Ashworth, Inc. Announces 2007 PGA Show Plans, and In-Store Visual Initiative

Press Release

Posted 2006-11-17

Ashworth, Inc. (ASHW - news), a leading designer of golf-inspired lifestyle sportswear, today announced plans to enhance its participation in the 2007 PGA Show & Convention, with new exhibits in the apparel hall for both Ashworth(R) and Callaway Golf apparel. Ashworth also unveiled plans to launch its new 2007 in-store visual initiative that is expected to bring a renewed vitality to many of its premiere accounts throughout the country.

Ashworth has been a strong supporter and participant in the PGA Show for 20 years and recently renewed the Company's commitment to the future success of the show by announcing the design and construction of two new exhibit booths for both Ashworth and Callaway Golf apparel brands that will premiere in the January 2007 PGA Show.

"As we enter our 20th year as golf's leader in apparel, our commitment to the PGA Show and the PGA Professional is a very important area of support for the golf industry. As the original global golf apparel brand that was founded on the formation of strong partnerships with the PGA Professionals and the golf courses throughout the country, it is imperative that we show the same support and maintain our leadership role by bringing a strong presence to the show in 2007 and beyond," commented Jim Dougherty, Sr. Director of Sales for Ashworth. Another key initiative in 2007 will be to enhance and broaden support and presence at the shop level.

An exciting new in-store visual initiative has been planned for 2007 with two accounts already underway with completion expected by the end of 2006. "We are very excited about the opportunity to better assist our golf partners by increasing sales in their shops through a much stronger in-store presentation of the Ashworth and Callaway Golf apparel brands," commented Ashworth's newly appointed President, Gary Sims.

The in-store visual initiative is designed to provide state of the art in-store enhancements to the majority of our premiere partners over the course of the next 2 years. The process has already begun at the PGA West Stadium Course in La Quinta, CA. and The PGA Tour Stop in St. Augustine, FL. Five additional accounts; Carl's Golfland in Bloomfield, MI.; Point O' Woods CC in Benton Harbor, MI.; The Courses at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland; Doral in Miami, FL.; Kingwood CC in Kingwood, TX. are all scheduled for newly designed Ashworth shop installs beginning as early as January, 2007.

Ashworth's President, Gary Sims, noted in closing, "This initiative represents a major commitment to our core business to insure the future success of our brands within our key accounts throughout the U.S. Our entire team is focused towards deepening its commitment to the PGA Golf Professional and the core Golf channel. Our increased involvement with the PGA Show as well as our initiative to improve our support at point of sale are the just beginning of a series of moves towards this commitment. Additionally, we are repositioning our Sales Management team in the Golf Channel to provide more attention and service to the channel. Peter Holmberg will now serve as EVP of Golf Sales for both Ashworth and Callaway Golf apparel. Reporting to Peter will be Jim Dougherty as Sr. Director of Sales for Ashworth, Tim Urlocker as Director of Sales for Callaway Golf apparel, and Kim Weiss as Director of Sales National Accounts for both brands." 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) and AWS(TM) 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 new three, quality channels of distribution for the Ashworth(R) and Callaway Golf apparel brands as well as further growth from The Game and Kudzu brands' sales into the Company's three traditional distribution channels. The Game 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 brand is one of the leading headwear brands in the College/Bookstore distribution channel. The Kudzu 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. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements related to the Company's market position, finances, operating results, marketing and business plans and strategies within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may contain the words "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "predicts," "estimates," "projects," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," or other similar words and phrases. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changed circumstances or unanticipated events unless required by law. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks include the uncertainties associated with implementing a successful transition in executive leadership, the evaluation of strategic alternatives that may be presented, timely development and acceptance of new products, as well as strategic alliances, the integration of the Company's acquisition of Gekko Brands, LLC, the impact of competitive products and pricing, the success of the Callaway Golf apparel product line, the preliminary nature of bookings information, the ongoing risk of excess or obsolete inventory, the potential inadequacy of booked reserves, the successful operation of the new distribution facility in Oceanside, CA, the successful implementation of the Company's ERP system, and other risks described in Ashworth, Inc.'s SEC reports, including the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2005, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed thereafter and amendments to any of the foregoing reports, including the Form 10-K/A for the year ended October 31, 2005.