Callaway Golf Apparel Announces the 1st Annual National Merchandiser of the Year Contest in the United States

Press Release

Posted 2004-02-18

CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 17, 2004--Ashworth, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASHW), a leading designer of sportswear and golf apparel, today announced a call to their accounts to participate in the first annual Callaway Golf apparel Merchandiser of the Year Award. A National Callaway Golf apparel presentation contest will begin on March 1st with the winners being selected in mid May. The timing of the contest provides the stores in both the sunbelt and ice regions an exciting way to kick-off the golf season.

The National Display Contest is the vehicle Callaway Golf apparel is using to determine the Callaway Golf apparel Merchandiser of the Year Award. The theme for the contest is "The Game Begins ..."

Five Regional finalists will be chosen from entries nationwide with the winner being announced during their stay in Southern California. The finalists and their guests will be flown to Carlsbad, California, and treated to a golf holiday weekend at one of San Diego's premier resorts. Upon arrival, Callaway Golf apparel's management and design team will entertain our guests as they enjoy rounds of golf, dining and an opportunity to tour and shop at both the Callaway Golf and Ashworth Inc. Global Headquarters. The recipient of the award will receive a cash prize, recognition in a national magazine ad and be presented a trophy that will be housed at Ashworth Inc.'s Global Headquarters.

Jim Fitzpatrick, the Vice President of Sales for Callaway Golf apparel, stated, "The golf industry has become much more sophisticated in their approach to apparel in the last 5 years. The industry truly recognizes the significant role apparel brands play in generating interest and margin in the golf shop. Golf shops now have a strong professional attitude and are now accomplished merchants in managing the apparel side of their business. This passion comes across in the way the shops are merchandised and the creativity in how brands are featured. We want to recognize the hard work and passion that our Callaway Golf apparel partners have put into featuring our brand. The result has produced record sales. The Callaway Golf apparel Merchandiser of the Year is one way for us to show our appreciation and reward those individuals that excel. We will be announcing the five finalists and the winner in mid May. I expect 2004 to be a great season so ... let `The Game Begin ...'"

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 the most popular items from the Ashworth line. Ashworth Weather Systems(R) utilizes technology to create a balance between fashion and function in any climatic condition. 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.

To learn more, please visit our Web site at www.ashworthinc.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements related to the Company's market position, finances, operating results, marketing plans and strategies. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks include the timely development and acceptance of new products, as well as strategic alliances, 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, potential inadequacy of booked reserves, the timely completion and successful operation of the new distribution facility in Oceanside, CA, and other risks described in Ashworth, Inc.'s SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2003, and Form 10-Q's filed thereafter.