our new AWS (Ashworth Weather Systems) technical performance line of apparel. This product line has been a true team effort; the entire company shares in this victory with Stuart. Recently chosen as the official tour spokesman for this innovative product category, Stuart has a style of play that exemplifies all of the attributes of this unique all-weather apparel. As the first PGA event of the season, this is a great way for Stuart and Ashworth to begin 2006."

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.