Pinnacle Launches New Two-Model CLR Golf Ball Family

Press Release

Posted 2006-03-20

Pinnacle, a proven leader in distance golf ball performance for 25 years, announces the introduction of the new two-model CLR (C-L-R) family. The Pinnacle CLR models are unique in that the cores and covers contribute to the golf ball's appearance, while proprietary and patented applications of the cores, cover and process result in products that deliver Clearly Long Results, and reinforce the Pinnacle brand's positioning of "Distance Doesn't Have to be Hard."

The Pinnacle CLR family consists of Pearlescent Pink and Translucent White (shown). The Pinnacle CLR Pink features separately manufactured pink tinted cores and pink tinted clear covers to create a soft, pearlescent finish. On the Pinnacle CLR White model, the white cover is produced with a proprietary non-pigmented Surlyn material and is applied over a large, responsive white core.

"Our findings from initial golfer research and feedback reflect a two-fold Pinnacle CLR consumer audience," commented George Sine, Vice President, Golf Ball Marketing and Strategic Planning, Acushnet Company Worldwide. "The first segment is the aspiring recreational golfer who seeks distance, soft feel and innovative technology as part of his or her game. The Pinnacle CLR White product will serve as the most likely fit for these golfers as it delivers long distance and soft feel."

Sine continued, "The second segment is the female recreational golfer who also seeks distance and soft feel, yet prefers unique cover colors rather than traditional white golf balls. This audience is also supportive of, and immensely loyal to, the Susan G. Komen Foundation's pink ribbon icon which symbolizes breast cancer awareness and contributes toward the Foundation's efforts to find a cure."

The pink ribbon is present on the Pinnacle CLR Pink product and reinforces affinity and loyalty, as well as responds to female golfer's request for a product that is playable and concurrently charitable to this worthy cause.

The Pinnacle CLR products feature a resilient, low compression, 1.550" high velocity core, a soft Surlyn cover blend, a finished compression in the low 80's and a 392 icosahedral dimple design in five different sizes. The results are golf balls that deliver soft feel, outstanding control and Clearly Long Results within the clear cover golf ball category.

"We have approached the consumer opportunity with the Pinnacle CLR golf balls with an uppercase focus on delivering distance and superior feel, all the while providing a Best in Class application of clear cover technology," commented Sine. "We have prioritized function over fashion with the New Pinnacle CLR, and unlike other offerings within the segment the New CLR is discernibly long, as well as aesthetically distinctive."

Inherent in the Pinnacle brand strategy is ensuring that its premium positioning is supported and that its commitment to providing recreational golfers with distance and performance at a value is delivered. Thus, the Pinnacle Exception will continue as the flagship of the brand, complemented by the popular three-model Pinnacle Gold (Gold, Long Drive and Lady White) franchise and the new CLR family.

"The foundation of the Pinnacle brand positioning has been distance and durability," said Sine. "With two new distance focused CLR products, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing recreational golfers with a long and straight distance experience, as well as affirming a leadership position within the emerging clear cover segment of the market."

The Pinnacle CLR White model will be available in dozen configurations only at a suggested retail price of $24. Pinnacle CLR Pink will be sold by the dozen, as well as four-ball sleeves at a suggested retail price of $8.00. Both golf ball models will be available for custom logo and imprinting. The new Pinnacle offerings begin shipping in March, 2006.

To obtain additional information on the new Pinnacle product line or the latest in Pinnacle golf ball technology, please visit us on-line at www.pinnaclegolf.com.

Titleist, FootJoy, Cobra and Pinnacle comprise the major golf brands of the Acushnet Company, an operating company of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE - FO). Titleist, FootJoy, Cobra, Pinnacle, Pinnacle CLR, Pinnacle Gold, Pinnacle Long Drive and Pinnacle Lady are registered trademarks of Acushnet Company. Surlyn is a registered trademark of DuPont.