Olazabal Inks Long-Term Agreement With MacGregor

Press Release

Posted 2003-04-15

Global golf superstar and double Master's winner, José Maria Olazabal has agreed to a long-term extension of his agreement with MacGregor Golf to play the company's successful V-FOIL forged irons, wedges and new V-FOIL woods. With seven top ten finishes and a victory at the Buick Invitational to his credit, Olazabal has become one of the most consistent top performers on the 2002 PGA Tour.

"José Maria Olazabal exemplifies our brand values. He is the game's most imaginative, innovative shot-maker. And, he always gives you his best," said Barry Schneider, CEO and owner of MacGregor Golf. "We feel fortunate that José Maria chooses to be a long-term member of the MacGregor family and know that we are better clubmakers for it."

"The reason I'm extending my association with MacGregor is simple. I want to win more Majors, and MacGregor makes the best clubs in the world to help me do that," said Olazabal. "Golf fans know that I've never been the type of player who sells out to the highest bidder. This is all about the equipment. V-FOIL forged technology makes the game a little easier for me. And MacGregor's clubmakers are remarkably talented. I trust them with my game."

José Maria Olazabal, the son of the greenskeeper, grew up on a golf course in Spain. In 1994, he won his first major championship, the Masters. Olazabal's greatest subsequent achievement in golf came in April 1999, after recovering from a debilitating illness; he won the Masters for the second time, making him the only European golfer under 40 with two major championships to his name. After this achievement, Olazabal was presented with the Golf Writers Association of America's Ben Hogan Award in recognition of his outstanding comeback from injury.

Olazabal will continue to be part of MacGregor's Tour Advisory Staff working with double U.S. Open winner Lee Janzen, to provide performance feedback on MacGregor's next generation V-FOIL irons and woods.